Natwerk Designs

What is new in bathroom lighting design?

I'm remodeling my bathroom and need to pick out lighting for the vanity. I will be putting the lighting above the mirror. Are there any new trends? Types of lights? Track lighting? Colors? Finishes? Etc...

Public Comments

1. i think that this kind of lighting is fantastic, and it would set a lovely mood for a nice relaxing bath http://1decor.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ps-star-ceiling-kit.gif http://www.trendir.com/archives/wetspa-fiber-optic-lighting.jpg
2. A wall-mounted, multiple lamp fixture (two or three, depending on the space) with halogen bulbs. Colors and finishes depend on the decor of the room. I have tans and greys in my bathroom. So, I have a two-light fixture that's brown metal with square "fingers" that support two alabaster bowls. Another thing people are doing is putting recessed lighting above bath and shower areas. They make lighting cans that have sealed opaque glass covers for areas that are subject to moisture. Also, in California anyway, you are required by code to have a certain percentage of your lighting in a remodeled home be fluorescent bulbs (compact fluorescent or tubes). So, they make the recessed lighting cans that support fluorescent bulbs (the ones with the bayonet base, not the screw-up kind - that prevents you from replacing the screw-up fluorescent bulbs with incandescent ones after the final inspection).
3. eh, seems like there's a few fads going around atm, but not a real new trend atm. I'll assume you are doing a wall-mounted vanity light, not a ceiling mounted one. Current trend is for downward lighting, BUT upward lights create a more ambient glow, which is most suitable for makeup, shaving, etc. as well as general appearance in the mirror. Downward lights create more shadows and highlights, thereby somewhat distorting one's image and making grooming work more difficult and not as good/thorough in "real life" lighting. So, don't follow the crowd on that one. Use uplights if at all possible. Also, some yellow-ish glass is being used lately. Don't fall for it. It's lovely, but it'll distort the color one sees in the mirror. Go for frosted white or alabaster shades -- ones touched with yellow are ok. Fad finishes/metals are bouncing around oiled bronze/copper, aged pewter, and polished chrome (for the tarnish-craving retro-philiacs), but brushed nickel/stainless are holding strong. Silvers stay "in" more than "out", but make sure that you pick a metal that matches your hardware (or vice versa). Ideally the finish will match as well, but the metal is the most important part. Track lighting isn't exactly making a comeback, but it's gotten a lot more stylish... still a family room/den/kitchen thing though. If you have a very neutral style in your bathroom in general, then consider what kind of style you want in there. The vanity light is somewhat of a focal point, so it can help determine the feel of the room. If you want a more elegant style, go for something with clean, flowing lines. A modern, comtemporary style will have clean, harsh lines. A romantic one will have more detail and curls to the metal. A traditional style will have some bold details, but mostly very simple -- neither harsh nor flowing -- lines. The current trend for overall style is going traditional/elegant. BUT, go with the style that suits you and the room. A trendy piece that doesn't suit the room is just a bad choice and nothing else. If you've already updated the room, you just have to go with the style that you've updated it to.