When is the bathroom lighting addressed?

by Patty O'Brien
(Mequon, WI)

When starting a bathroom remodel - When is the bathroom lighting addressed? At the beginning of the project, or at the end?

I know the bathroom needs more lighting, and there is no natural light. I'm thinking it should be addressed first, as the fixture selection, not to mention the type of bulb, could alter the color of tile, paint etc.

With that said, there is also a good reason to do the lighting last. Last minute paint decisions, or last minute great finds could mean less or more lighting, thus creating another electrician bill if lighting was addressed first. Please help if you can!

Patty - Thanks for your great question -

I guess that this is really an opinion issue. I agree with you that it could really go either way... but, given a choice, I would take a look at the lighting form the very beginning of the bathroom remodel project.

Granted, you could end up choosing a different paint color, or something else might become available that would affect your remodel, but it probably would not change that much.

The bathroom lighting fixtures that you select are going to set the mood of the bathroom - classic, elegant, etc. Bathroom Wall lighting whether sconces or bathroom light bars above the bathroom mirror will set the tone of the bathroom.

You can always tone down the bathroom lighting by using different bulbs if you make major paint changes at the end of the bathroom remodel.

I hope this helps some.... good luck on your bathroom remodel!

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