Regardless of whether your bathroom is an oasis or a heavily-trafficked space, you need good lighting. Otherwise, you may be left with some areas that are too bright and some that are too dark.
With that said, getting the lighting right in the bathroom can be challenging. Tight spaces and small rooms make it difficult to place ceiling lights, sconces, and even light switches. On top of all this, the bathroom needs different types of lighting since it accommodates a number of different tasks.
Feeling overwhelmed? Worry not. You can count on our help.
Shared in this blog post are top three bathroom mistakes that you’d do well to avoid.
Mistake #1 – Not Having Enough Light
Some people think a single sconce over the mirror or a single overhead lighting is going to be enough for a bathroom, particularly if it is a small one. However, that’s hardly the case. Even if the space is small, one light fixture is likely to prove insufficient.
For instance, installing a light fixture at the center of the bathroom may fail to provide shadow-free task lighting at the mirror. This, in turn, can make certain tasks, such as applying makeup or shaving, difficult. On the contrary, a sconce over the mirror can provide ample task lighting, but it may fail to offer enough ambient light in the shower.
The Solution
Use layered lighting. It involves using multiple types of lighting and helps create a balanced and well-lit space. You get sufficient task lighting for certain areas (such as over the sink), ambient lighting for excellent overall illumination, and superb accent lighting for specific areas of interest (like contemporary mosaic tiles in the master bathroom).
Mistake #2 – Not Paying Enough Attention To CRI and Color Temperature
In addition to listing information related to wattage and brightness, LED manufactures also mention the color rendering index (CRI) and color temperature on the box.
Measured in Kelvin (K), color temperature denotes the color of white light emitted by a bulb. The higher this reading, the cooler the light will appear. Consequently, the lower the reading, the warmer the light.
For instance, candlelight, which has a warm glow, falls at the low end of the spectrum with a color temperature in the range of 1800K. On the other hand, sunlight on a snowy winter’s day is at the other end of the spectrum with a color temperature of 6500K.
In case of LEDs, warm white LEDs have a color temperature of around 2700K and extra warm white LEDs of 2200K. On the other hand, if you want natural white LED bulbs (that is, light that mimics the natural daylight as closely as possible), look for a color temperature of around 4000K.
Color rendering index (CRI), in simple words, measures how accurately a light source (such as an LED bulb) reproduces the colors of the object it illuminates. Color rendering is measured on a scale of 0 to 100. Higher the rating, the better the color quality.
So what sort of CRI you should look for bathroom LED lighting?
Go for CRI of 90 and above. LED bulbs with a rating of CRI90+ are considered excellent. On the other hand, scores below 80 are typically considered poor. At LiquidLEDs, we sell only CRI90+ LED bulbs since we never compromise on quality.
If you opt for a low CRI LED bulb for the bathroom, the colors may appear unnatural. As a result, you may find it difficult to do certain bathroom tasks, like shaving or applying makeup.
Picking an LED with a very low or very high color temperature can give objects a reddish or bluish cast. This, in turn, can make it difficult to see colors accurately and negatively affect the overall feel and look of the bathroom.
The Solution
Pay attention to the way light appears at various color temperatures and pick what works for you the best. While color preferences vary from person to person, most experts recommend light in the range of 2700-3000K for homes.
As far as the CRI goes, opt for bathroom light fixtures with a reading 90 or above.
Mistake #3 – Ignoring Dimming
One of the most valuable DIY bathroom lighting solutions is to consider a dimmable fixture. It allows you adjust brightness level according to your needs and, as such, is perfect for a versatile space, like the bathroom.
The Solution
Seriously think about installing a dimmer in the bathroom. It allows you to adjust brightness level, adds to the ambience, and saves energy.
Final Words
Getting the lighting right in versatile spaces like the bathroom may prove tricky. That said, these simple yet practical bathroom lighting tips will keep you in good stead. They make sure your bathroom light is just right for different tasks, neither too bright nor too dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can LED lights go in the bathroom?
LED lights are a great choice for bathrooms. Opt for LED bulbs with a CRI of 90 and above and color temperature of 2700K to 3000K.
- How can I make my bathroom light better?
Opt for layered lighting, use high-quality LED bulbs and install a dimmer switch. If you can follow these three tips, you’ll have no problem getting the lighting right in your bathroom.
- What color light is best for bathrooms?
Color temperatures in the range of 2700K to 3000K offer a perfect, flattering warm-white illumination. As such LED bulbs in this color temperature range may be best for bathroom tasks.