Bringing Your Bathroom out of the Dark Ages
When it comes to interior design, most people tend to focus on high traffic areas like the entryway, family room, and kitchen. And while it’s true that setting the right tone in each of these spaces can make or break the feel of your entire home, there’s one more area that many people tend to overlook – the bathroom. It’s too bad too, because the bathroom is where we start and finish most of our days, get our looks just right, and even take a break from the rest of the world to relax, if only for just a few minutes.
But in order to get as much use out of your bathroom as possible, it’ll take a fair amount of lighting knowledge on your part. That’s why I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to illuminate your bathroom with smart lighting. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to transform your dull, dreary bathroom into a beacon of function and comfort!
The Importance of Layered Lighting
When it comes to lighting, there are three main types you need to consider: ambient, accent, and task. And when it comes to the bathroom, the most important type by far is task lighting. Task lighting lets you see all the small details when you’re getting ready for your day – things like shaving, putting on makeup, and other daily grooming tasks.
Vanity lighting is considered the most common type of task lighting in a bathroom. And while you may be tempted to settle on simply the prettiest design, there’s a bit more to consider than just visuals. Overhead vanity lighting, for example, might end up producing shadows on your face, making it harder to perform grooming tasks accurately. That’s why it’s best to use task lighting that evenly lights the entire target area, like the side-mounted fixtures shown in [1].
But task lighting isn’t the only type you need. Ambient and accent lighting are also crucial to giving your bathroom both improved functionality and an attractive appeal. Ambient light, for instance, is a type of lighting that helps illuminate an entire space. In a bathroom, this typically comes in the form of an overhead light. Accent lighting, on the other hand, is all about style. It’s used to highlight particularly attractive design pieces or architectural interests.
Using a combination of these three lighting types, a process called “layering,” helps give your bathroom depth, character, and visual appeal. Take a look at the beautiful bathroom in [2] for an example of how to interweave all these illumination types into a single space.
The Versatility of Smart Lighting
Like every other room in your home, your bathroom’s overall feel can change drastically just by switching the type of bulb you’re using. From warm and cool to colored and normal, the type of light your bulb puts out can mean the difference between a bathroom that’s inviting and comfortable or clean and modern.
Beyond that, having your bathroom’s illumination controlled by a dimmer switch is incredibly handy. For instance, if you’re running late in the morning and need to shave as quickly and accurately as possible before today’s big meeting, you’ll want a brighter bathroom to get the job done. If, however, you’re looking to melt the stress away by relaxing in the tub, you’ll want your lighting to be a bit lower to enhance the mood.
With all these different aspects of lighting to consider, it’s no wonder many people are taking advantage of the versatility of smart bulbs. These lights typically let you change both the color output as well as its brightness, giving you the ultimate design flexibility. Just imagine being able to bathe your bathroom in a soft, relaxing glow one moment, and then shift to a crisp, energizing light the next – all from the convenience of your smartphone or voice assistant.
Illuminating Your Vanity with Style
When it comes to task lighting in the bathroom, the vanity area is where it really matters most. After all, this is where we perform our daily grooming rituals, from shaving and applying makeup to tweezing those pesky eyebrows. And the key to getting this area just right is ensuring your vanity lighting is both functional and visually appealing.
As I mentioned earlier, overhead vanity lighting can sometimes create unflattering shadows on the face. That’s why it’s best to opt for side-mounted fixtures that provide even, glare-free illumination across the entire vanity surface. The 36-inch vanity strip light shown in [3] is a great example of this type of task lighting in action.
But don’t stop there! You can take your vanity lighting game to the next level by incorporating accent pieces like sconces or decorative pendants. Not only do these additional fixtures add style and character to the space, but they also contribute to the overall layered lighting effect I discussed earlier. Just take a look at the luxurious vanity area in [4] – the combination of overhead, side-mounted, and accent lighting creates a spa-like ambiance that’s both functional and visually stunning.
Illuminating the Entire Bathroom
While the vanity area is undoubtedly the star of the show when it comes to bathroom lighting, don’t neglect the rest of the space. Incorporating ambient and accent lighting throughout the room can truly transform the overall feel and function of your bathroom.
One often-overlooked area is the toe kick – the recessed space at the base of your cabinets where your feet slide in. By installing LED strip lights or kick lights in this area, as shown in [5], you can create a soothing glow that not only adds visual interest but also serves as subtle path lighting for middle-of-the-night trips to the restroom. Talk about a game-changer for your sleep-deprived mornings!
And let’s not forget the mirror. A well-lit mirror is essential for achieving that perfect makeup application or close shave. Look for smart, illuminated mirrors like the ones in [6] and [7] that feature built-in LED lighting around the perimeter. Not only do these provide ample, glare-free task lighting, but they also add a touch of modern elegance to your bathroom design.
Bringing It All Together
By now, you’re probably feeling inspired to start transforming your bathroom into a well-lit oasis of function and comfort. But before you dive in, remember that the key to achieving the perfect lighting setup is all about balance and layering.
Start by assessing your current bathroom lighting and identifying any areas that could use improvement. Is your vanity area casting unflattering shadows? Is your overall ambient lighting too bright or too dim? Do you lack that subtle, accent-style lighting that adds depth and character to the space?
Once you’ve pinpointed the problem areas, it’s time to start experimenting with different lighting solutions. Don’t be afraid to play around with smart bulbs, dimmers, and various fixture types until you find the perfect combination that checks all your boxes. And remember, the beauty of smart lighting is that you can easily adjust the brightness, color, and mood to suit your needs at any given moment.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn that dull, dreary bathroom of yours into a shining example of design excellence. With the right lighting strategy and a touch of creativity, you can transform this often-overlooked space into your new favorite room in the house. Happy illuminating!
[1] https://www.fluxsmartlighting.com/blogs/news/the-4-dos-and-donts-of-lighting-your-bathroom-with-smart-bulbs
[2] https://thediyplaybook.com/rookie-mistake-rules-for-lighting/
[3] https://www.satco.com/products/60-314
[4] https://www.parkerandsons.com/blog/kick-lights-illuminate-your-home-with-simplicity0
[5] https://www.satco.com/products/60-308
[6] https://artforma-mirrors.com/led-mirrors/smart/rectangular-1/smart-illuminated-bathroom-mirror-l09-samsung
[7] https://www.rockymountainhardware.com/category/lighting/