need help for makeup counter lighting!

14 years ago

last modified: 14 years ago

I am building a new master bathroom including dual vanity and a makeup counter in the middle. what type of lighting is best for the makeup area? LED, Halogen or fluorescent? also what type of wattage?
thanks!

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PRO

Beautiful Space Co

14 years ago

Hi Samirani,

Soft whites are more flattering than very warm or very cool whites, so I'd suggest staying with a light bulb in the 3K to 3.5K range. (All the bulbs you're considering can be found with this range) I personally prefer LED for longevity. The other important consideration for a makeup area light is the placement should be as close to eye level of the primary user, and on each side of the face. (Two wall sconces or pendants work best for this) Install the lighting on a dimmer, and also considering adding a separate illuminated & magnified vanity light for the most versatility. These are available freestanding or wall mounted

Steve

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Comments (6)

amanielorabi
14 years ago
I would like to know about Mediterranean curtains for dinning rooms
creeser
14 years ago
I'm not sure about makeup, but when I had my lighting guy out looking at our new house, he suggested fluorescent for our closet because it shows colors better. More true

amanielorabi.. Post your question separately under discussions. You'll get more responses.
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PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
14 years ago
Fluorescent lighting is not good for applying makeup. It tends to distort color unless you use the 5k daylight bulbs, which you don't want in a bathroom.

I agree with soft whites. I will say that we have used LEDs throughout a home and could not get a decent photograph (even tried a professional photographer) in any room and it had to be the lighting. I would be wary of LEDs for a makeup area just based on this experience.

Sconces work wonderfully to shed light onto the face and we also generally add recessed lights above to augment the sconces.
PRO
Beautiful Space Co
14 years ago
Hi Deborah, Its interesting that you havent had good results with LED for the photographs. Weve used them almost exclusively for the past several remodels and they've photographed very well. Some are here on Houzz

Steve
smldesigns
14 years ago
Agree with Steve