5 Bathroom Lighting Ideas For Every Space

Proper lighting can enhance any space and any room, including your bathroom. Most of us start and end our day in the bathroom and want it to feel like a sanctuary, peaceful and clean, a place where we relax and unwind. There are many bathroom lighting ideas that can turn a regular room into a spa-like luxury, so check out five of the best ideas below.

The bathroom light fixtures you choose will depend not only on personal taste, but also on the size of the room, and even on the size of the electrical panel and available circuits you have. It is particularly important to properly light a small bathroom, because the darker the space is, the smaller it looks and feels. 

No matter how big or small your bathroom is, if you get creative with your bathroom light ideas, then you’ll be able to accomplish a bright and open space where the lighting fixtures complement, but don’t overpower the room. You may need to move away from the traditional vanity lights and choose under cabinet lighting or flush mount ceiling lights or even chandeliers. 

Just keep in mind that NEC requires every bathroom to have at least one permanent lighting fixture. This could easily be a ceiling light, vanity lights or a combination of vent fan/light fixture unit.

1. Multiple Types of Bathroom Light Fixtures

One way to enhance the look of your bathroom and achieve that bright, open space is to combine different types of bathroom light fixtures. You can use recessed lighting to illuminate the entire space, but also separate fixtures to light certain areas of the bathroom. Think of using pendant lights over the vanity, as there are many types and styles and you can easily find one that fits the decor in your bathroom.

You can also combine the recessed lighting and the pendants with a soft light chandelier hanging over the tub. These extra lighting fixtures will help illuminate specific tasks and offer ambient lighting, without brightening up the whole room.

2. Lighted Mirrors

If you have a small bathroom, then it’s very likely you’re focusing on whole room lighting and not so much on your vanity. Vanity lighting is often overlooked in small spaces, because there isn’t that much space to begin with. However, this is a mistake, as illuminating the vanity with the help of a ceiling light leads to shadows and splotchy lighting. 

Lighted mirrors are the perfect solution to this problem. You don’t need the extra space for bathroom light fixtures, but you get the bright task lighting you need for the vanity. Today, there are also many styles of lighted mirrors, so you can pick and choose something that works in your space and matches your style. They are a practical solution that’s available in a range of shapes and sizes. This means that even the lighting is versatile, from a single light across the top to multiple lights along the sides or a halo of lights all around.

3. Pendant Bathroom Lights

Pendant lights can be very stylish and are very popular in many spaces, not just the bathroom. Because of their versatility and range of shapes and styles, they can be a wonderful option for any bathroom. Many pendants feature brass shades or metallic finishes, and mixing metals is a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your bathroom. 

If metallic pendants are too modern or industrial for your taste, then you can also go with chandeliers. Even if your bathroom is not too big, you can find smaller size chandeliers that will give the space a luxurious feel. These fixtures usually diffuse light softly, which means you can achieve a relaxing and even romantic glow. 

4. Under Cabinet or Tape Lights

As mentioned above, if your bathroom is small, then you have to think creatively when it comes to bathroom lighting ideas. Every surface space is important when it’s limited. Therefore, it’s best not to overlook the area under the cabinets or countertops, or even under a shelf. You can easily find under cabinet lights or tape lights to illuminate these areas. 

These would work just like in a kitchen, illuminating a certain area of the bathroom, but also contributing to the whole room illumination, which means they can make the room feel larger. Under cabinet lights can also be practical, helping a certain space become functional. 

Tape lights are incredibly easy to install and the LEDs usually provide a warm glow that’s perfect for bathrooms. They;re very easy to tuck away and install out-of-sight, which again is great for smaller bathrooms, as these strip lights keep it from feeling cluttered.

5. Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Ceiling lights are the best way to provide overall illumination in a bathroom. Even if you do have pendant lights or a chandelier for ambient lighting and lighted mirrors for task lighting, you still need ceiling lights for general illumination. Flush mount ceiling lights are perfect if you like a minimalist look or you don’t have enough space. 

They’re great for modern or contemporary bathrooms, as they usually feature sleek, clean lines that seamlessly blend with any room decor. The diffuser evenly distributes the light, keeping the space well-lit. These are also ideal for making a bathroom feel open and larger. Because they use a diffuser, flush mount ceiling lights are great for softening the bright light that lighted mirrors or vanity lights usually cast.