subject: Improved Functionality Of The Bathroom By Switching To Effective Lighting [print this page] Youve been therein the bathroom with such poor lighting that you cant see yourself in the mirror. Youve been in the shower without an overhead light and tried to shave your legs by touch vs. sight. Ouch! Youve probably tried to tweeze your eyebrows in a dully lit bathroom and given up. And just leave the liquid eyeliner alone. There is nothing worse than putting on your makeup in the dim light, and then realizing it when you get in the fluorescent lighting of the office bathroom before noticing you just went through a meeting with an embarrassing smudge.
The lighting used in a highly functional bathroom, even if the room is only 6 x 6-feet in size can make a world of difference in how much you appreciate the space. To that end, keep these tips in mind:
Use side lighting for mirrors that is at least 120 watts.
Ceiling lighting over a vanity will result in shadows.
To make the room look larger than it really is, use wall sconces with upward-directed light.
To prevent damage to wiring (a must in a shower) bathroom lighting should be moisture proof.
Because of the emphasis on electrical beauty toolshot rollers, flat irons, razors, etc.include ample outlets. The use of power cords in a water-focused room is unsafe.
Use fluorescent, halogen or xenon bulbs for increased energy-efficiency.
Besides improving functionality of the bathroom, green lighting offers a return on investment thats nearly unheard of in remodeling, says Gary Stone, president of Allstar Electrical Services serving Colorados Front Range. Ditto reports Greenandsave.corn, an online resource committed to the cost efficiencies of nationwide green home improvements. Greenandsave.com estimates that the installation of compact fluorescent lighting pays off within 8 months, saving a homeowner an average of $80 a year with a return on investment of 133.3%. General replacement of light fixtures pays off in 2.7 years, netting only a 37% return on investment and saving a homeowner $40 a year. This is not one of those trendy, slightly more expensive but for a good cause kind of green initiatives. It is one that actually saves you green. When it is this simple, effective and economic, there is no reason not to go green.
ROI is highest for green improvements. Stone, a licensed master electrician adds,"It's a win-win when considering the tax benefits and rebates that are offered in particular situations.
