Many of us do not consider the importance of good bathroom lighting. The bath is usually one of the smallest rooms in a home yet it is used by every family member numerous times a day. This area needs proper lighting for applying makeup, shaving, styling hair and daily hygiene tasks.
There are three types of light sources that should be considered when looking for bathroom lighting: task, ambient and accent lighting. Task lighting is basically a light source that helps illuminate the area during tasks such as shaving and makeup application and removal. These lights are best used in conjunction with the mirror and the shower area.
You will want your task lighting to be even and not shadow-producing. Light fixtures on each side of the mirror offers the best light source without casting shadows. If you can not utilize side lights, overhead lighting can be used as long as the bulbs are around 150 watts and there are at least three lights to distribute shadow-free lighting.
Recessed bathroom lighting for mirrors is not a good idea because they will cast shadows. If your shower area does not have a glass stall, recessed lighting works well. You will want a glass lens over the recessed light. These are also useful for over the toilet.
Ambient light is the filler light. These lights fill in the shadowed areas. You could think of ambient light as the substitute for natural daylight. The center ceiling mount light is the usual choice. The bulb can be 80 to 100 watt. Ambient light is softer than task bathroom lighting.
One interesting idea for ambient bathroom lighting is to use the rope lights or “cove” lights. These are lights that are hidden behind molding and fixtures. This light source radiates a soft glow throughout the room without the use of a ceiling light.
Accent bathroom lighting is the use of a single light to draw attention to a particular object. Often times Accent lighting is used for paintings or statues. Accent lighting is not a very practical light option for small bathrooms.
A great way to conserve energy is to use dimmers. Setting a dimmer light at a lower setting than 100 percent will save on your energy bill. Safety is also very important. Water and electricity are often dangerous companions and consulting a professional before relighting your bathroom is always a good idea.
Using task, ambient and accent light sources in layers is the key to effective bathroom lighting that allows function and comfortable space as your bathroom.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Bathroom Floors
Even though I understand that bathroom floors are meant to take the abuse of the bathroom, there is something about large puddles of water on the floor in my bathroom that drives me crazy. I’m not talking about what happens after someone steps out of the shower, or perhaps the result of someone spilling something, I am talking about my daughter’s refusal to stop splashing while she is in the bathtub. I don’t know if I would be more angry if this were my house, but I understand that my landlord may not appreciate the water damage that is happening.
It seems that my daughter has a mental block when it comes to following directions. I know many parents would say the same thing, and I know it is not just my daughter. I have told her repeatedly that she cannot splash water onto the bathroom floors while she’s taking a bath. I do realize that some splashing can occur, but she goes out of her way to make a huge mess. Every time she takes a bath the bathroom floors end up being soaked. She is five years old, and there is absolutely no reason why I should have to sit in the bathroom with her to monitor her every move. Apparently though, this might be something that I have to do.
I realize that she is not old enough to understand what water can do to bathroom floors. Yes, we have linoleum on our bathroom floors, and this protects the wood underneath from the water. However, the flooring was not installed as well as it should have been, and some of the water that she is throwing on the floor is seeping down underneath the linoleum. No matter how many times I explained to her why she cannot splash so much, she still continues to do it as if it were something new and exciting. I often wonder if she is rebelling at the age of five.
My husband suggests that if I act as if the water on the bathroom floors meant nothing, that she would soon stop doing it. After he finished speaking, I allowed myself at least ten minutes to laugh before I corrected him. Though this may work with some children, this does not work with my daughter. I have tried to be calm, and have tried to ignore certain situations hoping that they would correct themselves, but this is never worked for her. She simply does what she wants, and this includes flooding the bathroom floors whenever she takes a bath.
It seems that my daughter has a mental block when it comes to following directions. I know many parents would say the same thing, and I know it is not just my daughter. I have told her repeatedly that she cannot splash water onto the bathroom floors while she’s taking a bath. I do realize that some splashing can occur, but she goes out of her way to make a huge mess. Every time she takes a bath the bathroom floors end up being soaked. She is five years old, and there is absolutely no reason why I should have to sit in the bathroom with her to monitor her every move. Apparently though, this might be something that I have to do.
