Bathroom mirrors are often overlooked when it comes to furnishing and decorating a bathroom. Many people seem to be content with a plain frameless mirror hanging over a vanity sink. This oversight may not just be detracting from the effort and resources spent furnishing the bathroom, it may also be costing you money. In this article I will discuss a few simple aspects of a bathroom mirror that can enhance the look, feel, and overall illumination of your bathroom.
Proper placement of a bathroom mirror
The right placement of a mirror can have a great impact on the look of your bathroom. Everyone has heard that a mirror can make a small room appear larger- especially true if you have a small bathroom. But, many other benefits of decorative or framed bathroom mirror are ofter overlooked. The first thing to keep in mind is what the mirror is reflecting. For example, if you have a piece of wall art or large window with a view, placing the mirror across or possible at a slight angle will allow a view regardless of where you are standing in the bathroom. A large decorative framed mirror will match perfectly with a victorian or old-world vanity. You may want to consider frameless or a mirror with a simple chrome or nickel frame if you are going for a more modern feel.
How mirrors can save you energy
Mirrors can multiply the amount of light in place in the bathroom. If you place the mirror so that it hangs across or even at a 45 degree angle from a ceiling light. You will need a fraction of light, and hence cost, you would need otherwise to properly light a bathroom. This is especially true if the bathroom is not being used for grooming or a particular tast at the time. You want to be sure that the chandelier or ceiling light has a diffuser or provides up-light as to avoid glare in the mirror. That said, many people assume that the only place for a mirror is above the bathroom vanity. Not true, using a smaller mirror on an adjacent wall will also work to amplify the existing bathroom lights in place.
By: Kevin Hatan
Posts Tagged ‘Glare’
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Every day, before we head off to the outside world, we spend some time in the bathroom first, taking care of ourselves. The bathroom is also a place where most of us spend time relaxing after a long day at work, maybe by soaking in the bath tub. Homeowners may not put too much attention to it but one of the most important amenities in a bathroom is the lights, especially bathroom ceiling lighting.
Yes, lighting plays a significant role in both the functionality and aesthetics of a bathroom. With the proper lighting, your bathroom can crossover from simply adequate to truly sophisticated. Proper illumination is necessary in every bathroom especially if it is used mainly for grooming and hygiene. Of course, activities such as shaving or putting on make up needs sufficient lighting in order to be done properly. To achieve this, you can install bathroom ceiling lighting fixtures that will provide the needed illumination. You can install a decorative lighting fixture and suspend it from the ceiling. This will not only provide enough light throughout the entire room but will also introduce an elegant style in your bathroom. In the shower, you can also install overhead lighting that will cast enough light into the area without producing too much glare. Ceiling lights will also brighten enclosed corners in your bathroom.
Bath tub areas need a more subtle lighting to create a more relaxed atmosphere and subdued ambiance. This can be achieved by using recessed lighting fixtures that gently diffuse the light but still provide sufficient illumination. A good technique is to focus the light towards the edge of the tub. This will help avoid dull lights in your bath area. Meanwhile, if you are fond of reading while on the toilet, you can install reading lamps either on the ceiling or the wall.
The most important area of the bathroom that should be given proper illumination is the vanity area or the mirror. You can install bathroom ceiling lighting that is positioned in a way that will eliminate shadows and dark circles on your face. This way, the clear and sufficient illumination will aid your grooming and help you look your best. Aside from overhead lighting, you can also use sconces that will provide just enough light without casting hard shadows on your face. If you want to feel like a movie star, you can also install fluorescent light bulbs, either bare or ensconced, along the sides of your vanity mirror.
To create a relaxing atmosphere throughout your bathroom and still provide the enough illumination, you can opt for rope lights embedded in recessed moldings along the outer edges of your ceiling. This will create a more cozy and comfortable ambiance in your bathroom. To save up on electricity, you can use LED (light-emitting diodes). Other bathroom ceiling lighting is also available to suit you individual taste.
By: Tim Lee
