Most people have a quiet, nodding appreciation for bathrooms and bathroom fixtures.

Restroom activities are a lonely business, but for many people, it’s also a great time to catch up on the news, read their backlog of emails, or simply to find their ‘me’ time without distraction.

Figure 1. Reading time in the bathroom

The bathroom is one of the only rooms in a multi-bodied household 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 ‘heaven’ by giving it a proper lighting.

Putting gender aside for a moment, young people are spending more time for their ‘alone’ time in the bathroom than older people. About 50 percent of people between 18-29 spend their reading in the bathroom or toilet. Compare that to 42 percent in the 30-44 range and only 24 percent for adults 45 and over.

There are four recommended types of lighting needed for bathroom atmosphere. They are: task, accent, decorative or the statement piece.

Task Lighting

This light is the necessary type to do important task, such as the mirror area, where we do our makeup, shaving, tooth care, etc. A pair of wall sconces mounted at eye level on both sides of the mirror to provide shadow-less illumination.

A recessed light from the ceiling does not actually help for the task in the mirror area, but it is a good source of highlighting the vanity area.

Figure 2. Task Lighting at Mirror Vanity Table

Accent Lighting

Highlight your favorite wall, freshly polished granite vanity table, or of course your favorite bath tub. This makes your eyes to focus to these object first thing as you enter your heaven.

Figure 3. Concealed Light as Accent in the Bathroom

Decorative Lighting

This adds visual sparkle.

A decorative light brings statement to the whole area, beautify and refreshes all elements. It’s not looking flat anymore.

Figure 4. Pendant Light adds sparkle to the space