Bathroom lighting dilemma

Ian wrote us last week with a request for some ideas for this bathroom: "I'm trying to get my bathroom lighting sorted and I've decided against harsh overhead lighting with the plan of having the mirror lit either side instead which is a much more flattering light. However, I've looked everywhere and can find barely any ideas! I was thinking of a couple of Glo-balls coming out of the mirror, or recessed lighting, or a pair of Tolomeo lights coming out of the wall etc. Anything other than a horrid downlighter above my head! I wondered if you may be able to help me and post some much needed inspiration on your site?"

I went through my photos of bathrooms and selected some that hopefully give Ian some ideas. I personally think 2 glo-ball-like lights hanging on either side or wall-mounted Tolomeos would look fantastic. (I've got Tolomeos on either side of my range and I LUV them!). Examples of these and others are below.

Cossman_de Bruyn	Ami Mckay
Dolly Howarth	IFI
Location Works	Kate Hume
House Beautiful	mlk studio
Better Homes and Gardens	Jeff Andrews

Elle Deco

Cecconi Simone

Philippe Starck

Kenneth Brown

Lundberg Design

Aero Studios

John Lum Architecture

Napanee Design

Architeam

Comments

[david john]

great blog!~!!!!!

[midcenturyjo]

You have me completely hooked on Tolomeos these days. Thinking these for my bathroom when we build :)

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much!!! Amazing pictures and a lot of odeas to steal from...thanks again :) Ian x

[carrie @ bloomacious.com]

what a great roundup!

[Anonymous]

I think that the Ann Sacks websites has some really great images of baths with indirect lighting, as well.

[Interior Fashionista]

I am not a fan of the traditional overhead vanity lights...boring. There are so many other great lighting choices that are also way more flattering. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Anonymous]

I find having both overhead and side fill lighting to be the best bet when lighting the bathroom. I like to use a halogen (great, white colored light) recessed fixture over the sink 15"-18" from the wall and a light on each side of the mirror (sconces, pendants, etc) hung at face level. This gives you great overall lighting. Good luck!

[Serendipity]

I love the picture from elle deco, the bathroom is nice but the nicest thing is the wall of newspapers, I love the look.

Thankx

[seatwo]

This is so funny-I am at work, designing some bathrooms, and I came here looking for a little inspiration...the 2nd bathroom down on the left is our firm's work :) My boss was totally stoked to see it here!