Bring the Light In: Tips for a Light, Bright Bathroom

Most of us start our day in the bathroom - with a quick shower, a makeup application, or a simple tooth-brushing routine. These small yet essential tasks are the foundation of our daily routine, and a dim or poorly lit space can make these tasks more difficult.

If it's not appropriately lit, this room can feel far from welcoming and even unpleasant. You may not get that rush of energy and positivity that you need to start your day off right or you could feel unable to relax and unwind in the evening. Fortunately, there are several ways to brighten up your bathroom and turn it into a beautiful, rejuvenating space.

You don't have to be confined to a small, dark space for your everyday bathroom routine. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can turn it into a light, airy haven that will energise you for the day ahead.

This is the first and often overlooked step when it comes to making a bathroom brighter. A cluttered layout will only make the room feel smaller and darker - think about the placement of your vanity, shelves, and cabinets.

If you have a narrow setup, you can't put everything on one wall and expect it to look spacious. Instead, try spreading out your storage options to different walls or corners of the room. This will not only help with organisation but also create a more open and airy feel in the bathroom.

A wall-mounted vanity or shelves can also help with creating the illusion of more space and light in the room. By keeping the floor clear, natural light can easily flow through and give you more room to move around.

If you have a bathtub, consider placing it beneath a window so that you can enjoy natural light while taking a relaxing bath. This will also create a visually appealing focal point in the room, with few distractions and minimal clutter.

As for showers, opt for a clear or lightly frosted glass door instead of an opaque one. In this way, you can let in more light and create a seamless flow between the shower and the rest of the bathroom.

Colour plays a significant role in brightening up any space, and it's no exception when it comes to bathrooms. Dark hues absorb light, making the room feel smaller and dimmer. On the other hand, lighter shades reflect light and make the room appear more spacious and airy.

Consider painting your walls in soft pastel shades or opting for white tiles for a clean, classic look. If you really want darker tones, you can use them as accents through accessories such as towels or bath mats, but keep the overall colour scheme light and bright.

Adding pops of colour through plants and artwork can also add depth to the room without overwhelming it. Just make sure to choose plants that thrive in humid environments and artwork that can withstand moisture.

Clutter is the enemy of a spacious and relaxing bathroom. That's why it's essential to have enough storage options to keep things organised and out of sight. Consider installing shelves above the toilet, adding baskets or bins in cabinets, and using hooks or towel racks on walls to maximise vertical space.

For smaller bathrooms, look into multi-functional furniture pieces such as a vanity with built-in storage or a medicine cabinet with hidden shelves. These can help you save space while still providing ample storage for your essentials.

While natural light is certainly a game-changer, not all of us have the luxury of large windows in our bathrooms. If you can't rely on natural light, make sure to incorporate artificial lighting that mimics it as closely as possible. This means using warm, white bulbs instead of harsh fluorescent ones.

You can use accent lights to highlight certain areas, such as above the vanity or around a bathtub, and install dimmer switches to control the overall lighting intensity. This will allow you to create a relaxing atmosphere for long baths or illuminate the space when getting ready in the morning.

As the bottom layer of your bathroom, the flooring plays a significant role in tying the whole space together. While lighter options like ceramic or porcelain tiles can create a sense of openness, they may also make the room feel colder and less inviting.

If you want to add warmth and texture to your bathroom, consider using natural materials like wood or stone. These can bring that natural, spa-like feel into your space and make it more visually appealing. Just make sure to properly seal the flooring to protect it from water damage.

On the other hand, darker materials like slate or concrete can have a dramatic effect and make the space feel more luxurious. Keep in mind that they can also show dirt and dust more easily, so regular cleaning will be necessary to maintain their appearance.

For more expert advice for your bathroom, contact the Highgrove Bathroom team today.