Things You'll Need:
- Time
- An electrician (optional)
-
Step 1
Before you do anything else, determine if you can have more than one light fixture in your bathroom. It will make a difference in the lighting you choose. You may need to consult with an electrician in advance if you will be adding lights and wiring to your bathroom. The electrician can tell you if your particular bathroom can be wired for lighting of the type you desire.
-
Step 2
If you've decided on more than one fixture, start by selecting task lighting for areas such as the tub, the shower, the sink and (if separate) the mirror. Some of the best task lighting contains more than one bulb, for high lighting in small areas. One popular style of task lighting is recessed downlighting.However, the best task lighting around a mirror usually consists of lighting bars with multiple bulbs, installed around the sides and top of the mirror. This provides light from multiple angles, making it easier to apply makeup, shave and tweeze.If you're going with just one light, choose a light fixture that allows for multiple bulbs. This will help lessen shadows and dark areas in your bathroom.
-
Step 3
Once you have chosen your task lighting, you can consider the main lighting for the room. This lighting primarily covers the main portion of the bathroom, and should provide adequate illumination of its central areas.
-
Step 4
Make the most of the natural lighting in your bathroom, and use it in conjunction with the artificial lighting you have chosen. Blinds and lightly colored sheers can help create privacy while allowing natural light to filter in during the day. Remember that, at night, the blinds or curtains will be closed, so you will then need to rely entirely upon your artificial lighting.
-
Step 5
If you are using more than one fixture, be sure they all go together harmoniously. Also take note of how much cleaning and maintenance your chosen style of lighting will require. If there are many arms and exposed bulbs, it will take longer to clean than a simple fixture with enclosed bulbs. Also take the height of your ceiling into consideration. You may want lower hanging lights, to give brighter light to the floor. Take care that they do not hang too low, as you may not want dark spots and shadows along the bathroom ceiling. If especially tall people will be using the bathroom, lights that are closer to the ceiling (or enclosed in it may) be the right choice.
