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Bathroom - Lighting

The bathroom can be a challenging place for lighting as it needs to serve many purposes. For shaving, applying make-up or other tasks, the light needs to be bright and directed. However, if you are having a relaxing bath, the light obviously needs to be a lot gentler and more diffuse.

High wattage lighting should be avoided as the lights flood the bathroom with a harsh light that creates shadows in all the wrong places. If you do need such bright lighting, try fitting a dimmer switch to give you more control and versatility. Chandeliers also look great in a bathroom but because they use multiple light bulbs, they can create a lot of light so ensure that they have a dimmer switch. Alternatively, fit them with as low wattage bulbs that you can get away with.

Natural Lighting

There should be as much natural light as possible within the bathroom. Install a skylight to improve the amount of natural light if your bathroom is poorly positioned or does not get a lot of sunlight. Windows are a great way of getting more light but ensure that the glass is frosted for privacy reasons.

You should also ensure that the lights you install in the bathroom are of the same spectrum as daylight. Light bulbs that are too yellow or too white will not give you an accurate picture of how you will look when you step outside of the bathroom.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the light that illuminates the entirety of the bathroom. Forms of ambient lighting include overhead lights, chandeliers, wall mounted lights, combination light/heatlamp, and downlights. This type of lighting allows safe use of the bathroom. Consider fitting dimmer switches so that you can control the intensity of the light. For example, you may want low light levels when having a relaxing soak or day spa experience.

However, be sure to locate these lights in areas where there will be the least glare from reflective surfaces from operating. General lighting should not be placed near a mirror for example.

Task Lighting

Task lighting should be used when only a small amount of light is needed, to save turning on the main lights in the bathroom. It can be used for things such as applying make-up, shaving, putting in contact lenses, and so forth. Task lighting should be installed in front of you, so that shadows are not cast onto your face when you are looking in the mirror.

For even lighting of the face, install lights on either side of the mirror and an additional light or lights above the mirror. You could also use uplights and downlights to fill in any areas that may still be in shadow.

Safety

For safety reasons, light switches should be located just outside the bathroom or, if inside the bathroom, as far away from water as possible. If they are available, use splash-proof fittings. Also keep all of the light fittings on different switches so that you can control exactly what lights are operating.

Professionals

If you are confused about how to obtain the best lighting for your bathroom, consulting a professional will help. A professional will also be able to install the lighting for you, so why not take a look at our directory and take the step to a well-lit, atmospheric and safe bathroom!

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Bathroom

Electricians