So, you've been putting up with the tacky light fixtures that were installed when you moved in. Or worse yet, maybe you still have the bulb and string hanging from your bathroom ceiling. But more and more people often, the bathroom is used as a sanctuary, a place to relax after a long day. Steam showers, Jacuzzis, and more spacious rooms are partly the reason. Whats ofter overlooked is the lighting, which can make all the difference when it comes to aesthetics and utility. The secret to good bathroom lighting is layering the light. Layering, refers to using different sources of light. In the bathroom, it involves using both general lighting and task lighting.
The first Layer
The fist layer, as mentioned, starts with ambient or general lighting. The goal is to provide a warm glow to the room by providing a comfortable level of brightness without any glare. The most common sources of general light for the bathroom is a flush or semi-flush ceiling fixture. It is also becoming more common to use a mini-chandeliers in the bathroom. Ambient lights need to be placed in the center of the bathroom so that the light is spread out evenly.
How much general light do I need for my bathroom?
The rule of thumb for the first layer of lighting in the bathroom is as follows. Multiply the length and width of the bathroom- lets say 10ft. by 10ft. Take that number and multiply it by a factor of 1.5. So in the example above, you would need 150 Watts of general light as your fist layer.
The Second Layer
The second layer is task lighting. Portable lamps, tracks, and recessed lights are usually the sources of task lighting. However, these sources don't work well at all in the bathroom. If you have a recessed light above the vanity mirror you've probably notices the shadow it casts on your face. It is not suitable at all.
Placement of bathroom sconces and bath-bars
Proper task lighting in your bathroom should surround you with light. The ideal source of task lighting would be two sconces on either side of the vanity and a bath-bar above the mirror. Sconces should be place about 6-8 inches above eye level or about 6 1/2 feet from the ground. They should also be separated by a distance of 28 inches or more. The bath-bar should be 30-32 inches in length, mounted above the mirror. FYI, many companies now offer "beauty wraps." These fixtures wrap around your mirror, providing you with sufficient light.
How do I determine the amount of task lighting in my bathroom?
Calculating the amount of task lighting is similar to the example given above. The only difference is you multiple by a factor of 2.5. In the example given above, that would amount to 250 Watts of light.
Kevin Hatan
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