A windowless bathroom can make it seem dull and dreary. Spending time in a dimly lit space can significantly impact your routines. However, many studies show that exposure to bright light in the morning boosts energy and focus all day long. With this in mind, we at Peterkin Electric would like to discuss lighting you should use in a bathroom with no windows. Being more than just plugging in a higher-wattage bulb, improving the lighting in a given space involves light quality. To ensure you select the right bulbs, consult the guide below.

Types of Light Bulbs

With the main three types of bulbs available, consumers can choose compact florescent lights (CFLs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), and halogen incandescent bulbs. Since the frequent on/off usage patterns of typical bathroom lights shortens the bulb’s lifespan CFLs are not recommended for bathroom use. For windowless bathrooms, most experts suggest using LEDs. LEDs are significantly more energy efficient and last over 25% longer than incandescent bulbs, although incandescent bulbs will work fine.

Light Bulb Brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens and about 800 lumens is what a typical household bulb emits about 800 lumens, which is about the equivalent of traditional 60-watt incandescent bulbs. Ideally, windowless bathroom lighting should be about at least 2,000 lumens. Making up for the lack of natural light is a centered, overhead light fixture that accommodates two or three bulbs will get you to that level.

Relationship Between Color & Light

Being fairly confusing, the bulbs have ratings and values on their labels. Being measured in Kelvins is the color temperature, it rates the color or tone of emitted light. Higher temperatures indicate cool, bright light with blue undertones and Lower color temperatures refer to warm light tones, and yellow to soft white. Consider something in the 3000K to 4000K range for general lighting in a windowless bathroom. When compared to how its coloring appears under ideal or natural lighting, the color rendering index (CRI) refers to how an object’s color appears under the bulb’s light. A truer representation of color is indicated with a higher value. Generally, incandescent bulbs have the highest CRI value of 100. Especially for task lighting that provides focal light over the bathroom mirror, look for a CRI of 90 or higher for bathroom lighting. Try LEDs for general overhead lights and incandescent bulbs for additional task lighting to achieve optimal lighting for makeup application.

Bathroom Light Fixtures

In bathrooms, there are many types of light fixtures that work well. Though semi-flush ceiling mounted fixtures can be both appealing and practical, you may want to avoid low-hanging lights in small spaces. Choose clear or white shades that let light through for windowless bathrooms. Allow moisture to escape into spaces above the ceiling may not be the best choice, since moisture accumulation is often an issue in bathrooms, recessed lighting. Check out this vital information about bathroom exhaust fans to keep excess moisture from causing mold or mildew issues. While adding an elegant touch to your bathroom, sconces on each side of the mirror will illuminate your face and minimize shadows from overhead lights is used for vanity lighting. There are a number of vanity lights on the market if you prefer a more contemporary look.

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To help you get the right bathroom lighting in the windowless bathroom, call Peterkin Electric and let our professionals assist you!