How to Light a Bathroom: Choosing Fixtures for the Sink, Tub and Shower

Lighting is not always at the top of the list when remodeling ideas are being considered. However, where bathroom areas are concerned, lighting is as important as a new vanity cabinet or the plumbing fixtures. Bathrooms and dressing areas in newer homes can be as large as a small bedroom, so efficient lighting design should be a priority.

Older bathroom lighting generally consisted of an overhead light fixture either mounted directly to the ceiling or recessed. For families that spend more time shaving or applying make-up in the bathroom, a warmer, task-oriented form of lighting may be desired. Planning effective lighting for the bathroom can seem complicated with the wide variety of fixtures available, but using a basic lighting design technique called layering can easily provide the proper lighting for everyone in the household.

The three basic lighting layers are task, ambient, and accent or decorative. Bathrooms, as previously mentioned, are relatively task oriented (showering, shaving, make-up, general grooming, etc), so adequate task lighting is most important. With the exceptions of showering or bathing, the task lighting at the mirror and vanity is most often used.

Ideally, lighting should be placed on both sides of the mirror and on top for three-directional lighting. This helps to eliminate shadows when applying make-up or shaving. If the mirror is not too wide, wall-mounted fluorescent tube fixtures are the best source of illumination. However, some of these fixtures are designed to be attached to wide mirrors. Decorative sconce lamps with CFL bulbs are more effective around narrow mirrors and provide an energy efficient alternative to traditional lighting.

Daylight-type CFLs provide the best color for applying make-up, but Halogen bulbs may also be used. Halogen lighting is longer lasting than CFL lighting. The bulbs are also more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs while providing whiter light.

For over-the-mirror lighting, consider a new decorative rail light design that also works well as accent lighting. Similar to track lighting, the lights are mounted on a rail which hangs down a few inches from the ceiling. The fixture is mounted to the ceiling over a standard electrical box.

For the bath and shower area, recessed lighting works well. Many models include a built-in exhaust fan. These are efficient in the bath because excess moisture is drawn out by the fan before it enters the room. In any case, whenever you remodel the bathroom, definitely install a vent fan. Go the local hardware store or home center armed with the cubic-foot area of the bathroom when purchasing an exhaust fan and look for an Energy Star qualified model.

With new lighting above your sink and tub areas you will be soaking pretty and likely saving a pretty penny as well!