12 Bathroom Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Space

No one likes a small bathroom, right? But what if the reason your master bath or powder room feels claustrophobic actually has nothing to do with the square footage? Instead, it could have everything to do with your bathroom lighting!

Curated fixtures and high-quality light bulbs can make a room feel like a completely different space. This is especially true for rooms without windows — i.e., most bathrooms.

There are far more options for lighting your home’s bathrooms than you probably realize. Keep reading for our favorite bathroom lighting ideas and tips for utilizing them within your own interior design.

1. Maximizing Bathroom Ambiance with Versatile Ceiling and Dimmable Lighting

Ceiling light fixtures often make up the bulk of a room’s illumination. No matter how much lighting you have surrounding your vanity, a well-lit bathroom requires overhead light as well.

Elegant bathroom with recessed ceiling lights and wall wash lighting that highlights the navy paneling and marble finishes. — Source: @hampshirelightltd via Instagram

Compact bathroom with recessed ceiling lights and a ventilation panel, offering bright and functional overhead lighting. — Source: @rhythmbath via Instagram

Spacious bathroom with recessed ceiling lights and wall sconces, creating a balanced mix of ambient and task lighting. — Source: @titan_electrical_services via Instagram

Modern bathroom with recessed ceiling lights and soft wall lighting that highlights the dramatic stone feature behind the tub. — Source: @valley.acrylic via Instagram

Sleek bathroom with recessed ceiling lights and warm backlighting that highlights a textured stone accent wall behind the tub. — Source: @valley.acrylic via Instagram

Recessed lighting might seem like a boring choice for your bathroom ceiling. But few light fixtures are quite as versatile as old school can lighting. These fixtures can even be installed directly above a shower stall or bathtub.

If your bathroom is as much a peaceful getaway as it is a practical part of your home, invest in dimmable lights. With this simple upgrade, you can customize your bathroom lighting to fit the moment.

2. Elevating Bathroom Elegance with Chandeliers for Every Ceiling Height

A chandelier might not be the first type of light fixture you’d consider hanging in your bathroom. Yet there are many ways to incorporate this dramatic lighting idea in your master bath or powder room.

Traditional bathroom with a central chandelier and wall sconces, offering soft lighting that complements the large natural-lit windows. — Source: @bathroom_chandeliers via Instagram

Elegant bathroom with a crystal chandelier, warm wall sconces, and built-in tub lighting for a cozy, luxurious atmosphere. — Source: @sgelectricalsurrey via Instagram

Chandeliers are perfect for spaces with tall or vaulted ceilings. However, with the right length of chain, you can get away with hanging a chandelier from a normal height ceiling as well.

Be sure to select a chandelier that is appropriately sized for the space. Chandeliers come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no excuse for installing one that is too big or too small for your bathroom design as a whole!

3. Incorporating Contemporary Trends with Wall Sconces and Exposed Bulbs

Contemporary interior design is based on what is most popular at any given moment. So it can be hard to pinpoint which trends to include in your own home. Lighting is an easy way to give your bathroom a contemporary touch without completely overhauling its design.

Chic bathroom with globe wall sconces flanking dual mirrors, adding warm, stylish lighting to the green and black contemporary space. — Source: @anitadevilliers_interiordesign via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with pendant lights above dual sinks, framed mirrors, and natural light enhancing the sleek, modern aesthetic. — Source: @dbbuild via Instagram

Stylish bathroom with modern wall sconces framing a round mirror, adding soft, ambient lighting to the marble accent wall. — Source: @dms_designstudio via Instagram

Wall sconces are popular in both traditional and contemporary bathroom design. Use matching sconces on each side of your vanity mirror for decorative task lighting.

Another big trend in contemporary design is exposed light bulbs. Edison bulbs are a must-have for any industrial- or rustic-inspired bathroom. But clear glass bulbs can also be used for a more luxurious look and feel.

