Small Bathroom Recessed Lighting

Small Bathroom Recessed Lighting

If you are searching for bathroom lighting ideas, then we have you covered. Getting your bathroom lights right is key to creating a space that's most importantly practical but also looks great too.

You should start planning your bathroom lighting by look at how you use your bathroom. Think of the times of day when you will be there, and whether you have high levels of natural light to play with. Then consider the ambiance you want to create, and when. Are you looking for a lively and energizing space, or for a more relaxing and therapeutic bathroom? The choice is yours. And with the many bathroom lighting options around, including smart lighting and the likes, you will be able to bring your dream bathroom space to life.

  • For more bathroom ideas check out our feature for more inspiration.

(Image credit: Davey Lighting)

'As with most areas within a house, good bathroom lighting will transform the look and feel of a bathroom. Planning your lighting scheme is important – think about what times you generally use your bathroom and whether natural light is available.' explains Chris Jordon, Managing Director at Christopher Wray.

'Task lighting needs to be considered around mirrors so that you have plenty of light around when shaving, cleaning or applying makeup. You should always choose lights that will illuminate without causing shadows. LED strips or directional lights work well to highlight a feature whereas wall lights are great for ambient lighting.'

Remember too, that any electrical fittings will need the correct IP rating and you'll want to illuminate key fixtures like your basin, inside of shower and around the bath, plus any alcoves and vanity areas to get the best use out of your space. We've considered all you need to know and combined the practical side of lighting with the most sought-after bathroom looks below so just keep on scrolling to get inspired...

1. Look to bathroom mirror lighting

Bathroom storage ideas

(Image credit: David Woolley)

Want to actually be able to see your face in the bathroom mirror when you're washing it/putting on makeup? Grouping bathroom lighting over – and to the side of – a mirror will ensure that they're working where they're most needed. Bouncing the light off the mirrored glass will help a narrow or small bathroom feel bigger, too. Win win.

2. Consider layering your bathroom light

Davey Lighting bathroom lighting ideas

(Image credit: Davey Lighting )

No matter the size of your bathroom, multiple light sources will always enhance the design. A combination of downlights, task lighting, accent spotlights and recessed lighting will create a scheme to suit all needs, providing practical lighting for day-to-day tasks, low-level ambient light and illumination at night.

Look to have bathroom lighting over a mirror (task lighting), the main bathroom light to illuminate the whole room (downlight/ambient lighting), and lighting that shows off a feature in the room (accent lighting) for a balanced space.

Aim to include two circuits on dimmers and one circuit to control a presence detector for automatic night lights, and consider linking your extractor fan to one of the circuits, too.

Consider the size of your space of course as this may prove too much for a small bathroom, but in a larger bathroom like the one below, the layered lighting works perfectly.

3. Use bathroom wall lights to create a focal point

Bathroom with double sinks and walk in shower

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

Using bathroom wall lights strategically to highlight a particular zone in the bathroom is a neat design trick that will help your room feel well-designed. Here, it's the vanity unit that's being drawn attention to with bathroom wall lights that make for a practical lighting solution too.

Want a bang-on-trend, minimalist bathroom? A monochromatic scheme is your best bet, and graphic box wall lights will look especially good with a matching black bathtub.

See more black bathroom ideas in our gallery.

4. Add color with bathroom lighting

Bathroom with yellow under sink storage

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

We love the color scheme going on in this bathroom. It's fun it's quirky and really brings to life the small space. The cute coral lighting really completes the look, drawing together the colors in the wall art and the sink.

Also note how the lights hand down right in front of the mirror, not only does this double the color it also means even more light is going to be reflected around the room.

5. Go for simple exposed bulbs

Pendant light ideas: Broch. Bathroom with marble-effect tiles halfway up the wall, a round mirror framed either side with bare bulb pendant lights, and a wood-effect flooring

(Image credit: Darren Chung © Future)

For a bathroom lighting idea that's classic and timeless, choose glass pendant lights. They're an excellent alternative to built-in wall lights for a more contemporary twist on the traditional bathroom decor.

These hanging exposed bulbs are simple and yet really stylish and are placed perfectly for lighting up the mirror and creating a really visually satisfying focal point.

