My 4 Tips for Illuminating a Dreamy Bathroom
Creating a dreamy bathroom that combines functionality with a touch of luxury requires thoughtful lighting design.
Proper illumination can transform a mundane space into a spa-like retreat, enhancing both aesthetics and utility.
In this post, we'll explore my top four tips for illuminating a dreamy bathroom, ensuring every corner is beautifully lit while providing the perfect balance of ambiance and task lighting. Whether you're renovating an existing bathroom or designing a new one, these tips will help you achieve a stunning, well-lit space that invites relaxation and rejuvenation.
1. Light your face
It's all about the money maker ๐โโ๏ธ. Nearly every time we're in a restroom, we're looking in the mirror. Whether grooming (makeup, shaving) or just washing our hands, we want to look GOOD. Side lighting with luminous sconces either side of a mirror is the absolutely best way to look your best. The cross illumination reduces lines and shadowing, and who doesn't want that?
Mini puck lights above and below this tile wall graze and emphasize the textured pattern of the tile.
West Bath Residence | Interiors by Salt of Maine Design Co. | Lighting Design by Light + Form Studio
2. Light your task surfaces
Different types of bathrooms require different task lighting strategies. Is this a primary suite where most morning "getting ready" time will take place? A small powder room? A full bath & walk in shower? Take care to consider all uses before using your lighting intentionally around these task areas. Blobbing light in the center is at best, inefficient and at worst, the cause of inconvenient shadowing and a reduction in usability.
3. Highlight your emphasis
Now it's time to look around and determine your emphasis. Is it a stunning textured tile wall, like in the images above? A wall paper, or piece of art work on the wall? Maybe it's the special sink material or hardware. Using light carefully and sparingly can ensure that your carefully crafted details steal the show.
Using light carefully and sparingly can ensure that your carefully crafted details steal the show.
3. Make the walls glow
No one wants their retreat to feel more like a cave, so light those walls! Vertical illumination is your go-to strategy to make a space feel light, bright, and comfortable. Whether you're using a linear perimeter fixture to "lift" the walls or wall wash downlights to evenly illuminate, find ways in which you can use your natural blank canvases instead of leaving them dark and bare.
By incorporating these top four lighting tips, you can create a dreamy bathroom that blends elegance and functionality seamlessly. Illuminating your bathroom thoughtfully can elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Weโre here to help! Light + Form Studio offers services tailored to your specific project, to help you create a well-designed, visually appealing, functional space.
-G
Light + Form Studio is a woman-owned, boutique lighting design and consulting studio serving the architects and designers of Greater Portland, Maine and beyond.
