Redfin: Experts Reveal How to Tackle a Guest Bathroom Remodel Like a Pro

​Envision Lighting Design was recently featured in a Redfin article. While we can't summarize everything about bathroom lighting in 2-3 sentences, we captured a few of the most important ideas.
"In addition to instantly changing the space’s design aesthetic, lighting at the mirror helps get rid of harsh shadows from overhead lighting, creating a more flattering light on your face. Opt for a warm light (2700K, 90+CRI) to accentuate the effect." – Envision Lighting Design

To expand on the above thoughts, you must put the light between your face and your mirror. There are many ways to do this, with a wall-mounted fixture over the top of the mirror being the most common. Wall sconces flanking the sides of a mirror will also work nicely, or do both top and sides! (Think "Hollywood" lights.) A modern take on this often seen in hotels is a mirror with integral lights for a clean, flush solution. For more whimsy, consider a pair of pendants flanking the mirror. Keep them close to the wall so they provide light in the same way a sconce would. With all of these options, we are looking for a soft, warm glow, not a harsh directional light.
While lighting at the mirror is one of the most important aspects of bathroom lighting, we can't neglect the rest of the room. Like mirror lighting, task lighting is also helpful in showers. A recessed, wet-location downlight is the most common solution here, but if you've spent a lot of money for special tile or plumbing fixtures, why not highlight them? Use a shower-rated recessed adjustable accent light to highlight your shower fixtures like the art that they are!
At the commode, we are always careful not to place a light directly overhead. Who wants to feel like they are under a spotlight while doing their business?? That said, adequate ambient light is necessary for cleaning (and reading or whatever else you might be doing in here) but that can be achieved with a decorative luminaire or downlight in the center of the room.

"In addition to instantly changing the space’s design aesthetic, lighting at the mirror helps get rid of harsh shadows from overhead lighting, creating a more flattering light on your face. Opt for a warm light (2700K, 90+CRI) to accentuate the effect." – Envision Lighting Design

Lastly, don't forget to provide a way to make a middle-of-the-night bathroom run without turning on all the lights. Keeping light levels low at night can help people fall back to sleep. There are several ways to achieve this. One of our favorites is to provide a little light in the toe-kick of bathroom cabinets, keeping light levels low and light fixtures physically low to the ground. Keeping our human circadian system in mind, warm amber or even red light is the best color for night lights. Avoid blue or bright white night lights! If you don't want to install a separate night light, at the very least, put bathroom lights on dimmers so light levels can be kept low at night and raised to appropriate levels during the daytime.

For more information on how to illuminate bathrooms or any other spaces, contact us! We are here to help you get the light right.

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