Best Types of Bathroom Lighting

Types of Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

When planning your bathroom lighting, include different types of fixtures that balance overall brightness with task-focused light. Layering fixtures helps you see clearly, reduce shadows, and create a comfortable mood.

Pendant, Vanity, Wall, and Recessed Lighting

Each type of bathroom lighting fixture serves a unique purpose. Here are the most common options and where they work best:

• Vanity Lights: Cost about $46 to $85 per light. Installed above or beside the mirror, vanity lights provide bright, even illumination for grooming, shaving, and applying makeup. Many models are dimmable.
• Pendant Lights: Cost about $100 to $130 per light. Hanging from the ceiling, pendants create a bold design statement and save counter space. Best for larger bathrooms or as accents near mirrors, positioned safely away from moisture.
• Wall Sconces: Cost about $30 to $40 per light. Mounted on the wall, often beside mirrors or medicine cabinets, sconces deliver soft, even light at eye level and are budget friendly.
• Recessed Ceiling Lights: Cost about $69 to $126 per light. Installed in the ceiling for a minimalist look, recessed lights are ideal for small bathrooms and for shower or tub zones with the correct wet rating.
• Bathroom Chandeliers: Start around $200 and up. Chandeliers add a luxurious focal point and work best in large bathrooms with ample clearance and proper moisture ratings.
• LED Strip Lights: Start around $20 and up. Flexible, energy-efficient strips that install around mirrors, ceilings, or shelves to create modern ambient lighting.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator

Take Me There

Other Specialty Lighting Options

Specialty lighting can highlight architecture, improve visibility, and add a spa-like feel. Consider these options:

• Mirror-Integrated Lighting: Mirrors with built-in LEDs offer consistent, shadow-free illumination and a sleek look — ideal for compact bathrooms.
• Under-Cabinet Lighting: Adds a soft glow for night lighting and accent illumination along vanities or linen cabinets.
• Backlit Mirrors or Panels: Creates a halo effect that reduces glare while improving visibility at the vanity.
• Niche Lighting: Small LEDs placed in shelves or wall recesses to showcase décor and provide gentle accent light.

Comparison of Common Bathroom Light Fixtures

Best Types of Lighting for Your Bathroom

The best setup depends on your layout, how you use the space, and where fixtures are placed. Aim for a balance of task, ambient, and accent lighting to reduce shadows and improve comfort.

Best Bathroom Vanity Lighting

For grooming or applying makeup, place wall-mounted sconces at eye level on both sides of the mirror, or install a horizontal bar above the mirror. Choose warm white to neutral white light for accurate skin tones, and use dimmers to fine-tune brightness.

Best Overhead Lighting

Recessed or flush-mount fixtures brighten the entire room and help balance task lighting at the mirror. In larger bathrooms with higher ceilings, consider a pendant or chandelier for added style and layered illumination.

Best Wall Lighting

Wall sconces and vanity bars offer targeted light around mirrors and along accent walls. Opt for diffused glass or fabric shades to soften light, reduce glare, and minimize harsh shadows.

Best Over Cabinet Lights

Use LED strip lights or compact recessed pucks above or under cabinets to add subtle, indirect light. These fixtures can double as night lights and highlight storage or display areas without overwhelming the space.

Find Local Bathroom Pros

Best Shower and Tub Lighting

For wet zones, choose vapor-rated recessed lights or sealed LED fixtures designed for showers and tubs. Dimmable options help create a spa-like feel while maintaining safety and visibility. Always verify the fixture’s wet or damp rating before installation.

Best Lighting by Bathroom Size

Bathroom size affects the number of fixtures you need and how you layer them. Use proportionate fixtures and dimmers to keep light comfortable and flexible.

Best Lighting for Small Bathrooms and Half Baths

Save space with recessed ceiling lights, slim sconces, or integrated mirror lights. Brighter neutral tones can make the room feel larger, and dimmers let you switch between task and ambient light easily.

Best Lighting for Large or Primary Bathrooms

Layer lighting with recessed fixtures for general light, vanity lights for grooming, and a decorative chandelier or pendants for style. Add accent lighting in niches or along cabinets for depth, and use dimmers across all zones.

Best Lighting for Medium-Sized Bathrooms

Combine a ceiling-mounted fixture or recessed lights with a strong vanity setup. Add LED strips under cabinets or behind mirrors to warm up the space without clutter.

Best Light Color and Temperature for Your Bathroom

Color temperature and brightness shape both the mood and usability of your bathroom. Choose tones based on how you use the space, your aesthetic, and who uses the bathroom most.

Find Local Bathroom Pros

For accurate skin tones and finishes, choose bulbs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or higher. Higher CRI helps colors appear true to life at the mirror and throughout the room.

When to Call a Professional

Bathroom lighting near water requires careful planning and code compliance. Fixtures by sinks, showers, and tubs should meet National Electrical Code requirements and use GFCI-protected circuits where required.

• Hire a licensed electrician for new wiring, fixture changes in wet areas, or complex layouts.
• Work with a bathroom remodeling contractor if you are adding recessed lights, upgrading to smart controls, or moving electrical locations.
• Confirm wet or damp ratings, proper clearances, and ventilation to protect fixtures and finishes.

Conclusion: How to Choose Your Perfect Bathroom Lighting

Choosing bathroom lighting can be challenging. You need a plan that balances brightness, efficiency, and style — and works for your budget and layout.

If you’re unsure which options are right for your home, Modernize can help. We connect homeowners with trusted, pre-vetted local bathroom remodelers who can recommend and install the right lighting for your bathroom’s size, layout, and design.

Find Local Bathroom Pros