Is Bathroom Lighting Better Up Or Down

Half bath has lights pointing up.

Is bathroom lighting better up or down. I find the half bath to have the less light. Sounds crazy perhaps but it made perfect sense. It works well when the ceiling and bathroom are light in color to reflect the light.

Laura and John got the inspired idea to install it upside down. Or it may be used to boost local ambient light levels. Lightnet University of Southern Californias lighting website describes some additional effects of uplighting.

THe light fixture is adorable so I wont be changing it and also its just a half bath no one gets ready in there. The best approach for lighting in a bathroom is to provide balanced light. Well this one can be pointed up.

This light is softer and creates less shadowing and glare. This is especially important for applying make-up and shaving. I guess this is one of those things thats just personal preference - like so many other things in home construction and decoration.

Had it been the master bathroom we would have gone with the downward lights. More focused lighting ideal for putting on make up. Both are important and serve specific purposes and you will find that a combination of both is often best.

Click to see full answer. If on the other hand you are lighting a kitchen or office space you would be better off choosing downwards-facing light shades to focus stronger light on. Casting light down directs it into a defined area.