Lighting design enhances a room: targeted light for tasks, ambient light for relaxing and entertaining, and accent light to highlight specific design elements. We think of layering task and atmospheric lighting in a kitchen, living room, or bedroom. Bathroom design needs just as much attention. Lighting is essential to creating a relaxing space while also providing sufficient, well-placed light for shaving or applying makeup.

Here are five tips for a bathroom lighting plan.

Draw Up a Plan

Work from the top down. Start with the ceiling. Decide between recessed or ceiling-mounted lights, depending on the room's style and space, or include both. Consider making a feature out of the ceiling light.

Then move to the vanity and place task lighting over or around the mirror. Plan vanity lighting so you have enough light for tasks like applying mascara, but make sure the light is well-placed so you don't get shadows or glare. For the shower and bathtub, recessed overhead lighting works for a shower; softer lighting at either end of the tub creates relaxation. Lights underneath the bottom of a freestanding tub or toe-kick lights under cabinets give a floating effect. Don't forget to light wall art or a feature tile wall.

Make It Adjustable

We use the bathroom for many reasons, so lighting needs to change mood. Strong overhead lighting is necessary for applying makeup, but a soft glow is what you want for sinking into a bath. Light fittings that swivel or bend work well, along with dimmer switches to control strength and angle. A fully automated lighting system can be controlled from your phone. Pair bathroom lighting with natural light from a window or skylight for a natural glow.

Pare It Back

When you've done your plan, go back over it and remove anything duplicated or unnecessary. Too many recessed lights or strip lights can make a bathroom feel like a hotel lobby instead of a spa. Multi-purpose dimmer switches let you adjust as needed.

The Right Task Lighting

Task lighting at the vanity matters, but the position has to be right. A strong light shining directly down is too harsh. Ceiling-mounted lights should be set further back from where you'll be sitting. Bulbs around the mirror work for Hollywood glam; use opaque rather than clear bulbs so there's no shadow from the filament. Equal lighting on both sides of the vanity prevents one side from being too bright or too dark.

Energy-Saving Lighting

LED bulbs are the wisest choice, environmentally and economically. They last a long time, have a minimalist design, warm tones, and look great in any bathroom.

Talk through bathroom lighting with a designer

If you're remodeling a bathroom or just want to redesign the lighting scheme, we'd love to talk.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881