9 Tips for Better Bathroom Lighting

Playing with the lights in the room is a great way to uplift its entire ambiance. For bathrooms, lighting is a major opportunity to make it feel more luxurious. We all know the feeling of walking into a dark room and then being blinded by the light once we enter. This same effect can be achieved by lighting up your bathroom with lamps or lighting fixtures! In this article, we will discuss 9 tips for better lighting in bathrooms.
An elegant bathroom with dark double vanity and a round mirror with golden frame

Lighting bathrooms based on size

When it comes to lighting up your bathroom, it is important to consider the size of the room. For small bathrooms, you will want to use lamps or bathroom lighting fixtures that are mounted on the wall or ceiling. Floor lamps will take up too much space and may not be the best option for a small bathroom. For larger bathrooms, you can use floor lamps, as well as lighting fixtures that are mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Setting the lighting level

When it comes to lighting your bathroom, it is important to find a lighting level that is comfortable for you. This means that you should adjust the lighting to be bright enough so that you can see what you are doing, but not so bright that it is uncomfortable. You may need to experiment with different levels of lighting until you find one that is perfect for you.

Using task lighting

Task lighting can be a great way to improve the lighting in your bathroom. Task lighting is a type of lighting that is specifically designed to light up a certain area. This type of lighting can be very helpful for tasks such as shaving or applying makeup. You can use task lighting by installing lamps or lighting fixtures near the areas where you need more light.

Using lighting features

There are a lot of lighting features that can be installed in your bathroom such as lighting under the cabinets and lighting above the mirror. These types of lights will make it easier for you to see what you need when getting ready each morning! Installing these lighting fixtures is an easy way to improve your bathroom without having to spend too much money.

Putting light fixtures in the right places

The best way to utilize lighting features is by putting them in locations where they will provide the most help. For example, if you want more lighting above your mirror, you can install lighting directly above it! This will make applying makeup much easier and faster than trying to use overhead lighting or natural light. Ceiling light can be used to create omnidirectional lighting easily in your bathroom lighting setup.

Choosing the right light bulbs

When it comes to lighting, the color of the light can be just as important as the amount of light. For bathrooms, you will want to use a light that is either white or yellow. These colors are perfect for bathrooms because they create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Led lighting will enable you to have the best of all worlds. You should avoid using blue lighting in your bathroom because it can make the lighting feel cold and harsh.

Decorating with lighting fixtures

There are a lot of different lighting features that you can choose to decorate your bathroom, especially in the vanity area. Installing vanity lighting fixtures is an easy way to add some character to your room without having to spend a lot of money. Hanging lights, rope lights, pendant lights, can create a focal point where needed.

Lighting your mirrors

Your bath lighting should be bright enough to see yourself clearly when you’re getting ready. For shaving, a lot of people prefer the lighting on the side of their mirror as it’s very close to eye level and gives them natural shadows that help with making precise lines around areas like the jawline or neck where they don’t want stubble.

When it comes to lighting your bathroom, there are a lot of things to consider. But by using these tips, you can create a space that’s perfect for getting ready each morning.

  • Lighting should be bright enough to see yourself in the mirror clearly
  • Use a light above or on the side of the mirror to light it evenly
  • If using a light above the mirror, make sure it’s pointing down
  • If using accent lighting or vanity lighting on the side of the mirror, make sure it’s at eye level
  • Consider what type of lighting you need for shaving or makeup application
  • Use ambient lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere
  • Use a vanity mirror to create the most light from all sides
  • Experiment with different types of lighting to see what works best for you
A round mirror with golden accents and yellow lights

Using lighting to highlight important areas of your bathroom

When lighting your master bath, it’s important to use accent lighting to highlight the areas that are most important. This can include the sink, the mirror, and the area around the toilet. You may also want to use lighting to create a sense of ambiance in your bathroom. Here are a few ideas.

