Bathroom Lighting | Sarah Richardson Design

Episode 8:

Bathroom lighting must haves

It may be the smallest room in your home, but lighting is key to making the most of it. The lighting choices can make or break a room, and in bathrooms, you want and need to get it right. Juggling the need for overall illumination with adequate vanity light and decorative pendant fixtures will ensure that your bathroom sparkles and dazzles with attention to detail.

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Watch as Sarah renovates a rundown house into a stunning design statement… all with items from Lowe's stores!

Here are a few key elements we used to make these bathrooms better than new… and yes, it's all from Lowe's!

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN:

Reinforce the brushed steel finish on your faucet by selecting an industrially inspired sconce in the same finish with a nautical nod. These sconces are durable enough for outdoor use, yet stylish enough to make the move indoors (and at an affordable price point as an added bonus)!

Want the look?

Portfolio Stainless Steel Outdoor Wall Light
Item #295589

TIP: When installing sconces beside your mirror instead of above, the rule of thumb for height above the floor is 60"-66" depending on whether the fixtures and bulb point up or down.

Bathroom lighting: Bringing the Outdoors In

A TOUCH OF WHIMSY:

A narrow space doesn't limit your ability to use a decorative sconce. Instead of placing a single sconce above the mirror, why not install a pair of sconces on the side walls of a narrow powder room? This way, the sconces will wash the walls with light and provide ample illumination while allowing you to opt for a design that brings a touch of whimsy to a functional space.

Want the look?

Portfolio outdoor Galvanized Outdoor Wall Fixture
Item #190827

SHADOWS:

Consider a sconce with a seeded glass shade to add interesting shadow play to your bathroom. The little bubbles in the glass create a decorative pattern on the wall which is reminiscent of bubbly water!

Want the look?

Portfolio Bronze Outdoor Wall Mounted Light
Item #80551

TIP: Always use a clear bulb in any fixture where the lightbulb is visible - it creates a crisp and sparkly effect!

DECORATIVE CHOICES:

When planning your electrical layout, make sure you leave enough room between your sconces for a decorative mirror. It's a good idea to consider important decorative choices like the mirror so you can achieve the look you want. Consider the overall size of the backplate on the sconce and allow at least 2" breathing room between the edge of the mirror and the outside edge of the sconce.

Want the look?

Allen + Roth 28 3/4" Hollywood Octagon Mirror - Item #111053

A UNIFIED LOOK:

If you are installing both a wall sconce and an overhead light, try to ensure that the metal finish on both fixtures match so the end result looks unified.

Want the look?

Portfolio Bronze Outdoor Wall Mounted Light - Item #80551

Allen + Roth 6-1/4" Oil-Rubbed Bronze Clear Glass Semi-Flush Mount - Item #210144

MAKING A STATEMENT:

Even if you have standard height 8' ceilings, there's still room for lighting that makes a statement. Halogen pendant lights are sold with an adjustable cord length that allows you to adapt the fixture to the amount of ceiling height you have available. With a wide variety of blown glass shade options in many colours of the rainbow, you'll be able to find one that ties your scheme together!