Bathroom Lighting Design - Making Light Work

Bathroom lighting design makes its own statement and goes beyond the simple act of illuminating an area.

It considers the needs and wants of the people using the room and then adds a touch of magic to make the most of the architecture and layout too.

Lighting is a key aspect of any home decoration project and no less so in your bathroom decoration.

Designer bathroom lighting is a homogeneous mixture of various lighting techniques, fixtures, and placements and pushes the mindset as far as lighting is concerned.

An emerging design concept in today's modern bathrooms is the use of innovative bathroom light fixtures and techniques to produce effects that reflects your individual taste - whether quirky or traditional or anything in between. So let's understand how these advanced lighting systems for the bathrooms work.

Contemporary Bathroom Lighting Design

The single most important rule of thumb when modernizing your bathroom - using the latest lighting fixtures and techniques - is to ensure coordination of form and function.

Your bathroom has two major roles to play – hygiene and grooming. Modern bath lights need to be able to facilitate these for you.

Five Effective Bathroom Lighting Ideas

1. Light Up your Window

We love how this window turned into a dramatic design element as well as being a light source.

If you look up close you can see how a vinyl decal was used on metal mesh glass to create this stunning effect.

2. Bathing the Tub and Shower in Light

Designer bathroom lights in the shower/tub area must be bright to prevent accidents from slipping etc., especially in bathrooms for the elderly.

If you enjoy long soaks, recessed task lights can be beneficial, as they'll keep the glare away. Aim the beam of light to fall just outside the edge of your bathtub.

3. Vanity and the Mirror

When it comes to mirror lighting, take a look at vertical wall sconces. Known for their ability to provide ambient illumination and getting rid of shadows, sconces in their designer avatars are quite eye-catching as well.

Add more power to the vanity and mirror ensemble by fixing a halogen light on top of the vanity to create cross-lighting along with the mirror wall sconces.

4. Glimmer and Glow

Spending time in a glimmering and glowing bathroom at night is a wonderfully relaxing experience. Achieve this by lighting up the floor or adding LED strip lighting under counters, above cabinets or behind mirrors.

Cove (indirect) lighting – a delightful concealed source of light – adds a soft, rich glow to your bathroom.

5. Adding Glamour With Your Bathroom Lighting Design

From placing beautiful and unique table lamps on bathroom tables, vanities, or cabinets to suspending a marvelous ceiling light, you can create a warm, elegant, and glamorous atmosphere in your bathroom, whilst also brightening the space.

More important than an exquisite bathroom light... is making sure it is suitable for a bathroom, because to this day electricity and water do not mix well.

It does not mean that you can't use a heirloom chandelier in your bathroom! If you can place it far enough away from a tub or shower, it can be perfectly safe to use. If in doubt...!!

You must consult with a professional if you have any doubt about a light being compliant with your building codes.

Spreading the Light During the Night

A well-lit bathroom at all hours offers a safe space for the elderly and small children. Providing adequate light during the night (when they need to visit the WC half asleep) warrants special consideration.

You don't need the same level of illumination as for grooming tasks. You could look at dimmed lights that can stay on throughout the night, or motion-sensored night lights to guide their way.