Getting Bathroom Lighting Design Right
Good bathroom lighting design lights faces evenly at the mirror, adds general light for the room and puts suitable fixtures in the shower. A single fixture above the mirror often casts shadows under the eyes and chin. Side lighting at face height reduces those shadows.
Plan lighting while walls are open, since moving boxes later costs more.
Mirror Lighting
Fixtures on both sides of the mirror light the face from the front. If side fixtures do not fit, a wide fixture above the mirror helps. Lighted mirrors are another option.
Because color matters for grooming, choose light with good color rendering.
General and Shower Lighting
Ceiling fixtures fill the room. Meanwhile showers often need a fixture rated for wet locations. Ask the electrician which fixtures suit each zone.
- Side fixtures at the mirror
- Ceiling light for the room
- Wet rated light in the shower
- Night light for safe trips
Bathroom Lighting Design and Glare
Bright bare bulbs create glare on shiny tile and mirrors. Diffused fixtures soften that light. Also avoid placing recessed lights directly above the mirror where they shadow faces.
Controls and Dimmers
Dimmers let the room shift from bright for grooming to soft at night, so one room serves two moods. Separate switches for mirror lights and ceiling lights help too. Motion sensors can turn on a night light automatically.
Energy Rules
California energy standards cover residential lighting. The California Energy Commission Building Energy Efficiency Standards include requirements that may affect fixtures and controls in remodeled bathrooms. Ask your electrician before buying.
Permits and Safety
New circuits and fixture moves usually need permits. The City of Sacramento lists new electrical circuits as minor permits. Water and electricity require careful installation, so leave wiring to qualified people.
Bathroom Lighting Design for Small Rooms
Small bathrooms benefit most from layered light. Because space limits fixtures, choose a mirror light plus one ceiling fixture. Also use light colored tile and paint so light bounces around the room.
When the room has a window, consider frosted glass that admits daylight while keeping privacy. Then even a tiny bathroom feels brighter and more open.
Bathroom Lighting Design for Aging Eyes
Older eyes need more light but less glare. Night lights along the path to the bathroom reduce falls. The guide on accessible interior transitions covers lighting for changing vision.
Also see bathroom storage ideas for mirror cabinets with lights. Careful bathroom lighting design makes the room safer and more pleasant.