Most of us are used to the standard light switch in the bathroom, that we turn on and off by hand. However, these switches do not maximize the flexibility that newer light switches provide. In this article, I will discuss the different types of light switch available for bathrooms and provide you with some ideas for choosing which light switch is right for you.
The main problem with standard light switches in bathrooms is that they are extremely glaring. At night, we generally walk from a dark bedroom into a dark bathroom. Our irises are extremely open to compensate for all the darkness. So, when we enter the bathroom, the sudden bust of light is painful for our eyes. As a result, a number of alternatives have been developed.
Standard Dimmer Switches: This is the type of dimmer switches that has been used for generations. Rather than simply flip on the light, one manually selects a light level by turning the switch clockwise from 0-100%. So, when you are entering a bathroom at night, you can slowly turn the switch to about 40%, which is usually about all the light that you need.
One issue with these switches is that they do not work well with many fluorescent lights. Most fluorescent lights simply have two settings: on and off. As a result, you’ll need to purchase two special pieces of equipment. First, you’ll need an electronic dimmer switch. Second, you’ll need fluorescent bulbs designed to work with dimmers. Such a combination can cost about $200.
Pre-set Dimmer Switches: Somewhat less expensive are “pre-set” dimmer switches. These have an in-built computer that includes various light levels depending on how you set them. You can use them in interesting ways in the bathroom. For example, you can set the computer to only have dimmer light levels at night, but brighter levels during the day. Alternatively, you can have the switch include multiple buttons at different light levels.
Motion-Detection Switches: When combined with pre-set dimmer switches, these can be very powerful. They are set to turn on, not when you hit the switch, but when you walk in the room. This saves you fumbling around for the light switch in the dark. Combined with a pre-set dimmer, you can set your lights to create dimmer light at night, whenever you walk in the bathroom. Make sure you set them to leave the light on for several minutes, however, or they can turn themselves off when you stop moving.
With all the options available today, there is no reason we need to be blinded by our bathroom lights. Dimmer switches and motion detection can provide perfect nighttime bathroom lighting.