Moreover, if you know what type of lighting is the best for bathroom, you’ll ensure your daily bathroom tasks, such as grooming, shaving, or makeup application are done with maximum precision.
So, if you want to learn what lighting is best for bathroom vanity, ceiling, or shower, explore your options and decision factors in the article below. From bulb types, lighting fixtures, control options and natural lighting capabilities – we’ll cover it all!
Types of Bathroom Lighting
To get the most out of your bathroom, choose bathroom lighting wisely, or a combination of the types to improve the atmosphere and practicality.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides overall illumination. It is the best lighting for small bathroom because it makes the area feel larger and illuminates the space evenly.
If you want to achieve ambient lighting in your bathroom, explore different lighting fixture options:
- Ceiling-mounted lights – Classic light fixture, typically positioned as central lighting, ensure overall illumination
- Chandeliers – Distribute light evenly across the area with a touch of elegance
- Recessed lighting – great for widespread light, takes up minimum space for installation.
- For even better results, use the dimmable fixture to adjust brightness and customize the atmosphere.
Task Lighting
Task lighting in the bathroom refers to specially designed and focused lighting for applying makeup or for shaving, or similar tasks that require bright light.
The fixture options you can choose from or create a workable combination are:
- Vanity lights – usually mounted above or beside the mirror
- Sconces – Wall-mounted fixtures on the mirror sides, that reduce the shadow on the face, excellent for even makeup application
- Mirror-mounted lights – Installation is directly on the mirror, with shadow-free illumination and a sleek look
For better performance of vanity area lights keep them at eye level to ensure shadow-free illumination.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is the best type of lighting for bathroom, if you prioritize decor over functionality. The purpose of accent lighting is to emphasize the architectural elements and decoration.
Available fixtures for accent lighting are:
- LED strips – Flexible and easy to install wherever you need additional light, customizable brightness and color options
- Spotlights – Focused light that illuminates individual bathroom features, excellent for artwork
- Under-cabinet lights – Go beneath cabinets to reduce shadows improve functionality and create a warm atmosphere
If there is a specific spot in your bathroom that stands out for decor or its unique elements, use accent lighting to illuminate it. In addition, well-chosen accent fixtures enhance the complete bathroom ambiance.
Natural Lighting
Nothing beats natural lighting for creating a bright and airy feeling in all rooms, bathroom included.
You can install additional windows or skylights, and play with mirrors to reflect the light and create attractive lighting fixtures.
Sheer curtains are an additional way to diffuse lights and improve both aesthetic and functionality.
Choosing the Right Fixtures
Consider various options for your lighting fixtures to prevent shadows, improve safety, or focus on energy efficacy.
Vanity Area
If you decide to install the best lighting for bathroom vanity, create a combination of wall-mounted sconces, mirror lights, and vertical fixtures that will serve best for your grooming and makeup collection and application.
Since shadows can mess up your illumination and compromise the makeup application process, focus on fixtures with even lighting and proper mounting.
Shower and Bathtub
Shower and bathtub lights improve safety in the bathing area. Recessed lights with waterproof trim are the best lighting for small bathroom without windows to install in the shower because they don’t take up too much space. You can also explore different pendant lights if your bathroom has a high ceiling or install LED strips in the areas where you need more lights.
However, when purchasing your fixtures, make sure to check the rating for application in wet or damp locations.
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights might not be the best bathroom lighting for applying makeup, but they are excellent for general bathroom illumination.
For spacious bathrooms use chandeliers to create an elegant space. If a chandelier isn’t an option, choose:
- Flush mount – Installs directly in the ceiling and creates a streamlined modern look, excellent for small bathrooms with low ceilings.
- Semi-flush mounts – Hangs a few inches below the ceiling, and offer more design versatility than flush mounts, great for illumination
Don’t forget to find energy-efficient LED bulbs to ensure long-lasting light and low energy bills.
Under-Cabinet and Toe-Kick Lighting
Lastly, to avoid painful toe-kicks in the middle of the night and enhance overall safety in your bathroom, carefully choose countertops and floor-level lights.
