New home designs often focus on lighting that will reflect the right “mood”. But when it comes to the bathroom, the need for mood goes out the window and the focus shifts to be able to “see properly”. A lot of home designs these days give multiple options for lighting in the bathroom – depending on your need at the time. There’s standard lighting for when you’re having a shower or washing your hands, and then there’s more serious lighting for when you’re doing make-up or something that needs better close-up vision.
The problem with bathroom lighting is often not with the light itself but with the shadow. If the light is coming from above, it will light up your hair (or lack of it) beautifully. But when you look in the mirror, you’ll see your face is in shadow. If the light is above the mirror, you’ll get a better result but it will cast a shadow below more prominent features of the face – like brows, nose, lips, etc. A light to either side will shade the other. Theatrical folks, for whom make-up is important, solve this problem by surrounding the mirror with lights (you’ve probably seen this in dressing rooms). But is that the look you really want in your home – a bathroom with lightbulbs bordering the mirror?
This innovative solution in a home from Mackay builder, Esprit Constructions and finished last week, gives you the lighting you need for those few minutes each day and the stylish look you want for the rest of the time. The ring of light is not noticeable during the day (or night) but a quick push of the button and you’re ready for the detail work! It’s a great solution and makes the bathroom mirror (and lighting) a key feature of the home design.