The best bathroom lighting ideas for your home

Bathroom lights and the way they are set up, can make a huge difference to the look, feel and functionality of a bathroom. Most of our personal grooming takes place there, some of which, like shaving, requires good visibility and precision. Lighting can also set the mood and tone of a bathroom space, adding accents and depth in stylistic ways.

When looking for bathroom lighting ideas, modern lighting designers often say:

“Look to the future, don’t take inspiration from the single-light bathrooms from decades gone by.”

Ideal bathroom lighting systems require multiple light sources, often working in conjunction with natural light, to suit all the functions the bathroom is used for.

When thinking about your bathroom design and bathroom lighting, it pays to consider the overall theme of the design to ensure everything works together in harmony. For example, while wall sconces don’t necessarily need to match the overhead fixtures, they should be consistent with the theme – continuity is key.

Bathroom lighting should provide sufficient overhead lighting, supported by ambient and task-focused lights. Great choices for this include strip lighting and vanity lighting. You may also want additional lighting, like shower lighting, to increase visibility in areas that are potentially precarious.

The size of your lighting should also be appropriate for the space. A chandelier over a tub will look spectacular, creating soft shadows and atmosphere but could dominate the space if its size is too overbearing.

When positioning light fixtures, it’s best to avoid placements that will bear directly down above the head, especially in the basin and vanity area. Ceiling lighting placed this way creates a harsh lighting effect that is not altogether flattering. Featured lighting can also be utilised if you have decorative ornaments or architectural features you want to draw attention to.

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There are many different types of lighting to consider when it comes to your bathroom so we thought we’d focus on four of the most popular choices and why they work so well.

1. Task lighting

Task lighting is great for precise and detail-oriented activities such as shaving and applying make-up. To provide the perfect light for these tasks, consider wall light fixtures on either side of the sink. LED lights will offer exceptional clarity and are energy-efficient solutions too.

2. Accent lighting

Accent lighting is used to subtly illuminate and showcase specific features in a room. In bathrooms, this is often done in areas around exquisite tiling, unique bathroom decor or even featured pieces of art.

3. Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is great for setting a mood, often used to create a calming atmosphere by producing subtle shadows to smooth the corners of the room. This helps minimise the feeling of sterility which can easily consume bathroom furniture full of porcelain and stainless steel surfaces. It makes that long relaxing bath all the more enjoyable.

4. Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting can be a showstopping feature in itself and a great way to express your own stylish personality in a space. For example, an eye-catching pendant light with designer qualities can effortlessly elevate a space adding a sense of sophistication and elegance.

With so many great lighting products available you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice, if not a little overwhelmed. The great thing about this is that you’ll be able to find a solution that’s unique and works perfectly for you and your bathroom environment.

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