Introduce Reflective Surfaces
Introduce brass or chrome finish sanitary fixtures, light fixtures and mirror frames. You can also consider gloss finish wall tiles which bounce light, add extra brightness and visually expand the bathroom space.
A bright shade of yellow creates the illusion of light in any windowless bathroom. Pairing the color with white makes the overall room an uplifting oasis.
Mirrors are the ideal choice for bathrooms without windows. They reflect your artificial light, which mimics the effect of a natural light source.
For a dark or even windowless bathroom, the ideal lighting would be at least 2,000 lumens. A centered overhead fixture that accommodates two or three light bulbs will help make up for the lack of natural light.
Some LED lights, like the ones used in many high definition electronic screens, contain a spike of blue light. Others contain a balanced spectrum of light designed to mimic natural sunlight.
Keep it Neutral
For walls and appliances, sticking to colors like gray, white, and black are recommended. Selecting these colors makes it easy to match with décor. In addition, white is especially popular in many bathrooms because of its clean aesthetic.
Soothing neutrals in blue, green, and gray will help create a relaxing, spa-like vibe for your bathroom. Look for colors inspired by nature like soft sage, sky blue, and ash gray. If you prefer warmer colors, opt for a pale yellow, warm beige, or even a delicate blush color to give the space a welcoming glow.
For a welcoming feel, try using warm color temperatures between 2700K and 3000K. This way, you'll give your bathroom a soft, yellowish glow that evokes comfort. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more modern, sleek look, go for a color temperature between 3500K and 4000K.
"Lighter colors reflect light easily, which gives the room a bigger appearance," says Piercy. Unsurprisingly, a classic white paint is the perfect choice when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom.
Create a night light by illuminating the floor in the toe-space area below vanities and cabinets with a linear lighting system. Indirect or cove lighting can add a soft, warm glow to the bathroom. Good mirror lighting, provided by warm fluorescent vertical wall sconces, provides even facial illumination.
Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent that gives a close approximation of natural daylight, known as "white light." Colors appear sharper under halogen light and the bulbs can be dimmed. They're a little more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they're more expensive and burn at a higher temperature.
High CRI LED lighting with color temperatures ranging from about 5200K-6400K is the closest that artificial lighting can come to natural sunlight.
Full-spectrum bulbs mimic natural light by emitting the same wavelengths of light as those that reach us from the sun's light spectrum.
Most vanity lights can be mounted with lights pointed up or down. Remember to mount the fixture with the lights pointed up for ambient lighting and pointed down for task lighting.
When it comes to bathrooms, white never goes out of style. Cool whites will create a crisp and clean look, and off-whites will warm up a dark space. For a look that's on trend, try complementing white with a dark accent color, such as navy blue, hunter green, or black.
One of the best ways to make a beige bathroom look great is by adding a rug. Rugs can add color, texture and pattern, which will help brighten up your little space. If you want more color in your bathroom, consider using a bright color on the floor.
Swap those boring beige towels for something jazzier and hang some bright wall art. A colourful radiator or towel rail can instantly brighten up any bathroom or use colourful tiles to draw attention to a focal point such as the shower area or splashback. Repeating your statement hues works well.
A lack of natural light
If your bathroom is on the smaller side and you have tall ceilings, move your light fixture higher so you can add a tall mirror to make the room look bigger, Ross says. A mirror that is too small or has too wide of a frame can also make the room appear small and dark.