5 Tips to Improve Your Bathroom Lighting

Whether you’re brushing your teeth in the morning before work or finishing your day with a quick face wash, it’s easy to overlook how much time you actually spend in the bathroom.

As a result, when it comes to lighting, many people forget to think about their bathroom, assuming this small space isn’t as important as the others. If you identify as one of those people, it might be worth giving it some attention.

Since the bathroom is often a place of peace and relaxation, you should make sure it’s lit in a way that highlights both your best features and those of the room. So, if you’re looking to improve your bathroom lighting, here’s everything you need to know:

5 Ways to Improve Your Bathroom Lighting

1 – Direct Lighting

Regardless of the room, a good lighting plan involves several layers. For the bathroom in particular, direct lighting needs to be part of the setup, as many small tasks that require direct light happen in this space. For example, you might want to add lights inside and around the mirror for shaving and makeup, or near the shower and bathtub to enter and exit these slippery areas safely.

If you have a vanity in your bathroom, the fixtures included in it should be chosen carefully, as they are meant to illuminate your face and upper body. Too often, these lights are placed directly above the mirror. However, this placement casts shadows directly on your face, making makeup, shaving, or even brushing your teeth more difficult.

For this reason, consider vertical fixtures or sconces mounted on either side of the mirror, as this is the best method to cast light evenly on your face and upper body. Depending on the size of your vanity, side lighting may not be practical. In that case, you can place a light fixture above the mirror. Just make sure it’s wide enough to distribute light evenly over the faces of everyone using the bathroom.

For other parts of the bathroom, install task lighting around or near the shower or bathtub. For example, recessed lighting can be a great choice since bathrooms are generally small and space is limited.

2 – Ambient Lighting

Indirect or ambient lighting is the type of lighting that will give your bathroom a soft and warm feel, helping you create the sense of calm you may be aiming for. This is especially true if you're looking for the gentle glow you might find in a spa or yoga studio. In this kind of setting, we're talking about ambient lighting. Wall-mounted fixtures or LED strips installed under the vanity or bathtub can offer a beautiful alternative to natural light.

When it comes to ambient lighting, don’t be afraid to get creative! Since this type of lighting is typically recessed or completely hidden, the fixture itself or the style of bulb can be a little more unique. One great option for the bathroom is cove lighting. This involves light strips hidden behind moulding installed several centimetres below your ceiling. Cove lighting adds warmth and depth to the space. If that’s the effect you’re after, this is definitely a style worth considering for your bathroom.

3 – Skylights and Natural Light

To be honest, nothing beats natural lighting. That’s why it’s always a good idea to look for ways to structure your bathroom to create the best possible conditions for natural light. If you're doing a complete renovation and have the option, we suggest installing a large window to bring in plenty of daylight. If privacy is a concern, consider using frosted glass so light can filter through without giving your neighbours a show you didn’t intend to put on.

If adding a new window isn’t an option, have you considered a skylight? A skylight will not only allow light to flood into the space, but it’s also an eco-friendly option for those who care about the environment.

4 – Light Bulbs and Dimmers

You may not realize it, but light bulbs have a big impact on your bathroom’s mood and overall décor. This is especially true when it comes to the colour of the bulb itself. For example, a white bulb will render skin tones accurately, while halogen bulbs will give off a warmer, golden tone.

Dimmers are another great option for a bathroom, especially because they offer full control over the room’s lighting. The ability to adjust each fixture allows you to create either ambient or direct lighting based on your needs. Plus, dimmers are a great way to save energy, time, and money.

5 – Working with a Lighting Specialist

Beyond the visual aspect, if you’re not really sure what you’re doing when it comes to installing new lighting in your bathroom, then you should consider hiring a professional. In some provinces, electrical work must legally be carried out by certified professionals. This is especially important in a bathroom, where water lines are nearby and the risk of electrocution is much higher.

Aside from safety, working with a lighting specialist can help you determine the best placement for the fixtures you’ve chosen and provide expert advice on the style and intensity of light they’ll produce.