4. Enhancing Elegance with Decorative and Luxurious Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Whether you have a luxury budget or not, bathroom lighting ideas that are decor in and of themselves will give your home an elegant appearance. This doesn’t necessarily mean installing the most over-the-top light fixture you can find.

Even the simplest lighting can feel luxurious if it plays off of the rest of the room.

Luxury bathroom with modern vanity lights, a central pendant over the tub, and layered lighting for a warm, elegant atmosphere. — Source: @elevatededgeinteriors via Instagram

Glamorous bathroom with a crystal chandelier and natural light, reflecting beautifully off mirrored walls and marble finishes. — Source: @kimlayneinteriors via Instagram

Luxurious bathroom with a modern gold chandelier and matching wall sconce, adding warmth and elegance to the marble-tiled space. — Source: @tinrooffurniture via Instagram

The finish of your bathroom lighting is as important as the overall design. Metallic finishes pair well with luxury decor. Incorporate glass or crystal into your bathroom fixtures to really illuminate the space!

Accent lighting is also key to creating a luxurious bathroom design. A backlit mirror or built-in light strips could take your master bathroom to the next level.

5. Creating a Cohesive Yet Unique Lighting Design in Master Bathrooms

The master bathroom is often an extension, both functionally and emotionally, of the home’s master bedroom. So it’s important to create a bathroom design that suits your aesthetic and lifestyle needs.

Bright master bathroom with warm yellow walls, pendant lights, and lantern-style ceiling fixtures adding charm and cozy illumination. — Source: @chesterbuilders via Instagram

Modern farmhouse bathroom with globe sconces above round mirrors, adding warm task lighting against a sage green shiplap wall. — Source: @hansplusjen via Instagram

Bright master bathroom with black-framed mirrors and vintage-style glass sconces providing focused lighting over a white double vanity. — Source: @hibiscushomeinteriors via Instagram

Sophisticated bathroom with a modern geometric pendant light and artistic accents, creating a bold yet elegant atmosphere. — Source: @inspirology_designco via Instagram

Elegant master bathroom with lantern-style pendant lights and mirrored sconces, adding warmth to the spacious wood cabinetry setup. — Source: @kimlayneinteriors via Instagram

Cozy bathroom with industrial-style cage vanity lights above a framed mirror, paired with a dark green vanity and vessel sink. — Source: @simplytaylorraye via Instagram

Even the smallest master bath can benefit from more than one light source. While your bathroom lighting design should share a common theme, don’t limit yourself to fixtures that are exact replicas of each other.

In bathrooms with “his-and-her” sinks, matching sconces can be installed over each vanity mirror. Consider mounting a recessed light above your bathtub or shower for better visibility.

6. Modernizing Your Bathroom with Innovative Mirror Lighting Solutions

If you can only choose one location within your bathroom to upgrade the lighting, it should definitely be the mirror. But a traditional wall sconce or overhead light fixture are not your only options.

Modern bathroom with a backlit round mirror and under-vanity LED lighting, creating a sleek, moody, and luxurious vibe. — Source: @hampshirelightltd via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with overhead spotlights casting soft beams onto twin mirrors and sinks, creating a clean, serene atmosphere. — Source: @loom_design_scandinavia via Instagram

Compact bathroom with a sleek LED-backlit mirror providing crisp, even lighting above a simple pedestal sink. — Source: @our_home_at_no_12 via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with a tall LED-backlit mirror and subtle recessed ceiling lights, creating a bright and clean modern look. — Source: @poli_linea via Instagram

Playful bathroom with vertical LED-lit mirrors and recessed ceiling lights, brightening the pink and white tiled space with a modern touch. — Source: @selettidesign via Instagram

There are countless high-tech mirrors featuring built-in lighting on the market. Not only is this style of mirror highly functional. It can also lend your bathroom a uniquely modern aesthetic.

Do you want to continue using your current bathroom mirror? Install hidden LED lighting behind the mirrors’ edge to imitate this look instead!