I realize that she is not old enough to understand what water can do to bathroom floors. Yes, we have linoleum on our bathroom floors, and this protects the wood underneath from the water. However, the flooring was not installed as well as it should have been, and some of the water that she is throwing on the floor is seeping down underneath the linoleum. No matter how many times I explained to her why she cannot splash so much, she still continues to do it as if it were something new and exciting. I often wonder if she is rebelling at the age of five.
My husband suggests that if I act as if the water on the bathroom floors meant nothing, that she would soon stop doing it. After he finished speaking, I allowed myself at least ten minutes to laugh before I corrected him. Though this may work with some children, this does not work with my daughter. I have tried to be calm, and have tried to ignore certain situations hoping that they would correct themselves, but this is never worked for her. She simply does what she wants, and this includes flooding the bathroom floors whenever she takes a bath.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Keeping The Bathroom Attractive With The Best Accessories
When you first move in to a new home or apartment, it seems the bathroom is the first room you want to “personalize”, perhaps because it's the smallest room and most easily redecorated. If you're one of those who enjoys a long, relaxing bath, you understand the need to have your bathroom be a little oasis of luxury where you can soak your cares away in beautiful surroundings. Even on a modest budget, you can make your bathroom attractive and inviting.
A coat of paint, window coverings and a nice shower curtain is a good starting point. However, it's your bathroom accessories, the little touches, which make all the difference. Bathroom accessories run the gamut from art work to toothbrush holders. Many of these individual items are inexpensive, so you can take the add-as-you-go approach if need be. Sometimes this method works best, because you'll take your time to find the perfect bathroom accessories.
Once you've established your basic color scheme, work from here to fill out your decorating scheme. It's best to begin with the larger bathroom accessories, in order to achieve a unified look.
Some of the larger bathroom accessories include items like toiletry cabinets, waste baskets, bath mats and towel bars. Naturally, these will be noticed first as part of your color scheme and style of decorating. Choose colors, textures and materials that fit into your overall scheme.
For example, if your walls are painted in an eggshell color, with a rust colored shower curtain, you have two avenues to explore in filling out your selection of bathroom accessories. You may choose similar tones or go for contrasting colors for your bathroom accessories.
If your choice is similar tones, a natural rattan toiletry cabinet will fit in nicely, as will a wicker waste basket and warm tones for bath mats and towels. Slight variations in the colors of these bath accessories will give you a better result than colors which are exactly the same. Oak or brass towel racks will also go well in this scenario.
If you'd like a more lively look, consider colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, a rust-colored shower curtain will contrast nicely with teal blue tones in your bath mats. Shades between teal blue and forest green will look good in this grouping. Following through on the contrasting approach, you'll find brightly colored plastic towels racks in shades that are just right for your scheme. Oak and brass towel racks will also work.
Now it's time to look for the accent bath accessories, such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders and the like. Small glass vases with dried flowers can add a homey touch, as will live plants. Ferns and many vining plants do very well in bathrooms and add a lot of charm. If you're the one who looks forward to the long soak in the bath, be sure to have an attractive candle holder to finish off your bathroom accessories shopping list!
A coat of paint, window coverings and a nice shower curtain is a good starting point. However, it's your bathroom accessories, the little touches, which make all the difference. Bathroom accessories run the gamut from art work to toothbrush holders. Many of these individual items are inexpensive, so you can take the add-as-you-go approach if need be. Sometimes this method works best, because you'll take your time to find the perfect bathroom accessories.
Once you've established your basic color scheme, work from here to fill out your decorating scheme. It's best to begin with the larger bathroom accessories, in order to achieve a unified look.
Some of the larger bathroom accessories include items like toiletry cabinets, waste baskets, bath mats and towel bars. Naturally, these will be noticed first as part of your color scheme and style of decorating. Choose colors, textures and materials that fit into your overall scheme.
For example, if your walls are painted in an eggshell color, with a rust colored shower curtain, you have two avenues to explore in filling out your selection of bathroom accessories. You may choose similar tones or go for contrasting colors for your bathroom accessories.