6. Go for a simple pared back look

Bathroom with marble wall and light by Davey Lighting

(Image credit: Davey Lighting )

Love a minimalist, unfussy bathroom design that looks timeless and elegant? You need a really nice pendant light – and no other lighting will be necessary. Choose frosted glass or ceramic for a soft and understated look, or a brass pendant for a bolder, more graphic look. Again, talk to an electrician before you buy.

7. Choose industrial style lighting for a modern look

Shoe designer Jacqueline has filled her renovated Edwardianhome with vintage furniture, art, plants and curios from Her travels

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

Love the indoor-outdoor space blending trend? It's not just about making the outdoors look like indoors; it can work the other way around too. If you want to bring a bit of industrial, outdoorsy chic into your bathroom, try fitting wall lights designed for the exterior.

8. Create a feature in a small bathroom

Pale pink bathroom

(Image credit: Cult Furniture )

If you're working will a small bathroom, your task is to add dimension and mimic the illusion of space. A glass pendant is the perfect bathroom lighting, plus is a nice way to add subtle drama and the diffused light effect will visually enhance the space, drawing attention to the interesting shapes rather than to the size of the room.

See more small bathroom ideas in our gallery.

9. Hand pendant lighting in groups

Industrial style bathroom

(Image credit: David Woolley)

Loving the whole vibe of this bathroom! Also loving how the cluster of pendant lights are a super practical solution for softly lighting above the bath, but work perfectly with the style of the room. They bring a touch of that industrial drama but don't draw too much focus in this already quite busy bathroom.

10. Go bold with your bathroom lighting

Julia Eldon's Cheshire homes is a masterclass in maximalism

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

When we say bold, we mean chandelier. And if you're blessed with a large bathroom, the world is your oyster when it comes to bathroom lighting, so to really make the most of the big space, get a statement chandelier. It will work, and traditional bathrooms do especially well with a vintage-style glass chandelier like the one below.

11. Use glass wall lights for a retro chic look

Davey Lighting Well Glass Wall Light Galvanised Clear Glass

(Image credit: Davey Lighting)

Want to create a vintage-inspired bathroom without actually using vintage fixtures and fittings? Subtly rounded glass lights with metal fixtures will give you the right look. Pick traditional incandescent lightbulbs to complete the vintage effect.

12. Add New England chic with a brass pendant

Davey Lighting Quad Pendant Extra Large Weathered Brass Bathroom Lighting

(Image credit: Davey Lighting)

Love the simplicity of New England decorating style? To add that East Coast charm to a traditional bathroom, go for a large, brass pendant.

We really like the way that the Quad Pendant Light by Davey Lighting combines vintage-industrial and nautical influences, but still looks delicate enough to complement a neutrally decorated bathroom.

13. Match bathroom lighting fixtures to existing fittings

Double Derwent Light with Fluted Shade

(Image credit: Drummonds)

To pull together your bathroom decor, think about how the different materials will interact. Marble looks great when contrasted with a brass or gold finish, while tile will look great with a cool-toned metal or chrome. For a really defined, smart look, match the lighting fixtures to the finish of all the other fittings.

14. Bathroom mirrors with lights create a spa look

pink scheme bathroom with vanity by norsu interiors

(Image credit: Norsu Interiors)

Backlit bathroom mirrors are the ultimate streamlined bathroom lighting solution. No fixtures to fit, no pendants you might walk into. Plus, they're very useful for when you're applying makeup.

We have more colorful bathroom ideas in our gallery.

15. Pick affordable light up mirrors to add a soft light

ikea bathroom storage

(Image credit: ikea)

We love these Ikea mirrors, and if you are looking for some bargain bathroom lighting the Storjorm would be our top pick. It's practical for things like shaving and doing makeup but also just add a lovely softness to a room. Oh, and they are a really great price too.

Small Bathroom Recessed Lighting

Source: https://www.realhomes.com/design/bathroom-lighting-ideas

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White Bathroom Remodel

White Bathroom Remodel

What You Should Know in Order to Remodel Your Bathroom

CC0/midascode/Pixabay

Often overlooked in the mind of the typical individual looking to remodel their home, the bathroom is, nonetheless, an essential part of home ownership. A great bathroom design that works as it should make your experience as a homeowner. Conversely, a shoddy bathroom design can ruin your days with maddening consistency.

There are a few key considerations the first-time remodeler will need to pay attention to. These include costs, selecting the best design, and how to make sure you are setting up your remodeling for success. Following these strategies, you will be able to achieve a result you can live with and be happy about.

