Grooming is easier with proper vanity lighting designs.
When remodeling your bathroom, task lighting is a basic need that you'll want to take into consideration, particularly at the vanity area. Layered lighting is the most efficient way to illuminate specific areas--such as showers and linen closets--using individual light fixtures and effects in each area to achieve correspondent tasks. Since you most commonly use the vanity area for grooming, consider your daily regimen when exploring bathroom vanity lighting design ideas.
Single Ceiling Fixture Lighting
Overhead lighting may cast a shadow over the face.
Single ceiling lighting is probably the least effective type of vanity lighting because overhead light tends to cast shadows over the face, making grooming a more difficult task. If you are remodeling a smaller bathroom--such as a half bath or guest bathroom with little space above or around the vanity mirror--and have no other option than a ceiling fixture, install the unit further away from the vanity area rather than directly above it to somewhat reduce the shadow effect.
Vertical Side Lighting
Install vertical side sconces in your vanity area to create the most effective design for grooming.
The most effective lighting design idea for a bathroom vanity--which will illuminate the grooming area without casting shadows--consists of vertical lights installed on either side of the mirror. Since the light shines toward the face instead of over it, your reflection will be clearly lit in the mirror. Most home improvement retailers carry an extensive stock of vertical vanity lighting kits, and you can choose from a variety of decorative sconces, back plates and lightbulb covers to suit your personal taste. You may also consider fluorescent vertical tube lighting on of your vanity.
Over Mirror Lighting
Another option is to install a light fixture horizontally over your vanity mirror.
If the size of your vanity mirror or medicine cabinet is too wide to accommodate vertical side lighting or sconces, the next best thing is to install wall-mounted lighting the mirror. It is important to make sure the light is evenly distributed horizontally along the top of the mirror and placed at an appropriate height to cast light evenly over the hair and face. The ideal way to achieve this effect is to install your fixtures about 75 inches from the floor, and ensure they are at least 24 inches wide. Tube lighting or multiple-bulb fixtures are among the most effective designs for over vanity lighting.
Tags: vanity area, your vanity, most effective, vanity lighting, directly above, either side
