You may spend hours looking at tile samples and cabinet styles or agonizing over shower options and fixtures, but chances are, you don’t give as much thought to bathroom lighting. And that’s a mistake. Lighting is often the single most important element in a bathroom remodel. It sets the tone, pulls the whole room together, and serves a practical function by helping you get ready safely and efficiently. Whether you’re hoping to create a spa-like retreat or simply make your bathroom more functional, lighting can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the right lighting for your bathroom remodel. From an overview of the three layers of lighting to tips on how to choose fixtures, understand code requirements, and mix and match styles and efficiency, we’ll help you create a brighter bathroom that looks and functions its best.
Understanding Layers: The Secret to Great Bathroom Lighting
To create the right balance of comfort, ambiance, and efficiency in your bathroom lighting, plan for three basic layers of lighting that work in concert with one another. Each one plays a specific role in creating an attractive and well-lit space.
Ambient Lighting: Setting the Tone
Ambient lighting refers to the overall illumination of the room. It should provide a sense of brightness and safety for moving around, bathing, and using the bathroom, filling the space with even, unobtrusive light, minimizing shadows, and making the room feel open and welcoming.
Ideal ambient lighting fixtures include recessed ceiling lights or “can lights”, which provide a sleek, minimalist glow. Flush- or semi-flush-mount ceiling lights also work, and can be especially attractive if your bathroom has low ceilings. In large bathrooms or high-ceilinged rooms, a chandelier can make a statement while also providing functional ambient lighting.
Task Lighting: Where Details Matter
Task lighting is the second layer of lighting, and as its name suggests is focused on providing bright, direct light for specific tasks in the bathroom, such as grooming and personal hygiene. Task lighting should be brighter than ambient lighting and illuminate the areas that need more focus, like countertops, mirrors, or shelves.
To minimize shadows and create the most flattering light, install vertical wall sconces on either side of a bathroom mirror. The bulbs in these fixtures should be at eye level to cast an even, direct light across the face. If wall sconces aren’t an option, you can also use a multi-bulb fixture or bar of lights centered directly above the mirror or pendant lights on either side of a mirror.
Accent Lighting: Adding Style and Depth
Accent lighting is an optional third layer that can add interest, style, and dimension to your bathroom. Use accent lights to highlight architectural details, show off art, or add a spa-like glow to your shower or tub. Accent lights can also be used to customize your bathroom and give it a high-end finish.
Try using directional spotlights to draw attention to a tiled accent wall or decorative sculpture. Low-voltage LED light strips installed beneath a floating vanity or in recessed niches cast a warm, inviting glow. For a touch of luxury, you can even install wet-rated accent lights in the shower to highlight an eye-catching tile installation or built-in shower bench.
Choosing the Right Fixtures: Practical Tips
Beyond choosing from a wide variety of cool-looking options, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Things like sizing and placement, as well as safety, should be considered alongside style when you’re choosing lighting to make sure your bathroom remodel is both beautiful and convenient.
Vanity Lighting: Size and Placement Matter
For vanity lighting in particular, proper height and spacing is important for minimizing shadows. Position sconces at approximately eye level, around 60 to 65 inches from the floor, and try to space the two sconces about 30 to 40 inches apart for even coverage on both sides of the mirror. If you’re using a single fixture centered above the mirror, it should extend at least three-quarters of the length of the mirror.
Safety Ratings: Don’t Cut Corners
Bathrooms are considered wet areas, which means you should be sure to use properly rated fixtures for safety. Most areas of the bathroom should be fitted with lights that are rated for “damp” locations and can withstand humidity. Fixtures inside of the shower or directly above a bathtub must be “wet-rated,” meaning they are safe to be directly exposed to water. Look for fixtures that have labels from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure they meet these safety standards.
Add Flexibility with Dimmers and Smart Controls
Dimmers can help you take complete control over the brightness of your bathroom lighting, allowing the space to be functional whether you’re getting ready in the morning or relaxing in the evening. Even better, you can install smart switches or use smart bulbs to control your lights from your phone or even by voice control.
Bringing Style and Energy Efficiency Together
The best lighting options for your bathroom are the ones that balance style, design, and energy efficiency.
Pick Fixtures that Match Your Style
Fixtures come in a dizzying array of styles and finishes. Be sure to choose lighting that matches your overall bathroom design. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, farmhouse, or industrial styles, be sure to select lighting that is cohesive with the rest of your hardware finishes such as faucets, drawer pulls, and hardware. Options like chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, or brass all have different aesthetics, so choose according to your personal style.
Pay Attention to Color Temperature
Color is one of the most important elements of the lighting design and plays a major role in the overall experience. The brightness and color temperature of light is measured in Kelvins. The best color temperature range for most bathrooms is 2700K to 3000K, which is a soft to warm white. This provides a welcoming glow and makes it easier to see natural skin tones clearly, which can be especially helpful in the morning bathroom routine.
Go Green with LED Technology
LED lighting is the most popular and energy-efficient technology available. Built-in LED fixtures as well as LED light bulbs have a longer lifespan, are more energy-efficient than other options, and won’t create an uncomfortably warm room. You’ll have lower energy bills and enjoy less maintenance, and you’ll be greener, too.
If you’re looking for inspiration or need help planning lighting for your bathroom remodel, Elite Home Creations can help. We proudly serve the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas area and specialize in creating beautiful, custom bathrooms that match your needs and your style. Visit our website at https://elitehomecreationsdfw.com to see our work and schedule a consultation to get started. We’re ready to help you build a bathroom you’ll love for years to come.
