If you’re renovating or designing a new bathroom, you’ve likely come across numerous images and articles online about how to improve the aesthetic. From choosing the right tiles to selecting fixtures, there’s no shortage of advice on how to enhance the appearance. However, one of the most crucial elements of interior design is lighting. It’s often said that lighting accounts for 50% of a room’s overall appeal. In this blog, we’ll dive into the importance of bathroom lighting and how it can elevate your space to a luxurious level.
Introduction
Types of Bathroom Lighting
Lighting can be categorised into three types, and I’ll break them down simply so you can easily apply them:
- General Lighting: This is the primary source of light in the bathroom and should illuminate the entire space. It doesn’t focus on any specific area but provides enough light for all general activities. Common examples include panel lights and cob lights. In bathrooms, cob lights are a better choice than panel lights because they focus the light in a specific direction, typically at a 40-degree angle, making them more suitable for highlighting key areas.
- Invisible Lighting: As the name suggests, the light source is hidden, but you can still see the light it emits. For example, coffered ceiling lights are often installed with the light source concealed, but the glow they cast is visible. This type of lighting creates a soft, elegant ambiance.
- Decorative Lighting: These lights are used primarily for aesthetic purposes and can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Lamps and fixtures that serve as statement pieces can double as decorative highlights in the space.
Choosing the Right Lights for Your Bathroom
Now, let’s look at how to apply these types of lighting effectively in your bathroom:
- Positioning General Lighting:
- First, place cob lights above the center of your washbasin, toilet seat, and shower area. This will ensure that each area receives proper focus and highlights the key features. The 40-degree angle of the cob light will enhance the beauty of the fittings and provide a sharp focus on them.
- A good rule of thumb is to place these lights directly above the key fixtures like your washbasin, toilet, and shower. These are the areas where you’ll spend most of your time, so they deserve to be highlighted.
- Dealing with Symmetry:
- To maintain a balanced look, it’s important to align your lights. If the lights above your fixtures are positioned off-center, it could throw off the symmetry of the space. Make sure that the lights are evenly spaced, and if necessary, add additional lights to compensate.
Choosing the Right Light Color Temperature
Lighting color temperature plays a significant role in the feel of your bathroom:
- Cool White: This type of light is very bright and may be harsh on your eyes, especially early in the morning. It’s not recommended for bathroom use, as it can be jarring.
- Warm White: While it can create a cozy ambiance, warm white light might not be the best choice for bathrooms where you need bright, clear illumination.
- Natural White: This is the perfect middle ground. It’s bright enough to illuminate the space while providing a calm and neutral environment. I recommend using natural white lighting (around 4000 to 5000 Kelvin) for your bathroom, as it’s both relaxing and practical.
How Many Lights Do You Need?
To calculate how much light you’ll need, follow this simple rule:
- Measure the square footage of your bathroom (length × width).
- Multiply the total by 0.6. The result will give you the total wattage needed for your bathroom lighting.
For example, if your bathroom is 10 feet by 5 feet (50 square feet), multiply 50 by 0.6. That equals 30 watts, meaning you should aim for 30 watts of light for proper illumination.
Invisible Lighting: Adding the Final Touch
Invisible lighting can add a dramatic effect to your bathroom. Here are a few places where you can incorporate it:
- Behind the Mirror: Install an LED strip behind the mirror to create a soft glow. This is an easy and effective way to enhance the bathroom’s aesthetic without adding clutter.
- Under the Vanity: For floating vanities, you can hide lighting underneath to create a magical floating effect. This adds a modern, sleek vibe to the space.
Conclusion
Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in transforming your bathroom from basic to luxurious. By focusing on general lighting, invisible lighting, and decorative lighting, you can create a balanced, elegant look that suits both functionality and style. Whether you’re using cob lights for focus or natural white lights for a balanced atmosphere, understanding the right placement and type of lighting can make all the difference.
