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Nate Berkus: A Chandelier in the Bathroom

031308Bathroom_Berkus.jpgWe spotted this image of a Berkus-designed bathroom on the blog 1912 Bunglow...

What do you think? Would you ever put a chandelier in your bathroom or is the idea more dreamy than reality? Do you like it in combo with the small sconces on both sides?

This pic illustrates the dream bathroom of the bungalow owners/bloggers, who in reality, have been dealing with this bathroom:
031308H_D_Bathroom.jpg

See more Nate here.

Comments (16)

There is no room in which a chandelier would not be hot.

posted by JV on 2008-03-13 14:29:01
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I agree with JV. I love chandeliers and would put them in every room if my husband would allow it. So far I have one in the kitchen & the master bedroom.
I think this bathroom is to die for.

posted by absurdlittlebird on 2008-03-13 14:31:47
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I would be afraid the thing would fall into the tub and electrocute me.

posted by labchick on 2008-03-13 14:41:30
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I LOVE crystal chandeliers! I used to have that "electrocution" worry too then I found out that most states require lighting fixtures to be a certain distance from a tub. So, the chandelier is not exactly above the tub, but say 5 feet in front of it (so if it falls it simply crashes to the floor into tiny little pieces lol).

posted by ndvheller on 2008-03-13 15:03:40
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I'm Pretty sure that violates code. Plus it looks coerced.

posted by TCMB on 2008-03-13 15:09:06
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Coerced? or contrived?

It looks nice, I guess, but, really? I would need a nice big ledge or a table around that soaker tub to truly make it functioanl for my water and reading material.

As well, I had the wonderful good fortune of actually using a tub like that--at a friends house--and to my mortification I got water all over the floor. Scads and scads of it.

It really does need some sort of shower curtain around it when you're using the sprayer. (sigh).

posted by Alana in Canada on 2008-03-13 15:19:13
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i designed a master bathroom, with a chandelier over the tub(separate shower enclosure), at least 10 years ago. the builder moved it to the center of the room
because it was against code...still looks fabulous.

posted by maude on 2008-03-13 15:43:19
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I love a chandelier in the Bathroom!!! I totally want one in mine....but its such a small space with low ceilings...sigh.

posted by IdRatherBeDesigning on 2008-03-13 15:44:43
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@TCMB and maude: intriguing points with the code.

That said, there is something decadent about a pretty, drippy chandelier in a small powder room. I bet the reflections of the light would bounce a little better off the walls and create some cool patterns. Plus, I think finding unexpected pieces in routine places is how we distinguish our own homes from the next guy's -- whether it's through art, antiques or big, decadent crystal lighting fixtures. :)

Two thumbs up.

posted by theroadsidescholar on 2008-03-13 16:07:54
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It is totally against code. I don't mind the idea, but it's got to be done in a way that isn't dangerous or would hamper resale.

posted by lorijo on 2008-03-13 16:36:00
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What about just hanging the chandelier, but not wiring it--have other discreet/complementary light sources.

posted by karyn on 2008-03-13 16:51:18
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I have a similar traditional soaker set in front of a bank of windows with space on all sides. I never craved an electric chandelier above it, but I did hang a fairly large Danish Iron candelabra over the tub. It gives it the dreamy feel without looking pretentious or trendy, and nothing beats candlelight during a bath. And it cost only $55.

posted by farmhousemoderne on 2008-03-13 18:16:16
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Why not a chandelier with candles, would that be against code?

posted by sandyinflux on 2008-03-13 18:16:20
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I love the fancy bathrooms with chandeliers. But, installed above the tub makes me a little uncomfortable (maybe it isn't above it, and it's just the photograph).

And, do chandeliers ever really fall? I think the same of ceiling fans. But, I never have known of one that really ever came flying down...

posted by PlanItGirl on 2008-03-13 22:29:38
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Second the recommendation to check your local building code. Even if you skip the electrician and DIY, it will be a big "ding" when you resale. Consider a candle chandelier instead.

posted by dcaries on 2008-03-13 23:50:40
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There is a definite distance in which the bottom of your light fixture hangs in relation to the top rim of your tub.
I'll have to check in with my electrician for the actual 'code', but from experience, I've always recommended that clients hang a chandelier immediately in front of a tub, if not the centre of the bathroom itself. (Though there have been times when they will want the tub in the centre of the room!)

And ditto JV, if I could stick a chandelier in my garage, I would. Hahaha

posted by marc from vancouver on 2008-03-14 09:52:22
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