The bathroom has become a personal retreat that is used for a variety of activities, including grooming, bathing, and exercising, or just a relaxing escape. A combination of different lighting techniques will provide your effective lighting for all these activities while enhancing the overall look of the bathroom. Effective lighting for your daily grooming tasks is important. The mirror, sink and counter area of the bathroom is the primarily task area.

For a large mirror and a double sink vanity a long horizontally mounted vanity light will provide sufficient shadow free illumination light for two people. Ideal height for a vanity strip mounting is 78" off the floor.

To light a smaller powder room you can use a suitable sized decorative vanity strip mounted above the mirror or decorative wall sconces mounted on either side of the mirror. Wall sconces should be mounted between 60" to 70" off the floor and should be mounted no further than 30" apart to avoid shadows. Wall sconces and tulip bars may be available with mix and match glassware for your style considerations. Recessed lighting over the mirrors are nice but only if used in conjunction with wall lights. Recessed alone will produce shadows on the face.

Lighting the shower or tub should be bright enough for safety, grooming, and reading labels on soap, and shampoos.Mini chandeliers are now very popular in bathroom, however check with your local building codes concerning lighting by the tub area.