Designers separate lighting into three categories: task, ambient, and accent. Task lighting illuminates a particular area where a visual activity such as shaving or applying makeup takes place. Ambient (or general) lighting fills in the undefined areas of a room with a soft level of light enough, say, for a relaxing soak in a whirlpool tub. Accent lighting, which is primarily decorative, is used to highlight architectural features, to set a mood, or to provide drama.

Which fixtures are best?
Generally speaking, small and discreet are themes for bathroom lighting; consequently, recessed downlights are very popular. Fitted with the right baffle or shield, these fixtures alone can handle ambient, task, and accent needs.

In a larger bathroom, a separate fixture to light the shower or bath area or any other distinct part in a compartmentalized design and perhaps one for reading may be appreciated. Shower fixtures should be waterproof units with neoprene seals.

Fixtures around a makeup or shaving mirror should spread light over a person's face rather than onto the mirror surface. To avoid heavy shadows, it's best to place mirror lights at the sides, rather than only

overhead. Wall sconces flanking the mirror not only provide light, but offer an opportunity for a stylish design statement.

And just for fun, why not consider decorative uplights in a soffit, or strip lights in a toespace area? These low-key accents help provide a wash of ambient light and can also serve as safe, pleasant night lights.

Dimmers (also called rheostats) enable you to set a fixture or group of fixtures at any level of illumination from a soft glow to radiant brightness. They also save energy.

Light bulbs & tubes
Light sources can be grouped in general categories according to the way they produce light.
Incandescent light. This light, the kind used most frequently in our homes, is produced by a tungsten thread that burns slowly inside aglass bulb. A-bulbs are the old stand-bys; R and PAR bulbs produce a more controlled beam; silvered-bowl types diffuse light. A number of decorative bulbs are also available.

Low-voltage incandescent lighting is especially useful for accent lighting. Operating on 12 or 24 volts, these lights require transformers (which are often built into the fixtures) to step down the voltage from standard 120-volt household circuits.

Low-voltage fixtures are relatively expensive to buy; but in general, low-voltage lighting can be energy and cost-efficient if carefully planned.

Fluorescent light. Fluorescent tubes are unrivaled for energy efficiency; they also last far longer than incandescent bulbs. In some energy-conscious areas, general lighting for new bathrooms must be fluorescent.

Older fluorescent tubes have been criticized for noise, flicker, and poor color rendition. Electronic bal¬lasts and better fixture shielding against glare have remedied the first two problems; as for the last one, manufacturers have developed fluorescents in a wide spectrum of colors, from very warm (about 2,700 degrees K) to very cool (about 6,300 degrees K).

Quartz halogen. These bright, white newcomers are excellent for task lighting, pinpoint accenting, and other dramatic accents. Halogen is usually low-voltage but may use standard line current. The popular MR-16 bulb creates the tightest beam; for a longer reach and wider cover-age, choose a PAR bulb. There's an abundance of smaller bulb shapes and sizes to fit pendants and under-cabinet strip lights.

Halogen has two disadvantages: its high initial cost and its very high heat. Be sure to shop carefully. Some fixtures on the market are not UL-approved.