{"id":1623,"date":"2017-08-02T06:55:24","date_gmt":"2017-08-02T06:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1623"},"modified":"2021-02-26T13:16:14","modified_gmt":"2021-02-26T13:16:14","slug":"lighting-for-traditional-bathrooms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/2017\/08\/lighting-for-traditional-bathrooms\/","title":{"rendered":"LIGHTING FOR TRADITIONAL BATHROOMS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Many homeowners struggle to find suitable lighting for older houses as they try to stay true to the age of the property and its period features., No-where, it seems, proves more of a challenge than lighting in period bathrooms<\/a>. Until quite recently it was difficult to find bathroom light fittings that were in keeping with older homes, but things are changing. There are many more traditionally designed bathroom lights on the market that combine inspiration from bygone eras with the best of modern materials and energy efficient technology, giving us the best of both worlds. In this blog, we will make finding the perfect lighting just that bit easier by showing you some of our newly introduced traditional bathroom lights<\/a>, along with a few of our existing favourites.<\/p>\n

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We tend to think of bathrooms today as being a modern invention and in many ways they are. Bathing during Roman times was a communal affair but during the 16th<\/sup>, 17th<\/sup> and 18th<\/sup> centuries the use of public baths began to decline and private spaces were preferred which paved the way for the modern bathrooms we are familiar with today. Wealthy households in Victorian and Edwardian Britain had splendid bathrooms but the vast majority of the people did not have that luxury, and the \u2018old tin bath\u2019 in front of the fire was the order of the day (but not necessarily every day!).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Bathing was part of day to day life for Romans and The Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset are one of the best surviving examples. Men and women (usually at different times) would come to exercise, socialise and bathe – rather like a modern day leisure centre.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Today many people spend thousands of pounds refurbishing their bathrooms but give little thought to any lighting scheme and if we could only give one piece of advice it would be \u2018Don\u2019t Ignore the Lighting\u2019 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>\"\"<\/strong> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \"\"
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When done well bathroom lighting can look stunning as these two examples illustrate. The lighting should be uniform and bright enough for daily tasks whilst, at the same time, trying to eliminate glare – this can be a little tricky as there are usually lots of reflective surfaces in bathrooms.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

Bathrooms need flexible lighting \u2013 you will need clear visibility to perform practical tasks as you get ready for the day ahead, but you may also want to have a more subdued atmosphere when you are having a relaxing bath at the end of a long hard day. So, consider how your bathroom is used at different times of the day and plan the lighting accordingly \u2013 don\u2019t just settle for one central ceiling light lit by the brightest bulb you can find! Or, if you do, consider asking your electrician to fit a dimmer switch just outside the bathroom so you can, at least, control the light level.<\/p>\n

Safety regulations relating to bathroom lighting are rightly rigorous, so please don\u2019t be tempted to use conventional light fittings not intended for bathroom use. If you are unsure about bathroom lighting regulations please refer to our previous blog where we covered this subject in more detail.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/2017\/02\/bathroom-lighting-regulations-explained-2\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Victorian and Edwardian Bathroom Lighting<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"At the start of the Victorian era there was no running water and toilets were outside. Surely we would not wish to be quite as authentic as this today? We can, however, create Victorian bathrooms that have traditional appeal, a sense of heritage and are in keeping with our period homes. Free standing roll top baths and slipper baths are a more luxurious take on the \u2018old tin baths\u2019. The Edwardian era saw the introduction of flushable toilets with high cisterns with pull-down chain flushes and replica versions would be very much in keeping. Adding period style lighting fixtures will help enhance this charming nostalgic Victorian or Edwardian look.<\/p>\n

The Victorian style ‘bath’ room, shown in the image to the left, features an old bath tub with a fabric shower curtain along with the copper boiler that was used to heat the water – this would have been considered the height of luxury at that time – it is located inside the 17th century Breteuil Castle, 22 miles south west of Paris. Our other image, above right, is a modern day interpretation of a Victorian or Edwardian gentleman’s wash room. <\/em><\/span>

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Wall sconces were popular for lighting in Victorian and Edwardian bathrooms<\/a>.\u00a0 Many of these would originally have been gas fittings, or gas fittings converted to electricity in later Edwardian years. Replica light fittings can be used to achieve this look today.<\/p>\n

Two of our newly introduced wall sconces are shown here. The delightful Demelza wall light<\/a>, shown over the period style mirror, on the left, is available in either chrome or brushed brass. With its design inspired by traditional Art Nouveau shapes it will fit perfectly in Victorian and Edwardian style bathrooms. The use of the braided cord cable gives it a romantic. old world charm. The Agatha wall sconce<\/a>, shown right, takes its inspiration from the flaming Medieval torchiere wall lights and is shown in the brushed nickel finish (also available in polished chrome). Both these wall lights feature beautiful, delicately cut glass shades and are safe for using in the bathroom environment with their IP44 rating. They are also supplied with long lasting, low energy LED bulbs – truly the best of both worlds.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

