Modern contemporary bathroom are multi-operational areas, which need to feel stylish and cohesive to calming. Lights are must in bathroom not just for washing and grooming. But, bathrooms are the place which sets buoyant mood for the day, when we look our best in the mirror, we feel better about ourselves, boosting our self-confidence. Another important point to note is that bathrooms are also the place where 80% of accidental falls happen, so a seniors’ bathroom must be designed to be well-light.
Now the question is how much light is needed in the bath? This depends on the person using the bathroom and the task they’re performing. For someone just waking up, groggy and shuffling in — 10 footcandles (fc) might be plenty but after a shower, during shaving 100fc is needed for better visibility. In the master bathrooms, use fixtures to provide at least 75 to 100 watts of illumination.
(Note: A 100-watt bulb yields 1,750 lumens, or about 137 fc).
The perfect bathrooms need daylight, overall light, vanity lighting, light in the shower and night lighting for proper style, safety and stylish design.
Day lighting in bathroom
It’s ideal to design a bathroom with as much natural light as possible because natural light brightens the mood, makes the room bright and airy and also sets the circadian rhythms which regulate wake/sleep cycles. Plan to have windows adjacent or on opposite walls because it is only in natural light that one can see the true color of our face, make-up, hair and clothes best. Instead of large feature windows over the tub, opt for bottom-up shades to combine daylight and privacy. Install windows at a height, smaller sized ones to keep the element of privacy. Consider different type of glass which lets the light in but has you covered. Frosted glass and stained glass are two preferred options.
- Color temperature of light is measured in Kelvins (K) and natural daylight is at 6500K.
- Therefore, pick light fixtures which will offer a color temperature of 6500K.
- Regardless of choosing LED or halogen fixtures, ascertain that the color temperature replicates natural daylight.
Overall Bath Lighting
For effective lighting of the bathroom pay attention to the CRI (color rendering index) and also specify the color temperature, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K) as mentioned above. You can opt for small chandeliers or pendant fixture for overall lighting of the bathroom. Another great light source in bath rooms is indirect lighting, for a soft, pleasant background illumination; usually achieved with fluorescent or LED light strips on top of cabinets or semi-flushed ceiling lights.
- Ensure that the light fixtures are at least 3 feet from the tub and 7 feet or more above the high-water level.
- In addition, add a dimmer and at night, it’s best dim it to about 20 percent.
Lighting at the vanity mirror
Task lighting isappropriatefocused light by the mirror by which you can best see yourself by shadow-less illumination for various grooming tasks like shaving, application of makeup, tooth care and so on.
- Provide task lighting for detailed task by a pair of sconces mounted at eye level on either side of the mirror and these must be as close to your face as possible.
- The sconces must be at least 28 inches apart and around 60 inches off of the floor so that the brightest parts of the lights are in line with your face.
- Avoid any light above the mirror, as these will lights up only the forehead, cast deep shadows below the eyes, nose and chin; high-light splotches and lines across your face. This light is ineffective for shaving or applying makeup, it also visually ages you making you lose your confidence.
- For a light above the mirror, mount it about 78 inches off of the floor.
Light in the Shower
Determine how many lights will be necessary depending upon the overall size of your shower space. One or more task light fixtures are needed in a small area, whereas a luxurious oversized shower will require additional lights. Lights are a must element here to prevent slips, falls, and spills, while shampooing or operating the shower.
- The most common type of light used here will be recessed lighting.
- For installation, these must be enclosed by a waterproof plastic light cover with an airtight rubber seal for safety.
- LED bulbs can be used as they offer additional safety in wet areas and are more energy efficient as well.
Night Lighting
It’s critical to provide light to maneuver by as the bathroom is used in the middle of the night.
The eyes are adjusted to darkness when you wake up from a sound sleep therefore it’s a good idea to provide a low-wattage light either is on all night or a light which responds to motion.
Plan ahead the requirements for night light in your bathroom by keeping in mind aging and a compromised vision.
