When it comes to bathroom design, lighting plays a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. Balancing these two aspects can be a challenge, but with careful consideration, you can find the perfect combination of lighting types for your bathroom. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, here are some lighting ideas to keep in mind.
The Different Types of Bathroom Lighting
To the uninterested eye, a light is just a light, but many types of lighting go in a bathroom, all with unique features.
Sconces
Sconces are decorative light fixtures that extend beyond the wall and are often ornate. These light fixtures are common above the vanity but can also be found in other bathroom areas as an accent piece. Sconces come in various styles, from rustic and farmhouse to upscale chic.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers may be considered more of an entryway or dining room feature, but if you have a large master bath with an elegant feel, there is no shame in classing it up with this classic light fixture.
Backlighting
This lighting, which is behind a mirror, is a great accent piece because it casts a warm glow around the room. One of the most significant benefits of backlighting is that it participates in the total lighting of the space but doesn’t have fixtures that draw the eye away from the rest of the room.
Recessed Lighting
This type of lighting is the most practical option for bathrooms because it is recessed in the ceiling and meant to be nothing more than functional. This type of lighting helps you feel in the gaps your more ornate fixtures don’t reach.
Drop-In Lighting
While recessed lighting is usually slightly recessed (as the name states) into the ceiling, drop-in lighting is generally flush with the ceiling and often bigger 2×2 or 2×4 panels. These light fixtures used to be reserved for fluorescent light bulbs, but in recent years, they have made flat panel LEDs, which replace the fixture with a single flat panel light. Drop-in lighting is beneficial when lighting large areas with a single fixture is needed.
Lighting Functions
Of course, the function of lighting is to illuminate the room, but many specific lighting functions combine to create a fully illuminated room.
Task Lighting
As the name suggests, this type of lighting helps complete specific bathroom tasks. It is common to find task lighting above the bath and shower and around the vanity. Task lighting can be several lighting styles, but sconces are often made to be as appealing as they are functional.
Accent Lighting
Sometimes light can be a feature in and of itself which is where accent lighting comes in. Often this style of lighting is purely for design, and any light it gives off is in addition to other lighting in the room and meant to illuminate only some of the room.
Ambient
Ambient lighting provides the foundation and general illumination of the room. The fixtures are meant to cast light around the room or as much of the room as possible. These lights are often less decorative and more functional but still play a role in the overall look of your bathroom.
All these lights combine in a bathroom setting to create a well-lit atmosphere. Nothing is worse than trying to perform a task in the bathroom without enough light. It’s important to layer your lighting and ensure you have the right amount where and when you need it. If you are contemplating a bathroom remodel, call the experts at JDP Electric to help make your dream bathroom a reality!