See more bathroom mirror ideas here.

7. Blending 20th Century Inspiration with Minimalist and Ambient Lighting

Modern decor is largely inspired by design trends from the 20th century. You can find tons of ideas for your own modern bathroom remodel in Art Deco and mid-century modern design.

Luxurious bathroom with a crystal chandelier, ornate mirror, and wall sconces that enhance the spa-like ambiance around the freestanding tub. — Source: @badeloftusa via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a striking gold Sputnik chandelier and sleek wall lighting, adding bold style to the monochrome marble design. — Source: @getlightingusa via Instagram

Contemporary bathroom with a round mirror and a single glass globe pendant, adding soft illumination against dark tiled walls. — Source: @rose.co.bydesign via Instagram

Modern bathroom with dual vanity lights, under-cabinet LED strip lighting, and warm tones that enhance the elegant shower and marble finishes. — Source: @stephenalexanderhomes via Instagram

Minimalist wall lights can be installed throughout your bathroom space for full illumination. Ambient light is also an important part of many modern spaces. So look for ways to incorporate LED strips around your vanity or shower stall.

While many of the best modern bathroom lighting ideas are almost imperceptible, you can still include decorative lighting in your design. A simple flush mount or pendant lamp hung in the center of your bathroom can add a touch of charm to the space overall.

See more modern bathroom ideas here.

8. Utilizing Versatile Pendant Lights for Stylish Bathroom Illumination

Pendant lights are very similar to chandeliers. But the more compact design of most pendant lights makes them an even better candidate for lighting up a bathroom.

Bold bathroom design with clustered glass pendant lights and a large round mirror, creating a dramatic focal point above the freestanding tub. — Source: @madetolastuk via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with hanging pendant bulbs flanking a round mirror, adding warm task lighting above a sleek black vanity. — Source: @my.house.to.my.home via Instagram

Bright bathroom with symmetrical pendant lights over dual vanities and a soaking tub centered by large windows for natural light. — Source: @toddhillhomes via Instagram

Any light fixture that hangs from the ceiling and features a single bulb is a type of pendant lamp. There’s literally no limit to the materials, shapes, and sizes that pendant lights can come in.

Pendant lighting isn’t just a great choice for an overhead bathroom light. Small pendants can be hung in place of traditional wall sconces to illuminate your vanity area. This is a wonderful option if your bathroom lacks the space to mount fixtures to the wall.

9. Embracing Rustic Lighting Styles with Vintage Flair in Bathrooms

Rustic bathrooms are remarkably diverse. And the lighting ideas that can be used in these spaces are just as varied!

Rustic bathroom with warm vanity lights above wood-framed mirrors, complementing the wood flooring and neutral tile shower. — Source: @dulleskitchenandbath via Instagram

Charming rustic bathroom with a vintage chandelier and sconce lighting, adding warmth above a wood vanity and antique-style mirror. — Source: @farmhouseranch via Instagram

Cozy cabin bathroom with a barrel sink, wood mirror, and twin metal sconces adding a warm rustic glow to the pine-paneled space. — Source: @ourdreamcabin via Instagram

Materials like cast iron, aged bronze, and reclaimed wood are all wonderful options for rustic lighting. Incandescent light bulbs (with visible filaments) will give your design vintage appeal.

Industrial-style light fixtures will look right at home in your rustic bathroom design. You can repurpose authentic lights from a barn or ship to illuminate your bathroom. Or opt for replicas with a weathered finish.

See more rustic bathroom ideas here.

10. Combining Classic Elegance with Modern Touches in Bathroom Lighting

Despite the nondescript name, traditional interior design is just as unique as any other decor style. Traditional design is based on classic elements from the 18th and 19th centuries. Most — but not all — traditional decor is inspired by European homes.

