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Better bathroom lighting??

I currently have 1 tube fluorescent light over the vanity and a ceiling light with three 60 watt compact fluorescent bulbs in them. I hate the lighting in the bathroom. I can't see anything. My friends bathroom has great lighting, I'd like to improve mine.... Two problems I have, one it's a rental, so no remodeling and two there is only 1 outlet, it's on the vanity fixture (so it's just a single not a double wall outlet) so I can't plug something in since I need the outlet for blow dryer/curling iron etc. Are there other types of bulbs or fixture covers that will enhance skin, makeup, details, etc? Thanks mikelyt78, but I did think of that and cleaned them, not much difference. I think they are original to the house which was built in the 60's so the fluorescent one is like that Bakelite plastic and the ceiling one is the beveled glass.

Public Comments

  1. Wow. I can't think of any,, but I'm glad it's not me I have 4 -100 watt bulbs in my rest room I want 2 see everything.
  2. Sometimes the fixtures/reflective surfaces are dirty and require some cleaning. After it's been cleaned, you'll notice that the lights are brighter and stronger.
  3. maybe get a 1-to-3 outlets conversion plug from a hardware store and then get this: http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0009VEA24/105-1945237-2073237?SubscriptionId=1NP56Y8QKPN1AZERGY02
  4. Not sure how much longer you plan to be there but have you thought about perhaps asking the landlord if you can replace the lighting? Doing it yourself isn't really hard, if you follow simple steps. If you write a letter to your landlord perhaps he can update it for you? Doesn't hurt to ask, and you might even consider paying for 1/2 or all of the cost. How can a landlord say no to that? While your at it if he agrees you can install an double outlet in wall fairly easy since there is already wire for the vanity fixture, And replacing that medicine cabinet won't be bad deal. Yes i know your renting, but your landlord just may accept the offer if you pay 1/2 for chance to get improvements done to his property. Or if you pay for it all, talk about taking out of the rent. With your limited opions there is no easy solution for this, I would even suggest paintign the bathroom a white, this will reflect the light. but you said you can't paint.
  5. I hate fluorescent lighting for everything, but especially the bathroom, but one fix that might help a little (not the end all answer, but improvement) check the kelvin rating on the light bulbs. Ignore things like cool white, warm white, daylight ect., The # on the bulb will usually have a " /# " at the end like /27 or /42 - this will give you the color. 27 kelvin is really yellow. 42 kelvin is similar to cool white - I think it looks a little blue & makes you look dead. /50 or 5000K I think is the best. Its the brightest & whitest so this might help bring up the light in there a little. 35K, most people see a little red with this. This will make you look better in the mirror - like adds color to your skin, so not a good color if its the room where you put on makeup.