Importance of lighting in bathrooms
May 04, 2015
Most bathrooms almost always include, mirrors, often large ones, and these need to be well lit to be flattering and to let you see what you are doing when brushing, combing or checking your clothes for lint.
By Umar Nsubuga
Most bathrooms almost always include, mirrors, often large ones, and these need to be well lit to be flattering and to let you see what you are doing when brushing, combing or checking your clothes for lint.
A side from practical considerations, lighting is also an important design that can help your bathroom look its best. But good lighting does not just happen, it really requires a good plan.
The lighting may be natural or artificial and may be supplied at a variety of heights and from a variety of directions. Up, down and from the side.
Planning for lighting in bathrooms is very important, by the age 60; the average person’s eyes require twice as much light for clear vision as they did when that same person was 25 years old.
It is very important to plan for the future as well as today when it comes to providing enough light.
Lights should be positioned to reveal thresholds, steps and areas that might be wet or slippery. Lights above mirrors cast unflattering shadows on faces, if they are the only light sources in the area.
Providing additional light from the sides balances the light levels and reduces those shadows. Mirrors can be used to bounce light around a room enhancing its effect placing a mirror on a wall opposite a window multiples the light available to the room during the day.
Always make sure any electrical appliances in your bathroom are installed safety. Lights located above bathrooms or within shower enclosures should be vapour-proof and clearly approved for use in wet locations.
Successful lighting plans comprise a combination of ambient, task, accent and decorative lighting.
Ambient is the main layer of light in a room. It is provided by ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures as well as natural sources, like windows.
Accent, this adds depth and shade to the room.
Task, provides illumination for specific purposes, such as lighting a bathing area. It is about practically, and a bathroom the lighting around the Varity mirror is crucial.
Decorative, it supplies light for the ambient layer, special light effects can be dramatic and appealing as a design element.
Strip, installing a strip light above your mirror is a good way to ensure evenly distributed lighting for grooming tasks.
It will be good to choose bright, white bulbs to provide the best lighting. Installing strip lighting down each side of your mirror will generally minimize the appearance of shadows.
RELATED STORIES:
Use tiles to give your bathroom a sparkling look