No bathroom
remodeling design is complete without a plan for improved lighting. Lighting
serves many functions in the bathroom, from highlighting the décor to helping
you accomplish your daily grooming and hygiene routine to complementing your
reflection in the vanity mirror. By installing the appropriate lighting in your
bathroom, you can both make the space feel larger and create place for personal
retreat.

Here’s a
look at the types of lighting you should include in your bathroom remodeling
plans:

Task Lighting

Task
lighting in a bathroom is one of the most important types of light to include
in your bathroom remodel, as it gives you the necessary illumination for
applying makeup, shaving, showering and performing other essential tasks.

When
designing your task lighting, pay extra attention to the illumination around
your bathroom vanity, which is essential for grooming and applying makeup
properly. A common mistake homeowners make is placing a single light directly
over the mirror, which casts misleading shadows on your face. If possible,
surround the mirror with vanity lights or add sconces on either side of the
mirror to create more even lighting on your face.

For
additional task lighting, place a waterproof, recessed light above the shower
or tub.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient
lighting is a stand-in for natural light, enhancing the mood or atmosphere of a
bathroom. If you’re fortunate enough to have a window or skylight in your
bathroom, take advantage of the natural light as much as possible by removing
blinds or curtains and using a thin shade or frosted glass instead. If your
bathroom lacks natural light, you can simulate it with a lamp or chandelier on
the ceiling. You can also create a soft glow by concealing, rope lights around
the perimeter of the room behind molding that sits up to six inches below the
ceiling.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting
is typically used to illuminate an aspect of your bathroom you want to
highlight, such as artwork, a unique tile arrangement, a beautiful tub or an
interesting sink. To create accent lighting, add a recessed spotlight with a
beam aimed at the element you want to highlight.

Other Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Once you’ve
designed your bathroom lighting scheme, make it work in harmony with the rest
of your décor by using color and decorative elements to enhance the lights. A
large mirror above the sink will reflect your bathroom’s light and make the
space appear larger. For a small bathroom remodeling project, artistically
arrange a collection of smaller mirrors. Adding a soft, light color to the
walls and floors will also help reflect your bathroom’s light. You can also
include a light-colored rug.

Finally,
attach your different lighting elements to various dimmer switches to give you
total control over your bathroom’s ambience. This will not only help you create
whatever mood you desire, but it can help you save energy and lower your
utility bill.

Although
bathroom lighting is often neglected, good lighting is essential to any
functional bathroom. As you begin plans for your bathroom remodeling project, make
sure you include the one element that will help make the space look its best –and
make you look fabulous.