A Comprehensive Lighting Guide for A Beautifully Illuminated Bathroom
Bathroom lighting can be tricky. You don’t want it to be dark and dreary (hello, uneven makeup!) but you also don’t want it to be glaringly bright. Crisp, beautiful lighting will offer you a spa-like experience while allowing you to see what you’re doing at the counter.
This post will shed some light (pun intended) on how to perfectly light your bathroom.
Let’s get started!
first up, where the heck to start?
Often during our design therapy sesh when we start to talk about the bathroom with a new client, we hear, “I just don’t know where to start!” But don’t worry — that’s where we come in!
Bathroom lighting really comes down to two things: Planning and purpose.
Just because it’s your bathroom, that doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. We’re all for a fun, well-lit bathroom.
The thing you’ll want to do from the beginning is develop a lighting plan. This is where you will create a plan of where you ideally want the lighting to be and what areas you want to be lit in what ways.
With this lighting plan, it’s best to work in layers. This means combining various types of lights like natural, recessed, and wall sconces. When you do this, it allows you to create different moods that come into play throughout the day.
For example, in the morning you can have bright lights to get ready by (and let’s be honest: to wake you up!), in the afternoon you can make use of natural light, and in the evening you can get a little bit cozier.
INSIDER TIP
Pinterest is your new best friend. Here at ASR Design Studio, we’re big fans of using it for collecting inspo. Sure, it won’t be a perfect match for your own bathroom, but it will ignite the spark (again, pun intended — there are just so many lighting puns!) for your own space.
next, let’s talk about what color lights are best for the bathroom
The main thing to consider is warm vs. cool lighting. Well we’re here to tell you right off the bat, that you’ll want to use cool lighting in your bathroom. This is because you want “task lighting” in the bathroom, meaning light you can see by to do more precise tasks like getting ready in the morning.
However, not all cool lighting has to be sleek, modern, and cold. In fact, it can be quite the opposite, depending on what type of fixtures you use. You can use larger wall lights for those morning makeup sessions, and smaller fixtures for those soothing nighttime baths.
INSIDER TIP
If you feel that the cool light takes away from the warmth of your space, you can bring in warm colors, patterns, and textures to offset the modern lighting and get that homey feel. Good lighting while still feeling calm and cozy? A win-win.
Now let’s talk about a couple of options for your bathroom lighting
OPTION 1
Use a mirror lighting bar. They’re an on-trend lighting option that blend right in with your bathroom design while offering an additional way to light the space. This is a great choice when it comes to applying makeup, as it provides even lighting all around.
Option 2
Looking for a less permanent (or renter-friendly) solution? Try a plug-in wall sconce to illuminate a specific area or provide that cozy feel. You can find them at places like CB2 or West Elm.
Don’t forget about a mirror
A bathroom without a mirror is criminal. (Well, not technically, but it should be!) Not only do they serve a practical purpose, but they’ll also work to bounce light around the room. When you can, place it opposite the main light source (probably the window) for best overall lighting.
Psst…If you can, a switch to an illuminated mirror is always a good move, too. It will provide more light and the perfect setup for getting ready.
And when we talk about mirrors we also have to talk about the vanity.
In your bathroom, your vanity is going to be a main (if not the main) area. It’s where you keep all of the essentials, from makeup to medicine and everything in between.
There are three main ways to light a vanity: with wall sconces, recessed overhead lighting, or integrated mirror lighting (like we mentioned above).
But remember how we talked about lighting in layers?
Recessed lighting provides great lighting over the vanity while integrated mirror lighting will give even lighting around the space. Lastly, wall sconces are an easy way to create depth in your bathroom.
Have a bit of fun with your bathroom lighting
The bathroom doesn’t have to be strictly functional. You can have a bit of fun with decor and lighting! Your bathroom lighting and overall styling will give you a great opportunity to infuse character into your home. The best part? You don’t need to make huge changes. One funky pendant light or some quirky wall sconces will do a great job of this. Or, if you’re really bold, a printed wallpaper!
create a vibe
Creating an overall vibe in your space allows the room to show off your style — while still providing the all-important practical lighting, of course.
A dimmer switch is great for creating a vibe, as it allows your lights to be set at various levels of brightness, depending on the use, the time of day, or your mood!
Candles are another great option here. They’ll offer some warm light that’s temporary — meaning it won’t interfere with the crisp light the room needs, but can give it a romantic ambience when needed. (Oh, and candles also make your bathroom feel much more expensive!).
Remember how we talked about the plug-in wall sconces up above? If you have a boho or vintage style, you may want to use a sconce to show off your style.
The main thing to keep in mind when creating a vibe is sticking to light that will serve your bathroom needs while showing off your aesthetic, along with how it will factor into your overall lighting plan.
lastly, it’s time to style!
Put some finishing touches on the space now that your lighting is updated and perfected. No room is complete without a few accessories in your signature style. Create the wow factor with luxury bath products, plush bathroom linens, or unique bathroom fixtures (we’re talking everything from towel bars to bath salt jars).
Visit our curated shop of home goods, Salt + Citrus Home, for some inspo & ideas.
now it’s time to enjoy your space!
Your bathroom is now “lit” (okay, last pun, we promise), styled, and ready to go. We’d love to see the transformation! Tag us on Instagram @asrdesignstudio so we can see!
PS: Would you rather have us tackle your lighting? Schedule your free design therapy sesh to start the process.
