Just as floors, countertops, showers and bathtubs have become more luxurious and design oriented, so have light fixtures. Consider these possibilities:

• nickel, pewter or silver fixtures
• fixtures with two different finishes
• directional lighting
• chandeliers and sconces
• adding a dimmer switch

Nickel, Pewter or Silver Fixtures

Nickel, pewter and silver finishes continue to shape bathroom design, as they add a richer tone than the traditional beige or white. They also blend more easily with current:

• bathroom cabinetry
• countertops
• floors
• hardware

While brass finishes remain popular, most people are moving away from too much of a yellow tone.

Selecting a Style

A few design guidelines:

• Blend the finish and style with the style of bathroom. In general, the more ornate the fixture, the more traditional the style. In a contemporary bathroom, look for more sleek designs and recessed lighting.
• If you want to add a nickel finish in a bathroom with brass faucets, tub filler, etc., go for a fixture that combines the nickel and brass. It will blend more easily.
• Use paint or wall paper to compliment or contrast with any colors in the fixture.

Create an Individual Design

There are two schools of thought -- blend fixtures throughout the house or make the bathroom a unique haven. "You may have a Victorian bedroom, a Neoclassic library and a Provincial French dining room,” said Malcolm Tripp, owner of H.A. Framburg & Company, a lighting manufacturer in Bellwood, IL. "Every room has a different purpose and different level of formality and informality."