Bathrooms are usually havens of peace and relaxation.

When most rooms are social areas, a home’s bathroom can be a retreat zone. It can offer refuge after a long day’s work. A sumptuous soak in the tub can melt away the worries of the daily grind. A quick shower can already refresh and re-energize a tired body.

It can also be a space for indulging in personal care – may it be a leisurely beauty regimen for ladies or a swift and speedy grooming routine for the gentlemen.

Switch it on

With the space’s varied uses, lighting a bathroom is one of the foremost concerns that you should consider when building or remodeling one. Proper lighting spells a world of difference when creating the perfect mood or completing a task. Through different lighting fixtures – indirect lights, mood light, spotlights or task lights – you can bring out a bathroom’s aesthetics and functionality.

Among the range of lighting systems in the market, builders, engineers and project managers consider LED lighting as the superior option due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan and low environmental impact. Their durability and flexibility make them practical for bathroom use. LEDs operate at a lower voltage, and dissipate less heat for the same light intensity compared to incandescent and even halogen light bulbs.

As such, LED lights are less prone to damage even when exposed to moisture, steam and vapor in the bathroom. Make sure to check out the wide variety of waterproof LED fixture options for bathrooms available from trusted manufacturers.

To further shed light on how you can make your bathroom shine with LED lighting, here are some expert tips:

1. Let the sunshine in

Make sure that your bathroom is awash in natural light. Ensure that window treatments let the light pour in. When constructing a bathroom, it is best if it is located in a north-facing area as light coming from this direction creates a soft, diffused glow.

2. Fix the fixtures

Place lighting fixtures in well-thought-out areas and install extra ones for specific activities. You don’t want to nick yourself shaving or apply too dark eyeshadow only because you chose the wrong light, do you?

Consult your architect or designer about which kind of light is best for specific areas of the bathroom. Some designers, for example, prefer using four-inch recessed can lights overhead that exude a clean, streamlined look.

Other tips on fixture placement include:

• Focused LED spotlights over the commode supply good illumination for some bathroom reading.
• For a soft, warm glow in the bathroom, opt for indirect or cove lighting.
• Wall sconces provide cross illuminations when used with lamps above the vanity counter.
• A recessed fixture can provide extensive, general lighting to tubs and showers. To avert glare, direct the light’s beam at the outside edge of the tub.
• Shower lights should be bright enough for the tasks at hand. Choose fixtures that are waterproof or have a watertight seal.
• Create a night light by lighting up the floor in the toe-space area below vanities and cabinets.
• Vertical wall sconces with warm white LEDs provide good mirror lighting and even facial illumination. You can also opt to fit makeup mirrors with built-in light.
• Place table lamps away from water sources.

3. Choose the right light bulbs

The right bulbs are key components of a well-designed bathroom.

For overhead lights, ceiling-mounted panel lights are the recommendation.

For the dressing area, wall sconces or pendant fixtures are best as they provide a balance of light on both sides of the face without producing glare from the light reflected in the mirror. This is especially helpful when grooming or applying cosmetics. The lights should also be eye-level placed at least 30 inches apart.

Other designers opt for the warmest light possible, choosing 2700K LED lights, for example. Bright bulbs are also popular, but paired with dimmers. This allows you to choose the right setting – stronger for when you need to do careful inspections or more subdued and calm for relaxation.

Lighten up

For a functional yet visually pleasing bathroom, factoring in correct lighting is essential. The kinds of fixtures and lighting techniques are important in achieving a stunning yet efficient bathroom. Incorporating layers of light can make or break the overall look and feel of this sanctuary of a room.

More importantly, the lighting design should reflect your personality and the mood that you want while providing ample illumination for taking care of life’s daily routines.

AUTHOR BIO

Ajay Awtaney is co-founder of Nakashi General Trading LLC, an electrical lighting company in Dubai catering to the needs of clients and projects requiring quality lighting products and solutions. Nakashi General Trading LLC today is an approved vendor of reputable organisations (Jumeirah, Engineering Office, Meraas, Musanadah and Thumbay, to name a few) for supplying lighting products.