Pot light Layout Tips in the Bathroom
Adding recessed lighting to your bathroom is a great way to incorporate additional lighting into the space. However, there are some things you should be mindful of when considering recessed lighting in a specific area in your bathroom. Since bathrooms are prone to moisture, doing ample research on the best-recessed lighting options for your bathroom is essential.
Also referred to as pot lights, recessed lighting adds a modern touch to any space. Despite being small in size, recessed lights emit a lot of lighting, and when placed strategically in your bathroom, can eliminate dark spaces and enhance the room beautifully.
Placement
Unlike traditional lighting, recessed lights are very versatile and do not interfere with the aesthetic design of your bathroom. You can place them just about anywhere in your bathroom to highlight certain areas and provide additional lighting. Recessed lighting can be easily installed above the vanity, shower/tub, or other areas in your bathroom. When determining where to place recessed lights, also think about areas in your bathroom where there is a focal point and use the lights to highlight these areas. Choosing the place of installation of pot lights is also important for energy efficiency.
Spacing
One of the common questions we get is ‘how many pot lights do I need?’ This all boils down to pot light spacing. As a guideline, you should space recessed lights 4 feet apart. It’s best to create a grid layout on your bathroom ceiling to guide you in the appropriate placement of the lights. You can keep it simple where each box in your grid represents one square foot of your bathroom. You can also use the ceiling height and divide it by two. For example, if your bathroom has a 10-foot ceiling, your recessed lights should be 5 feet apart. While this is a general rule, you may find that you may want your recessed lights spaced closer together or further apart. The key is to strategically place your recessed lights in a way that does not overwhelm the room.
Size of lights
Recessed lights come in different sizes. The most common sizes are 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. You will need to choose which size is best for your bathroom lighting. Many people think that larger recessed lights mean lighter, but this is not necessarily the case. Smaller lights can be just as powerful and bright as larger ones. Also, keep in mind that you can install different-sized lights in your bathroom. The 4-inch recessed lights tend to be more popular due to their compact size, which makes them appear more modern than 6-inch lights.
However, 6-inch lights may be more appropriate for a larger bathroom as they will match the size. There are also mini types of recessed lights that can fit seamlessly into your bathroom décor. There are also many other recessed lights that may be more ideal for small bathroom recessed lighting layouts or areas with lower ceilings.
Combining other types of lighting
Recessed lights come in different sizes. The most common sizes are 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. You will need to choose which size is best for your bathroom. Many people think that larger recessed lights mean lighter, but this is not necessarily the case. Smaller lights can be just as powerful and bright as larger ones. Also, keep in mind that you can install different-sized lights in your bathroom. The 4-inch recessed lights tend to be more popular due to their compact size, which makes them appear more modern than 6-inch lights.
However, 6-inch lights may be more appropriate for a larger bathroom as they will match the size. There are also mini types of recessed lights that can fit seamlessly into your bathroom décor. There are also many other recessed lights that may be more ideal for small bathroom recessed lighting layouts or areas with lower ceilings.
Recessed lighting over vanity
Placing recessed lights over your bathroom vanity is a great idea. When placed over vanity or close to a mirror, place your light fixtures as close to the mirror as possible. We recommend using at least two recessed lights and creating enough space between them so that the output from the lights overlaps each other, producing consistent lighting. Placing recessed lights strategically above the vanity not only enhances the light in the room but can also serve as a decorative feature.
Recessed lighting in the shower
One of the more common spots to place recessed lights in your bathroom is above the shower. This gives you the ability to only turn on lights in areas when you need it. This conserves energy because you’re only lighting a select area of your bathroom at a time and not lighting the entire bathroom. The majority of recessed lights are LED compatible, meaning they offer huge power-saving benefits. One thing to keep in mind when installing recessed lights in your shower is that you need to select lights that are rated “wet” or “shower-location”. Installing lights without this rating in your shower is not advisable because they will not meet safety code requirements. Recessed shower lights must also have a lens cover built into them.
Recessed lighting over the bathroom
Bathroom recessed lighting can enhance the appeal of the room and create ambient light which is a wonderful thing to have in the bathroom. Placed strategically in your bathroom, they can give the room the kind of boost it needs. Recessed lights can also be used to spotlight artwork or other creative features in your bathroom.
Choose the right bulb brightness
There are a number of choices when it comes to recessed light bulbs. Standard A bulbs are the most popular and the most economical choice for recessed lighting. These bulbs add warm lighting and are great for general spaces in your home. Standard A bulbs need a reflector to enhance the light and work best with a clear alzac “A” lamp amplifier.
Another option is the “R” lamps which come with a built-in reflector that distributes incandescent light in flood or spot patterns. These are more expensive than the standard bulbs, but only slightly.
The halogen PAR bulbs cast a more controlled beam than the “R” bulb and have a whiter and brighter light. The low voltage MR 16 halogens are the superior lights and offer a variety of beam spreads. They also have a longer lifespan than other types of recessed lights. You will need a transformer for these types of lights for the correct low voltage setting.
You can also install dimmers if you would like to be able to control the brightness level in your bathroom.
Adding recessed lighting to your bathroom comes with numerous benefits. Having a good understanding of your space can help you make the right choice by determining whether your light will be in direct contact with water. We recommend hiring a professional for the job as a way to ensure that your lights are safely installed.
Mr. Potlight has a large selection of recessed lighting that is suitable for your bathroom. Not only do our lights safeguard against moisture in your bathroom, but we also ensure that all of our products are designed to protect the electrical aspects of your bathroom.
To learn more about our products or to ask questions about installing recessed lighting in your bathroom, give us a call and we will be happy to provide the best solution for you.
