When you're planning ensuite renovations, you need to pay special attention to the lighting. The lights will have to fulfil different needs. For example, you'll need ample light for grooming. Plus, you should have options to transform the ensuite into a relaxing haven. One light can't achieve all this. You'll need a layered approach.

Recessed Ceiling Lights

First, you need light so you can simply see what you're doing. For this, recessed lights are ideal. These globes are set into a hole in the ceiling plaster so they don't protrude into the room to add extra clutter. They help to maximise space in a compact room. They're often placed around the ceiling perimeter, creating general ambient and background illumination.

Wall Sconces

Sconces are lights that are fitted onto the wall, typically at about head level. Because of their placement in the room, they're obvious, so you can splash out on a lovely decorative fitting. They come in geometric art-deco styles, ornate traditional designs, and many other looks.

Sconces are often set on either side of a vanity mirror, creating soft shadows on the face and adding dimension. They'll combine with illumination from the ceiling lights. You should connect sconces on their own circuitry and switches. That way, you can turn them on independently to create a moody atmosphere.

Vanity Lights

Rather than relying on sconces to light up the vanity mirror, you could install a row of vanity lights above the mirror. Some ensuites use this as the general lighting for the room. However, illumination from above can create unpleasant shadows on a face and give the effect of bags. Be careful that vanity lighting is not too bright and glary so that it shines in your eyes when you look in the mirror.

Chandeliers

A kind of light you might want to add just for decorative indulgence is a bathroom chandelier. You could install one of these overhanging a bath to create soft, calm lighting and a feeling of luxury. Your ensuite will need a relatively high ceiling so that the chandelier doesn't hang too low and appear obtrusive. Like with sconces, you'll have a wide variety of designs to pick from to complement diverse bathroom aesthetics. Make sure to choose the chandelier size carefully to ensure that it's in proportion to the rest of the room. While these lights can be ornate, they can also be edgy and industrial or have various other looks.