If your choice is similar tones, a natural rattan toiletry cabinet will fit in nicely, as will a wicker waste basket and warm tones for bath mats and towels. Slight variations in the colors of these bath accessories will give you a better result than colors which are exactly the same. Oak or brass towel racks will also go well in this scenario.
If you'd like a more lively look, consider colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, a rust-colored shower curtain will contrast nicely with teal blue tones in your bath mats. Shades between teal blue and forest green will look good in this grouping. Following through on the contrasting approach, you'll find brightly colored plastic towels racks in shades that are just right for your scheme. Oak and brass towel racks will also work.
Now it's time to look for the accent bath accessories, such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders and the like. Small glass vases with dried flowers can add a homey touch, as will live plants. Ferns and many vining plants do very well in bathrooms and add a lot of charm. If you're the one who looks forward to the long soak in the bath, be sure to have an attractive candle holder to finish off your bathroom accessories shopping list!
Bathroom Floorings And Decorative Solutions
Even though I understand that bathroom floors are meant to take the abuse of the bathroom, there is something about large puddles of water on the floor in my bathroom that drives me crazy. I’m not talking about what happens after someone steps out of the shower, or perhaps the result of someone spilling something, I am talking about my daughter’s refusal to stop splashing while she is in the bathtub. I don’t know if I would be more angry if this were my house, but I understand that my landlord may not appreciate the water damage that is happening.
It seems that my daughter has a mental block when it comes to following directions. I know many parents would say the same thing, and I know it is not just my daughter. I have told her repeatedly that she cannot splash water onto the bathroom floors while she’s taking a bath. I do realize that some splashing can occur, but she goes out of her way to make a huge mess. Every time she takes a bath the bathroom floors end up being soaked. She is five years old, and there is absolutely no reason why I should have to sit in the bathroom with her to monitor her every move. Apparently though, this might be something that I have to do.
I realize that she is not old enough to understand what water can do to bathroom floors. Yes, we have linoleum on our bathroom floors, and this protects the wood underneath from the water. However, the flooring was not installed as well as it should have been, and some of the water that she is throwing on the floor is seeping down underneath the linoleum. No matter how many times I explained to her why she cannot splash so much, she still continues to do it as if it were something new and exciting. I often wonder if she is rebelling at the age of five.
My husband suggests that if I act as if the water on the bathroom floors meant nothing, that she would soon stop doing it. After he finished speaking, I allowed myself at least ten minutes to laugh before I corrected him. Though this may work with some children, this does not work with my daughter. I have tried to be calm, and have tried to ignore certain situations hoping that they would correct themselves, but this is never worked for her. She simply does what she wants, and this includes flooding the bathroom floors whenever she takes a bath.
It seems that my daughter has a mental block when it comes to following directions. I know many parents would say the same thing, and I know it is not just my daughter. I have told her repeatedly that she cannot splash water onto the bathroom floors while she’s taking a bath. I do realize that some splashing can occur, but she goes out of her way to make a huge mess. Every time she takes a bath the bathroom floors end up being soaked. She is five years old, and there is absolutely no reason why I should have to sit in the bathroom with her to monitor her every move. Apparently though, this might be something that I have to do.
I realize that she is not old enough to understand what water can do to bathroom floors. Yes, we have linoleum on our bathroom floors, and this protects the wood underneath from the water. However, the flooring was not installed as well as it should have been, and some of the water that she is throwing on the floor is seeping down underneath the linoleum. No matter how many times I explained to her why she cannot splash so much, she still continues to do it as if it were something new and exciting. I often wonder if she is rebelling at the age of five.
My husband suggests that if I act as if the water on the bathroom floors meant nothing, that she would soon stop doing it. After he finished speaking, I allowed myself at least ten minutes to laugh before I corrected him. Though this may work with some children, this does not work with my daughter. I have tried to be calm, and have tried to ignore certain situations hoping that they would correct themselves, but this is never worked for her. She simply does what she wants, and this includes flooding the bathroom floors whenever she takes a bath.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Best Bathroom Accessories For The Apartment
When you first move in to a new home or apartment, it seems the bathroom is the first room you want to “personalize”, perhaps because it's the smallest room and most easily redecorated. If you're one of those who enjoys a long, relaxing bath, you understand the need to have your bathroom be a little oasis of luxury where you can soak your cares away in beautiful surroundings. Even on a modest budget, you can make your bathroom attractive and inviting.
A coat of paint, window coverings and a nice shower curtain is a good starting point. However, it's your bathroom accessories, the little touches, which make all the difference. Bathroom accessories run the gamut from art work to toothbrush holders. Many of these individual items are inexpensive, so you can take the add-as-you-go approach if need be. Sometimes this method works best, because you'll take your time to find the perfect bathroom accessories.
Once you've established your basic color scheme, work from here to fill out your decorating scheme. It's best to begin with the larger bathroom accessories, in order to achieve a unified look.
Some of the larger bathroom accessories include items like toiletry cabinets, waste baskets, bath mats and towel bars. Naturally, these will be noticed first as part of your color scheme and style of decorating. Choose colors, textures and materials that fit into your overall scheme.
For example, if your walls are painted in an eggshell color, with a rust colored shower curtain, you have two avenues to explore in filling out your selection of bathroom accessories. You may choose similar tones or go for contrasting colors for your bathroom accessories.
If your choice is similar tones, a natural rattan toiletry cabinet will fit in nicely, as will a wicker waste basket and warm tones for bath mats and towels. Slight variations in the colors of these bath accessories will give you a better result than colors which are exactly the same. Oak or brass towel racks will also go well in this scenario.
If you'd like a more lively look, consider colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, a rust-colored shower curtain will contrast nicely with teal blue tones in your bath mats. Shades between teal blue and forest green will look good in this grouping. Following through on the contrasting approach, you'll find brightly colored plastic towels racks in shades that are just right for your scheme. Oak and brass towel racks will also work.
Now it's time to look for the accent bath accessories, such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders and the like. Small glass vases with dried flowers can add a homey touch, as will live plants. Ferns and many vining plants do very well in bathrooms and add a lot of charm. If you're the one who looks forward to the long soak in the bath, be sure to have an attractive candle holder to finish off your bathroom accessories shopping list!
A coat of paint, window coverings and a nice shower curtain is a good starting point. However, it's your bathroom accessories, the little touches, which make all the difference. Bathroom accessories run the gamut from art work to toothbrush holders. Many of these individual items are inexpensive, so you can take the add-as-you-go approach if need be. Sometimes this method works best, because you'll take your time to find the perfect bathroom accessories.
Once you've established your basic color scheme, work from here to fill out your decorating scheme. It's best to begin with the larger bathroom accessories, in order to achieve a unified look.
Some of the larger bathroom accessories include items like toiletry cabinets, waste baskets, bath mats and towel bars. Naturally, these will be noticed first as part of your color scheme and style of decorating. Choose colors, textures and materials that fit into your overall scheme.
For example, if your walls are painted in an eggshell color, with a rust colored shower curtain, you have two avenues to explore in filling out your selection of bathroom accessories. You may choose similar tones or go for contrasting colors for your bathroom accessories.
If your choice is similar tones, a natural rattan toiletry cabinet will fit in nicely, as will a wicker waste basket and warm tones for bath mats and towels. Slight variations in the colors of these bath accessories will give you a better result than colors which are exactly the same. Oak or brass towel racks will also go well in this scenario.
If you'd like a more lively look, consider colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, a rust-colored shower curtain will contrast nicely with teal blue tones in your bath mats. Shades between teal blue and forest green will look good in this grouping. Following through on the contrasting approach, you'll find brightly colored plastic towels racks in shades that are just right for your scheme. Oak and brass towel racks will also work.
Now it's time to look for the accent bath accessories, such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders and the like. Small glass vases with dried flowers can add a homey touch, as will live plants. Ferns and many vining plants do very well in bathrooms and add a lot of charm. If you're the one who looks forward to the long soak in the bath, be sure to have an attractive candle holder to finish off your bathroom accessories shopping list!
