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Discussion Forum

Bathroom lighting

Gene_Davis | Posted in General Discussion on September 30, 2007 12:31pm

Friend of mine who builds, has a habit he needs to break, IMHO.  Tell me what you think.

For lighting at the vanity, he always runs a line of closely-spaced canlights in the ceiling.  I observed the latest one Thursday, a small bath, 9/0 ceiling, 60-inch vanity with a single centered sink, four cans up there at 9/0.

I’m always saying, “Light it with sconces flanking the mirror.  No one wants to see their lips shaded by the shadow of their nose.”

Besides, electricans charge on a per-opening basis.  You’ll save two thus, doing a pair of sconces versus four cans.

I say, “It’s more important to light your face well, here, than to light your toothpaste.  You’re not here to do food prep on that counter.”

But, hey, as discussed in that thread about Gunner, every builder has his standard ways of doing things.

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  1. user-51823 | Sep 30, 2007 12:42am | #1

    i agree with you. dramatic overhead lighting is in vogue now, but it is potentially unflattering and not practical for all the reasons you mention, from the shadows to the financial considerations.
    can your friend not do sconces also (with mybe 7 or lessoverhead cans) so the HO has a choice?

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | Sep 30, 2007 12:47am | #2

    I agree. In the master bath and hall bath I have a sofit with built in 2x40 fourscent and I have found that out.

    In the downstairs 1/2 bath I have to hanging lights (1979) and it lights the face much better.

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
  3. User avater
    popawheelie | Sep 30, 2007 12:49am | #3

    Whenever you see a scene in a movie or on tv of backstage in a theater dressing room they have mirrors with a row of lights on each side. That's how it's done.

  4. renosteinke | Sep 30, 2007 01:07am | #4

    I get weary of lighting 'fads.' I really wish folks would focus on what they wish to accomplish ..... rather than the 'way it's always done' or 'what's IN this year.'

    As I see it, there are at least four things you want light to accomplish in the bath. Once you define these issues, the type of fixture becomes an easy choice.

    The three primary types of lighting are known as 'area,' 'task,' and 'accent.'

    In a bathroom, a recessed can is a good way to provide specific task lighting. For example, a can over the seat of the 'throne' will greatly aid your being able to read.

    The vanity is another special area, with special requirements. In that regard, it's real hard to beat the 'movie star' arrangement ... where there are many small lights clustered around the mirror.
    This is because women need different types of lighting for differing tasks. She'll want a very bright, very white light for grooming. She'll want to be able to match the lighting to wherever she plans to be going ... for example, her make-up will look best at work if the mirror at home can be lit by a fluorescent light from above. There4 should always be the option of using as natural a light as possible, as well.

    "Area" lighting mainly keeps you from walking into the walls. A general wash of light over the entire ceiling works well. The tub / shower area is lit only by 'area' type lighting ... and even that is best if fixtures are NOT over the tub. (Why? Ever try changing a bulb over a tub?)

    "Accent" lighting has limited use in a bathroom. This is lighting that is used purely for a decorative effect. Most baths are too small for there to be anything that needs accenting.

    The fourth type of lighting is not used in very many other places in the home: low level night lighting. You want just enough light to be able to find your way ... without ruining your night vision in the process. A simple plug-in 'night light' can work well ... IF there is a receptacle in an appropriate place. "Around the corner, over the sink" won't work.

    1. User avater
      McDesign | Sep 30, 2007 01:54am | #5

      You forgot "mood"

      DW and I built our big triple-headed shower under a 4x6' skylight shaft, with four waterproof fixtures on a dimmer.

      Well, it was before the kids . . .

      Forrest

      1. grpphoto | Oct 01, 2007 03:58am | #10

        Might have been a factor in creation of the kids? :-)George Patterson

    2. user-51823 | Sep 30, 2007 04:24am | #6

      thanks for the breakdown of lighting categories. i'd consider the 'mood' lighting same as accent, transformed from functional via dimmer.before the kids-- <g>
      How long til you're empty nesters, mcdesign?

    3. User avater
      gdcarpenter | Sep 30, 2007 07:58am | #9

      Speaking of task lighting in the bath, in the home in Raleigh I installed a wall mounted light about 3 1/2' above the floor just a little forward of the front of the 'throne' - perfect reading light.I agree the cans aren't the best.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

  5. grpphoto | Sep 30, 2007 06:05am | #7

    I agree with you. I always put two fixtures in; one on each side of the mirror or medicine cabinet.

    Perhaps your buddy has a beard? Can't see how he could do a good job of shaving with lighting such as you describe.

    George Patterson
    1. user-51823 | Sep 30, 2007 07:23am | #8

      a beard and no female in the house.

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