Bathroom Lighting Ideas for Every Style
Light fixtures are often overlooked when it comes to planning a brand new bathroom. Many will believe that installing an overhead fluorescent tube light will be adequate for their needs. What they don’t realise is that taking more care with the choice of light fixtures by installing mood lighting, opting for vanity lights on mirror frames, and having an ambient ceiling light can transform a bathroom from somewhere you simply bathe and brush your teeth in into a spa-like environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. There are many bathroom light ideas that will actually enhance your bathroom or en-suite.
Indeed, you will find that you can significantly improve the overall feel of your bathroom suite with the correct light fixtures – even making the smallest of bathrooms feel more spacious. Having the optimal bathroom lights can also be vital for spaces which have little to no natural light. In this post, we’re going to discuss our bathroom lighting ideas and detail how to brighten up your bathroom or create a blissfully tranquil ambience. We think you will love our suggestions and the impact they can have on your space!
Considerations Choosing Bathroom Lighting
Let’s explore some of the key considerations you’ll want to bear in mind when it comes to choosing the very best bathroom light solutions – we’ve made sure to include a few of our favourite products to give you some additional inspiration too.
1. HOW MUCH NATURAL LIGHT IS THERE?
Firstly, consider how much natural light the bathroom gets; many bathrooms won’t have large windows for privacy reasons or, if they do have a window, it’ll likely be frosted which subsequently blocks out the majority of the incoming light. It’s also important to consider the lighting solutions that are already installed; an overhead fixture might be home to a fluorescent tube. However, it can be transformed with a traditional light fixture or a wall-mounted dimmer switch. A dimmer switch will allow you to have the best of both worlds; creating brightness suited to both your daily bathroom routine and ambience for your luxurious bath on an evening.
We stock a good selection of bathroom ceiling lights which will help to add that much-needed brightness to bathrooms lacking in natural light. Choose round or square-shaped over-head LED light bulbs to add an injection of strong light or, instead, opt for more delicate spotlights in either circular or linear forms – the latter will allow you to direct the light around the bathroom onto more specific areas such as a dimly-lit corner.
2. WHERE IS ADDITIONAL LIGHT MOST NEEDED?
Next, decide where having a light fixture is going to be important; placing a spotlight directly over a towel rail or a radiator might not be as useful as placing a cluster of them over the showering enclosure or the washbasin. These are the areas which are used the most and consequently require the most light. A well-lit bath is crucial if you have children to bathe, while lit-up showers can help users see exactly what they are doing on a dull winter’s morning. Installing the appropriate shower light can completely transform your showering experience, helping you to wake up and feel invigorated first thing in the morning. We have a stylish range of ceiling and shower lights well-suited to a modern bathroom decor which will help you to brighten things up.
IDEAS FOR MIRROR VANITY LIGHTS:
Choosing an illuminated bathroom vanity mirror is a great choice for people subjected to early starts or those who use the bathroom as a powder room of sorts for their makeup application before a night out. This is because the lighting for vanity mirrors enables a clean and clear reflection. We have a fantastic range of illuminated mirrors which are fitted with a vanity light which will match any style or size of bathroom space.
If the construction of your property permits, installing a skylight can boost the amount of natural light received. It can also add an interesting design element to impart a little more character too.
3. WOULD FEATURE LIGHTING WORK IN THE BATHROOM?
Thirdly, consider adding a feature light fixture. Many baths can have lights installed at their base for an unusual level of illumination when using the tub. Place spotlights in alcoves, back-light a bath panel, and consider connecting each lighting solution up to a different switch so that there is a high level of control over the light levels within the room. Aesthetically, it is easier on the eye to match a light fixture with existing fittings such as designer taps. If all the fixtures in the bathroom are chrome, endeavour to match them with similar materials – this includes the bathroom ceiling light, wall-mounted light surrounds, and vanity mirror lights. Feature lighting is one of our favourite light fixture ideas to enhance your bathroom in a way that provides visual comfort creatively.
LIGHTS FOR MIRRORS IN BATHROOM:
Choosing modern bathroom mirror lights can help to bring further light to your bathroom, helping you to see more clearly in your mirror regardless of the time of day. Additionally, some even feature a handy shaver socket for extra functionality. Mirrors are a clever method for creating the feeling of extra space in your bathroom as they reflect any natural light around the room. Subsequently, the effect of this is greatest in the summer when there are more daylight hours. In the winter, mirror lights will help to do the job when there is little or no natural light available. These can also be used on their own to create soft lighting for relaxing in the bathroom.
