Lighting is the number one most important thing you can do to change the look and feel of your bathroom. And you can do it all on a modest budget.

Just by swapping out old light fixtures for decorative new sconces and a dramatic chandelier, and adding some accent lighting, you can update the personality, not to mention the functionality, of your bath.

Chandelier Chic

One of the hottest design trends right now is placing chandeliers in the bathroom. Typically smaller and more delicate than those used elsewhere in the home, bath chandeliers can transform the look of a room while providing elegant, soft overhead illumination.

When combined with task and accent lighting, an appropriately sized chandelier will help create a “layered” lighting effect in the bath. In addition to suitable size — a chandelier must be hung above head-height — homeowners will want to select a style and finish that complements the style of the room. Wrought-iron is the natural choice for traditionally styled baths,

The Task at Hand

If your bathroom doesn’t already have them, you could start by installing a pair of wall sconces on either side of the bathroom mirror. Not only do sconces eliminate unwanted shadows cast on the face from overhead lighting, they provide another opportunity to dress up the bath..

Accent on Drama

Properly placed accent lighting can produce a tremendous amount of excitement in the bathroom. Placed under vanities, above cabinets, even mounted beneath a translucent countertop, accent lighting introduces warmth and drama to a room. It can also make a small room appear larger.

Low-voltage, high-intensity xenon accent lighting to illuminate crown molding, down-light a sink or vanity, or add gentle illumination from beneath translucent countertops, such as glass, resin or stone. Xenon bulbs provide a clean, crisp white light while giving off less heat than halogen bulbs.

Dimmers, Bulbs and Candles – Oh My!

One of the easiest ways to create that cherished spa-like atmosphere is to connect a dimmer switch to the bathroom light fixtures.

Dimmers allow the homeowner to enhance the bathroom’s brightness in the morning when getting ready, and then decrease it later in the evening, perhaps while soaking in the tub. They are also very easy to install.

In that same vein, replacing harsh white lights or unflattering fluorescents with warm-tone bulbs such as soft pink light bulbs will bring a warm, cozy feel to the bath. The slightly pink color tone is very complementary on skin, making it appear more natural.

– On The House