SHINING EXAMPLES
Layered lighting options create a bright space no matter the size of your bathroom
Lighting is vital for creating a bright and airy ambience in any bathroom, regardless of its size. In reality, lighting is an essential component in every area in your home, and should include a combination of ambient, accent and task lighting regardless of which room you want to upgrade or improve.
When it comes to lighting small bathrooms, get creative by selecting light fixtures that enhance functionality and create ambience. Remember, proper electrical installation is critical, especially in bathrooms where closeness to water requires extra caution. Please always follow your local building and electrical codes.
The best way to improve bathroom lighting in your house is to layer. It’s critical to have enough light for cleaning and grooming and softer levels for ambience. Lights regulated by dimmers, smart switches and individual circuits allow you to create your perfect look and feel. The vanity area is where you’ll need task lighting for everyday duties like curling your hair, washing your face and shaving. Consider vertical wall lights instead of using an overhead vanity or ceiling light. I used space-saving vertical saber wall sconces in my bathroom reno for a modern look that provides an even light over your face.
Recessed lighting or pot lights have a sleek, modern appearance that will blend seamlessly with your bathroom’s decor and never go out of style. It’s also a good choice for small rooms with low ceilings because it can light a whole room, and everything can be concealed in the ceiling. Pot lights are great for the shower or bath area, too. Just make sure they are zoned for wet/damp installation.
Typically, one recessed light fixture may be sufficient to provide adequate lighting across the room. However, don’t restrict yourself, and consider, LED mirrors available in a variety of sizes and shapes, with energy saving LED lights and touch sensors. For those with limited counter space, illuminated medicine cabinets with a light source, a mirror, and additional storage are another space-saving lighting alternative.
Under-cabinet lighting, thin vertical lighting, vanity, flushmount, or recessed lighting are also excellent lighting alternatives for small bathrooms. Track lighting can give general illumination and even operate as spotlights, and is an excellent alternative to recessed lighting. Use a dimmer to brighten or soften the light while enjoying a relaxing bath.
Create ambience by installing tape lights underneath shelves, cabinets, or counters to illuminate the countertop area and make the bathroom appear larger. LED lights and strip lighting emit a pleasant glow ideal for use behind a vanity, in a recessed nook, or in conjunction with bookshelves.
Chandeliers are also an excellent option for smaller bathrooms, but make sure you have enough room over your head. If you have high or vaulted ceilings, this type of lighting can work well. Flush mount lighting is downward-directed lighting that sits flush against the ceiling. Because there is no space between the ceiling and the light itself, flush mount lights are ideal for locations with lower ceilings. They also keep dust and debris away from the bulb and shade.
On the other hand, semi-flush mounts have a little gap between the ceiling and the bulb but function similarly to flush mounts. They are a viable alternative to a chandelier or pendant fixture. However, they can produce a shadow if they are the only light source and this is why layering is always recommended.
Ultimately, if you have the ability to do so, utilize as much natural light as possible in any room in your home. However, since not all bathrooms have a window, layering is critical. Low-light plants and pastel paint colours, will also help lighten the mood. Glass shower doors or enclosures also help keep the light source fluid. Adding extra mirrors and reflective surfaces will also make the space feel bigger.
If you’re doing a simple swapout of an old fixture with a new fixture and consider yourself handy, you should be able to do it yourself. However, if your project requires the installation of new electrical wiring, equipment, or repairs, you must contact a licensed electrical contracting (LED), business to complete the work. They’ll assess your present electrical needs and install any additional lights or wiring that’s needed to complete the work properly and safely. If you live in Ontario, remember to file a work notice with the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority).
We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, so we must make them as functional as possible, especially if it’s a small family bathroom. Using multiple light sources to create layers will help you make the most out of your small bathroom. Whether you decide to upgrade or improve your bathroom lighting, always ensure a LEC does the installation.