An insider's guide to bathroom vanity lighting | Home Improvement ...

From GoldenageUSA.com

Bathroom design has come of age, transforming from a room that served a purely utilitarian function to a personal space that has atmosphere, luxury, class and soul. Regardless of whether you are designing a new bathroom or remodeling an existing one, having a clear plan for the lighting design is critical. Lighting is what turns a standard bathroom into a luxurious environment, one that you can retreat to, and one that you can flaunt to the world.

Similar to any room in the home, a layered lighting plan that combines ambient lighting, accent lighting and task lighting is recommended for the bathroom. Vanity lights mostly serve a task lighting function and work to help you look your best, day or night. Positioning, size, type, wattage and style are some of the important factors that you will need to consider before buying them.

8 tips to getting your vanity lighting right

Types of vanity lights

Light bars, pendant lights and wall sconces are some of the popular choices for vanity lighting. You could experiment with some recess lighting on the ceiling, especially if your mirror covers the wall all the way to the top. Hanging pendant lights on either side of the vanity, 3?-4? apart will fully illuminate the face. An overhead flush-mount ceiling light in the vanity area will serve well as ambient lighting for simple tasks such as washing hands.

Sizing your vanity lighting

Light bars are the most basic of vanity lighting options and usually come in two, three, four or five-bulb versions. When selecting a light bar, make sure the length does not exceed the vanity?s width. Oversized vanity lights can throw the balance out of sync. However, a light bar can extend beyond a mirror without causing any imbalance. For wider vanities, it is best to use multiple light bar fixtures to ensure even lighting throughout while also breaking the visual monotony. Strip lights such as light bars evenly illuminate the space in front of the vanity while also reducing shadows on the face. Mirrors up to four feet in width are best flanked by a pair of wall sconces or pendants. Lighting for wider mirrors can be supplemented by overhead light bars.

Position them right

Where you place the vanity lights is an important part of sensible lighting design. The first rule of effective vanity lighting is that the lights must not cast shadows. Place a single light vanity fixture on either side of the mirror at eye level to eliminate shadows on your face as you go about your everyday tasks. A horizontal light bar placed a few inches above the mirror can shed additional light from above. The light should shine directly on your face and not reflect off the mirror.

Style check

Most modern bathrooms have sleek, contemporary layouts that have swapped the clutter for a minimalist look. Vanity lights should therefore complement the style with simple, elegant and functional designs that are easy on the eye. Heavy ornate fixtures on the other hand, are suitable for more traditional bathroom designs that spell luxury, warmth and vintage.

Finish

Go with the flow. Match the finish of your vanity light fittings with the other bathroom fixtures and accessories as well as the hinges, handles and knobs. So if you have chosen chrome bath and shower fittings, try chrome-finish light fixtures. Chrome also works best with mirrors. Brass, bronze and gold are some of the other finishes you can experiment with in your bathroom. Satin nickel finishes are in vogue too. If you prefer colored light fixtures for your vanity, please consider the color theme used in the bathroom. Whatever you choose, maintain the continuity ? and check for their ability to withstand high humidity and moisture.

Light bulbs for vanity illumination

Vanity lights must be bright enough to let you do your job and soft enough to compliment your appearance. Exposed bulb fittings are best avoided anywhere in the bathroom, especially in your vanity area where they can be harsh. Lights with frosted glass covers will flatter your appearance and also reduce glare. Compact fluorescent bulbs with a CRI of 80+ are recommended for vanity light fixtures for advantages such as less heat, more life and greater energy-efficiency. Colored or coated bulbs also enhance facial features. Wattage of at least 150W is recommended. Neodymium light bulbs give out light that falls within the daylight spectrum, which means that the face you see in the mirror or the color of your clothes is what would be seen when you step out. Keep in mind however, that warm lighting is most flattering to the face.

Vanity night lighting

Serving a purely practical role, a night light in the vanity area can help one find their way into and around the bathroom at night without turning on all the lights. A vanity night light also consumes very little energy.

Dimmer

Consider an electronic dimmer for absolute control over all the light fixtures in the bathroom including the vanity lights.

Bonus Tip: Choose your bulbs carefully. Vanity lighting should aim to be closest to daylight or natural lighting.

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Source: http://blog.homerenovationguide.com/2013/03/20/an-insiders-guide-to-bathroom-vanity-lighting/

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