Lighting can make or break a perfectly made-up face, leading to over-application or poor color choices. In a bathroom, it is critical to balance the general (ambient) light and the light at the vanity. What often tends to be problematic in many homes is that most of the vanity lighting comes from an overhead fixture. This causes deep shadowing under the eyes, nose, lower-lip, and chin.
World renowned lighting designer and founder of Studio Lux, Christopher Thompson, sheds light on ways to ensure your best face forward with successful vanity lighting by offering the below tips:
1. Placement Is Everything – Be aware of the placement of light, the majority of light should be on the wall on either side of the mirror – we recommend mounting wall sconces at 5' 6" above the floor, approximately 36" apart and with the equivalent of 75 Watts (this can be achieved with quartz halogen, fluorescent or LED).
2. Balance / Ambient – While it is important to have the majority of light at the mirror, it is equally important to have ambient light in the room behind you (see next point) to balance light levels, minimizing the contrast between an illuminated face and darker program. The room light should be at least 60% as bright as the mirror vanity lighting.
3. Adaptation- The human eye can take up to 20 minutes to adjust to a new light source (this is known as visual adaptation). Ensure that your eyes are properly taking in your reflection by limiting this adjustment period. Balance the light so that as you move in the room, the light level is setting up your eyes to take in the direct light from the vanity.
4. Dimmers Are A Must- Get dimmers for your bathroom. Dimmers are an inexpensive and an effective way to adjust the relationship between the ambient light in the room and the vanity lighting that illuminates your face. Wiring the general and vanity lighting to separate dimmers will allow you to fine-tune the relationship between light sources to best suit your needs.
5. Go For Strong Vanity Light- Decorative vanity lights often are low-Wattage, and do not provide the appropriate illumination for applying makeup or shaving, We recommend using frosted or etched glass shades, or in some cases linen shades, to diffuse (soften) the light and reduce lamp glare.
6. Color Is Key- When using compact fluorescent or LED fixtures, be aware of the color appearance of your vanity light. Light appearance or the color temperature strongly determines what it is you see when applying makeup. The cooler your light source is, the more greens and blues you will discern. The warmer colored lights bring out reds and yellows.
7. Choose Light Sources Wisely- With ever more stringent energy codes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to use standard incandescent lighting. Compact fluorescent, halogen or LED's work as well as incandescent, if properly selected. Stay with color temperatures between 2700 and 3000 degrees Kelvin as indicated on the box.
8. Hollywood Inspiration- The Hollywood make-up artist had it. In order to recreate the balanced light levels that the old Hollywood perfected, designers want to find a modern equivalent of golf balls size lighting bulbs in a row on either side of a mirror, as often seen in Hollywood makeup sections.
9. Quality Over Quantity- The quality of a light bulb can largely eliminate or increase the need for additional light fixtures. By choosing a high quality vanity bulb, you reduce your chances of overcompensating with overhead light.
With a background in theatrical performing arts and electrical engineering that result in the highly technical side of lighting precision, Christopher Thompson has forged a versatile design style that is strongly cemented in the tactile relationship between light, mood and audience.
His experience in designing vanity lighting for the Bill and Melinda Gate's residence, homes overlooking Hyde Park, Philippe Rochat's Restaurant de L'Hotel de Ville in Switzerland, amongst many others, has led him to receive the Society Of British Interior Design Award along with international recognition with his lighting firm, Studio Lux LLC.
For more information please visit: www.StudioLux.com
pic & tips courtesy of P3R Publicity.
Source: twitter and studiolux.com
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