Classic bathroom with chrome wall sconces flanking a beaded mirror, adding soft light above a gray vanity with marble countertop. — Source: @myjourneythroughinteriors via Instagram

Traditional bathroom with a modern chrome ceiling light fixture and patterned flooring, adding elegance to the classic black vanity setup. — Source: @twovictorianterraces via Instagram

Traditional light fixtures tend to be larger and more ornate than those of today. Candle-shaped light bulbs can give your glass wall sconce or chandelier an even more authentic look and feel.

The finishes of your bathroom light fixtures can help anchor your design in the 21st century. Something like polished silver over aged bronze will give your traditional bathroom lighting a contemporary edge.

11. Optimizing Vanity Lighting for Functionality and Aesthetics

No matter how bright your bathroom lighting is as a whole, you shouldn’t ignore the space surrounding your mirror and sink. After all, the bathroom vanity is where many of us do our best work!

Bright and functional bathroom with twin vanity lights above framed mirrors, paired with a double sink and walk-in glass shower. — Source: @bndecoraz via Instagram

Bright vanity area with matte black fixtures and brass swing arm wall lights above large mirrors, blending modern and traditional charm. — Source: @clarityhomes via Instagram

Elegant vanity setup with dual oval mirrors and wall-mounted lights, paired with dark cabinetry and a speckled granite countertop. — Source: @dulleskitchenandbath via Instagram

Stylish bathroom with globe wall sconces above round mirrors, paired with vessel sinks and muted green wainscoting for a cozy, modern look. — Source: @hughes_at_home via Instagram

Contemporary bathroom with twin round mirrors and vertical wall sconces, offering sleek and even lighting over a light wood vanity. — Source: @vevanohome via Instagram

How your vanity lights illuminate the area is just as crucial as the overall look of the fixtures themselves. Symmetrical lighting on either side of the vanity will provide better visibility than an overhead fixture.

If you do opt for an overhead vanity light, be sure the fixture is no wider than the mirror below it. A fixture that is too large will throw off the balance of your vanity space — the mirror should always be the star of the show.

12. Strategically Placing Wall-Mounted Lighting

Few bathrooms look their best with overhead lighting alone. So it’s important to supplement your bathroom ceiling fixture with a few wall lights as well.

Charming bathroom with fluted glass wall sconces flanking a vintage mirror, softened by greenery and a double marble sink. — Source: @duststory via Instagram

Eclectic bathroom with patterned wall sconces casting warm light beside a round mirror, complementing the bold red vanity and wood floors. — Source: @holbrook_cottage via Instagram

Modern bathroom with soft peach tile, featuring a sleek pendant and a round metallic wall light that adds a warm, ambient glow by the tub. — Source: @lumelec via Instagram

Narrow bathroom with soft yellow walls and a pink vanity, featuring traditional wall-mounted bell sconces above the mirror for warm lighting. — Source: @thewhitecoatwife via Instagram

The hardest part of installing wall-mounted lighting is deciding where to mount it. Beware of placing bathroom wall sconces near doorways or anywhere they will pose a head-banging risk!

In most bathrooms, the best place to install wall-mounted lighting is above or on either side of your vanity mirror. Experiment with the exact placement of your new lighting to find a spot that both looks great and illuminates the space most efficiently.

What type of lighting is best for the bathroom?

Bathroom lighting isn’t just about illuminating the space. The right bathroom lighting is both flattering and makes everyday tasks like applying makeup significantly easier!

The best type of lighting for the average bathroom is a soft white bulb. These bulbs tend to be between 2700K and 3000K. Look for light bulbs with a CRI of 90 to 100 for the most accurate colors and tones.

Should vanity lights point up or down?

Technically, vanity lighting can be installed either way. But each orientation produces slightly different results.

If you’re interested in producing a soft, ambient glow throughout your bathroom, then uplit vanity lighting is ideal. This option is gentler on the eyes and reflects light off the ceiling and walls.

For better visibility at your bathroom vanity, lighting that faces down will serve you best. A downlit vanity fixture is a great source of task lighting for things like skincare or makeup application.