Home Improvement Ideas Home Remodeling Bathroom Planning 30 Bathroom Lighting Ideas for Every Decorating Style Take your bathroom lighting from basic to beautiful with these suggestions and tips. From task lighting to decorative sconces, we have it all. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on December 14, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Bathroom lighting can illuminate the darkest spaces or create a calming sparkle. Browse this collection of bathroom lighting ideas for inspiration for your room. Find fixtures for a primary bathroom, powder room, or family bath in styles from modern to traditional. Use lighting to make daily prep easier, add ambience and elegance, or take the place of natural light where there is none. 6 Tips for Choosing the Best Lighting for Bathroom Vanities 01 of 30 Crystal Chandelier A crystal chandelier takes center stage in this luxurious primary bath, adding glamour and sparkle to the traditional decor. This statement-making bathroom lighting idea takes this space from simple and serviceable to memorable and stylish. Traditional Bathroom Decor Ideas 02 of 30 Antique Sconces Antique sconces hang above the oversized mirror and add unexpected flair to the light and bright bathroom. The dark finish on the light fixtures adds weight to the room and connects to the dark legs of the chair and the cabinet hardware. Their position above the vanity provides task lighting for makeup application and grooming. 03 of 30 Work of Art The organic shape of this blown-glass light fixture is a great bathroom lighting idea for this contemporary design. Modern spaces can be cold and full of hard edges, but the round globes on the light fixture and the hand-shaped towel hooks in this bathroom add a touch of playfulness. 04 of 30 Candlestick Sconces Candlestick wall sconces, ornate details, and custom-glazed cabinets nod to French country style. Remember that decorative fixtures are stylish bathroom lighting ideas. They're beautiful, but they sometimes lack function. You'll want to ensure that you have another light source, such as an overhead fixture or recessed lighting, to provide ample illumination. 05 of 30 Light Tubes Streamlined tube lights enhance this sleek bath vanity while providing soft illumination. Install multiple light switches in the bathroom to customize the amount of light you use. Flip one switch to turn on only the overhead lights, and flip the other switch when you need more precise lighting when getting ready. 8 Types of Light Switches and Dimmers (and Which One You Need) 06 of 30 Old-World Lanterns The ornate styling of these iron lanterns hanging over the vanity is a bathroom lighting idea that's a work of art. Add the curved architecture of the ceiling and detailed craftsmanship on the vanity, and there's no doubt that this small bathroom is fit for royalty. 07 of 30 Layered Lighting Seeing what you're doing in a bathroom is paramount, so layering sources is an excellent bathroom lighting idea. In this bath, the combination of overhead light from the chandelier, natural light from the windows, and light from the fixtures above the mirrors cover all lighting needs. 08 of 30 Colored Shades Add colored lampshades for an easy and inexpensive bathroom lighting idea to update the space. Dark-color shades will block a lot of light, so stick to light colors to maximize illumination. Make sure the shades you choose can stand up to humidity and dampness. 09 of 30 Backlit Beauty A large mirror framed in onyx is lit from behind, casting a warm glow on the opulent primary bathroom. The dimensional tile behind the stand-alone tub is the same color as the onyx and reflects the light from the mirrors, adding shine to an already glamorous space to enjoy a long soak. 14 Types of Bathroom Tiles for Every Budget and Aesthetic 10 of 30 Add Hardworking Lighting A pair of wall sconces illuminate a freestanding bath vanity. Their nickel finish and white shades are harmonious with the vanity stand and faucet. Mounting sconces directly on the wall mirror is a bathroom lighting idea that doubles their impact and offers shadow-free task lighting, making shaving and hair-drying easier. 11 of 30 Use Ceiling-Mount Fixtures Light a walk-in shower with ceiling-mount fixtures—made for a wet location—for soft directional lighting. The flush design keeps them from competing with the streamlined style of the shower stall. Lighting inside the shower is an upgrade that will make a big difference in your daily routine. The 13 Best Light Bulbs for All Your Household Lighting Needs 12 of 30 Install Decorative Lighting Make a statement in a traditional space with a unique bathroom lighting idea like this traditional pagoda fixture. The blue hue complements the wall color. Overhead bathroom lighting like this provides general or ambient light. Ensure the fixture's bottom is at least 7 feet above the floor to leave enough headroom. 13 of 30 Reflect Light with Mirrors Make a small bath feel larger with a big mirror. Install sconces on the mirror to reflect light, sending it throughout the small space to brighten it up. The sleek design of the sconces contributes to the contemporary style of the space. 