Universal Bath Design: Light Your Bathroom for All Ages and Abilities

Bathroom remodels have been taking off in the past few years — today the bathroom’s design is just as important as the kitchen’s, making bathrooms with a universal appeal in design and aesthetics more in demand than ever. And that includes lighting. Younger homeowners might like the vibe and ambience of colored LEDs in the shower and tub, while aging homeowners might need more light to make their space work.

While so many of us love the crisp bathrooms with endless slabs of white or cream stone, the lack of material contrast makes visual cueing and distance perception difficult — no matter what your age. Even the average person can get lost in a sea of white.

Creating a universal lighting scheme for your bathroom doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Here are some examples of lighting techniques and material selections that can make your bathroom sparkle, without the glare.



Designing your bathroom to increase light levels and avoid shadows and glare is always tricky. The first line of defense is usually at the vanity. Always consider wall sconces at the appropriate height as a first option. Place these lights on either side of the mirror so as to evenly reflect light toward you. This eliminates any shadows that will occur with only pot lights or downlighting. Ideally, opt for LED lightingfor maximum light output.





Side lighting doesn’t have to be traditional wall sconces to work successfully. Consider decorative pendants like these.



Handicapped-Accessible and Universal Design Showers »

Lighting in the shower shouldn’t be just an afterthought when you’re considering new construction or a remodel. Shower lighting is imperative, especially if you don’t have any natural light coming into the room.
Lighting your shower elevates your showering experience to more than just the basic scrub and ensures safety in a wet environment. You should include at least one light (or more depending on the size of your shower) and include a fixture that is appropriate for wet locations, for obvious safety reasons.

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