You have questions, and we have answers!  Lighting can be tricky, but it is essential.  Lighting can be one of the biggest impacts on how a space feels and how functional it is.  Recently, a friend asked for help lighting his garden, we suggested he get some up-lighting to highlight the trees.  This friend goes out, buys these lights and installs them, but, his garden was not illuminated like he had envisioned… Why? Because placement and the direction of the light matters.  We go over and in just a few minutes, redirect the light fixtures (even removing one), and the garden was completely transformed and illuminated.

The same thing applies to your bathrooms.  No one wants unnecessary shadows when your trying to apply your makeup or shave.  AND no one wants boring old light fixtures randomly placed in the room.  You’re remodeling your bathroom, light it to showcase it! So…we thought we would give you our lighting solutions that we use in our bathroom designs.

First, vanity lighting.  The best lighting for vanities is a wall sconce on either side of the mirror and a recessed can directly above the sink.  This ensures that you won’t be getting any of those unwanted shadows that we mentioned earlier.  The sconces should be around eye level – although if you are short, like we are, you would most likely have to go a bit higher ;).  If you are completely re-configuring your bathroom layout, we suggest moving the vanity close to natural lighting – this is the most ideal situation.  Then the artificial lighting will just enhance the natural light or just be used at night.

In the shower, use 1-2 wet-listed recessed cans.  There are even some fun shower heads that have lights integrated.

Some can lights have an integrated exhaust fan, these work great in powder rooms and in bathrooms with no natural ventilation.

Another thing to consider, is that there are warmer and cooler color temperatures of lights, so make sure all the lights are in the same range.  We like to select the decorative fixtures first and then match the cans to that same color temperature.  A good rule of thumb for bathrooms is a range of 2700 degrees kelvin to 3000 degrees kelvin.  It’s also a good idea to put everything on a dimmer because LED lights are so crisp and bright.

In California, it is illegal to place a chandelier over a tub unless you have very high ceilings where no one would be able to reach the light fixtures while standing in the tub.  Our work around is to use a beautiful tile or piece of art and light it with adjustable recessed cans.  This creates that statement over the tub that people are looking for.

Other ways you can add lighting to your space is through decorative lighting.  This can be backlit mirrors, illuminated countertops, under-cabinet lighting, lit sinks, and chromatherapy in your showers/tubs.

Still have questions?  Ask them below!