Bathroom Lighting Considerations

Choosing the best lighting options and fixtures for your bathroom is an important consideration in planning your bathroom remodel. Certain kinds of light, light intensity and light fixtures will be best suited to your needs in various areas within the bathroom, especially if you are remodeling a large bathroom.

Here are a few tips on choosing lighting for a bathroom:

• Natural light is ideal in a bathroom. A good source of natural light, such as a window or a skylight (or roof window) will provide the light needed without energy use for artificial lighting.
• Natural light is often preferred for make-up application. For this reason, it makes sense near a dressing table or a vanity.
• An operable window (one that can be opened) also provides natural ventilation without the cost or the energy required to use an exhaust fan.
• Bright light is desirable around showers and tubs because it makes it easier to see water on the floor that could cause a slip and fall.
• Natural light can reach farther into the room if partitions are made of translucent glass blocks or panels.
• Brighter light is generally preferred for shaving and personal hygiene, and thus makes sense near sinks and vanities.
• Light fixtures used in bathrooms should be moisture-proof to prevent damage to wiring.
• Any light fixture used in a shower should be one designed for use in a high-moisture area.
• Lights directed toward the ceiling will make the room appear larger.
• Using compact fluorescent bulbs in bathroom fixtures will last longer and save energy.
• Choosing energy-efficient light fixtures will save energy and might qualify for a tax credit or a utility rebate (depending on your locality).
• Lighting a vanity area from above will cause shadows.
• Unless your bathroom is very small, some sort of ceiling-mounted lighting will probably be necessary.
• Dimmer switches are a great idea for general lighting in any bathroom.  If you want to create a subtle mood, you can dim the lights.
• Lighting placed to illuminate mirrors should light both sides of the face and should total at least 120 watts.
• If you want whiter light in your bathroom which best approximates sunlight, you should choose fluorescent, halogen or xenon bulbs. Although more expensive than incandescent bulbs, these are more energy-efficient and they last longer.

Thinking carefully about how lighting can work with your design and the specific needs of your family in various areas of the bathroom can make a big difference in your comfort in the bathroom, your energy-savings, and the choices you make in lighting for your remodeled bathroom.  We hope these tips will help you make the best choices for your needs.

Going Green with Your Bathroom Remodel

Going green with a bathroom remodel is a major consideration today for many Indiana homeowners.  A green bathroom remodel is good for the environment, but it is also good for you because it will save you money on utility bills for years to come.  It also might qualify for some rebates and tax credits. The main opportunities to make your bathroom remodel environmentally friendly are in water conservation and in use of energy for heating/cooling and lighting.

Here are some tips for green bathroom remodeling:

1. Choose non-toxic building materials. These materials are better for your family and good for the environment.

2.  Choose non-toxic insulation derived from materials like soybean or cotton. These are safer to handle and install, safer for your family, and good for the environment.

3.  Choose tropical hardwoods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.  These are rapidly renewable and protect the environment.

4.  Wood-based features should come from rapidly renewable sources like cork and bamboo.

5.  Choose VOC free (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants.  These materials are safer to install, safer for your family (especially if there are children in the home) and better for the environment.

6.  Purchase and install low-flow faucets and shower heads to reduce the amount of water used. Install an aerator in all faucets. This is a very significant water conservation step.

7.  Choose and install low-flow or dual-flush toilets.  These toilets can function with as little as half the water used by older toilets.  Dual-flush toilets offer the choice for a lighter flush or a more thorough flush as needed.

8.  Choose energy efficient light fixtures and use compact fluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures.  You will not need to replace light bulbs as often, and you will use only a fraction of the energy for your lighting needs.

9.  Use a window and skylight to provide natural light and natural ventilation.  This will make your remodeled bathroom lighter and brighter and save energy.

10.  If the bathroom is some distance from the hot water heater, consider installing a tankless water heater. If you are installing a whirlpool or soaker tub, install an in-line water heater.  This allows you to re-heat the water in the tub, saving both power and water.

If you want to make your bathroom remodel environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, these ten tips will accomplish a great deal.  Your new bathroom will be safer, more comfortable, and environmentally responsible.