Avoid These Top Bathroom Lighting Mistakes, and Banish Gloominess Forever!
Have you ever walked into your bathroom and suddenly felt depressed?
Well, don’t be surprised! Because even after installing statement tiles and your favorite bathroom wallpapers, the bathroom might still look dark and gloomy.
And the main culprit behind this is poor lighting conditions! This is one of the most common problems across a majority of households.
However, the good news is that such conditions are fixable, provided you understand how to avoid the common errors. So, stick till the end of this blog to explore the top bathroom lighting mistakes people should avoid, and make sure that your bathroom looks warm and inviting every time you step in!
5 Common Bathroom Lighting Mistakes You Should Avoid At All Costs
The bathroom is probably the only space in your entire house where you can gather your thoughts while rejuvenating your senses. Just imagine taking a cold shower or lying in the bathtub after a hectic day, sipping on your favorite drink. That’s the level of comfort and warmth a bathroom should offer!
However, the whole scenario turns into a fiasco if there isn’t enough illumination! So, to make it easier, we have gathered 5 bathroom lighting tips from expert interior designers that can help you transform your bathroom into a comfortable retreat-
- A single overhead light source
The first in our list is one of the most common lighting mistakes that a majority of homeowners commit- installing a single overhead light source for their bathroom. This creates a flat, harsh glow and also casts unflattering shadows. Therefore, when you stand in the vanity, your face is covered up in the shadows! This makes tasks like shaving or applying makeup quite difficult. Not just that, but it can also make the room feel small and unwelcoming.
Solution: Always opt for layered lighting. Try to combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for better illumination. Ambient light offers overall illumination, while task lighting brightens specific areas. To get enough light on the vanity space, install sconces on either side of the mirror. This gives you a balanced lighting condition, and happens to be a fundamental of good bathroom lighting rules.
Also, if you are planning to introduce a spa-like aesthetic to your bathroom, here are some bathroom storage design hacks that can help you pull it off!
- Opting for the wrong color temperature
Did you know that the color of the light can significantly change a room’s mood?
Many people choose bulbs with the wrong color temperature. For instance, a light that is too cool can feel harsh and clinical. Hence, those lights might be great for an office space, but not ideal for bathrooms.
On the other hand, too warm lights can look yellow or orangish. It can make the space look old and tired. Apart from that, the wrong color can also make your skin tone look unnatural!
Solution: No matter what, always aim for a neutral color temperature. A range between 2700K and 3000K is considered as the best for such places. This color temperature range almost mimics natural daylight and allows you to see your actual skin tone. This is one of the best bathroom lighting tips to follow if you want a well-lit bathroom.
- Ignoring IP ratings
Bathrooms are wet and humid. And this characteristic makes them a high-risk area for electricity. A common mistake among homeowners is that they completely ignore this part, which increases the chances of accidents. Using a standard light fixture near a shower or tub can be very dangerous, and lead to short-circuits or a fire breakout.
Solution: Don’t ever forget to check the IP rating while buying the best lighting fixtures for bathroom. Also, make sure to check the National Electrical Code, which mentions the standards for bathroom fixture positioning. IP44 fixtures are considered splash-proof, and IP65 or higher is required for fixtures inside a shower. This ensures they are safe from water jets. Also, the best way to stay safe is to consult a professional electrician to make sure that your choices are safe and compliant.
- Placing the vanity lights incorrectly
Another major mistake that’s common among homeowners is improper placement of vanity lighting. Many people place a single light fixture directly above the mirror. However, this setting casts deep shadows under your eyes, nose, and chin, and makes it hard to see your face clearly.
Solution: Remember, the best placement for vanity lighting is always at eye level. This means you should install sconces on either side of the mirror, about 60 to 70 inches from the floor. This offers a cross-face illumination, which helps eliminate shadows. A horizontal light bar above the mirror can also work for you in this case.
- Neglecting the importance of natural light
No artificial lighting fixtures can ever match the brightness that natural light brings about. Sufficient natural light can make a room, let alone a bathroom, feel bigger and more open. Besides that, it is also helpful for applying makeup. Hence, blocking it with heavy drapes is one of the worst mistakes you can make!
Solution: Try to maximize natural light. Make use of lighter curtains or simple blinds, as they help light to pass through. Also, make sure to design your space in a way so that you can take the maximum advantage of natural light. If possible, place mirrors strategically to reflect it. This will make the room feel larger. This is one of the easiest ways to fix poor lighting in the bathroom.
Opt for Mindful Lighting Fixtures and Drive Gloominess Away!
A bathroom should feel warm and inviting. And the best way to do that is to stay mindful of the lighting fixtures. Good lighting creates an ambiance that makes you feel rejuvenated and relaxes your senses. So, keep in mind to avoid the afore-mentioned mistakes, and you too can create a bathroom that feels no less than a peaceful sanctuary!
That being said, if you enjoy exploring and sharing such effective tips to enhance home interiors, we want to hear from you! Just send us your writings under our write for us home interior decor category, and if you meet our standards, you’ll be on board very soon!
F.A.Qs:
- How to make a bathroom less dark?
The best way to make a bathroom less dark is to install layered lighting. Try a combination of accent lights, task lights, and ambient lights, and make sure to maximize natural lighting to keep the space well-lit.
- How to fix a flickering bathroom light?
In most cases, a flickering bulb is just a loose connection. So, turn off the switch, and tighten the bulb in its socket. And if tightening doesn’t solve the issue, consider replacing the bulb.
- How to know if a light is bathroom safe?
You can easily tell if a light is bathroom-safe or not by looking at the IP rating. IP44-rated lights are considered to be splash-proof. And IP65 or higher-rated products are considered to be safe for in-shower lighting.
- What type of lighting is best for a bathroom?
A combination of ambient lights, task lights, and accent lights is, hands down, one of the best lighting fixtures for a bathroom. Such a lighting setup helps keep the space illuminated effectively.
As a lifelong DIY enthusiast, Alex Barton is never afraid to go the extra mile to save a few bucks! From seamless interior decor hacks to effective DIY home renovation tips, he shares a myriad of his experiences for you to unleash your creativity.
