Small homes and studios
Bathroom Lighting Design for Small homes and studios
Place light where people work or read faces. Layer task light over ambient light and test glare from occupied positions.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Mark tasks, viewing angles and screen locations on the furniture plan before placing fittings.
- Separate regularly used tasks from the room's general lighting so each can be controlled independently.
- Test the proposed fitting and finish sample together. Glossy finishes can reflect a bright source directly into view.
Worked example
A single downlight casts a hard shadow over the mirror during shaving or makeup.
Place diffuse vertical light near both sides of the mirror and test reflections from seated and standing positions.
How to test it
Check the space in daylight and after dark. Stand and sit where people actually use it, and check controls from the entry.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Keep the shower at the end and put towel hooks within reach of the dry exit.
- Detail
- Use a mirrored cabinet and a bright, even mirror light.
- Trade-off
- A larger vanity offers storage but narrows standing and door clearance.
- Check door and shower-screen movement
- Confirm towels remain outside splash area
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