The impact of lighting is a sometimes overlooked part of decorating any room, but it can fundamentally make a huge difference to your space’s overall look and finish, especially in your bathroom. Using clever or fun lighting to refresh your bathroom has never been so easy. We’re sharing 11 of our favourite bathroom lighting ideas to help add a little spark to your space.
Ceiling lights don’t have to be dreary
The most classic of all lighting options and suitable for all bathroom types, ceiling lights are a standard choice when looking at bathroom lighting ideas. It’s important to remember that classic doesn’t mean dull and there’s an abundance of different ceiling lighting styles to brighten your space. From recessed lights to decorative fixtures, the possibilities are endless.
If you’re hoping to transform your bathroom ceiling and do something a little out of the ordinary, consider using different paint or patterned tiles and using your lighting to make it pop.
LED strip lights for family-friendly bathrooms
LED strip lights are a versatile and simple way to transform your space with minimal effort. Easy to install, LED strip lights can be used to create your own sanctuary or add a little fun to family-friendly homes. Great for modern bathrooms, LED strip lights come in an array of colours but make sure you pick ones that complement your space or risk creating a jarring look.
Over-mirror lighting works a treat
From providing exceptional make-up lighting to making shaving all that easier, over-mirror lighting is a great practical addition no matter what style of bathroom you have. Opt for simplicity with a black metal finish light or go for something a little more out there with a bold and colourful design to really accentuate the space. Play around with bulbs to find the light that works best for your required usage, after all, there’s nothing worse than harsh lighting.
Small bathroom lighting ideas
If your bathroom is on the smaller side, exploring different lighting options is a great way to discover how to maximise your space, taking it from dingy to cosy. By using lighter paints and brighter lighting, you can ensure your bathroom feels welcoming and fresh despite your limited square footage. Be careful when selecting what bulbs you use, as some may emit a strong white light, taking your room from serene to severe.
Make a statement with decorative lighting
To add a little more pizzazz to your contemporary bathroom, why not consider more decorative bathroom lighting? Whether it be a unique and quirky design or daring colours, let your lighting take centre stage. One of the most fun bathroom lighting design ideas to toy with, be sure to balance your decorative piece with the rest of the room’s style to prevent it from becoming busy and overpowering.
Use mood lighting for the ultimate experience
If you’ve ever found yourself loving your lighting one day and the next day wishing you could switch things up a little, mood lighting might be the perfect solution. No matter what style of bathroom you have, from modern to minimalist, mood lighting gives you total control of your space. For those of you looking at a full bathroom refit, adding mood lighting to your bespoke design is one surefire way to elevate your room.
Spotlights suit a range of bathrooms
Spotlights are a popular choice when looking for bathroom lights ideas thanks to their versatility. Useful for accentuating different parts of your room, spotlights allow you to spread light throughout your space rather than relying on one centre light to illuminate every crook and cranny. Working well in all bathroom types, spotlights can sometimes be a tad stark but installing a dimmer allows you to manipulate the lighting from the get-go.
Chandelier bathroom lighting ideas
A great bathroom lighting design option for larger spaces with high ceilings, a chandelier will add the wow factor to your bathroom. Best suited to traditional bathrooms, chandeliers pair well with ornate bathroom features but try not to overdo things. Opt for a more muted wall colour and simple accessories to let your lighting really shine.
Incorporate sconce lighting for an elegant look
Sconce lights, or wall-mounted lights, look beautiful in traditional bathrooms, working both as a practical addition and stylish accessory. Ideal for bigger bathrooms, sconces can be used as your main light source in a room or in conjunction with ceiling lights, used to create a little more ambience. While a stunning choice for larger spaces and country-style bathrooms, sconces might not be suitable for smaller bathrooms, where they’re likely to get in the way and take up valuable space.
Floor lights add a little something extra
One of the more unique bathroom lighting ideas, bathroom floor lights can upgrade your space and deliver a modern look. Use warm LED floor lights to highlight key features such as your bathtub or shower or run along the length of your walls to create a truly enchanting effect. A lovely addition to more spacious bathrooms, floor lighting might not suit compact rooms where floor space is limited.
Don’t forget about lighting accessories
Updating your lighting doesn’t have to be limited to wall or ceiling lights. People have long decorated other rooms in their home with additional lighting accessories and your bathroom doesn’t have to be any different.
Use battery-powered fairy lights draped across shelves to create an inviting atmosphere or add some LED candles to add a little zen to the room. Bathrooms are a great place to showcase your personality and using lighting accessories allows you to play around with your style with minimal fuss. Always operate cautiously and keep any products away from water, preventing any damage or risk of malfunction, and remember to never use plug-in electric lighting accessories in your bathroom.
How to choose your bathroom lighting
If you’re searching for bathroom lights ideas and you’re not sure where to start, here are some quick tips to help steer you in the right direction:
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Bulbs
The bulbs you opt for are just as important as the light fixtures you choose. Play around with different bulbs to find out whether warm or brighter lighting works best for your bathroom.
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Size
Find the right kind of light that accentuates your space. Smaller rooms might suit a single light and larger rooms may benefit from dimmer-controlled spotlights. Lighting has the potential to open up your space and create a welcoming ambience but if done wrong, your bathroom can be left feeling dark.
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Style
While a chandelier might have been on your wish list for years, not every kind of light is appropriate for every bathroom type. Take your time to consider what style of bathroom you have or, if you’re looking for a full refresh, what kind of bathroom designs would work best in your home.
Bathroom lighting might not be the first thing that crosses your mind when you’re updating your space but it’s one of the easiest ways to transform your bathroom. Use our 11 bathroom lighting ideas to brighten your space with one flick of a switch.