Bathroom lighting (how many, dimmer, etc.)

6 years ago

Below is a photo of my planned bathroom layout. This bath is attached to the main bedroom. I live alone.

I'm going to go with 2 vanity wall sconces

I'd been thinking that in addition to the vanity sconces, there's be 1 recessed light in the combo sub/shower, and one general light in the middle of the bathroom, making for a total of 4 lights.

Contractor's initial estimate includes: (2) Recessed lights in bath with dimmer

and (1) recessed LED shower light with switch, in addition to the 2 wall sconces.

1- It sounds like contractor is proposing 3 lights in the bath area (but no general lighting.)

So, questions:

1. What's the most practical lighting plan for this area? Mine, contractor's or something else?

2. Am I right that there should be a general overall light in the center of the bathroom ceiling?

3. Which of these lights should be on a dimmer?

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Comments (2)

beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
6 years ago
1. Your plan.

2. My two cents, yes.

3. Do you feel you need any bathroom lights on a dimmer switch? I rarely take baths, and when I do I like to read in the tub, so a dimmer switch isn't necessary. But I know some people like to relax entirely, and want it dark with candles. So maybe a dimmer switch would help for that. Also, given the proximity of the bedroom, would a dimmer switch on the one general overhead light help it to serve as a sort of nightlight? Aside from those two scenarios (and I could be missing others!), I can't see why a dimmer switch would be necessary. And if you're reasonably handy, it's something you could easily (and more cheaply) add later, esp if you're not convinced of its utility right now.
Carrie B
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you, Beckysharp. I've asked the contractor for a meeting to discuss this & some other things. The only reason I think I *might* want one light on the dimmer is for late night bathroom visits - but a nightlight could serve the same purpose (and, truthfully, I probably won't need a light at all... presumably I'd be able to find everything I'd need in the dark...)
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