How many watts should a bathroom light be?

When choosing the right wattage for a bathroom light, it's important to consider the size of the room and the lighting's purpose. Here are some guidelines:

1. General Lighting: For general bathroom lighting, you'll typically need around 20 lumens per square foot. This translates to approximately 40 to 60 watts for an average-sized bathroom of 50-100 square feet if using incandescent bulbs, or 10-15 watts if using LED bulbs (which are much more energy-efficient). LED bulbs produce the same light output as higher-wattage incandescent bulbs but use much less powering**: For areas like over the mirror, where task lighting is needed for shaving, makeup, or brushing teeth, aim for around 75-100 watts (LED equivalent). You may need a brighter light, typically around 1,500 to 3,000 lumens, to ensure clear visibility .

2. **Accent Lt or mood lighting, such as LED strips or sconces, lower wattage is sufficient. Around 5-10 watts (LED equivalent) should suffice for accent lighting or highlighting architectural features .

What to Keep in Mind:

• Ty: If you're using LED bulbs, their efficiency means you can use lower wattage for the same amount of light. A 10-watt LED can give you the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.
• Color Temperature: Consider a color temperature of 2700-3000K for a warm, relaxing atmosphere or 4000-5000K for a cooler, brighter feel that is ideal for task lighting.

Ultimately, the wattage needed will depend on your bathroom's size, design, and specific lighting needs. Adjust accordingly for the perfect balance of light!