Bath Lighting: Light Placement
Fluorescent Lighting Tips
Additional Bath Lighting Tips
Bath Lighting: Light Placement
Fixtures can be placed beside the mirror, above it, on it, or in the ceiling. Recessed lighting blends into the architecture, and can be used to on it's own or to supplement more decorative fixtures that don't cast much light.
Ideal lighting for a mirror leaves no room for shadow and offers complete illumination of the face. While light strips are readily available, similar effects can be achieved in more aesthetically pleasing ways with a variety of fixture types and styles.
Beside the Mirror
Vanity lights surrounding the mirror afford the greatest light coverage and minimize shadows. Because the light is at the front and sides, there is little chance of creating shadows cast by the brow, nose, or chin. Make sure that the most luminous portion of the fixture should align with your face. On average this will be approximately 60" above the floor-but be sure to experiment before you hang the fixture and to place it exactly where you need it.
Above the Mirror
While vanity lights can be fixed in several locations, many fixtures are appropriate only above the mirror. Such fixtures may have open diffusers or be completely enclosed. Some fixtures with open diffusers can be mounted with the open end of the glass either up or down for greater design flexibility.
On the Mirror
You may want to mount fixtures directly to a large plate mirror. Some coordination between the electrician, contractor, and glazers is necessary. Keep in mind that not all fixtures look good from behind — which is the part that will be reflected in the mirror — so you should ensure that the fixture has a finished appearance from all angles if it does not install completely flush with the mirror.
Recessed Lights
Unlike fixtures that are decorative elements themselves, recessed lighting blends into the architecture. When using recessed lighting at the mirror, place the fixtures as close to the plane of the mirror as possible. Use at least two fixtures and space them so that the light from one works with the light from the other. Recessed lighting may also be used to supplement decorative fixtures that don't cast much light.
Fluorescent Lighting Tips
Fluorescent lighting is more energy-efficient and long-lasting than incandescent lighting, and it offers significant benefits:
- It economically and comfortably provides the high levels of illumination and bright spaces needed for important tasks.
- It delivers the intrinsically diffuse lighting quality that is most effective for task lighting.
- It improves the comfort of spaces by limiting the heat build-up typical with high levels of incandescent lighting.
- It provides significant economies in energy use and lamp replacement.
- It supports a sustainable and clean environment by reducing the demands on energy sources, the amount of waste disposal, and the pollution created when fossil fuels are burned to create electricity.
Some people object the use of fluorescent lighting. There are three basic issues, some valid, some not:
- Most people dislike the flat quality of fluorescent light in certain areas. This is quite valid: dramatic lighting is more interesting and attractive. On the other hand, the quality of fluorescent lighting is very appropriate for task areas. So apply the technology sensibly
- Some people remember older fluorescent lighting with poor color, flicker, and humming ballasts. These concerns are no longer valid: today's lamps offer good color, and electronic ballasts operate quietly and without flicker.
- Finally, many people consider fluorescent fixtures to be unattractive. While style is always a personal choice, there are many new and attractive fluorescent products.
Additional Bath Lighting Tips
- You can get a fresh look and more light by simply replacing the glass globes from frosted to clear.
- If you are lighting with recessed lights, angle the lighting to bounce light off the walls and ceiling to help reduce glare and shadow.
- In larger bathrooms, using additional recessed lights or decorative fixtures. Remember lights over the bathtub or shower must be UL-rated for use in that area.
- Placing a UL-listed chandelier or mini chandelier over a bath tub can create a romantic and relaxing environment.
- When applying makeup, it is especially important to have lights that reproduce colors accurately. Halogen bulbs, closely followed by incandescent, are the most flattering to skin tones.
- If your bathroom is too dark, there are several options: if you have a 3-light fixture, change it to a 5-to7-light fixture, use a higher watt bulb if the fixture can accommodate it, or add additional light fixtures or recessed lighting.
- If your bathroom vanity has enough countertop space and an electrical outlet handy, place a small table lamp there. Keep the lamp a safe distance from the water source. A decorative lamp adds a warm charm to the room and serves as a nice alternative to a night light.