Puck lights or LED strips are practical. Puck lights are especially easy to install and are preferred for their focused, directional lights which look great on cabinets, display items, or boxes.
In addition, puck lights and LED strips are excellent options not only for safety but also for decoration. You can keep them in the ceiling corners, to enhance your premium cosmetics or to add a luxurious touch in the shower.
Lighting Design Tips
In most situations, homeowners are limited with the available space and lack of natural lights in the bathroom, so you have to be creative or consult an expert to create a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for the
Layered Lighting
The trend of having one bright lighting fixture in a bathroom is long gone, and home interior experts now suggest layered lighting. The concept refers to a carefully chosen combination of different bathroom lighting types, including ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a versatile lighting scheme.
For example, install the best recessed lighting for bathroom for versatility, durability, space-saving features, and general illumination, but use LED strips and mirror lights for focused lighting and decoration.
In addition, if you use dimmers for lighting intensity, you’ll get more options for customization.
Bulb Choices
Here are the most common bulb choices:
- LED bulbs – available in different colors, warm or cool, provide energy efficiency and durability, practical and wide application
- Incandescent bulbs – Less energy efficient and less durable than LED, classical choice, now outdated
- Halogen bulbs – Provide crisp light similar to classical incandescent but better in terms of lifespan and energy consumption
- Fluorescent bulbs – Good for energy efficiency, but require special application with their non-typical shape and bluish cool light.
If you want the best quality for your money, opt for LED bulbs with different color temperatures. The brightness of a bulb is expressed in lumens:
- 2700K-3000K provides a warm feel,
- 4000K-5000K ensures a bright, daylight-like feel
Dimmers and Controls
Setting up the best color temperature for your bathroom lighting can highlight the most beautiful elements, set the mood, or help you complete different tasks.
Therefore, install dimmer switches for all your bathroom lighting types and create the desired setup with the right brightness levels.
Safety Considerations
Prioritizing safety in wet environments is a must, so choose:
- Fixtures rated for wet or damp areas
- GFCI outlets enhance safety and prevent electrical shocks, keeping the appliances safe from failure
- Smart fixtures location – never install them directly over the bathtub
Additional tips for ensuring electrical safety in the bathroom include proper wire grounding and regular inspections.
When considering bathroom lighting safety, choosing the best recessed lighting for bathroom and similar types is a great idea for both safety and aesthetics. Moisture-resistant recessed light reduces the risk of electrical hazards.
Aesthetic and Functional Balance
Lastly, the ideal bathroom lighting provides a harmony between aesthetics and functionality. It is the core of modern bathroom renovation projects and allows you to use sconces, LED strips, and the best lighting for bathroom ceiling to provide ample illumination and accentuate decor elements.
You can create a sleek look and functional illumination on the bathroom areas where you need the brightest light and shadow-free illumination.
Conclusion
Bathroom lighting is an essential operational and aesthetic element that can completely change the atmosphere in the area. Playing with different bathroom lighting types, sconces, recessed lights, ceiling lights, and dimmers, gives you an almost infinite number of options to customize your bathroom.
However, narrowing down your options can be challenging, especially if you are searching for best lighting for bathroom without window or you have a special decor element you would like to make a stand out. Consider the factors analyzed in this lighting guide to create your dream bathroom.
FAQs
Is bathroom lighting fixture installation suitable for a DIY project?
If you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle tasks around electricity, you may install fixtures yourself. Keep in mind basic safety considerations and follow safety standards and local electrical codes. In case of complex installations, hire a professional to minimize the risk of electrical shocks.
How important are dimmers for bathroom lighting?
Dimmers improve not only functionality and comfort but also allow you to customize the overall appearance of your bathroom and play with lighting brightness to create a desired ambiance.
What is the best lighting for makeup in bathroom?
Pick daylight LED bulbs and install vertical fixtures on the sides of your mirror to get excellent illumination without shadows.
What are some modern bathroom lighting trends?
The best lighting for the bathroom, according to modern trends, is a combination of LED backlit mirrors, minimalistic fixtures, pendant lights, and natural materials. The alternative is a statement chandelier or smart and sleek fixtures.
