Trends in Bathroom Lighting
There are quite a few trends in bathroom design these days, but one of the most popular options are bigger, brighter, sunnier bathrooms. In fact, the more light the better. Not only is it about natural light, but artificial lighting options as well. By today’s standards though, a big light protruding from the ceiling simple won't do. Instead, you want to find alternative options like recessed lighting, or indirect lighting that creates refracted light. Not only is this about ambiance though I mean it IS a bathroom, it’s also about tasks in the bathroom from showering to putting on makeup to cleaning and everything else in between. If you are curious about some of the most popular bathroom lighting options these days, take a look below. And if you want to update your bathroom lighting contact a top electrician in New Jersey today. An NJ electricians can walk you through all the options and help you choose what is the best for your needs.
Vanity Lighting - Wall Sconces
Task lighting that is functional around a vanity is really quite important. It’s essentially actually when it comes to a well-lit bathroom. But, instead of just using a light fixture above the mirror like every other person, why not try something a little different like vanity lighting or sconces? You can easily install wall mounted lights on both sides of the vanity to create a really well-lit area that is both functional and ambient. Using light in this manner will also decrease or eliminate shadows on your face while you are doing your make up or shaving your face. There are so many types of wall mounted lights, your head will spin. In a good way of course. Not only are there different materials to choose from like copper, chrome, silver, gold and pewter - even wood, but there are all kinds of styles, designs, shapes, patterns and more. Surely you will find the perfect match for your bathroom!
Ambient Lighting
Every bathroom needs task lighting, but if you also like taking baths or you just want a quiet place to relax and unwind, ambient lighting is the way to go. Usually these lights are less about low wattage and more about how the "display" window on the light or shade is created. Most ambient lighting fixtures will use a snowy or matte finish, so it’s less about blearing light and more about soft dim lights. But, you can also use lower wattages in the bulbs as well to create the same feel with something like a glossy plastic or glass display window as well and still get the same look.
Accent Lighting
Accents, in general, are used to create focal points or highlight certain things in the bathroom that might otherwise not be seen or be forgotten. Maybe you have a really cool wall waterfall in your bathroom and you want to accentuate it. Perhaps you have built in shelving with luxurious wood that you want to show off. Maybe you have a piece of artwork that you really love and are really proud of. All of these and many other things can use accent lighting to bring the eyes to those items. It could even be something big like a freestanding tub. The point is to bring the eyes straight to the object.
Decorative Lighting
This won’t work in every bathroom because everyone has their own likes and dislikes. But, if you have a really glamorous bathroom, you can add something like decorative lights like a chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. Or above the tub. This will add a warm glow to the room and will create an interesting space. If chandeliers aren’t going to do it for you, think about tracking lighting - there are so many different styles, shapes of the shades, colors, designs and more.
Back Lit Mirrors
Gone are the days when you hired an electrician for electrical services in NJ to install a few lights above the mirror. No. Now something different is happening. Instead of placing lights above mirrors, people are now placing them behind the mirrors. This keeps the harsh and blaringly bright light to a minimum and it has a really cool effect - it actually illuminates the backside of the mirror and creates a sort of halo effect. A few backlit mirrors to think about are Back Lit Illuminated Oval Mirror by Paris Mirror, 24"x36" this is an oval mirror like the title states and its made of LED lights which make it incredibly bright. This has an off and on button for when you don't want to use it and its also energy efficient.
Another one to think about is the Kenroy Argento Framed Wall Mirror X-62006 this has a very traditional look to it. Think 1800s with a silver gold finish. Each of these is made by hand, not by machine, so each one will vary in color and accents, but that's sort of what is cool about it! Another one that is popular is the Seura Lumination Collection: Bolero Design. This is admittedly a little expensive, but it’s absolutely beautiful and the trim around the outside is where the glow comes from, and then inside is a thin frame of glass, then white wood and then the mirror inside of that. It’s got a very modern look and feel to it and looks really good with either black or white countertops and sinks as well as gray and white backsplash.
Vanity Lighting - Wall Sconces
Task lighting that is functional around a vanity is really quite important. It’s essentially actually when it comes to a well-lit bathroom. But, instead of just using a light fixture above the mirror like every other person, why not try something a little different like vanity lighting or sconces? You can easily install wall mounted lights on both sides of the vanity to create a really well-lit area that is both functional and ambient. Using light in this manner will also decrease or eliminate shadows on your face while you are doing your make up or shaving your face. There are so many types of wall mounted lights, your head will spin. In a good way of course. Not only are there different materials to choose from like copper, chrome, silver, gold and pewter - even wood, but there are all kinds of styles, designs, shapes, patterns and more. Surely you will find the perfect match for your bathroom!
Ambient Lighting
Every bathroom needs task lighting, but if you also like taking baths or you just want a quiet place to relax and unwind, ambient lighting is the way to go. Usually these lights are less about low wattage and more about how the "display" window on the light or shade is created. Most ambient lighting fixtures will use a snowy or matte finish, so it’s less about blearing light and more about soft dim lights. But, you can also use lower wattages in the bulbs as well to create the same feel with something like a glossy plastic or glass display window as well and still get the same look.
Accent Lighting
Accents, in general, are used to create focal points or highlight certain things in the bathroom that might otherwise not be seen or be forgotten. Maybe you have a really cool wall waterfall in your bathroom and you want to accentuate it. Perhaps you have built in shelving with luxurious wood that you want to show off. Maybe you have a piece of artwork that you really love and are really proud of. All of these and many other things can use accent lighting to bring the eyes to those items. It could even be something big like a freestanding tub. The point is to bring the eyes straight to the object.
Decorative Lighting
This won’t work in every bathroom because everyone has their own likes and dislikes. But, if you have a really glamorous bathroom, you can add something like decorative lights like a chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. Or above the tub. This will add a warm glow to the room and will create an interesting space. If chandeliers aren’t going to do it for you, think about tracking lighting - there are so many different styles, shapes of the shades, colors, designs and more.
Back Lit Mirrors
Gone are the days when you hired an electrician for electrical services in NJ to install a few lights above the mirror. No. Now something different is happening. Instead of placing lights above mirrors, people are now placing them behind the mirrors. This keeps the harsh and blaringly bright light to a minimum and it has a really cool effect - it actually illuminates the backside of the mirror and creates a sort of halo effect. A few backlit mirrors to think about are Back Lit Illuminated Oval Mirror by Paris Mirror, 24"x36" this is an oval mirror like the title states and its made of LED lights which make it incredibly bright. This has an off and on button for when you don't want to use it and its also energy efficient.
Another one to think about is the Kenroy Argento Framed Wall Mirror X-62006 this has a very traditional look to it. Think 1800s with a silver gold finish. Each of these is made by hand, not by machine, so each one will vary in color and accents, but that's sort of what is cool about it! Another one that is popular is the Seura Lumination Collection: Bolero Design. This is admittedly a little expensive, but it’s absolutely beautiful and the trim around the outside is where the glow comes from, and then inside is a thin frame of glass, then white wood and then the mirror inside of that. It’s got a very modern look and feel to it and looks really good with either black or white countertops and sinks as well as gray and white backsplash.