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Bath Lighting
In bath lighting, it is quite important to provide adequate light around the vanity and mirror. A bath light above the mirror to illuminate downward is recommended. Also bath lights on both sides of the mirror are recommended to reduce shadows on the face. The choices in bathroom lighting have dramatically increased over the past few years. One of the most popular trends is "Design & Combine" Bath Bars. You choose the bath wall bracket (or fitter) they like the best and then select from the many styles of glass shades available to go with it. You will enjoy custom designing your own bathroom lighting fixture. Use a ceiling fixture in the bathroom for generous overall illumination. Bath or mirror lighting is a subject that people are highly critical of, because it affects their own appearance.
There are three considerations for mirror bath lighting; bath lighting fixture placement, bath lighting lamp (or bulb) type, and bath lighting fixture style.
The best bath mirror lighting surrounds the face with light. This provides light from all sides that minimizes shadows under the chin, eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
Normally you want the center of the fixture at about 66" above the finished floor and at least 30" apart (these specs will vary according to the particulars of the room and fixture).
If the room has a whole wall mirror you can mount the fixtures right on the mirror. Mounting the fixtures on the mirror requires extra planning and coordination with the electrical contractor and the glass supplier.
Also be aware that some types of bath lighting fixtures will look better on a mirror than other types Avoid using ceiling mounted fixtures as the sole source unless the room is very small with light colored walls. Large bathrooms often need additional lighting besides the mirror lighting.
Definitely don't rely on recessed cans for mirror lighting, the shadows can be horrendous! If a recessed type must be used, consider constructing a luminous soffit with two 4' fluorescent tubes.
The most common placement for mirror lighting is on the wall above the mirror. Though this is not ideal it avoids most conflicts with mirror size, medicine cabinet doors, and room dimensions. However the fixture needs to be long enough to light the sides of the face.
Color qualities, light distribution, and maintenance costs are all heavily dependent on the type of lamp the fixture uses. It is very important to first choose the lamp you want to use and then find a fixture that will hold it properly.
With fluorescent lamps you have choices when it comes to the color properties of the lamp. The two main color properties the specifier should know about are color temperature and color rendering.
Light distribution is another key element in effective bath lighting mirror lighting. Even, shadowless light is easiest on the eyes, and fluorescent sources (particularly the large T-8 tubes) are well suited to this task.
Spotlights, clear bulbs or small halogens require lots of shielding or diffusion from the fixture for glare control. This will tend to reduce the light level necessitating the use of higher wattages.
When selecting a fixture style choose one that has a translucent lens. If the lens is clear the fixture may be glaring. If it is opaque (metal, ceramic, etc.) it will not pass enough light directly to your face. Be sure that the lens will not change the color of the light (some glass is rather green).
Check that the fixture meets your maintenance requirements for bath lighting relamping, bath lighting cleaning, and bath lighting spare parts. Most 'vanity' fixtures are linear and many of them can be mounted horizontally above, or vertically on the sides, of the mirror. If you choose to use wall sconces in small rooms select ones that are narrow, as these will fit best.
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Wall Scones
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Vanity Lighting
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Chandeliers
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Track Lighting
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Down Lights
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Surface Lights
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Accent Lighting
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Motion Sensors
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