Complete Bathroom Lighting Guide for Your Design Success
The success of your bathroom design hinges significantly on the right bathroom lighting. Delve into essential design tips and strategic planning to ensure that your bathroom lighting not only complements but elevates the overall aesthetic of your space. Keep reading for insights that will set the stage for a bathroom lighting design that truly succeeds in enhancing both form and function.
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Bathroom lighting design
Is it time in your construction project to work on your bathroom lighting? Are you excited to finalize your lighting selection, but at the same time, you are nervous to get it right?
I know the feeling! You are excited to be done and to enjoy your new bathroom design and nervous to do it right!
In the new construction, the electricians work on the house before the Sheetrock is even installed. When they begin asking you questions regarding your lighting design, you may feel like you are not ready to answer them yet, and now you have to make decisions quickly.
Whether you are building new or remodeling, planning ahead is a key.
Your designer BFF, Tatyana
Make sure your bathroom style matches the rest of the house
I’m your go-to expert for curating light fixtures throughout your entire home. Whether it’s boosting curb appeal with outdoor lighting or perfecting the indoor ambiance, I’ll lead you through every step. My service involves a virtual walk-through, resulting in a detailed electrical checklist to ensure each room radiates the ideal illumination. Let’s collaborate to craft a home that seamlessly merges practicality with your distinctive style. Don’t hesitate to get in touch—let’s illuminate your dream home together!
After reading this article you will know exactly what to plan for and will be ready to finalize your lighting design.
The types of lighting your bathroom needs
All bathrooms need overhead lighting for ambient (general light) and vanity light for task light. You can also add accent lighting (above the bathtub) if the space allows.
This is Lighting 101, but thinking in those categories will help you plan ahead.
The products in this image:
Desiree Asymmetrical Metal Wall Mirror
Sharice 42″ Single Bathroom Vanity Set
Plan ahead for the lighting fixture locations for vanity, ceiling, and accent lighting (if you choose to do it) and you will be prepared to answer your electrician’s questions.
Bathroom vanity light
Bathroom vanity fixtures get installed at the end of the construction, but planning ahead will help you make confident decisions.
Wall sconces on the sides of the mirrors is a better design solution. They don’t cast shadows on your face as the overhead lights do.
Your designer BFF, Tatyana
If at all possible go for light on the side of the mirrors.
Wall sconces on the sides of the mirrors function better because they don’t cast shadows on your face as the overhead lights do. They also have better overall appeal, so if at all possible go for the sidelights, instead of overhead.
What should be the vanity light height?
Bathroom scones are to be placed 65-68 in above the finished floor (Note: That’s the position of the light bulb, not the scones’ backplate) and about 4 in from the mirror.
Below is an example of an ideal position for the bathroom vanity light.
However, sometimes this option is not available due to preexisting wiring and you will need to install the light above the mirror.
Choosing and ordering bathroom wall scones at this point in the construction might be a good idea. Once you have chosen the light fixture, you will know exactly the height your specific fixture will require.
If you are shopping for a black bathroom vanity light you might find the Best Black Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures post useful. I’ve chosen popular black light fixtures organized by style, that will look good for years to come.
The products in the picture above
Top wooden frame mirror and black scones
Middle-row mirrors and curved black scones
Bottom row arched black vanity mirror and sconces
Over-the-mirror vanity lights
If you cannot install lights at the side of the mirror due to preexisting conditions or personal preference, above-the-mirror light fixtures will work as well.
My personal preference is face up so it provides good lighting, without casting harsh shadows on your face. But down-facing light fixtures are more popular in general.
Products in the picture
Black arched mirrors and black and gold vanity lights
Oval mirror with a leather strap and single light sconces
Rectangle black mirrors with 2-light black vanity light fixtures
In the example below, the lights are installed face-down. Also notice the cool accent light, that doubles as ambient light.
Bath bar lights is another cool option that would give your bathroom a modern vibe. You can install them above or on the sides of the mirror.
Bathroom bar light fixtures would work great for side or above the mirror lights
Bathroom ceiling lights
The bathroom ceiling lights provide ambient (general) lighting. Their exact position is not as critical as the light bulbs in them. Depending on the size of the bathroom, you will need 1-3 ceiling lights spaced out proportionately in the middle of the ceiling.
These bathroom ceiling lights at 4000 Kelvin will be a good option for the bathroom.
If you would like to learn more about the technical side of selecting a light bulb this article provides a more in-depth explanation: Home lighting simplified: shop for light bulbs like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A general guideline would be to stay in the 3500-4000K range and 700-900 Lumens. Light in that range is similar to natural light and will be great for applying makeup.
The most common mistake I see in bathroom lighting design is people installing lights that are too bring. In the case of lighting more is not always bette
The chandelier above the bathtub should be rated for wet location as well as a ceiling light in your shower.
The rest of the light fixture can be dry-rated
Bathroom vanity light height at 65-68 inches is the eye level for most people, however, if people are generally taller in your family you may go couple inches up.
Bathroom vanity lights can face up or down depending on the design of the light fixtures
And that’s a wrap! You just read everything you need to know about bathroom lighting.
If you need help designing your bathroom feel free to reach out to us.
Don’t forget to pin this post so you can refer to it again. If you have a question or suggestions please comment below.
