In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for
shaving, grooming and applying make-up. However, did you
know that the bathroom is the most decorated area in the home per
square foot?! Thus, it is key to look at the other materials in the
bath and think about the style you want to project.
Unless the
bath is very large, light the functional areas first and then fill in
with additional general lighting only if and where needed.
At the mirror.
The lighting at the mirror should play evenly over one's face
without shadows. To achieve this, diffused light should come from
above, below and bothsides. Long, well diffused fixtures, directing
light from the side, provide the best quality of light. A pair of
softly diffused pendants is better than a single short bracket over the
mirror. Use a light colored, reflective vanity top to bounce light up
under the chin.
Control brightness to prevent glare. Remember, your customer comes within 12-18 inches of the mirror!
Lights
mounted on either side of the mirror should be at least 28 inches
apart and centered 60 inches above the floor. The longer the
fixtures, the better the lighting will be. Fixtures mounted over
the mirror should be long enough (at least 36 inches) to light both
sides of one's face. They should be mounted at 78 inches above
the floor. If there are multiple sinks, place lights around or
over each one.
Avoid the uncomfotable bare bulb strips! Use well shielded incndescnet or flourescent fixtures.