14 of 30 Add Style with Unique Pendants A pair of industrial pendants with mirrored shades give a bath a custom look. Be sure to select bulbs designed for vanity illumination. They generate light in the daylight spectrum. Avoid bulbs that are too white or yellow—they won't reflect how you look outside the bathroom. 15 of 30 Focused Lighting Recessed lights in a built-in vanity offer task lighting for grooming. The seamless design doesn't detract from the beautiful custom wood cabinets. For the best ambient lighting, recessed downlights should be spaced close enough together for their light patterns to overlap. 16 of 30 Add a Rustic Accent Add a vintage-style metal lantern as a rustic lighting idea in the bathroom. Mix in other light sources, such as wall sconces and recessed lights, for a room full of light. 17 of 30 Include Task Lighting An elegant hanging fixture elevates the style of a well-appointed bathroom. The black shades complement the black cabinets. A pair of sconces over the vanity offers task lighting. 18 of 30 Boost Style with Traditional Sconces A trio of sconces over a double vanity enhances the design of a classic cottage bathroom. Matching shades soften the glare. If the fixture normally takes an incandescent bulb, replace the bulb with a compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) for greater energy efficiency and longer life. Remember that some CFLs require about a minute to reach full brightness when you flip the light switch. 19 of 30 Make the Most of Natural Light Large windows fill the bathroom with natural light. A Moravian star pendant light over the freestanding tub is primarily decorative in this bathroom. Connect the light to a dimmer switch to create a relaxing mood. 30 Bathroom Lighting Ideas for Every Decorating Style 20 of 30 Consider Nontraditional Lighting Don't limit yourself to sconces and pendants for bathroom lighting ideas. Here, a pair of candlestick lamps perched on the vanity counter adds a relaxed style to a cottage bath. If you use low lighting like this, add overhead fixtures to make the bathroom functional. 21 of 30 Choose Unique Fixtures Dress up a bathroom with a contemporary light fixture. A galvanized metal barn sconce adds industrial style to a small bath and shines a light on the rustic vanity, which warms up the cool blue walls. 22 of 30 Decorate with Lighting A pretty glass pendant hangs over a sink like jewelry. The glass shade disappears against the large mirror, giving a seamless look to the space, which is enhanced by the monochromatic cool color scheme. 23 of 30 Enhance Design with Sconces Choose lighting that coordinates with the bathroom's design. Here, silver candlestick sconces complement the hammered-finish mirror frame and the room's elegant style. The detailed faucet and countertop accessories coordinate with the shine of the wall decor. 10 Ideas for Decorating Bathroom Countertops 24 of 30 Go for Functional Design Vanity lighting is essential in the bathroom because it affects how well you can see yourself. If you have a multilight fixture over the mirror, the light should spread evenly over a 24-inch-wide area to illuminate your face without casting shadows under your eyes or chin. 25 of 30 Consider Task Lighting Sconces hung at eye level on each side of the mirror are the ideal bathroom lighting idea for function at the sink. Other light sources in the room provide general illumination, which is needed for the overall use of the space. Bathrooms should be lit at all levels to make them work best. 30 Styling and Design Tips to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger 26 of 30 Embellish the Shades This bathroom lighting idea gives wall sconces a fresh look with ribbon trim and a monogram. The black lettering pops against the white shades and ties into the mirror frame and wallpaper, creating a classic look. 27 of 30 Clean and Simple Bathroom Lighting Idea Good lighting is crucial to comfort. Unobtrusive can lights let the rest of the bath fixtures stand out. Your bathroom mirror serves as a primary grooming center. Recessed lights over the vanity ensure lighting is even and shadow-free and individual mirrors add an updated look. 28 of 30 Classic Lighting Style Simple sconces enhance a beautiful white bathroom. A ceiling-mount fixture and a window provide general illumination in the space. If you're remodeling your bathroom, consult an interior designer with expertise to help you plan both functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting. 21 White Bathroom Ideas for a Sparkling Space 29 of 30 Highlight Contemporary Style A sleek horizontal sconce hung over the mirror is the finishing touch in a modern bath, emphasizing the shimmer of the small taupe tiles on the wall. Choose a bathroom light fixture at least as wide as the mirror to avoid shadows. 30 of 30 Layer Light In a large bathroom, it's important to include multiple light sources to create layers of light. Sconces beside the mirrors offer task lighting for daily use. Overhead lights fill the space with ambient light, and windows add natural light. Update Your Bathroom With Color 27 Bathroom Color Ideas With Striking Style 12 Popular Bathroom Paint Colors Our Editors Swear By 28 Neutral Bathroom Ideas That are Anything but Boring 10 Black Bathrooms That Exude Sophistication 21 Blue Bathroom Ideas With Timeless Style Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit