Bathroom lighting help!

[Linguaphile]

I'm designing the lighting for our bathrooms in our new build and am struggling to decide whether to put recessed light directly over the vanity in our ensuite or not. We've got nice big mirrors with built-in lights on the sides and another light strip underneath, so the light from the mirror will be more than sufficient for makeup application, etc. However, as we've gone for quite a dark tile on the walls and floor I'm trying to decide if we should add a recessed light above the vanity as well. I've read in some design blogs that you should avoid having light directly over the mirror as it can cast unflattering shadows, but I also don't want the space to feel too dark. We do have recessed lights though over the loo, shower and bathtub, so there is plenty of directed light in the other areas of the bathroom.

What do you think--do I need an extra light above the vanity or will the mirror lighting be sufficient? Floor plan attached for the bathroom in question.

I don't know for sure but if the tiles are very dark, then you'll need any extra lights you can get.

In terms of make up, though, have you got space for a dressing table? It's more convenient to do it sitting down + you can do your hair and jewellery there too. I find it easier than using the bathroom for make up.

I do have space for a dressing table in the room, that's a thought. The space in the ensuite isn't that big, which is giving me pause with adding more lights as i don't want it to feel over-lit. I want it to feel sort of like a calming hotel bathroom if that makes any sense. This is the tile we've gone for:

I know the feel you mean. But I also know that dark surfaces really swallow up light. One of our rooms has dark finishes and we literally have 18(!) lightbulbs across different wall and ceiling lights and even with all of them on, it stays dark and moody (you literally wouldn't be able to read in there with the blinds down).

Perhaps you could put more lights in but make sure they're split across 2-3 switches so you have the light you need on - not many for a relaxing bath but making it very light for putting make up on.

Wow, 18, that's loads! The room is't very big3mx2mso I'm hoping we won't need that many as it'll kill the budget.

We've got the mirror LEDs on one switch and the 4 downlights on another. Wondering if a dimmer is maybe necessary?