Is it possible to cheat your way to a bigger bathroom? Whether you’re dealing with a compact space or simply feel that bigger is always better, lighting can be the ultimate magic trick. 

When trying to create the illusion of space, you’re probably thinking about the layout, paint and tiling. 

But if a beautiful, functional and spacious bathroom is what you’re after, then the right bathroom lighting is an essential part of the equation. 

In this month’s B&C Home Journal, we share our top secrets to creating a lighting scheme that adds space to your bathroom renovation. Enjoy!

Robert Fonti

Director, Balnei & Colina

 

Six expert lighting tips to elevate your bathroom space

 

Layer your bathroom lighting

Image credit: DAH Architecture 

Balnei & Colina | Lower North Shore Bathroom Renovation

Regardless of size, the key to a functional and flawless bathroom lies in layered lighting. Most bathrooms have overhead lighting but many forget to include task and accent lighting. 

Overhead lighting, also known as ambient lighting, is the primary light source in a bathroom, and this light should be far-reaching and fill the space. 

Next is task lighting, which is exactly as it sounds: lighting that is thoughtfully positioned, so you have more visibility when going about your daily bathroom routine, whether applying makeup, skincare or brushing your teeth. 

Accent lighting draws attention to certain features and adds dimension and sophistication to your overall space. When all three are combined, the result is a fully-realised yet functional bathroom that gives your room a signature look and feel.

Our bathroom renovation Sydney experts at Balnei & Colina can design a lighting plan that is both practical and visually appealing, adding space, ambience and depth to your new room.

 

Make your lighting symmetrical

Image credit: Mandy Graham 

Balnei & Colina | Lower North Shore Bathroom Renovation

When it comes to clever bathroom design, creating structure, purpose and symmetry can help make the space feel neat and tidy. One way of doing this is by adding pendant lighting or sconces to your vanity area. 

The result is practical because it’s fulfilling the role of task lighting but is also decorative. If you’re short on space, there aren’t too many opportunities to stamp your style in a room. But this is one of them. 

 

Reflect light off the walls

Image credit: Graystone Custom Builders

Balnei & Colina | Lower North Shore Bathroom Renovation

As a general rule of thumb, lighter colours make a space look bigger, while darker hues make a room seem smaller. This is because white reflects light, and darker colours absorb it. 

When it comes to your bathroom lighting, using lighter colours on your walls and floors is key to creating the illusion of space. Your lighting will be amplified, resulting in a brighter room. 

Going light isn’t the only way to create the illusion of space; try capitalising on the wall space above your vanity by adding a large mirror.  

A more oversized mirror will help in two ways: firstly, a mirror makes a space seem larger because the room feels more continuous. Secondly, light bouncing off the mirror will fill dark shadows within the room. 

 

Utilise or create natural lighting

Image credit: DAH Architecture 

Balnei & Colina | Rozelle Bathroom Renovation 

There’s just nothing like natural light to make a room feel bigger. If you’re dealing with a bathroom with no windows, try adding a skylight, a semi-transparent door, or, like we did for the renovation shown above, creating a window into the master bedroom from the ensuite. 

No project is too big for our bathroom design Sydney team. If you have a compact space that needs an expert eye, our team are masters at finding solutions in unlikely places.