  • Place lighting around the sink and mirror to highlight these areas of your bathroom
  • Use track lighting around the toilet, if desired. If you want to create an ambiance in your bathroom, place lighting behind or next to sconces on walls near the bathroom
  • Use lighting with a dimmer switch to create different lighting levels in your bathroom, which is especially useful if you have an area that highlights the sink and mirror
  • Use lighting in multiple areas of your bathroom to create a more interesting lighting design
  • Be careful when using lighting with shaver outlets, since these are often used for vanity lighting
  • Try not to use too many different types of lighting fixtures in the same area or room, which can make it difficult for people to adjust lighting levels

Lighting your shower area

There are a few different ways to have enough light in your shower area. You can use recessed lighting, ambient lighting, or sconces.

Recessed ceiling lights are a good option for lighting the shower area. It’s a good idea to use a recessed light that’s covered in a waterproof material, like vinyl or plastic. This will help protect the lighting from moisture.

Track lighting is also a good option for lighting the shower area. It’s important to use track lighting that’s designed for wet areas, like bathrooms. This will help protect the lighting from moisture.

Sconces are not a good option for lighting the shower area, since they can get wet and may not be able to withstand the moisture.

A white bathroom with glass walk-in shower and lights on ceiling

Removing dark spots in the room

One way to improve lighting in a bathroom is to remove any dark spots. This can be done by using brighter light bulbs, adding mirrors, or using a lighting fixture that is specifically designed for bathrooms. You can also do this by using light-colored paint on the walls and ceiling. You can also use a ceiling light or an overhead light to cover the whole room.

Choosing a lighting color for your space

When it comes to lighting, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right color. The right color can set the tone for your entire space and help to create the mood you want.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a lighting color:

  • The color of the walls and ceiling
  • The color of the furniture and fixtures
  • The type of lighting you’re using.
  • The mood you want to create.

 

Some colors work better in certain lighting conditions than others. Here are a few tips for choosing the right lighting color:

  • If you have light-colored walls and furniture, use a light or bright color for your lighting. This will help to create a bright and airy atmosphere
  • If you have dark-colored walls and furniture, use a dark or neutral color for your lighting. This will help to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere
  • If you’re using recessed lighting, track lighting, or wall sconces, use a light color to reflect more light into the room. This will help to brighten the space and remove any dark spots
  • If you’re using floor lamps or table lamps, use a dark color to create a more dramatic effect. This will help to add interest and depth to the room
A round mirror with a cabinet

Enhance relaxation or set the mood

The bathroom is a place where you can relax and de-stress. A study even shows how short-term exposure to conventional light suppresses melatonin and increases alertness perception. 

There are many things you can do to enhance relaxation or set the mood in the bathroom. Consider these nine tips:

1. Use lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere.

2. Place candles around the room to create a soothing ambiance.

3. Play calming music in the background.

4. Hang pictures or paintings that depict peaceful scenes.

5. Use soft, plush towels and rugs.

6. Install a skylight or window to allow natural daylight in.

7. Use aromatherapy to create a relaxing environment.

8. Hang plants around the room to promote freshness and relaxation.

9. Display decorative items that make you feel good.

Using lighting as a decoration element

One popular way to use lighting as a decoration element is to install a chandelier. A chandelier can add elegance and style to any bathroom. Another option is to install sconces on either side of the mirror. Sconces provide downward lighting, which is perfect for applying makeup or shaving. If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider installing a crystal chandelier or a Venetian mirror.

Another way to use interior lighting as a decoration element is to install light fixtures above the bathtub. A light fixture over the bathtub can create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. It can also be used to highlight certain features in the bathroom, such as a beautiful tile pattern or a freestanding tub.

Finally, don’t forget about shower lighting. Installing a light fixture over the shower can help you see while you are bathing or shaving, and it can also create an atmospheric lighting effect that enhances your bathroom’s overall style.

A tub with two plants in a bathroom

Conclusion

Lighting is an important part of your bathroom lighting strategy. It can be used to create a relaxing ambiance, increase visibility in the room, or highlight certain features. By using lighting strategically and creatively, you can make sure that it enhances all aspects of your space while still meeting specific needs such as grooming purposes. If you are looking for help with lighting design in your home’s bathrooms, our team at Mortise & Miter would love to partner with you on this project! We have years of experience designing bathrooms incorporating lighting solutions for residential spaces just like yours. Contact us today to get started creating beautiful lighting designs that meet both functional and aesthetic goals!