Bright Ideas: Essential Bathroom Lighting Tips for a Stylish and Functional Space

In a recent poll of our customers, many said their bathrooms were the number one place they were looking to upgrade their lighting. Customers were wondering how to light a bathroom. This blog explores different bathroom lighting ideas so you can get the best bathroom lighting.

Why Bathroom Lighting Matters

Many of us spend quite a bit of time in the bathroom. From getting ready in the mornings, doing our bedtime routine, showering, makeup, and erm, other activities, bathrooms are quite a popular home space. Carefully selecting the best lighting for your bathroom will make it more stylish and functional.

1. How to Layer Bathroom Lighting Like a Pro. Understand the layers of bathroom lighting

As in any home space, there are three layers of interior lighting: ambient, task, and accent lighting. When considering how to light a bathroom, first think about these three layers. With all the different things you do in your bathroom, be sure to incorporate ambient lights (bath bars, recessed lighting, or sconces), task lights (backlit mirrors or cabinet lighting), and accent lights (not necessary, but for example, pendants over the mirror or lamps). 

2. Select the right fixtures

 The next step in bathroom lighting design is to pick out the fixtures. Modern bathroom lighting design allows the end-user to select various types of lighting. In Lighting Design's time, we have seen pendants hanging over mirrors, vanity sconces, bath bars, recessed lights, LED lit mirrors, and more. There are so many options to choose from, and you can decide what type of bathroom lighting fixture is the most appealing to you.

3. Position lights strategically

Bathroom light fixture placement is key to ensuring the best outcome for bathroom lighting design. For bath bars, ensure that they are installed center-aligned over or between mirrors. A couple of inches should be between the bottom of the back plate and the top of the mirror while leaving adequate space between the ceiling and the fixture. Bath bar lengths should not extend more than 3/4 the length of the mirror. Shop bathroom lighting ideas here. 

If bathroom sconces are being used, ensure sconces are spaced evenly apart between mirrors. The center of the vanity sconces should be about 60-65" from the floor. This allows bathroom wall lights to be eye level. Need a visual? Visit our Lighting Size Guides.

4. Consider bulb color temperature

Bulb temperature is one of the most overlooked aspects of lighting by homeowners.  Lighting Design never recommends using any bulb with a color temperature of more than 3500K. The ideal light bulb color temperature for homes is between 2700K and 3000K. This color temperature gives off a warm, flattering glow and does not wash out your residence or the people in it. Kichler Lighting provides an excellent example of how different light bulb color temperatures look in a bathroom. 

5. Style and finishing touches

Last, but certainly not least, is the bathroom lighting style. The key is to match style with function. There are so many options for different types of bathroom lights. From modern bathroom lighting to rustic lighting to traditional styles, and more, it's pretty much guaranteed that you'll find what you're looking for. Additionally, consider if you want the bathroom hardware to match your lighting finishes. It's never a bad thing to mix and match, but you can also try to find similar finishes for a cohesive look. Finding a bath light that functions as needed and fits into the overall home aesthetic is the sweet spot. 

Bathrooms are a great place to start any home renovations. They are smaller spaces but offer a lot of functionality. Upgrade your home bathroom lighting today! Contact us at cs@lightingdesign.com for help with bathroom lighting.