Tired of squinting in the mirror when putting on makeup? Want to avoid a shaving nick?
The right amount of bathroom lighting can make a big difference in your daily routine. Selecting lighting fixtures may not be as glamorous as selecting floor tile and a marble countertop, but it should be considered early in the building or remodeling process.
“A lot of people take lighting for granted, but if you can’t see well or it doesn’t function well all the dollars you spend on more expensive bathroom products will be wasted,” said Jeffrey Dross, senior product manager with Kichler Lighting, based in Cleveland. “You’re not going to appreciate it if you don’t have the right lighting.”
One area where lighting plays a big part is the vanity. This is the space where many activities occur — from washing hands to putting on makeup or shaving. If you’re living with a dim older fixture with two bulbs at the top of the mirror, it may be creating more frustration than illumination. The good news is that many of today’s fixtures combine higher wattage capabilities with an upscale design. By upgrading to an oil rubbed bronze fixture with three sculpted light shades, you can add a touch of sophistication and increase your light output.
One confusing aspect about selecting lighting is knowing how much is enough. One rule of thumb is to have a fixture at each functional area. This means having a fixture at each vanity, above the shower stall or bathtub, and above the toilet, if it is in its own alcove. In larger rooms, an overhead fixture also can help add more general lighting, said Joe Rey-Barreau, an architect and educational consultant for the American Lighting Association.
The placement of the fixture is important so that it directs light where you want it. “If it’s possible, put lights on each side of the mirror,” Rey-Barreau said. “You want the light to be coming out and not down so it doesn’t cast shadows.”
Adding sconces is much easier today, as there are many fixtures available in that configuration. Many are made of rich metal finishes, such as satin nickel and antique bronze, and have fabric shades that are dressy enough to coordinate with upscale furniture and bedding. The shades might have a damask or leopard print pattern or have decorative fringes on the bottom.
This movement toward decorative fixtures has grown in recent years, as homeowners look to customize every inch of their homes. “People do want more decorating lighting in the bathroom,” said Cheryl Daugvila, owner of Cheryl D & Co., a kitchen and bath design firm in LaGrange. “There are so many incredible fixtures that you can go from a glitzy style that looks like big pieces of jewelry, to metal with crystal accents, to stark contemporary styles.”
Those who want the glitz are adding chandeliers that add a more formal look. The fixture might have a dark finish that adds an Old World look or a more eclectic mix of rich metal and glass or copper. Some people are adding lighting in unique places, such as the toe kick area under the vanity cabinet or in crown molding to cast light toward the ceiling. This type of lighting adds a soft glow to the room and can be left on as a night light or turned on as needed.
There also are many homeowners who are moving away from traditional styling to what some call a modern contemporary. “It looks like it could have appeared in the ’60s, but it’s not as brutal as what we saw in the ’60s,” Dross said. “It’s taking the ’60s and softening it up.”
This means the fixture might have shades made from geometric shapes or stainless-steel accents or include a bright-colored scheme. The lights would coordinate with vanities, countertops and sinks that have few details.
Regardless the style, here are some other tips to help during the selection process:
*Avoid recessed canned lights above the vanity, as the light will cast shadows on the area in front of the sink.
*Consider fixtures that are part of a larger “family” of fixtures by the same manufacturer. This helps when coordinating fixtures for several rooms.
*Use separate switches for each fixture and add dimmer switches, as they allow you to adjust the light based on your needs.
*Don’t forget to measure the height and width of the fixture to ensure it fits the space without overlapping too far onto the mirror.
*If you are budget-conscious, consider a chrome finish. “People have lived through so many different trends and they are going back to classic chrome,” Daugvila said.