For lighting in larger bathrooms chandeliers<\/a> are a great option \u2013 yes there are now chandeliers suitable for using in bathrooms! If the budget will allow, a real crystal chandelier will add a good bright light, visual interest and a touch of luxury \u2013 consider installing a dimmer switch to change to a softer ambient light for that relaxing soak in your roll top bath. For extra charm and romance, and to be more in keeping, you could relax in your roll top bath by candlelight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>The small 3 light Crawford chandelier<\/a>, shown on the left is one of our best selling chandeliers for small bathrooms – a larger 5 light version and matching wall light are also available. It has a chrome frame dressed with faceted glass droplets and beads with the bulbs being hidden inside the enclosed alabaster glass shades. A perfect glamorous addition for lighting in traditional bathrooms. The dramatic Crystal Skye chandelier <\/a>with its matching wall lights is shown in the picture on the right. Nothing compares to real crystal and this new range of chandeliers and wall lights is aptly named as the lights sparkle like a clear night sky. The chrome shades are filled with triangular crystal prisms just waiting to reflect the light in a hundred different ways. Although essentially modern fittings the image shows that it is perfectly possible to mix new with old if you are brave enough!<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing with the theme of beautiful glass shades here are two more of our new bathroom wall lights. \"\"<\/a>The Kalli over mirror wall light<\/a> has a timeless appeal and will happily sit in both traditional and modern bathrooms. The thick, multi-faceted crystal glass shades float effortlessly on the chrome arms and give a soft feminine lighting effect. This fitting can be installed with the shades facing up or down. The \"\"<\/a>Plantation wall light<\/a>, shown here in the pearl bronze finish, is the latest addition to this popular range of lights from our Lincoln American Collection. The unique pineapple design with its ornate detailing sits well in Victorian and Edwardian interiors. In times past the exotic pineapple was used as a symbol of welcome and was incorporated into many decorative items. Both these wall lights are IP44 rated making them perfectly safe for use in bathrooms and they are supplied with low energy LED bulbs. They can, of course, be used in other rooms in the home too.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Art Deco Bathroom Lighting<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Art Deco is a style that was popular in the 1920\u2019s and 1930\u2019s and many of us live in homes that date from this time. The glamorous Deco style never seems to go out of fashion and works fantastically in bathrooms. Art Deco features include strong geometric shapes with bold colours. When it comes to bathrooms the dramatic black and white monochrome look is very Deco.<\/p>\n

Although the images above are quite different they both embody the style and functionality combined with sleek lines and bold shapes that epitomises what the Art Deco style is all about. The image on the left with its gold taps and soft lighting has a much warmer feel whilst the one on the left exhibits a strong almost clinical monochrome look with a clean white light. The two Zolon wall strip lights<\/a> above the mirror in the image on the right are new light fittings just added to our New York American Collection. They are in chrome with opal glass diffuser shades surrounded a bold geometric grid pattern depicted in chrome. The lights are available in 3 sizes and have integrated LED bulbs and can be fitted either horizontally or vertically to frame bathroom mirrors.\u00a0<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

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Perhaps the best thing about the Art Deco style is that it is so versatile \u2013 it manages to combine traditional elements with modern touches without appearing mismatched. Not only does this style suit 1920\u2019s and 1930\u2019s bathrooms but it also sits quite happily in more modern bathrooms. Square or angular shaped baths and sinks, chrome fittings and frosted glass are all typically Art Deco and for finishing touches a bevelled mirror would add a glitzy feel.<\/p>\n

The modern bathroom in the image on the right incorporates elements of Art Deco which certainly do not look out of place. The mirror with its bevelled chrome frame adds a touch of Deco and is lit either side by two of our new Shellly wall light<\/a>s which offer a clean sophisticated look with polished chrome metalwork and cast finials combined with an understated etched opal glass shade. It is LED lit and with its IP44 rating can safely be used in bathrooms. Although this is a bathroom wall light it is certainly classy enough to be use in other rooms too.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

Electricity was widely available by the 1920\u2019s and 1930\u2019s and this resulted in huge advancements in lighting. Chrome, very much the new material of the Deco age, lent itself readily to lighting. Light fittings had strong symmetrical lines and geometric angular shapes and were combined with glass shades in frosted or ribbed glass, often with zig-zag and chevron patterns.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u00a0 \"\"<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \"\"<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The newly introduced Taylor bathroom lights<\/a> from our Broadway American Collection exhibit many features associated with the Art Deco style. Polished chrome frames with strong linear shapes, a clean sleek design and opal etched glass shades all work perfectly together. These IP44 lights are suitable for bathroom use and have long lasting, low energy LED bulbs included. Although suitable for bathrooms they are certainly stylish enough to be used in other rooms where you are looking for a minimalist Deco look.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional bathroom lighting<\/a> is classic and sophisticated and not ruled by short lived fads and trends. Trust you own personal taste and rest assured that quality traditional bathroom lights from Bespoke Lights<\/a> will stand the test of time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We tend to think of bathrooms today as being a modern invention and in many ways they are. Bathing during Roman times was a communal affair but during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries the use of public baths began to decline and private spaces were preferred which paved the way for the modern bathrooms we are familiar with today. Wealthy households in Victorian and Edwardian Britain had splendid bathrooms but the vast majority of the people did not have that luxury, and the \u2018old tin bath\u2019 in front of the fire was the order of the day (but not necessarily every day!). <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,176,31],"tags":[36,211,210,32],"class_list":["post-1623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-deco-lighting","category-bathroom-lighting","category-victorian-and-edwardian-lights","tag-art-deco-lighting","tag-edwardian-bathroom-lights","tag-lighting-victorian-bathrooms","tag-lights-for-victorian-homes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1623"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5210,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1623\/revisions\/5210"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bespokelights.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}