No Natural Light? No Problem: Lighting Solutions for Dark Bathrooms
When it comes to creating a practical yet inviting atmosphere in the home, the bathroom is often overlooked. A dark bathroom can not only be uninspiring, but it can make it harder to see throughout your morning routine. Brightening things up in the bathroom can transform this space into an area of relaxation and luxury.
Here are some of Axiom Power’s favorite ways to light up those dark bathrooms which will make your morning routine a breeze!
Improving Bathroom Lighting
The best lighting for a bathroom with little natural light combines both ambient light and task lighting to help create a bright functional space. Bright overhead lighting is a great place to start, and added task lighting over the vanity can make morning tasks like shaving and applying makeup easier.
Improving the lighting in a dark bathroom with few windows involves more than just plugging in a higher-wattage light bulb. The quality of light is important, and understanding your options can help you choose the best light bulbs for your bathroom.
Let’s discuss lighting options for your dark bathroom!
Light Bulb Types
There are three main types of light bulbs that you can find on the market today:
Halogen incandescent
Compact fluorescent (CFLs)
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
We do not recommend the use of CFLs in the bathroom because the frequent on/off usage of typical bathroom lights can shorten the bulb’s lifespan. LEDs are quickly becoming the go-to lighting option for windowless bathrooms. Not only do they use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also last about 25 times longer.
If they are all you have, incandescent bulbs will work fine to light a dark bathroom.
Make the most of your light: How to Choose Lightbulbs for Each Area of Your Home
Light Bulb Brightness
The brightness of a light is measured in lumens. A typical household lightbulb emits around 800 lumens which is the equivalent of traditional 60-watt incandescent bulbs.
For a dark or even windowless bathroom, the ideal lighting would be at least 2,000 lumens. A centered overhead fixture that accommodates two or three light bulbs will help make up for the lack of natural light.
Color and Light Quality
In a bathroom, the color and quality of light are key to looking and feeling your best. The color of light bulbs is measured in Kelvins and rates the color or tone of the emitted light.
Lower color temperatures refer to warm and light tones such as yellow to soft white, and higher temperatures indicate cool bright light with blue undertones.
Here are some common Kelvin ratings:
Typical incandescent bulbs are in the 2700K-3000K range
Pure white light is about 4000K
Natural daylight is 5000K
For the lighting in a windowless bathroom, we recommend using something in the 3000K-4000K range.
Color Considerations
The color rendering index (CRI) refers to how an object’s color appears under the light emitted from the lightbulb, as compared to how it appears under natural light. A higher CRI will indicate a more true representation of a color. Traditional incandescent bulbs have the highest CRI value of 100.
For a dark windowless bathroom, look for a CRI of 90 or higher, especially for focused task lighting. To achieve optimal lighting for putting on makeup, LEDs are a great option for overhead lighting, and incandescent bulbs can be used for additional light.
Our residential electricians specialize in lighting design, LED retrofits, and installations! Let the experts at Axiom Power help you with all of your bathroom and home electrical needs.
Light Fixtures for Bathrooms
Choosing the right type of lighting can make all the difference in making your space feel larger and more open. However, in a small space, you will want to avoid low-hanging lighting fixtures as they tend to make the ceiling appear lower than it actually is.
Instead, semi-flush ceiling-mounted fixtures are a practical choice for small spaces. These fixtures sit close to the ceiling while still providing ample light throughout the room. Natural light can make a space feel more open and inviting, but not all bathrooms have ample sunlight pouring in. If you're dealing with a bathroom that lacks natural light, choosing clear or light shades for your fixtures can help make up for it.
If you're aiming to achieve a beautifully lit vanity space, sconces on either side of the mirror are an excellent option. Not only do they provide ample light for applying makeup or doing your hair, but they also create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in the room. With sconces flanking the mirror, you'll be able to see yourself clearly and make sure that every detail is perfect before leaving for the day.
Call the pros at Axiom Power for professional lighting installs all throughout your home! Call 813-308-9328 to schedule a consultation!
Other Lighting Considerations
Bright lighting in the bathroom is often considered essential for starting your day on the right foot. However, what if you want to unwind and relax after a long day? This is where the importance of softer lighting comes into play. Soft lighting can create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and tranquility. Plus, installing a dimmer switch will allow you to adjust the lighting levels in your bathroom to suit your mood.
Today’s dimmer switches are made for all types of bulbs, but older switches may only be compatible with the light bulbs you’ve chosen.
Light Up Your Dark Bathroom with Axiom Power
Unsure of which lighting is best for your dark bathroom? We’re here to light up that deary bathroom!
Axiom Power offers professional residential and commercial lighting installation services. We can help with lighting design, fixture selection, and dimmer switch or GFCI outlets installs.
Contact us online or call our Tampa area and Orlando, FL electricians at 813-308-9328 to schedule a bathroom lighting consultation today!