The lighting that your bathroom will require is determined by the size and shape of the room. Larger bathrooms, of course, will need more lighting. This is where you can get really creative in your lighting choices.

This is a room that could be a lot of fun to experiment with when it comes to lighting however because of the proximity of water you also must move forward with caution as well.

First determine the spots in your bath that you want to draw attention to. Maybe you need the mirror to be well lit. This is a huge consideration for most women who wear makeup. Maybe you have some decorations in the bathroom area that you would like to highlight, whatever your desire is you can use accent lighting to make it happen.

Accent lighting focuses the light on a specific area. There are many to choose from, just take care that the type of accent lighting you choose is one that is good for use near water sources.

For good lighting, a bathroom remodel needs the following four types of light:

• task lighting provides adequate light for daily chores, such as applying makeup and shaving. The best task light at the mirror is a pair of fixtures mounted on the wall, flanking the sink. This is called cross illumination and provides shadow-free lighting for the face. Once task lighting has been addressed, look at other types of lighting that will pull the whole room together.
• 
  Sea Gull Lighting LX Task Disk Light - 9858/Choose Finish=Polished Brass
• Ambient lighting is achieved by bouncing the light off the ceiling, which softens shadows and can easily take ten years off a person's appearance.


Nulco Task-Ambient 2 Light Mini Pendant - 1084-56




• Accent lighting gives depth and dimension to a bathroom. Accent lighting allows you to illuminate design features, including art, plants or even beautiful tile.


Triarch Lighting Melon 1Lt Accent Lamp - 80081




• Decorative lighting, created by hanging eye-catching fixtures from the ceiling, will dress up the bath and add a layer of luxury.
• 

Progress Lighting Brushed Nickel Decorative Bath/Exhaust Fan/Light Combination Unit 70 CFM - PV005-09

Providing the right amount of light in a bathroom is very important. What fixtures you install will depend on the size and the needs of your bathroom.

The vanity is usually a focal point in a bathroom, and often the first thing the visitor sees. Lighting in the vanity area needs to both function well for grooming and be attractive and pleasing to the eye.

AF Lighting Serena 3Lt Vanity Fixture - 5600-3WB

When you are planning a bathroom remodel, plan the lighting needs and how to update for function and pleasure.

The vanity is used on a daily basis for grooming and needs lighting that will not provide shadows.

Although bar lights over the mirror can be very attractive and are quite popular, they are not the best for the vanity area. The light in this area should be on both sides of the mirror at about face level in order to eliminate shadows.

Thomas Lighting 4 Light Bath Bar 24 in. -M1914/Choose Finish=Brushed Nickel

Illuminating specific bathroom areas

If you are fortunate enough to have a larger bath, you may have a number of areas and functions that could be enhanced by appropriate lighting.

Recessed or general purpose lighting can be adequate for short in and out trips to the bathroom and provide light for brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

Sea Gull Lighting Single-Light Incandescent Recessed Fixture- 1160-14

The option of subdued lighting can add a touch of glamour and relaxation during a soak in the tub. This may be something to consider if you want to create a spa like atmosphere in your bathroom. In a bath with a large soaker tub or a whirlpool tub, subdued lighting can add much to the experience.

In some areas of the country, fluorescent lighting is required in a bathroom. If codes in your area have this requirement, consult a lighting expert about fluorescent bulbs and colors. There are various color shades of lighting that emanate from these bulbs and some are more pleasing than others.

Bathroom lighting fixtures are available today in a wide variety of attractive styles and finishes. You'll find fixtures in whatever style or finish you prefer whether it is vintage, traditional or contemporary.

Select bathroom lighting that provides both adequate light for your needs as well as adding to your decor. The fixtures you choose can add just the right touch to complete the look and style you prefer in your new bathroom.