Bathroom Lighting Requirements

Whether you are building or remodeling, careful attention to bathroom lighting requirements can mean the difference between a dim, difficult-to-maneuver space and a bathroom that's easy to bathe and dress in. Bathrooms require general lighting for all purposes, task lighting for specific working areas, and accent lighting for decorative and nighttime use.

General Lighting

General lighting, or lighting intended to illuminate the entire bathroom area, is one of the most challenging aspects of meeting your bathroom's lighting requirements. Large bathrooms with angles for bathing or dressing areas may need more than one light fixture to provide adequate lighting, while a small bathroom can sometimes be lighted by a fixture intended for task lighting, such as an over-the-mirror light bar. General lighting should provide ambient lighting for the entire space, but does not have to illuminate every area brightly -- task lighting and accent lighting will cover these needs. In many instances, general overhead lighting is built into a vent fan apparatus. For most bathrooms, this vent/light combination will provide sufficient general lighting.

Task Lighting

Task lighting illuminates areas of the bathroom where more light is needed for shaving, applying cosmetics and bathing. Bathroom task lighting often takes the form of lights installed above or on either side of mirrors, track lighting or pendant lights hung above dressing or vanity areas, and directional lighting meant to illuminate the shower and/or tub area(s). Task lighting fixtures should provide enough light to allow comfortable completion of tasks while also adding attractive elements to the bathroom design. Choose fixtures that coordinate in material and/or style for the best aesthetic in your bathroom design.

Accent Lighting

While accent lighting is often superfluous in smaller bathrooms, larger bathrooms and bathrooms that incorporate separate showers, baths, commode areas and sink areas will benefit from the use of accent lighting to illuminate dark corners, break up large walls and transition from one area of the bath to another. Bathroom accent lighting is often in the form of wall sconces or recessed lights, although accent lighting can also be used on top of or inside shelves and cabinets, either built in or freestanding. Accent lighting sometimes serves as a nightlight that provides soft, unobtrusive light.

If you have a smaller bathroom and would like to add accent lighting, but do not wish to add built-in lights or use valuable outlets, battery-powered lamps or LED lights can provide extra lighting for decorative or nighttime use without additional electrical cords or switches.

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