Inspirational And Inventive Bathroom Decoration Ideas
The bathroom is a necessary room in the house but it should be more than functional. I like to have a big bathroom that I can relax in. The ambience must be chilled and the Bathroom Decoration ideas should reflect that. It's the room in the house that you can escape to. You can pamper yourself with a long soak in the tub by the light of some scented candles. That's the perfect end to my day.
I hate a bathroom, or any other room for that matter, that's cluttered. It must be tidy and spacious. A sunken tub would be nice and one of those shower units that have a skylight above them. It gives the illusion that you're showering in fresh rain. Bathroom Decoration ideas must pay attention to color. I like soft, neutral colors in the bathroom. I don't want anything bright giving me a migraine in the mornings. I'm not very good in the mornings. I need a dark green, subtle lemon shade or terracotta.
The bathroom fittings must be modern and shiny. I don't want to pretend I'm in some Victorian parlor room. Some leafy plants would be nice. Bathroom Decoration ideas for the 21st century should be minimalist with a complete ban on any corny motifs. Fish, boats and seashells are out. If I want that sort of thing, I'll go to the beach. Brass fittings would be ok as long as they're not too ornate.
The bathroom must be easy to clean. No rugs or fancy drapes. The walls must be fully tiled, with maybe one wall fitted with mirror tiles. I'm not vain, it just gives a sense of space! I know all these home make over shows are obsessed with stencils. These don't fit in with my Bathroom Decoration ideas. I want plain tiles as God intended them.
Speaking of make over shows, some of them have inspirational ideas including inventive Bathroom Decoration ideas. However, others are barking mad. I saw one the other day that featured the apartment of a young, trendy couple who had designed the whole place. Admittedly, the apartment was gorgeous and very tastefully decorated. It was the bathroom facilities that were weird. This couple didn't like walls and the entire apartment was open plan. Their bath tub was extra large so it could comfortably fit the two of them in, and it was plonked in the apartment for all to see. Even more bizarrely, the toilet was on the other side of the master bedroom, behind a wall but a very thin, see thru glass one. The husband explained that this unusual state of affairs was because he wanted to continue his conversation when his wife was taking a call of nature. Bathroom Decoration ideas with a hint of eccentricity.
I hate a bathroom, or any other room for that matter, that's cluttered. It must be tidy and spacious. A sunken tub would be nice and one of those shower units that have a skylight above them. It gives the illusion that you're showering in fresh rain. Bathroom Decoration ideas must pay attention to color. I like soft, neutral colors in the bathroom. I don't want anything bright giving me a migraine in the mornings. I'm not very good in the mornings. I need a dark green, subtle lemon shade or terracotta.
The bathroom fittings must be modern and shiny. I don't want to pretend I'm in some Victorian parlor room. Some leafy plants would be nice. Bathroom Decoration ideas for the 21st century should be minimalist with a complete ban on any corny motifs. Fish, boats and seashells are out. If I want that sort of thing, I'll go to the beach. Brass fittings would be ok as long as they're not too ornate.
The bathroom must be easy to clean. No rugs or fancy drapes. The walls must be fully tiled, with maybe one wall fitted with mirror tiles. I'm not vain, it just gives a sense of space! I know all these home make over shows are obsessed with stencils. These don't fit in with my Bathroom Decoration ideas. I want plain tiles as God intended them.
Speaking of make over shows, some of them have inspirational ideas including inventive Bathroom Decoration ideas. However, others are barking mad. I saw one the other day that featured the apartment of a young, trendy couple who had designed the whole place. Admittedly, the apartment was gorgeous and very tastefully decorated. It was the bathroom facilities that were weird. This couple didn't like walls and the entire apartment was open plan. Their bath tub was extra large so it could comfortably fit the two of them in, and it was plonked in the apartment for all to see. Even more bizarrely, the toilet was on the other side of the master bedroom, behind a wall but a very thin, see thru glass one. The husband explained that this unusual state of affairs was because he wanted to continue his conversation when his wife was taking a call of nature. Bathroom Decoration ideas with a hint of eccentricity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)