The upscale bathroom designs of today demand sufficient vanity lighting. It's not only important to achieve the right light amount and quality - you'll want to choose a bathroom light with a style that makes a statement, complementing your existing décor and fixtures.
Since it's often the first element that gets noticed in a bathroom, vanity lighting is a critical part of any bathroom remodel. When selecting vanity lighting, you'll want to consider the size, finish, bulb type, and design style.
Follow these helpful tips to choose vanity lighting that will function beautifully in your home for years to come.
• Choosing the Right Size: Bath light "bars," the staple bathroom light fixture, typically come in two, three, and four light varieties. While you want to be sure you have plenty of light, be sure that the one you choose is no wider than your vanity/cabinet width (it may be wider than your mirror). If you have a very long vanity or double sink arrangement, you may want to consider using more than one fixture for the best results.
• Choosing a Finish: The finish of your light should coordinate well with the existing fixtures/faucets in your space. If your fixtures have a "shiny" look, go for a polished chrome or silver; brushed nickel finishes work well with "brushed" bath fixtures. Other finishes that are making a comeback (in lighting and bath fixture design) are antiqued bronze and brass hues.
• Choosing a Bulb: Never use exposed bulbs in the bathroom - the "Hollywood" vanity strip is extremely outdated and produces a harsh light quality! To achieve a flattering light, choose a fixture with a frosted/etched glass covering (most of today's vanity lights have these). You can also choose light bulbs that are coated or have frosted glass for a flattering, even illumination.
Compact fluorescent bulbs can be used in place of standard bulbs in nearly any bathroom (just be sure the fluorescent bulb is not exposed, or it will look tacky). Fluorescent lights are ideal for bathrooms because they produce much less heat than incandescent bulbs, last much longer, and save energy in the long run. Choose a high-quality fluorescent bulb with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or above - you won't even be able to tell it's a fluorescent!
• Choosing a Style: This is the fun (and easy) part: simply select a vanity light design that fits your personality. Is your bathroom (or desired look) luxurious and highly detailed? A traditional style vanity light would suit you. Contemporary/ modern vanity lighting is usually best for minimalists, while transitional bath lights strike the perfect balance.