Selecting Your Best Bathroom Design

An important detail in the remodeling process is selecting your new bathroom design. You might have a professional come and take a look at your space first, or consider if any of these trendy designs would work for your bathroom:

  • Classic white - This design banks heavily on clean white colors for everything. It's lasted so long because it works so well.
  • Shiny silver surfaces and glass - This design looks modern and, done right, makes your bathroom always look brand new.
  • Organic colors and materials - Having a bit of natural woods, stone and other palettes can give your bathroom a healthy-looking aesthetic.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom

The good news when it comes to costs is that remodeling a small bathroom can be done on a tight budget. The typical small space can be renovated for under $8,000 or $10,000. Your actual costs will depend on your location and the size of your bathroom space that needs remodeling.

For example, a large, relatively expensive, city in California, such as San Francisco, might have higher remodeling costs than a lower cost city such as Dallas, TX.

Selecting Shower and Bathroom Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures such as toilet, sinks and shower, affect the functionality of your bathroom. You should therefore carefully consider different fixture combinations before making your selection. For this, you can visit a bathroom fixture showroom or shop near you and take a look at different model bathrooms.

You can also take your research online and look at different alternatives. It's best to select colors and materials that fit your aesthetic taste. You can take inspiration from celebrity bathroom designs on display online at Pinterest or Elle, among other publications. While you might not be able to splurge in the same way as some of these designs, you can get ideas for a design that pleases your eye.

Common Mistakes People Make in Bathroom Remodeling

Even though so many others have accomplished it successfully, the reality is that it is still easy to make big mistakes in bathroom remodeling. Common mistakes can end up costing you thousands in extra material and labor costs.

In some cases, you might have to tear down the work and start over from scratch. For a more successful bathroom remodeling experience, watch for and avoid these major mistakes:

  • Moving fixtures around unnecessarily - A big expense item in bathroom remodeling is the moving of fixtures and plumbing. Those pipes and plumbing equipment cost thousands of dollars to move. If possible, leaving fixtures in place can save you a large amount of money.
  • Poor ventilation - If there's an area of your house that needs good quantities of fresh air, apart from the kitchen, the bathroom ranks quite high. If your bathroom renovation expert is new to the job, they might give you a design that lets in too little fresh air and creates an unpleasant stale space.
  • Underestimating costs - Especially if you are going with a high-end design, materials can end up gobbling a good deal of money. Before you settle for that fancy design you saw in the home remodeling mags, check if you can really afford what the design costs.
  • Putting form over function - Above all, pay special attention to the plumbing and utility functions of the bathroom. Neglecting these will lead to a nice-looking space that does not do a great job at what it should be: an easy to use place for bathroom breaks and or showering.

White Bathroom Remodel

Source: https://www.life123.com/article/what-you-should-know-in-order-to-remodel-your-bathroom?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740009%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

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Travel Themed Bathroom

Travel Themed Bathroom

11 Minimalist Travel Themed Home Decor Ideas You'll Love

Travel theme pillow for bedroom decor

Everything about my life and decor preference leans toward minimalism. It's why I am able to travel light, move from place to place, and live a generally clutter-free lifestyle. Interestingly enough, despite hardly buying souvenirs when abroad, I've been able to hang up my digital nomad life and create a warm, stylish home that mindfully celebrates travel.

Here are 11 minimalist travel decor approaches I take in our own home. All of these items have been collected over the years (both stateside and overseas) and fit seamlessly into my modern boho aesthetic without overwhelming the rooms with trinkets and clutter. I hope it inspires travel-themed home decor projects of your own!

1. Add a Moroccan Leather Pouf

I love this leather Moroccan seating cushion for three reasons: (1) the pouf was purchased in Fes, Morocco after enthusiastic negotiations, (2) it came without the filling so we were able to fold it tightly into our baggage and continue traveling to three more destinations, and (3) it is beautiful!

I filled the pouf with old clothing that wasn't good enough to donate. This helped save money and reduce waste (though as you see from the photo I need more to really fill out the pillow)! You can buy a Moroccan-style pouf in the states but you're likely to pay $75-300 depending on the size and material. I believe we paid about $16 USD in Fes medina, where it is manufactured.

Moroccan leather pouf

Moroccan poufs + boho pillows to buy online:

2. Use a Stylish Globe for Travel Decor

Decorating the home with a globe is a classic way to incorporate travel-inspired decor. You can go the classic academic route with a large blue globe, opt for a world map wall, or choose different globe sizes or colors.

