Bathroom Remodeling

Different Types of Lighting You Need in Your Bathroom

Lighting does more than brighten a space. It also sets the mood, adds style and allows you to use the room safely. Choosing the right type of lighting for your bathroom is essential to create the coziness, ambiance and functionality you’re looking for. Here is an overview of various kinds of lighting for bathrooms that you can use as inspiration when designing your space. 

Why Is Lighting Important in a Bathroom?

Lighting plays a crucial role in a bathroom, not only for functional purposes but also for aesthetic reasons. Adequate lighting is necessary for performing daily tasks such as shaving, applying makeup or grooming. Insufficient lighting can lead to shadows and make it difficult to see, resulting in mistakes or accidents. 

Good lighting can also enhance the appearance of a bathroom, making it look brighter, more spacious and more inviting. Choosing the right type of lighting — such as dimmers, accent lights or task lighting — can help create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom, making it a more enjoyable space to spend time in. Overall, proper lighting is essential in a bathroom to ensure both functionality and style.

General Types of Lighting

Each type of bathroom lighting serves a different purpose and can impact your overall design. Learn more about them here.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the main source of light in your bathroom. It provides enough illumination to bring brightness to the room without overpowering or adding any direct concentration of light on particular areas. Examples include flush ceiling mounts, recessed lights and wall sconces. This type of lighting gives you an overall atmosphere that allows you to move around comfortably throughout the space as it casts diffused background lighting around the room.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is all about providing direct light to specific areas so you can easily complete tasks like grooming and styling. Examples include vanity lights over a sink or mirror as well as wall-mount plug-in lights in strategic locations. The main purpose of bathroom task lighting is to brighten dark corners or help you see your facial features more clearly. It can also serve as a decorative element. Wall sconces or pendant lighting can be interesting statement pieces in a bathroom. 

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting adds a wow factor to your bathroom by intensifying the illumination and creating focal points. You can rely on accent lights to emphasize design details, eye-catching objects or artwork in your bathroom. Examples include recessed spotlights, wall-mounted sconces and pendant chandeliers made of steel, glass or other materials.

Lighting Ideas for Your Bathroom

During a bathroom remodel, there are several things to consider, from tub replacement to lighting design. Let’s take a closer look at some lighting ideas.

Mirror Lighting

Mirror lighting is great for providing you with a bright reflection and just the right amount of ambient light. Recessed fixtures can usually be mounted flush against your ceiling, but other options include sconces on either side of the mirror, which bring all-over brightness to your vanity space in addition to style and visual depth.

Ceiling Light

Ceiling lights are ideal for adding a modern and elegant feel to your bathroom. Whether you choose single pendants, flush mounts or multiple-light fixtures, they can make a great addition to any lighting setup. When selecting a ceiling light, it is essential to consider the size and style of the room so that it coordinates with both in terms of shape and brightness.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are the perfect choice for task lighting. With their unique design and ability to provide direct light while adding a touch of style, they make great additions to any bathroom setup. 

LED Strips

LED strips are a great way to add subtle lighting and color to your bathroom. They’re versatile and can easily be mounted underneath a sink or above the countertop. They come in different sizes, colors and designs.

Vanity Lights

Vanity lights are a great choice for illuminating your vanity mirror and your new sink installation. When lighting your vanity, it’s important to decide how you want to distribute the light within the space so that you can properly see yourself.

Lighting Chandelier or Pendants

Chandeliers and pendants are a great way to add drama and beauty to your bathroom space. With their soft illumination, they can create an intimate atmosphere while providing ambient light for the room.

Natural Light

Don’t forget about natural light! Sunlight transforms a bathroom into a more welcoming space. Whether from a window or skylight, natural lighting can give your bathroom an airy and bright atmosphere while also making it easier to move around without turning on the lights. 

How to Choose Which Types of Lighting Are Right for Your Space

When deciding which lighting is best for your bathroom, you should consider a few key things.

  • Is there any light from the windows? If you have ample natural light from a window, you may need less ceiling or task lighting. Conversely, if you do not have windows in your bathroom, keep in mind that you will need more task lighting.
  • How big is the space? Larger bathrooms may need more lighting fixtures to cover the area while smaller spaces may not require as many. Smaller bathrooms, however, will look bigger if they are well-lit.
  • What style do you like? Depending on your overall style, you may want to opt for either softer ambient lighting or a more statement-style piece, such as a decorative chandelier. There are different lighting fixtures to fit every style.

How to Install Bathroom Lighting

When considering installing bathroom lighting, it is best to turn to a trusted remodeling contractor. They can properly install different types of lighting fixtures and ensure that the correct materials and tools are used for the job. 

At The Bathroom Store in Bismarck, ND, you’ll find experienced professionals who will guide you when planning your bathroom lighting, tile installation and more. Contact us today at (701) 223-1008 or fill out our online form to request a quote.

Jayden Chuppe

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