how to light shower without an attic or dropping the ceiling?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

We bought a fixer-upper and have attacked the master bedroom/bathroom/laundry (all in one space) first. Plans approved and permits received so we are full steam ahead. Today the electrician and I walked through a lot of the ideas I had for mostly track lighting throughout the space. But the shower has us stumped.

This is the shower. The open space to the right of the window will be a wall and the hot water heater is moving into its own little shed out there. The new beam and short wall are the front edges of the shower. Yes, it is a big shower. :)

The previous owners had covered up the wood ceiling with sheetrock
and really lowered the already low ceiling so my tall husband was
feeling cramped. So we took off the sheetrock and were happy to see the
same wood ceiling we have throughout the rest of the house

We will mount the shower fan between the two beams, one scraped up and the one new beam that frames the front of the shower.

But we are trying to figure out how to better light that shower. We can put a track of lights facing the shower, so that's one possibility. The electrician suggested some sort of LED strip lights, perhaps, along the top. We could build a ridge of some kind for them. But I haven't been able to find any inspiration pictures to share with him and I am nervous about the strip lights, worried about how we would replace one if/when they go out?

Also I am not fond of "dot" look with the LEDS. We are going for a country/craftsman/cottage sort of look - not modern - so I am really confused on how to get some lights into the space.

So, any suggestions? I used to be on the old old home forums years ago. Perhaps some old friends are still around and some new ones too, to give me suggestions.

Thank you in advance.

Featured Answer

kudzu9

10 years ago

meyerk9-

Those lighted shower heads are bling and don't provide any significant shower area illumination. They are LEDs that light up from the action of the water flowing through the shower head...no electricity hookup is involved. Anyone using a shower head that is connected to house wiring would need to have a death wish.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Focal Point Hardware
10 years ago
Huge shower!!! My dream!! What about putting in a fog free shower mirror? Electric Mirror makes lighted mirrors that have lights. Here is a photo of what it looks like:
Product info here: http://focalpointhardware.com/inshower-mirrors-c-11_832_839.html
Susan Taylor Brown thanked Focal Point Hardware
Susan Taylor Brown
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you. That is a possibility. And thanks for liking the big shower. We have had some not so positive comments on it but it has been a dream for us too, plus it is our age-in-place home so big enough for a wheelchair and helpers.

I think we may have come up with an idea that works - a long box on the top edge of each side with angled lights in them. Then the small tile that will be on the floor can be tiled up there to add some visual interest too.
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mrspete
10 years ago
And thanks for liking the big shower. We have had some not so positive
comments on it but it has been a dream for us too, plus it is our
age-in-place home so big enough for a wheelchair and helpers.

How big's big? With aging in place in mind, I'm in favor of big showers. I wouldn't go more than 4' wide though because you need to be able to reach the grab bars on both sides at once.
Susan Taylor Brown thanked mrspete
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
FPH - that mirror isn't anywhere near bright enough for a shower - especially one this size And devoid of natural light .

You're probable going to have to go with in wall lights . I like these but they are big $$$

BEGA shower lites
kudzu9
10 years ago
xedos-

I took a look at your link and it looked like that was for a recessed ceiling light, not a wall light. If the OP is putting in any wall lights within the shower area, they need to be code-approved for wall mounting within a wet space. Personally, I would never mount an electrical fixture within a shower where it can be touched.

If it were me, I'd go with either track lighting or a surface mounted fixture, which is approved for a shower area, and will be well away from water and people.
User
10 years ago
I recently saw a shower head with lights. Amazon has some listed
Susan Taylor Brown
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes no bling lights. :)

We think we are going to try 4 angled waterproof lights in each corner.