Since I love white for minimalist home decor, this gorgeous white globe caught my eye! I purchased it along a US road trip in a home goods store, but you can surely find similar ones online. I'll suggest a few below.

Chic globe for travel decor in the home

Wall Maps, Decor Globes + Other Atlas Travel Decor:

3. Celebrate Your Favorite International Wines with a Bar Cart or Wine Rack

Whenever Alex and I travel together, we make sure to visit a local brewery and/or winery. I absolutely love vineyards (even beyond the wine) and feel connected to a destination and its community and history when I visit them.

Because of our minimalist lifestyle and mindful budget travel, we've only ever purchased a few bottles of wine abroad (and subsequently drank them) but we have learned so much about wine regions, and their best wines respectfully. So much so, that we knew we wanted some form of bar cart or wine rack to showcase international wines we love.

Wine rack ideas: bar cart for wine glasses and wine bottles

We bought our wine cart for well under $100 through an amazing Facebook marketplace bargain (don't sleep on Craigslist, tag sales, and Facebook marketplace for sweet deals — just know you'll have to pick it up), but here are some options from Amazon if you just want to have it delivered to your door.

Bar carts to show off your favorite wines or barware:

4. Hang an Acoustic Guitar

A hanging guitar may not immediately scream wanderlust to everyone, but it does to some… and here's why. Many road tripping adventurers bring along a guitar for entertainment. Some of their best memories may be camp-side practicing a new song, or traveling hundreds of miles to perform or follow a tour.

Acoustic guitar hanging from wall

Backpackers also find travel nostalgia in guitars; anyone who's ever stayed at a hostel knows the importance of a communal guitar / singing session with newly found friends.

If you're a musician or concert enthusiast, you might even have some cherished signatures on that guitar, commemorating some of the best adventures of your life.

5. Create a Photo Series of Your Favorite Postcards, Artwork, Travel Photos

Photography is one of my favorite things to do. I started shooting black and white film at 16 years old and enjoy documenting my adventures around the globe. I have a few photo collections in my home of my favorite travel adventures and they inspire wanderlust whenever someone walks past them.

Enlarged photo set from my trip to Machu Picchu

Photo collections are a way to not only showcase your work, but also celebrate the beauty of the world. If you choose carefully, they'll even elevate the room decor. Can you believe the above photo of Machu Picchu was shot on an iPhone 5!? It took a bit of editing in Lightroom and Photoshop to get the quality to a point where I could enlarge the image, but I am so proud of it.

  • Note: I use York Photo to print all my images; even my mom has used them since the 90's for their great prices. They were just acquired by Snapfish (or merged, whatever) so I have to try them to see if the quality is the same.

If you don't have photos you'd want to showcase, there are still other easy ways to display your amazing adventures. Consider framing postcards or artwork, for instance. I love this printed sketch of La Tour Eiffel from across la Seine, one of France's most famous rivers. I bought this sketch while visiting Paris in 2010 and it sat in a box for years until I found the perfect place to hang it.

Postcard from Paris framed for travel theme bathroom decor

6. Showcase Artisanal Embroidery, Blankets, or Textiles

One of my favorite purchases is an alpaca blanket we bought in Peru. We had to trek off the beaten path to a factory in Peru in order to find true alpaca and vicuña products that weren't a polyblend. When we finally got there, we spent $100-200 USD (totally breaking our unemployed backpacker budgets) for a beautiful blanket, and then gifted it to a well-deserving couple.

Yes. We gifted it and never bought one for ourselves. These days we often kick ourselves for not finding a way to purchase a second one because it was so comfy and beautiful… but que sera, sera.

Anyway, since we gifted it I don't have a photo of it, BUT here's one of the other embroidery and textiles we love in our home: a pillow gifted to us from Ecuador! I also have a well-worn purse from Nicaragua and a wool blanket from Scotland.

Embroidered pillowcase from Ecuador

If you don't have the opportunity or capacity to source handmade textiles overseas, you could head to Amazon's "Handmade" section and search there, or support small businesses through Etsy. You can also shop at your local home goods or department store and search for travel themed throw pillows; the header image of this article highlights a gorgeous atlas pillow. The tag shows it was from Nordstrom Rack (it was a gift).

