Decorative Bathroom Lighting
You've installed a new vanity and tub and even included a bidet in your new bathroom. You've painted, wallpapered and put down the flooring, and now it is time to consider what light fixtures to use. Don't just go out and buy the first bathroom fixture you see. Consider not only the style of your new bathroom and the type of fixtures that would most aesthetically complement it, but think about how you are going to use the light. Will it be task lighting, ambient lighting or primarily decorative lighting? Consider not only the design of the light fixture but where it will be situated and what type of bulb should be used for best results.
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting, whether it is in a bathroom or another room, may not serve well as task lighting, which is specific lighting that allows you to see so that you can accomplish the task at hand. Decorative lighting is the icing on the cake, the beautiful accessory, that unexpected touch that may not be extremely functional but enhances the room because of its beauty, style and/or design. Low-watt pendant fixtures and chandeliers would fall into the decorative lighting category. A beautifully designed overhead lamp or wall sconce can truly set off your bathroom and make it even more beautiful, giving your bathroom that "wow" factor. Even though wall sconces may be considered decorative lighting, if positioned correctly these decorative lights can benefit you when you're doing a task, such as applying makeup, by providing lighting from both sides. Decorative lighting can, at times, be functional as well as ornamental.
Task Lighting
When you are applying makeup, you need task lighting, which is the kind of light that highlights a specific area--in this case, your face. Task lighting in your bathroom may only be used when you are doing a certain task--plucking your eyebrows or coloring your hair, for example. The rest of the time it can be turned off.
Task lights should not cast shadows because that would defeat their purpose. Some consumers find that using vertical fixtures, situated on each side of the mirror, provides excellent task lighting. Make sure that the vertically-attached lights provide equal lighting to each side of your face. To eliminate glare, use frosted bulbs or translucent shades that will filter the light.
Task lights can be sleek metal for a modern and contemporary in design, Victorian or whatever style you choose. Task lights are decorative and eye-pleasing as well as a functional bathroom tool.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is what adds atmosphere to your bathroom. It is generally used in conjunction with task lighting, which is essential. Ambient lighting can make your bathroom glow luminously, creating that perfect getaway, where you can relax and let down your hair. It is suggested that ambient lights be controlled by dimmers, whether the light is a chandelier or vanity light, a wall sconce or some type of recessed fixture, because this allows you to change the saturation of the light. When you are in the tub soaking, you may want to dim the light or turn it up, depending on what you like. General ambient lighting tends to illuminate toward the floor, not in the direction of the ceiling. Even though different light sources are providing different types of light for , all of the fixtures come in elegant designs and styles. You will be able to find fixtures that go along with the decorating scheme of your bathroom.
Vanity Lights
When purchasing lights that will surround your vanity, select bulbs that reflect how you will look when you go out into natural light. Bulbs that are white or have a yellow cast don't accurately represent what your makeup will look like outside.
Neodymium light bulbs approximate sunlight. These bulbs have a slight bluish tint and are recommended for use in your vanity lights.
If possible, install vanity lights that include a dimmer so you can brighten or lessen the light depending on your needs at any given time. Halogen or incandescent fixtures work best.
Vanity lights are often center stage in your bathroom, a focal point, so pick good-looking fixtures.
Recessed Lighting
If you are considering recessed lighting in your bathroom, make sure there is an eyeball that partially covers the light, and which you can adjust at will. This will allow the light to bounce off of the wall or the ceiling, instead of beating down on you, and that reduces shadows and glare. However, recessed lighting is not best to use at the vanity because it will cast some shadows on your face.
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