A Lesson in Bathroom Lighting

As many get into the remodeling mode and are in the process of upgrading their entire home, bathroom lighting often falls dead last. More important are the kitchen and living areas, and even the garage takes preference. However when the bathroom has a ceiling light, that’s good enough. But is it? Even in large families, the bathroom is where each member starts the day and ends it there as well.

So as you plan for new showers, bathtubs, commode, toilet, and whatever else is in the room, plan for relaxation too, but don’t forget the light above the mirror. Dads shave there, Moms do their hair, put on makeup and they both plan for the day in that same spot. It may be a place where sharing takes priority so lighting should too.

Leave the light in the ceiling if that’s your choice, but think about lights above the mirror, and install those that give out the proper lighting. You often find fluorescent lights in the room, but they aren’t necessary as long as you have plenty of lighting in appropriate places.

Lighting over the mirror and above the vanity need top consideration. When you place the lights at the side of the mirror they give the best lights without the shadows you receive when the light is above the mirror. However many prefer large mirrors, and the side lighting would be impractical. Recessed lighting is attractive, but may not give the best results in lighting the person in front of the mirror. At the very least the light should be 150 watts.

The lessons learned about bathroom lighting may suit one person, but not all. Remember the one that takes long soaking baths. Their light could be subdued, even candle light can serve their purpose while the bright ceiling light may not. Somewhere in between would be best.

Showers may not require special lighting and as long as you have other lighting over the vanity, a 75-watt light in the ceiling would work well.

When you do the remodeling yourself, decide on the lighting issue before you begin, even if you’re only painting the room. You’ll save work for yourself in the long run. If you’re hiring a contractor to upgrade your bathroom even if everything stays in its original place, you need to discuss the lighting before they get started.

If all else fails, hire an electrician, they’ll give you a lesson on the best use of bathroom lighting.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Coto De Caza home improvement and Orange County bathroom remodeling.

Waterfall Faucets

You might agree that there are a lot of faucets out there and many don’t look alike, but almost all of them work the same way. To turn the water on, you either push or pull, and many have one handle while others have two, one for cold and one for hot water. If you haven’t seen the newly developed waterfall faucets, take a look. You’ll be amazed, and you can use them in the kitchen, bathroom sinks, and even your showers.

The old type faucets remain popular mainly because they’re cheaper and work well; even those that rise far above the sink. The waterfall faucets work the same way but they’ve modernized them. Most of the innovative waterfall faucets come in a glass-plate design that is an angled glass tray that hangs several inches above the sink by a long sloping cylinder. In the middle of the plate, a long metal rod sticks up into the air.

When you turn the metal level the water courses out across the plate and falls into the sink similar to a waterfall. They come in pewter, brass and plated nickel and you can now match the rest of the metal in your kitchen or bath. The waterfall faucets will gain a lot of attention from new users as they try to figure out how they work. As the water falls across their hands you’ll hear sounds of delight, and you’ll understand because you feel the same way every time you wash your hands or rinse a dish.

The waterfall faucets are available for the shower as well, and imagine how you will feel as you stand under the warm water those courses over your body from above. It is invigorating to say the least and may be the way you’d feel standing under a real waterfall.

The waterfall faucets bring a relaxing feeling in the shower, and you’ll tend to stay in longer than necessary. Whether you shower in the evening for relaxation or in the mornings to wake you up you may want to do both as you hoard your shower. However you really need to share the waterfall shower with the rest of your family and let them realize their own satisfaction.

When they enjoy it as much as you have, they’ll insist that you buy one for every faucet in the house. If you aren’t interested in installing the waterfall faucet yourself, hire a professional to install them for you. Be sure to watch him that he doesn’t try out your new waterfall shower, because he’ll still be on your dime.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Mission Viejo home improvement and Orange County bathrooms.

Orange County Bathroom Remodeling: Budget Bathroom Makeovers

The bathroom is one of the most popular rooms in your home. When you have guests, it’s the one room where almost everyone will visit. No matter the size, there are things you can do to the room to make it more appealing, and you won’t have to pay to have the room remodeled.

Paint might be your first choice, and texturing would bring the room up to date, but you don’t have to remove all the cabinets to make over the room. Refacing is a popular way for a new look. What they do is remove all the doors and usually the drawers. A contractor can install veneer on the cabinets, and order new doors and drawers. You can choose any color or type of wood you want. If that’s all you do your bathroom will still look new.

It may not be enough and you can go further to install a new countertop, sink and shiny new faucets. Bathtub fixtures could also be updated to include a new style shower head. Your old chrome fixtures could be exchanged for brass. Retiling floors or a wall mosaic with bright new colors would give your room a new modern look. Installing new mirrors and new lighting may be enough to complete the room.

There are still things you may want to achieve and an update on the electrical will help not only with that light, but more plugs for your television or radio. If you enjoy relaxing in the tub you might consider subdued lighting.

If your bathroom is very small with no window consider going with lighter colors; dark colors make rooms appear smaller. If there is little wall space, you could install glass shelves with items like perfume, candles, and small bars of soap or even dried flowers that would add personality to the room. Just be sure that the items you choose will not be harmed by steam. A round towel holder next to the sink will make your guests feel welcomed.

Bright new towels and shower curtains will add beauty and convenience and will make you feel like the room is now complete. In your small bathroom have a place for all your makeup, curling iron, hair dryer, and every other thing that would clutter the room, it will just make your new bathroom look messy. Even if you have to have a special box under the sink to put all your stuff in, keep it all in one place, out of sight and your guests will admire your new room.


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