Throw pillows that celebrate travel and culture:

7. Celebrate South American Mate or Moroccan Tea

Yerba Mate is like tea with the punch of coffee. Mate is the term for the vessel from which you drink the beverage: a wooden gourd. Yerba mate are the indigenous dried leaves you crush within the gourd, followed by pouring hot water and drinking with a special filtered straw, called a bombilla.

Some of my best travel memories are of my three-month South America backpacking trip starting at the Atacama Desert in Chile, through Patagonia, Argentina, and Uruguay. During the latter, Alex and our friend Jon were inspired by the locals drinking mate. Yerba mate was everywhere; most often seen hanging from a thermos crossbody worn by local men. Naturally, Alex and Jon bought their own gourds and lived their best mate lives.

South American mate gourd

Mate Gourds You Can Buy Online:

Another drinking tradition Alex and I really got into is Moroccan tea. While visiting this beautiful northern African country, we were enamored by the mint tea tradition (with tons of sugar!) and couldn't imagine our days without it.

The entire presentation is always done so beautifully, and the Moroccan mint tea was one of our favorite memories, so we bought a Moroccan teapot of our own for the home! Note, we got one for quite cheap (under $15 USD) knowing that it is not real silver. If you want a real silver one, it will be heavy and much more expensive.

Moroccan tea pot

Moroccan mint tea setting

8. Hang Wanderlust Wall Decor

There are two types of people in the decor world: ones who have "Live, Laugh, Love" wall art and ones who don't. I have always thought of myself (post-college) as the latter but, alas…here we are: I have word art signage now hanging on my wall.

If it is any consolation, this signage was perfect for the short hallway entrance to my home office — completely relevant since my work is literally built on wandering. If you love it, I got it from Home Goods and will suggest a few similar wall art options below.

Travel wall decor that says Wander"

Wall Decor with Words (Travel theme):

9. Spice Up Your Kitchen With International Swag

One of the easiest ways to inspire wanderlust without taking up space is through flavor! There are so many dishes and sauces you can bring to your home and daily routine that will totally remind you of travel — and get you excited to hit the road again.

From my transition to eating certain pasta with olive oil instead of tomato sauce after a trip to Italy, to my constant yearning for the desayuno tipico de Costa Rica (specifically black bean and egg breakfast), the kitchen is a comforting place to celebrate travel.

Spices from Mexico

Chopsticks from Southeast Asia

10. Coasters from Another Country

Coasters are a common (and inexpensive) way to decorate with travel in mind. You can place them in your living room, on the dining table, or even your bedroom bedside table.

Careful though, this type of travel home decor can get cheesy quickly. If you want to showcase coasters that won't clash with the style of your home aesthetic, avoid overly touristy coaster souvenirs by keeping an eye out for the three C's: clean, calm, and chic.

I love this coaster set from my bachelorette party to Tulum because it mimics the wood accents of my home while depicting one of Tulum, Mexico's most popular attractions. Can you recognize the ruins?

Stylish coasters to get from Tulum, Mexico

Travel Theme Coasters:

11. Decorate with Travel-inspired Rugs

I have a love-hate relationship with rugs because my mother didn't really allow them growing up. They collect dust and we were an anti-dust house! Plus if you have children or pets, they are prone to staining quicker. That said, area rugs have grown on me over the years, within reason, and I particularly love rugs that are inspired by beautiful destinations.

Here are some of the rugs in my house. If I had the capacity, I would've purchased rugs abroad but they are quite expensive and heavy! For now my rugs from Rugs USA work just fine for me, and their geometric shapes remind me of some of my travels.

Travel inspired rugs

Peaceful room decor

What type of travel themed decor do you have in your own home?

I hope these ideas inspired wanderlust! They sure do so for me. This list just scratches the surface of travel decor you can add to your home. Again, since I try my best to be minimalist, this is just enough for me. If you want other home decor ideas, I'd definitely recommend considering:

  • Travel inspired curtains

  • Travel inspired bedding

  • Woven wall decor (like baskets)

Enjoy your upgraded, travel-themed home! If you loved these suggestions, be sure to save them on Pinterest and share with your community.

xx, O.

Save this post on Pinterest to add to your collection of travel home decor ideas!

Pinterest image for saving: travel decor ideas

Travel Themed Bathroom

Source: https://www.ochristine.com/blog/travel-themed-home-decor-ideas

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