34 Brilliant Bathroom Lighting Ideas

By: Andrew Saladino | 8 min

Bathrooms aren't known for having large, unobstructed windows to let in ample natural light, so the right bathroom lighting in your space can make a huge impact.

Adequate illumination can help you create a luxurious spa-like environment to begin and end your day. However, striking a balance between dark, dim lighting and stark, harsh lighting is easier said than done.

From wall sconces to chandeliers to recessed lighting, shed some light on your next bathroom remodel with these 34 unique bathroom lighting ideas.

1. Vintage Milk Glass Pendants

Whether you're leaning toward a classic farmhouse or eclectic vintage design, a statement milk glass pendant hung over your bathtub will provide just enough soft light for a relaxing soak.

2. Luxurious Over-the-Bath Chandelier

For a more elegant feel, opt for a multi-bulb chandelier over the tub or in the center of your bathroom. From glamorous crystals to beaded boho chandeliers, there's a style to complement your dream spa.

3. Subtle Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting provides a clean, modern look that won't distract from your overall bathroom design. Use it as supplemental lighting in your shower stall or as primary lighting over your vanity.

4. Modern Backlit Vanity Mirror

For those looking to up their grooming game, an LED backlit bathroom mirror eliminates shadows by creating an even light all around your face. This is great for applying makeup or styling your hair because you'll be able to see yourself clearly from all angles.

5. Eclectic Floor Lamp

If you're looking for a flexible lighting solution for your bathroom, an eye-catching floor lamp can make an unexpected yet stylish addition. Place one near a freestanding tub or shelf unit for the perfect amount of ambient lighting.

6. Symmetrical Sconces

Creating a relaxing spa-like environment hinges on a balanced design - which means you can't go wrong with symmetrical sconces framing your bathroom mirror. This timeless bathroom lighting idea works in every style space, from traditional to modern.

7. Retro Brass Fixtures

Channel Mid-Century glam with unique brass bathroom light fixtures. You can find wall sconces, pendants, and even over-the-mirror styles -we recommend sticking with clear glass shades to let the brilliant brass shine through.

8. Rustic Cage Lighting

Cage chandeliers and pendants have dominated the kitchen and bath scene in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Their unique, geometric metal frames fit perfectly into modern farmhouse and transitional-style spaces in all parts of your home.

9. Playful Orb Glass Shades

Evoke lively bubble bath vibes with stylish clear or frosted glass orbs adorning your wall sconces or bathroom pendants. These ethereal additions look amazing in modern bathrooms, but they can also complement retro designs when paired with antique brass or gold hardware.

10. Farmhouse-style Sconces

Rustic barn lighting is making its way indoors with sleek, industrial metal shades and vintage-style bulbs. Whether you plan to use these fixtures as supplementary or primary over-the-mirror lighting, their wide shade ensures light is dispersed exactly where you need it.

11. Sophisticated Swing Arm Sconces

Tie in function and style with adjustable swing arm sconces. You'll be able to direct the light exactly where you need it, making swing arm lights perfect for precise grooming and makeup. Pair them with stylish frameless bathroom cabinets for a sleek European look.

12. Woven Basket Shades

If you're gravitating toward a more earth-centric design for your bathroom, shades made of natural materials like basket shades can provide a chic boho vibe. Choose a large basket shade for an eye-catching statement fixture or adorn a couple pendant lights with smaller shades.

13. Elegant Mother-of-Pearl Chandelier

Torn between an earthy bohemian and high-end luxurious style for your bathroom remodel? Get the best of both worlds with a gorgeous mother-of-pearl light fixture. This bathroom chandelier idea showcases the best nature has to offer with delicate, iridescent shells that'll glisten from every direction.

14. Chic "Paper" Lanterns

Light fixtures styled after festive paper lanterns are a trademark Mid-Century design piece. However, these lights range in style and shape, from wide saucer lanterns to minimalist bubble shades. While actual paper lanterns may be subject to mold in humid environments, you can find these lamps in lacquered or plastic materials that will withstand your bathroom's damp conditions.

