Guest Post: How Updating Fixtures Can Spice Up a Bathroom

So your bathroom is too dark and you want to brighten it up. Your first thought may be a new window. Go ahead; knock a hole in that wall! But before you swing away with the sledgehammer, are you ready for the repair work that comes with it? You’ll have to work around wires, piping and studs. Well, how about new lighting instead? Just by changing the fixtures in your bathroom, you can give the room a whole new look.

Task Lighting

Your bathroom lighting is more important than you probably realize. First, how are you using your “task lighting?” Task lighting is the most important type of lighting in your bathroom. These lights do the job of illuminating your head and face. This lighting is necessary for day-to-day grooming. But you have to be careful how you install these fixtures. By recessing or angling the light downward, you can create unnecessary shadows on your face, making it harder to properly see yourself for that quick trim or makeup application. By using sidelights, in addition to top lights, you can fully illuminate the face. Be sure to mount lights on the sides of the mirror as well – in order to get rid of shadows under the eyes, nose, chin and cheeks.

Shower Lighting

The second area of lighting is the shower. A recessed light with a glass cover will provide a good amount of light for your showing needs. Be sure the cover is glass and not plastic. Plastic fixtures turn yellow and cast a haze on the room that can turn warmth into drudge. This style fixture also works well over free-standing sinks and toilets.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the rest of your lighting. It fills in any of the gaps left from the task and shower lighting. You can either let natural light do the job or use a central ceiling light. If you really want to get creative, a chandelier works wonders for this job. Another suggestion is a cove light. By using rope lights and covering them with drop-down molding, you can create a warm atmosphere to fill in any lighting gaps.

Accent Lighting

Finally, there is accent lighting. Find a nice painting or section of tile work and focus a light on that. It will give the room another layer of light. Nothing says the bathroom cannot be as beautifully decorated as the rest of the home.

Always remember that water and electricity do not mix. Be sure to properly install all lighting fixtures or, if you don’t know how, hire someone who does. By hiring someone you’ve researched and trust, you can be confident that your bathroom is safe and up to date with the latest codes.

This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA kitchen remodeling company specializing in kitchen renovations. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN in North Georgia.