• Be sure to pick the right bulb and wattage for your shower.light bulb image by Photosani from Fotolia.com
  
  Lighting is one of the most important elements in a home, especially in a bathroom--you need to see what you're doing while cleaning and grooming. Putting the right light bulbs in your bathroom and shower area can keep you from nicking yourself shaving, or grabbing the shaving cream to wash your hair. Some light bulbs provide better lighting for your showering experience than others.
  
  

High-Wattage Bulbs

• A high-wattage bulb is the simplest way to increase the brightness of your shower. Look at the inside of the light fixture in your shower or bathroom, near the socket where you screw in the bulb, to see what is listed as the highest wattage you can safely use. Be sure your bulb is safe to use in damp areas and check that it is UL-rated for safety.
  
  

High-Lumen Bulbs

• Using xenon, halogen or fluorescent light bulbs can brighten your shower by adding more luminosity than a simple incandescent bulb. Make sure your lighting fixture can accommodate these bulbs (the former two burn hotter than incandescent) and check for the maximum wattage.
  
  

Fixtures and Bulbs

• Even with a high-wattage bulb or a halogen bulb, you may still not be getting a bright enough light because of the fixture housing your bulb or bulbs. Recessed, shielded lights can produce great lighting effects, but may cause too much dimming and shadow. Hanging, swag lamps may provide the brighter effect you're seeking and many are suitable to use with standard incandescent or higher luminosity bulbs.