Bathroom vanity lighting

The quality of lighting that you install in your bathroom can mean the difference between a space that is enjoyable to be in and pleasant to use, and one that just isn't. But creating attractive and practical lighting solutions to improve the look and feel of your bathroom need not mean changing the whole lighting system. Well planned bathroom vanity lighting can help to create a gentle, flattering light for the whole bathroom.

Vanity lighting for your bathroom

Vanity lighting can very effectively improve the look and ambience of your bathroom, because it is concentrated from one lower area, which immediately creates a feeling of greater warmth and intimacy in the room. Try these suggestions for vanity lighting:

• Use vanity lighting as one of three sources of light in the room, for maximum warmth and intimacy. A warm, diffuse vanity light combined with a stronger ceiling light (perhaps halogen down lights) for practical use and soft floor level lights that reflect off the tiles will create a beautiful warm atmosphere
• If your vanity has a mirror, set the lights on either side of it. This creates maximum lighting for beauty routines and won't reflect crazily into the room. Lighting from above casts odd shadows on faces and is therefore to be avoided near mirrors
• Use a light that can be changed in orientation to point down for clear lighting to get the job done, or up for warmth and subtlety
• Choose a beautiful vanity and use highlight lighting to track attention to it as a feature
• Sets of three or four lights can be used to great effect to highlight vanities. Choose lights that blend with the style of bathroom vanity you have chosen; brass ornate style lamps for an antique look bathroom, shiny clean looking chrome lights with straight lines and clear curves for a modern look
• Try wall sconces on either side of the vanity unit for a period look and a warm atmosphere for your bathroom
• Always combine your vanity lighting thoughtfully with the other sources of light in the room to create an overall effect, and don't be afraid to call on expert advice for assistance

Subtle effects can be created in your bathroom with the right combination of vanity, wall and ceiling lighting, and it's easy to change the feel of an entire bathroom just by playing with the lights. Choose warm, pearlescent lights to avoid that harsh 'kitchen' feel, and create a relaxing ambience.

Bathroom vanity lighting

Choosing lighting for your bathroom can be a transformative event for the entire space. Vanity lighting is a great way to create a point of interest in the room, to make a practical space for beauty and cleansing routines, and to add to the overall ambience of the other lighting. Combine it with carefully chosen wall and ceiling lights to build an overall feeling of warmth and space in your bathroom.