

It may be the smallest room in the house, but the bathroom still needs careful consideration when it comes to lighting. Like the kitchen, it needs a combination of task, mood and feature lights to help create a soothing sanctuary.
By Hayley Gilbert
Click here to go straight to our shopping gallery >>
We spend so much time in the bathroom that it's important to assess the lighting situation when planning a new scheme. It's something that's often overlooked but is just as important as in the kitchen. Bare bulbs in nasty pleated shades should be a thing of the past as there are so many sleek and stylish options available.

Bathroom Lighting Checklist
Consider how much light your bathroom gets. Does it have a large window for natural light? What lighting options already exist? Do they cast shadows and is there enough task lighting to shave or apply make-up without guessing at the results?
This Infra-red mirror eliminates the need for fiddly light pulls by automatically activating the lights via a hidden sensor. It costs £402 from Shades
If you currently have one light fitting with a 100 watt bulb for instance, you may be better off with a number of lower wattage downlights to create a similar look over a wider space. Consider a dimmer too, which will allow you to create an invigorating start to the morning and a softer effect after dark.
Downlights can be used in all locations including the shower while semi-flush and flush fittings will illuminate the ceiling, walls and floor. Flooring can also be highlighted with lighting tiles while bathroom mirrors and cabinets are ideal for that all-important task lighting with lights above, beside or behind the glass.

Look for mist-resistant glass and sensor options to avoid fiddly and unattractive light pulls. A ceiling fixture will provide good general lighting and there are plenty of modern designs to choose from. Clickstrip lighting under basin bench, £137 for two metres; ceiling-mounted Polestar 50s, £53, John Cullen Lighting
Sally Storey, Design Director at John Cullen Lighting, has the following tips:
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.