Choosing light fixtures for your bathroom can be a very daunting experience. You want to make sure you choose a light that is strong enough, but not overwhelming. You also want to make sure that you don’t choose a light with a tint, especially if you use the bathroom for applying makeup and shaving. Having the proper bathroom lighting will determine how the bathroom itself appears, and it will also have a big influence on your comfort level.
When it comes time to choosing fixtures for your bathroom, it’s important to make the right decisions. Use the following information to help.
You cannot have only one bathroom light.
Having one light overhead does not provide enough light in the vanity area. You need bright lighting around the mirrors to ensure that you’re able to see while applying makeup, doing your hair or shaving.
Some people then opt for having only one light over the vanities, and this is also not a good idea. Having one light over the vanity is worse for your appearance. It casts shadows under the eyes and nose, making getting ready a pain.
To be most effective, you need to have at least two light fixtures in your bathroom: one above the vanity and one as a general light source up above. Having light from both the front and the back will ensure that you’re getting an accurate view of your face.
Choose the right bulbs.
Different bulbs produce different types of light. Halogen lights are the purest, but they don’t flatter the skin. Fluorescent lighting can make your face appear purple. A soft white light bulb is the best bet when it comes to bathrooms. It is very complementary to the skin and generally provides a warm complexion.
Go bright over the mirror.
Using bright lights over the mirrors will be the best for makeup, hair styling and shaving. Lights that contain multiple bulbs tend to be the best, as they provide more light and can be more decorative. If you don’t have enough space above your vanity to place a light, use wall sconces on both sides of your mirror. This will help generate a great source of light on your face, and it will make sure that the light is always even.
Do a combination fan light.
If possible, you can always choose a ceiling mounted light that also doubles as a fan. This way, you won’t need two things hanging from your ceiling. These fan and light combinations come in multiple finishes, so you can still match your current decor.
Stick with natural colored light covers.
You can purchase light covers in multiple colors and styles. While these are great accent pieces, they do not complement bathroom lighting. You want the lighting in your bathroom to be as natural and as bright as possible. If you choose a light cover that is yellow, your lighting will have a yellowish tint. Depending on the color of your bathroom, the combination of yellow lighting and your wall color could actually end up looking very dark.
Choose the right finishes.
Make sure that your light fixtures complement each other as well as your bathroom’s decor. If you have a satin nickel faucet, you will want to use satin nickel finishes on your lights. This rounds out the style of your bathroom and keeps everything uniform.
You also want to make sure that you choose fixtures that can hold up well to moisture. Bathrooms become foggy during showers, and the wrong fixtures could end up holding on to water spots more easily than others, and you’ll have a lot of maintenance in order to keep your bathroom clean.
The choices you have when it comes to bathroom lighting can be overwhelming, but using these tips can help you narrow down your choices and determine which lights are the best fit for your bathroom. Try to use at least two lights in your bathroom that are bright and complement each other. You’ll be happy that you did.
Teresa Manning is a writer and home designer. She loves writing articles on how to make homes attractive and practical as well as proper lighting ideas. Teresa works for Drury Designs