15. Minimalist LED Bar Lighting

Looking for modern bathroom lighting ideas for your mirror? LED bar lighting is a stylish way to add ample light without distracting from the rest of your design. Plus, these high-tech lights often come with dimmable options, so you can set the mood whether you're getting ready for the day or settling in for a calming soak in the tub.

16. Unique Geometric Shades

Add some intrigue to your space with unexpected shaped shades that are just as much art as they are design elements. From intricate wire sculptures to graceful curving pendants, these one-of-a-kind fixtures will help your modern bathroom stand out from the rest.

17. Eye-catching Sputnik Chandelier

If you're working with a large space, a bronze Sputnik chandelier can help shine some light across your entire bathroom. These wide, multi-bulb chandeliers evenly distribute light in all directions, thanks to the extended arm and bare bulb design. Plus, they'll add an eccentric edge to any modern bathroom renovation.

18. Sleek Tube Sconces

In need of minimalist modern bathroom lighting ideas? Clear glass tube sconces are a brilliant way to illuminate your bathroom vanity, either hung on the sides of your mirror or flipped horizontally and installed above it.

19. Artistic Moroccan Lanterns

Moroccan lanterns may not provide enough light to be a primary source in your bathroom, but their intricate lace detailing casts beautiful shadows against the walls for a romantic and relaxing ambiance. Moroccan lanterns can be found in a wide array of colors and styles, from emerald green pendant lights to multicolored tabletop lanterns.

20. Complementary Colored Shades

Who said light shades had to be white? Stray from the traditional with vibrant colored light fixtures that match your decor. Or, make your lighting stand out with pops of bright colors like pink and yellow.

21. Functional Layered Lighting

Large bathrooms may need more than one light source for adequate illumination. If dark corners or irritating shadows are keeping you from utilizing your space to the fullest, try layering sconces, vanity lighting, and recessed lighting to shed some light on every nook and cranny.

22. Light-reflecting Surfaces

If you're remodeling a small bathroom or powder room, the materials you choose will make just as much impact on brightening the space as the light itself. Light-reflecting materials like glazed tile, mirrored surfaces, and light-colored paint bounce light around the room, making it appear brighter and bigger.

23. Statement Over-the-Mirror Pendant

For smaller guest bathrooms or powder rooms, keep the light focused where you'll need it most - your vanity. Try experimenting with a single statement pendant hung just above or to the side of your mirror. Just make sure it's hung in a spot that won't result in constant bumps.

24. Jewel-like Pendants

Teardrop pendant lights look amazing as supplementary light fixtures hung to the side of a freestanding tub or in an unused corner of your bathroom. Design your own custom art installation by mixing and matching colors, sizes, and shapes.

25. Contemporary Mirror-framing Lights

When it comes to creating a soft glow around your vanity, don't limit yourself to traditional fixtures. Many modern bathroom designs zone separate areas of the bathroom by framing the space with statement walls and vertical LED lights. This way, you can opt for a warmer light around your vanity and brighter, cooler lighting around the rest of your bathroom.

26. Illuminating Shower Spotlight

If you're team night shower, you've likely found yourself fumbling with shampoo bottles and soap bars as your shower transforms into a dark cave once the sun goes down. Shower stalls are often placed in the darkest corners of your bathroom, making them especially dim compared to the rest of the space. A damp-rated recessed light can safely provide much-needed light to this area.

27. Spa-like Lighting

While dim mood lighting may not be the most practical primary light source for your bathroom, it can be a great way to emanate a spa-like atmosphere in your home. In addition to illuminating vanity lighting, try dimmable lights, Edison bulbs, candles, LED strips, or decorative pendant lighting above or around your tub to create a serene atmosphere.

