The bathroom is one of the only rooms in a household with multiple people where we’re expected and encouraged to lock ourselves inside. With that kind of permission, it makes sense to use this private space as a luxurious sanctuary. Make the most of your haven and light your bathroom properly in your remodel. The four types of light needed for the best bathroom atmosphere are task, accent, decorative and sparkle.

Task Lighting

This is the light by which you can best see yourself. It is recommended to use a pair of sconces mounted at eye level on either side of the mirror to provide shadowless illumination. This creates the best scenario for makeup application, shaving, tooth care and so on. Avoid lighting above mirror. That includes recessed lighting in the ceiling. That would throw a strong light onto your forehead and cast deep shadows below your eyes, nose and chin. Not only is this light ineffective for shaving or applying makeup, it can visually age you by 10 years. People should look their best when they look at their reflection.

Accent Lighting

If you enjoy art in your bathroom, accent lighting will show it off best. Recessed directional lights provide focused illumination for each piece of art — or, in this case, for an alcove dedicated to a sculptural bouquet of flowers.

Decorative Lighting

This adds visual sparkle. Whitehead advises using a single pendant in a square-shaped bathroom for just the right touch.

Ambient Light

This acts as fill light. “In bathrooms with taller ceilings, a cove or cantilever details, ambient lighting fixtures can be installed along the perimeter of the space,” Whitehead says. “Architectural details such as these can hide the fixture and create indirect lighting.”

Credit: Houzz

If you are interested in a bathroom remodel and would like to know more information about how to light your bathroom properly, please contact Westhill Construction today!