How to Light Your Bathroom Like a Pro So You Never Have to Get Ready in Bad Lighting Again (2025)

Table of Contents

Vanity Lights Should bathroom lights shine up or down? Woven Pendant Flush Mount Ceiling Light Sconces With Lampshades Antique Chandelier Over-Mirror Sconce Light Modern Pendant Light Goose Neck Sconce Integrated LED Lighting Oversized Sconce Lights Industrial Barn Lights Boho-Style Pendant Black Metal Sconces Vintage Pendant Light Brass Globe Sconces Modern Chandelier Black and White Sconces Modern Globe Pendant LED Light Mirrors Contemporary Pendant Light Embedded Mirror Sconces Opaque Glass Drop Pendant What Kind of Lighting Is Best for Bathrooms? Is Warm White or Daylight Better for Bathrooms?

Room Design

Bathroom Design

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Published on 02/09/25

How to Light Your Bathroom Like a Pro So You Never Have to Get Ready in Bad Lighting Again (2)

Bathroom lighting should be layered to make it both functional and aesthetically appealing. From sconces to vanity lights, ceiling lights, pendant lights, recessed lighting, LED strip, and more, the right mix of fixtures will create a balanced feel that will facilitate your morning routine and make your evening bubble bath more relaxing.

Check out these stylish bathroom lighting ideas for inspiration.

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Vanity Lights

Ensure that your bathroom vanity is well lit for daily grooming by placing sconce lights on either side of bathroom mirrors. Double sconce lights add plenty of light as well as visual interest in this black and white space.
Should bathroom lights shine up or down?
Choose upward shining bathroom lights to create ambiance. Use downward shining lights to provide task lighting for applying cosmetics or shaving.
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Woven Pendant

Warm up your bathroom with a woven pendant light for a casual feel. Whether to introduce natural texture into a colorful space like this one or to complement a neutral or boho-style bathroom, this affordable option can work with any style.
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Flush Mount Ceiling Light

Install a flush mount ceiling light if you prefer not to have a pendant light that hangs in the middle of the room. Choose a simple design or something more fanciful in a bold metallic to complement your space.
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Sconces With Lampshades

Soften bathroom lighting by adding lampshades to sconces. This will create a flattering glow and make your space feel cozier and more inviting.
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Antique Chandelier

Infuse your bathroom with elegance by hanging an antique crystal chandelier from the ceiling. Carry the theme onto the walls with a pair of vintage sconces above the sink.
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Over-Mirror Sconce Light

Save space by hanging a sconce over the mirror rather than on either side of it. This works well in a large bathroom with a double vanity that is fitted into a corner as well as a small powder room.
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Modern Pendant Light

Anchor your bathtub corner with a striking pendant light. Choose a modern style to add contrast to the classic bones of the bathroom in an older home.
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Goose Neck Sconce

Choose a black metal goose neck sconce for a classic look that can work with a number of styles. These timeless fixtures will complement industrial, farmhouse and traditional bathrooms, or add some charm to a modern black-and-white space.
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Integrated LED Lighting

Bring light into a windowless bathroom with a custom LED-lit shower niche. This walk-in shower has a spa-like feel thanks to soft white lighting that runs the width of the shower wall.
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Oversized Sconce Lights

Create a sense of drama in a small powder room with a glamorous pair of oversized wall sconces. Choose warm bulbs to complement natural stone and wood finishes.
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Industrial Barn Lights

Add character to an industrial-style or farmhouse bathroom with a barn-style wall sconce outfitted with warm Edison bulbs. Consider a plug-in sconce that you can plug directly into an existing socket if you're a renter.
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Boho-Style Pendant

Add boho style to your bathroom with a rattan or wicker pendant light. If the room has high ceilings, take advantage of the extra height with an oversized sculptural style.
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Black Metal Sconces

Black metal sconces have a sleek feel that can work in modern minimalist or farmhouse interiors. Choose an elongated vertical style in a smaller bathroom.
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Vintage Pendant Light

Hang a vintage pendant light over the sink in a small powder room to save space. Finish the look with animal print wallpaper and an organic shaped mirror for a retro glam feel.
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Brass Globe Sconces

Save wall space with modern globe sconces. Choose brass to complement a midcentury modern bathroom like this one.
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Modern Chandelier

Hang a contemporary chandelier over the bathtub to help define space. Try a gold-toned finish to warm up a neutral color palette.
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Black and White Sconces

Create a modern feel with graphic black-and-white globe sconces. Use just one in a small space or stack them for additional light and interest.
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Modern Globe Pendant

Complement a midcentury modern bathroom with a sculptural globe pendant. Use similar sconces spread throughout the space for a cohesive look.
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LED Light Mirrors

Illuminate a contemporary space with LED lighting. Combine light-edged mirrors with tube lights or a streamlined sconce to create a soft modern feel.
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Contemporary Pendant Light

Complement a minimalist bathroom with a contemporary pendant light. LED tube lights combined with black hardware will add a sculptural feel and create a focal point over the bathtub.
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Embedded Mirror Sconces

Embed sconces onto a wall mirror for a polished look. Choose a style that complements your space, like these minimalist sconces that complement a neutral minimalist space.
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Opaque Glass Drop Pendant

Hang an opaque glass drop pendant light to complement a farmhouse space. The vintage design will add character and timeless style.

What Kind of Lighting Is Best for Bathrooms?

Layer lighting in your bathroom for a balanced feel. Include cool bright light for tasks such as shaving or applying cosmetics and warmer light to create a relaxing ambiance for use when taking a bath, for example. Always check safety ratings for bathroom lighting and hire an electrician to ensure that it is safely installed.

Is Warm White or Daylight Better for Bathrooms?

Choose warm white lighting to create an inviting feel and a flattering glow in most bathrooms. Use brighter daylight bulbs in spaces with limited natural light or for specific areas such as a makeup vanity.