The Best Bathroom Lighting: Your Complete Guide
In a well-lit bathroom, you probably just switch on your bathroom light and don't think much about it beyond whether the bulb needs to be replaced. But the truth is, when it comes to interior lighting, your bathroom lighting is actually one of the most important elements in your home. Keying in on the perfect lighting can transform a bathroom without a full renovation and make a small, cramped space feel open and spacious. On the flip side, bad bathroom lighting can ruin even a perfectly remodeled space.
How to Plan Your Bathroom Lighting
The first step to figuring out the right bathroom lighting for your space is to consider the natural lighting you have available. A bathroom without a window may require a brighter overhead light while one with a large amount of sunlight could get away with just task and accent lighting. Either way, try to layer lighting in your bathroom to create a space that's dimensional and homey.
If you are struggling to find the perfect lighting combo, here's a rundown of the types you should consider.
Vanity Lighting
When it comes to picking your vanity lighting, consider first how large your vanity is and how much natural light you already have. A vanity placed right next to a window can get away with something closer to a 45-watt bulb and a fixture that throws a little less light while a double vanity in a room without much natural light should really focus on brighter, more exposed lighting.
Sconces are the most common form of vanity task lighting. For the most light without any unflattering shadows, we recommend two sconces at or right above eye level to the side of your mirror (or, roughly 60 inches off the ground). This allows you to frame your mirror and your face to highlight your reflection perfectly.
The other option is a fixture directly above the mirror, but if you decide to go this way, opt for a fixture with an opaque cover to avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates unflattering shadows. An exposed or directional light bulb can result in shadowing around your eyes or nose that can make it difficult to trust what you see in the mirror.
Your choice will also ultimately depend on the shape and size of your mirror. A round mirror in a small powder room may only have space for a sconce above while a double vanity may have room for multiple eye-level sconces.
Opulent Glow Hand-Carved Alabaster Bathroom Sconce with Opal Shades - Elegant Light Fixture
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is considered your standard, general light that illuminates the entire space. This is typically done through a ceiling light, but any light that brightens the general space and allows you to move around the room freely and safely is considered ambient lighting. In general, ambient light should cast light equally to all four corners of your bathroom.
Consider the square footage of your bathroom as you decide what kind of ambient lighting you want. Try an online calculator to figure out how many lumens you need for your bathroom based on your square footage and fill it in with ambient lighting.
Antique Bronze Bell-Shaped Wall Sconce with Ribbed Glass Shade for Indoor Lighting
Ceiling Lighting
While we wouldn't recommend a decorative pendant or chandelier as your only source of light, adding one can be a great way to create a focal point in a larger bathroom and upgrade your space without a lot of effort.
An overhead pendant in the center of your bathroom could help rejuvenate a tired powder room or a modern chandelier can take a standalone tub and create a spa-like feel.
Accent Lighting
The final type of lighting that it's important to consider in your bathroom is the accent lighting. It's there to add a certain feel to your bathroom or highlight a specific corner or cove in your space. It won't light up your entire room, but it can help create a mood and is a great opportunity to be a little more experimental with your picks.
This is a great opportunity to showcase an architectural feature such as an archway or a built-in cabinet using a sconce or downlighting. Install your accent lighting in a place that highlights the most flattering details of an object (for example, in a darker corner to illuminate floor to ceiling tile). In a larger bathroom with space for side tables, a small lamp can add a lot of warmth and add a temporary source of light that can be easily moved around as you redecorate.
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