Bath
30 Bathroom lighting ideas to brighten your space
When it comes to creating an aesthetically pleasing bathroom, lighting is everything. Whether you’re getting ready for the day or indulging in your evening pamper routine, a light-filled bathroom is the key to helping you feel refreshed and relaxed.
Ready to turn up the brightness in a dim bathroom? Try out these 30 bathroom lighting ideas to help your space shine.
Bathroom lighting ideas for over the mirror
In most bathrooms, placing lighting over the mirror is the most practical choice. Over-the-mirror lights illuminate your reflection and focus light where you need it the most. Sconces often work best over the mirror, so let the following ideas light the way.
1. Use a three-light sconce
If you want to maximize brightness, three lights are better than one. Install a three-light sconce above your mirror for the best bathroom lighting, day or night.
2. Choose cone-shaped shades
Cone-shaped shades are popular among all types of light fixtures. For your bathroom, upgrade from fabric lamp shades to cone-shaped glass shades. Bonus: The glass will add a barely-there effect to an over-the-mirror wall sconce.
3. Stagger your lights
Looking to shine a light in the dimmest corners of your bathroom? Use a staggered wall sconce that aims light in two different directions. It will help brighten up even the darkest nooks and crannies.
4. Create a spotlight with a single sconce
On the other hand, you may be trying to focus your light directly underneath your mirror. Try creating a spotlight from above using a single sconce.
5. Light your mirror with an overhead bar
If you have a wider mirror, place a bar-shaped bulb and sconce above your mirror. This combination will provide light over a larger space and add a sleek look to your bathroom.
Ceiling bathroom lighting ideas
Ceiling lights are a great option if you want to cast light over your entire bathroom. Use the following ideas to brighten up your space and add flair to your bathroom ceiling.
6. Try an ombré flushmount
Spice up your bathroom ceiling by installing an ombré flushmount. The gradient finish will draw eyes up and create a custom look in your bathroom.
7. Add a vintage feel with ribbed glass
To achieve a more vintage feel, choose a flushmount with ribbed glass. Anyone who visits your bathroom will feel transported to another era thanks to this lighting detail.
8. Hang a multi-chandelier
If you have a bathroom with high ceilings, a multi-chandelier will add the perfect touch of drama to your space. Pick a chandelier with lights that dangle at different lengths to emphasize the height of the room.
9. Mimic the sun’s rays
Not all bathrooms receive an abundance of natural light throughout the day, but you can mimic the sun’s rays using a chandelier. Choose a piece in a star or sunburst design to create the illusion of sunshine all day.
10. Install a sculptural flushmount
Add visual interest to your ceiling with a sculptural glass flushmount. A geometric glass shade paired with a bright bulb will look attractive and brighten up your bathroom.
Bathroom vanity lighting ideas
Whether you’re practicing your shaving technique or applying makeup, your bathroom vanity should be well lit so that you can see every detail. Check out these ideas for the best vanity lighting in the house.
11. Use matching sconces
Matching sconces placed on either side of a mirror add much-needed light to your vanity. The mirror helps reflect the light, and the two sconces create a symmetrical look that is pleasing to the eye.
12. Try a light-up mirror
If you take your primping seriously, pick out a vanity mirror with a built-in light. Try a marquee-style mirror if you like old-school glamor or a mirror with an LED strip for a sleek look.
13. Add an art deco touch
Inspired by the beautiful powder rooms of the 1920s? Add an art deco touch to your vanity lighting with antique brass and black finishes on a pair of wall sconces.
14. Keep candles close by
Keep candles on your vanity as both a bathroom accessory and extra light source. Light them to set the mood for a spa-like experience or to add a warm glow to your everyday routine.
15. Pick out a mid-century sconce
Hoping to find the perfect sconce to pair with a mid-century vanity? Try a wall sconce with a sleek profile and vintage bronze finishes.
Bathroom pendant lighting ideas
Make a statement in your bathroom with a modern pendant light. With so many types of designs and finishes, find a pendant light idea to fit your bathroom below.
16. Opt for a minimalist pendant
If you prefer a minimalist look, pick an angular pendant with clean lines to hang in your bathroom. This type of pendant will be the perfect architectural statement in your space.
17. Go for glass
When choosing a bathroom pendant, opt for one with a glass shade. The transparency of the glass will allow the most light to shine through the bulb and light up your room.
18. Introduce ambient lighting
Use a pendant to bathe a dull bathroom in warm, ambient light. The light will add a soft glow to the room, and you can control the brightness by adding a dimmer switch.
19. Try a sculptural double pendant
Another lighting idea to try if you have height in your bathroom is a two-light pendant. A double pendant will take up more space on your ceiling and also provide a symmetrical look. Go for something with sculptural shades to add even more visual appeal.
20. Pick an oversize metal shade
An oversize pendant with a metallic finish will add a dose of shine to your bathroom ceiling. Try something in an antique brass, polished nickel or bronze finish depending on what matches your fixtures best.
LED bathroom lighting ideas
LEDs are a popular lighting option to have throughout the house. Because LEDs don’t use heat to create light, they are much more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. Reference our LED lighting guide to find your perfect fit or peruse the ideas listed below.
21. Swap in LED bulbs
One of the quickest and easiest ways to add LEDs to your bathroom is to swap out your old light bulbs with them. LED bulbs will last years and provide a warm and radiant light to any light fixture you have in your bathroom.
22. Add an LED bar
If you have a long or narrow bathroom, an LED bar light is a great option to light your space. Hanging one lengthwise from the ceiling will light the majority of your space with a clean and minimal impact.
23. Choose a perforated metal sconce
Add some flair to your LEDs by encasing them with a perforated metal sconce. The perforations in the metal will allow the light to shine through while also adding an industrial touch.
24. Hang an LED chandelier
Bring bright light to your bathroom by adding a chandelier made entirely of LEDs. You can choose a chandelier with LED light rods for a sleek aesthetic or one with LED bulbs for something more traditional.
Modern bathroom lighting ideas
Looking to upgrade your bathroom experience? Try these modern bathroom lighting ideas to create a unique bathroom escape.
25. Look for marble accents
If you love the look of marble, try finding a light fixture with marble accents. You could try a wall sconce with a marble finish or even a lamp with a marble base. As both a timeless material and pattern, marble accents will add the right touch of elegance to any bathroom.
26. Implement clean lines
Use tubular sconces over the mirror to create clean lines that are simple yet striking. Such sleek bathroom lighting will help you achieve a sophisticated appearance in your space.
27. Try a natural material
Modern style is all about embracing natural materials. Choose a pendant shade in a natural wicker or rattan material to bring an element of earthiness to your bathroom.
28. Go for exposed bulbs
Try finding a chandelier with exposed bulbs for a modern twist on traditional chandeliers. From globe to tapered, feel free to play around with the bulb shapes for a customized look.
29. Find a globe-shaped light
Aiming to mix modern and classic style in your bathroom? A globe light may be right for you. Globes are a timeless shape that transcend any era, so you can’t go wrong by adding one to your bathroom.
30. Set the mood with a lantern
Add some mood lighting by scattering a few lanterns around your bathroom. Use them to set the scene around your bathtub or place them next to your shower and vanity for the ultimate spa-like feel.
With so many types of bathroom lighting ideas to choose from, use this post to find the perfect piece for your space. Whether you’re looking for the right vanity lighting or choosing a pendant for added drama, we offer so many options to help you find your favorite bathroom light fixtures.