28. Dazzling Movie Star Mirror

While bathroom designs have moved away from the bare-bulb over-the-mirror fixtures that every '90s bathroom seemed to have, this style is seeing an emergence - with a much-needed modern refresh. You can now find mirrors with LED lights integrated into the surface of the mirror, giving sleek Hollywood glam without the mismatched bulbs.

29. Flexible Dimmable Lights

Your bathroom serves many purposes, but at the end of a long day, a brightly lit environment may not be what you're looking for. If you plan to spend time soaking in your tub with a cup of tea and a book, dimmable lights can help your bathroom match the vibe.

30. Room-enhancing Skylight

While natural light is ideal for every area of your home, a large window is not always the most practical (or private) option for your bathroom. However, you can still let the sun shine through to an interior bathroom with an open skylight. Plus, you'll save on your electric bill by not using your bathroom lights during the day.

31. Hanging Single-bulb Fixtures

Bare-bulb pendant lights rose to popularity with the emergence of industrial and farmhouse designs, but this style lighting can be adapted to any decor. Wrap a few bulbs around a wooden plank for a rustic farmhouse fixture, or swap out the bulb for a stylish tear-shaped or bubble bulb for a minimalist modern take. The possibilities are endless.

32. Under Cabinet Lighting

If your vanity mirror protrudes from your wall, don't let small bottles and toiletries get lost in the shadows. Under cabinet lighting provides functional light to your countertop or floor space and can help elevate a modern bathroom design. If you're not planning a full-on bathroom renovation, there are easy-to-install options like battery-operated puck lights and LED strips that won't break the bank.

33. Romantic Candlestick Sconces

Whether you're designing a farmhouse oasis or Tuscan getaway, faux candlestick sconces add a rustic yet charming touch to a space. Go for intricate vintage designs for a more classic feel, or check out modern styles featuring sleek glass shades and iron frames.

34. Cluster of Pedants

Create your own art installation with a collection of pendant lights. Personalize your lighting with varying shapes, sizes, and lengths for a contemporary take on the traditional chandelier.

Bathroom Lighting Ideas FAQs

Still having trouble deciding which light fixture is best for your space? We answered a few of the most frequently asked bathroom lighting questions to help shed some light on the topic.

What light color is best for bathrooms?

When it comes to choosing the right color light for your bathroom, opt for warm, white light that'll flatter your reflection without washing you out. Design experts recommend installing lights around 2700 and 3000 kelvins.

However, the right color light for your bathroom may vary based on things like decor, wall color, finishings, or the type of bathroom (like guest vs. primary baths).

What type of light fixtures should I use in a bathroom?

The most popular light fixtures for bathrooms include LED and fluorescent over-the-mirror vanity fixtures, wall sconces, and chandeliers. When choosing bathroom lights, look for rust-resistant fixtures. Dry-rated lights should be adequate for a well-ventilated bathroom, but opt for a damp-resistant fixture if you're installing it directly above your shower.

How can I improve the lighting in my small bathroom?

Small bathrooms - especially guest bathrooms - can often appear dim and cave-like. If you're looking for ways to illuminate a small bathroom, you can try:

• Painting your walls with light-reflecting colors like white or cream
• Adding sconces or recessed lighting above your vanity, toilet, and shower
• Replacing your light bulbs with cool white, bright white, or daylight bulbs to minimize shadows
• Using shiny materials like glazed tile or marble to bounce light around the room
• Installing a window or skylight to bring in more natural light

What are modern bathroom lighting ideas?

Art-deco-inspired sconces, exposed bulbs, under cabinet lighting, and backlit vanity mirrors are all modern bathroom lighting ideas trending for 2023. Look for designs featuring minimalist lighting paired with statement tiles and fun pops of color taking center stage.

Once you've chosen the best bathroom lighting for your upcoming renovation, complete the look with the perfect bathroom cabinets. Whether you're drawn to traditional white shaker cabinets or high-end European frameless cabinets, we have both ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled options to help bring the spa to your home.