Recessed lights, set into the ceiling, are often used in bathrooms.
The bathroom is where most people set their personal look for the day, so lighting is important if you want to look your best. Modern bathroom fixtures offer a variety of options for function, design and angle. By combining these lighting types, you can update your current bathroom or create your dream bath with lighting suited to your family's needs.
Vanity Lights
Perhaps the most important fixture in your bathroom is the vanity light. Vanity fixtures are over the mirror and provide the light you use to brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on makeup and complete other personal grooming. Traditional vanity fixtures use two or more light bulbs with globes or shades to soften the light. Fixtures with full-coverage globes offer a relatively even, general light, while fixtures with shades that direct the light downward keep the lighting more focused on the counter and mirror area and the person using them. Upward-aiming shades direct the harsher direct light upward to create ambient light by reflecting off the ceiling while the light directed downward is diffused by the shades. Full globe and upward-aiming fixtures are great for small bathrooms that will brighten easily with the bounced ambient light, filling in the shadows around your face. Downward-pointing fixtures are good for larger bathrooms where general illumination is handled by other fixtures.
Recessed Lights
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for installations over tubs and showers. Because the light is housed within the ceiling, the opening can be sealed with a translucent or transparent lens that allows the light to shine through but prohibits moisture from entering. The part of the fixture above the ceiling contains a reflector that directs all light output downward, through the lens. This type of light requires adequate ventilation in the ceiling space to prevent overheating.
Heat Lamps
Heat lamps are generally placed over the area of the bathroom outside the shower or tub and may be recessed or mounted on the ceiling. A reflector built into the lamp itself magnifies the infrared heat produced by the lamp and directs it downward. Heat lamps can be helpful in cold climates, especially in houses without zoned heating. They reduce the shock of stepping out of a warm shower into a cold room.
Combination Lamps
Some general overhead bathroom light fixtures are sold as combined units that may contain a light unit, a heating unit, a vent unit and even a night light setting. Because most bathrooms have overhead vents, the simple light and vent combination is most common. Some models allow separate control of the vent and light while others operate them simultaneously. Fixtures that include heating units may use heat lamps or forced air and night light units offer a dimmer setting for the contained light as an alternative to those that plug into the wall. Due to the lifespan of most vents being shorter than lighting fixtures, these units are only a good choice if you select high quality fixtures from a reputable company that offers repair services. Otherwise, you may need to replace a light that is in working order simply because it is attached to a non-working vent or heater.
Tags: ambient light, , Heat lamps, light while, night light