Some have said that without effective lighting, a remodeling project may only look half as good. Often an afterthought, lighting should be considered from the beginning when a space is being planned.
Good lighting really makes a difference in making or breaking the atmosphere of a room and adding to your enjoyment of that area. You probably have been in homes, offices and other places where the lighting simply did not work and your feelings may have ranged from slightly uncomfortable to seriously awkward.
Good lighting in bathrooms allows flexibility, a variety of light levels and suitability to the purpose, and is equally important to (and, in some cases, more important than) any room in your home. Here are a couple of bright ideas to make your bathroom lighting attractive and effective:
- A good rule of thumb is that, ideally, make up should be applied under natural light. But, since none of us have access to conveniently placed natural light 24 hours a day, we need to use lights that best simulate that. To best replicate natural light, try using colored or coated bulbs, which throw off a light that is soft and warm. Also, avoid fluorescent lighting, which washes out the skin, gives everything a bluish-green tone and seems to bring out blemishes and skin imperfections on the face.
- Shower and tub lighting should be bright enough for cleaning, shaving and reading shampoo labels and some opt for recessed downlights, which are designed for use in wet areas. Additionally, shielded versions of these fixtures can protect the eyes of reclining bathers. An adjustable accent light aiming from outside the tub can be a dramatic and glare-free choice for those who like read in the tub.
- Undercabinet lighting makes nighttime trips to the bathroom safer and easier. A low-voltage linear lighting or LED system can easily be installed in the toe spaces beneath the vanities and cabinets. Some clients install a motion sensor wall switch, which ensures the lights come on when needed and go off when not in use to save energy.
One final idea regarding your bathroom lighting: a dimmer switch! It is a very simple device that can create a soothing and comfortable environment and having one (or more) in the bath can be one of the easiest, least expensive and mood-enhancing techniques around. Also, the amount of light provided by typical vanity fixtures may be more than you need on many occasions and with a dimmer, adjusting the light levels is amazingly practical. And, dimmed light is so much easier on the eyes in the middle of the night.
At Schroeder, our designers assist clients with their lighting (and all other material choices) on every remodeling project. We guide you as you discuss, test and decide on the best lighting choices for your bathroom and other areas of your home that may need remodeling.
Wishing you bright and happy remodeling!
Trish Schroeder
Schroeder Design/Build | 703-449-1700
