Why Design Experts Cringe At Hollywood

When you think of Hollywood lighting, bright white light bulbs probably come to mind. After all, this is the type of lighting you see in old photos of movie stars back in the day. They were created for practicality, so it was easier to see while actors did their makeup. Hollywood-style bulb lighting was a huge hit amongst design experts in the past, but it's since been exiled — and for good reason. Sure, having a mirror surrounded by bright lights is great for getting ready, but it kills the ambiance.

This is especially true if you have an all-white bathroom (which is going out of style). Because this type of lighting lacks moodiness, you end up with a sterile–looking space. Plus, the last thing you want is to walk into a super-bright bathroom at 7 a.m. to get ready for work. Warm, yellow lighting helps you wake up with the sun, so it isn't as jarring when you wake up in the morning. And that's just one of the reasons why design experts cringe at Hollywood-style bulb bathroom lighting.

Another major issue with this type of lighting is the aesthetic (or lack thereof). When it comes down to it, the Hollywood marquee lighting is just ugly and out of fashion. Take a look at the photo above. The bulbs stick out like a sore thumb and completely ruin the room's aesthetic. Say you're redoing your bathroom and are ready to try something more minimalistic, but you also want to keep the Hollywood-style lighting. No matter how you decorate the rest of the space, all you're going to see are those giant light bulbs.

Your bathroom should look and feel like a spa, not an old-fashioned backstage dressing room. Opt for matching sconces instead to mimic the idea without being dated. These are much nicer to look at. Plus, if you mount them on either side of the mirror, you can still get the necessary light you need to get ready. The best part? They don't need to be wired into the wall.

If sconces aren't your thing, no worries. There are tons of other bathroom lighting options that offer ambiance and fit a similar aesthetic. You can never go wrong with a bathroom lighting fixture makeover, like fluted-glass sconces or a chandelier. We usually don't condone overhead lighting, but if you choose something that fits your vibe — and has a dimmer — the fixture can really enhance the space. For instance, if you're looking for a modern bathroom, you might consider something like a backlit mirror. It's like the updated version of the Hollywood-style lights that won't feel stodgy or dated.

Pendant light fixtures are also huge this year. You can find some that match any aesthetic, so you won't feel left out. While you can install these on your own, it's recommended you ask an electrician for help, just as a safety precaution. They know exactly what they're doing, so you don't need to worry about making any mistakes the first time around — or accidentally burning down the house when you flip the switch.