My shower is so dark. Is there any way to get more light in there?

Sounds like you live in an older home, because most new housing comes with shower lighting. If that’s the case, you can still add your lighting to your shower.

There is nothing better than stepping into a nice hot shower after a long day. But if you are like many home owners with an older home you may be stepping into darkness. That is not so fun. Adding a shower lighting is a welcomed home improvement and one that will be gladly appreciated by the whole family. Adding the right lighting will change that dark hole into a wonderful place of relaxation and enjoyment.

Choosing the Right Shower Lighting

So where do you begin when adding a shower light? First, you need to get the right type of lighting. Unlike other areas of your bathroom, the showing lighting you buy is made specifically for a wet environment. Remember that old adage – water and electricity never mix.

Much of the shower lighting you find on the market today comes as recessed lighting. In other words, canister lights. It should be enclosed so that electrical parts cannot get wet. It should says it’s water resistant right on the lighting package. If not, check with a sales person. If a recessed shower light isn’t what you had in mind, you’re in luck. You can also find swag light or down light as well. There are even sconce lights which can give a decorator touch to the shower. Updating a bathroom with shower lighting is a great way to improve the value of your home, too.  Prospective home buyers will be impressed with a well-lit bathroom and shower verses a cave-like feel.

Placing Your Bathroom Shower Light

When you are looking for the perfect shower light consider placement. That may have an effect on the size and style of the shower lighting you purchase. A light should be as bright as possible in a dark area so consider where it will have the best illumination. Most shower lights require 6 to 7 inches of ceiling space. If you are dealing with a two story home you need to make sure you have enough depth to accommodate the canisters or the ceiling outlet box.  If you are going directly through to an attic it usually an easy install. No matter where you choose to install your shower lighting, just make sure there is enough space between joists. Another option to consiers for tight spaces is smaller LED shower lights. They are energy-efficient and a good solution when space is limited.

Let a Professional Install Your Shower Lighting

There are many home improvement jobs a do-it-yourself can handle, but when it comes to water and electricity, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Once you have your light and know where you want to install it the best thing to do is call a licensed electrical contractor to install your new lighting. The risk of fire or a tragedy is not worth it. Call someone who is experienced and knows how to work on older homes. And when you are all done, you will have a nice bright place to shower and enjoy.

Bathroom Lighting Tips

If you can’t add shower lighting to your bathroom, there are other ways to add light to the room.

See Through It: Use glass showers doors to allow the light to shine into the shower I really like frameless glass shower doors, like this one to the right. It not only allows light into a dark shower, but it looks so fabulous — a real designer touch. If doors are not possible or in the budget, then use a clear shower curtain. Even one with a design will allow more light to the shower.

Keep It Light: As in, keep the wall colors light. That doesn’t mean white, but do keep in might that light (and white) do reflect the light. Keep that in mind when choosing your wall colors and other surfaces, like ceramic tiles.

Add More Light: Make sure you’re using the highest wattage of light bulb you’re existing fixtures are rated for. Then add more lighting where you can, like a small bathroom accent light on the vanity. Also, keep window treatments to a minimum. Even consider removing your wall treatments if privacy isn’t an issue.

Remember, like diamonds, you can never have too much light in a bathroom, whether that’s shower lighting, natural light, ambient, task or even accent lighting.

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