4. TRY MIXING SOFT & BRIGHT BATHROOM LIGHT SOLUTIONS TO CREATE THE DESIRED LIGHT LEVELS
As we have already mentioned, bathrooms with very little natural light will need a powerful ceiling light fixture to provide that much-needed illumination but, obviously, this will not be necessary when you’re unwinding in your bathroom. Downlights are modern ceiling lights which are small individual light bulbs that can be positioned anywhere around your bathroom. The addition of these downlights means that you can choose exactly how your bathroom is illuminated. You could circle your main ceiling light or install a cluster of them at the furthest point away from the natural light, improving the room’s overall brightness. This type of lighting is extremely popular thanks to its flexibility in where each individual light can be placed.
BATHROOM LIGHTS DESIGN:
You will also find that downlights are available in different colours which help to create a customized look for your bathroom. Whereas softer colours will allow you to create a more subtle and relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom, a warm white is bright enough to work well surrounding the bathroom sink. Change up your existing light bulbs and you can enjoy the benefits of a warmer, more calming bathroom instantly. We would recommend having a combination of soft and bright lighting in your bathroom so that you have the perfect balance regardless of what you are doing. Having these lights on separate switches is vital so that you have the ultimate control over setting the perfect light levels.
5. CREATE A FOCAL POINT TO INTRODUCE BRIGHTNESS
A cleverly placed focal point in your bathroom can really help to create the impression of brightness. If your eye is drawn to a single illuminated feature you will find that the whole bathroom appears brighter. A strong light will also reflect off the other surfaces within the bathroom, making it feel more spacious.
So what sort of focal point can you create? A stunning piece of bathroom furniture or a lavish styled free-standing bath can make for an impressive addition, especially if spotlights are installed around the perimeter or at eye-level. Our fantastic range of illuminated cabinets incorporate vanity lights with mirrored cupboards and can really capture your attention; they offer a variety of different lighting effects that will ultimately stand out in your bathroom.
Choose from subtle back-lit versions or brighter levels of illumination depending on how much extra light you want in your bathroom on top of the main lighting source. These lights will bring the mirrored cabinet to life and create a stunning feature on your bathroom wall. Even better, cabinets will give you a place to keep your toiletries hidden from view, making sure your bathroom remains tidy and clutter-free to give it a feeling of spaciousness.
Lighting is essential to your bathroom’s interior design; getting it right can create a warm and relaxing ambience while getting it wrong can make it uncomfortable and highlight any imperfections.
LIGHTING IN BATHROOM IDEAS:
Now that we’ve walked you through some of the most important considerations you’ll want to have a think about, let’s take a look at some more bathroom lighting ideas for some further inspiration which will truly maximise your bathroom design.
RECESSED LIGHTING
Harsh fluorescent lighting is a common flaw of many bathrooms, and it can simply be too bright for some people. It adds nothing to the ambience and it’s hardly relaxing. When it comes to choosing the best light fixtures for your bathroom, it’s a good idea to consider recessed lighting which will give a cosy glow without casting strong shadows. Likewise, adding a dimmer switch will give you the option of having different light levels when needed, with the added bonus of softer, calming lights when you want to relax in the bath.
LIGHT UP YOUR FACE
One of the areas that you’ll need to be well-lit is around your bathroom mirror. There’s no point having a mirror when you can hardly see your own reflection in a shadowy corner, or with window light flaring out from behind you. Think of the wall-mounted lit-up vanity mirror you would find in a traditional powder room or, if you prefer a modern style of interior design, opt for a simplistic illuminated mirror with geometric lines. These contemporary pieces cast a gentle, even light and make it easier to perform tasks such as shaving or applying make-up.
STYLISH
Just because you’re installing lighting in a bathroom, it doesn’t mean that you can’t choose a stylish light fitting. Even though it needs to be safe and practical, it is possible to get bathroom-specific light fixtures that would look equally at home in any room; from art deco-inspired wall sconces to a contemporary pendant light, you’ll be able to find the perfect lighting fixtures for your bathroom. Take spotlights for example – they will help to minimise any harsh glare and you can angle them to illuminate the room’s characteristics, particularly a quaint alcove or, alternately, your newly-installed showering cubicle.
Introducing some of our lighting solutions will ensure that your bathroom is fit for any purpose. Be it an invigorating morning shower with plenty of light, both natural and artificial, or a relaxing evening soak with a subdued glow and a tranquil ambience. Whatever it is you’re wishing to achieve with your lights, we will have suitable products. Check out our extensive range of lighting available here at Bella Bathrooms.
FAQs
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the light fixtures you’ll want to use in your bathroom.
What is the best type of light for a bathroom?
Of course, the best type of light is going to down to personal preference. That being said, we would recommend that you begin by working out the dimensions of the bathroom you’re working with and identify how much natural light you have entering it. Determine which points of the bathroom could benefit with more artificial light, and what your overall preference for lighting levels will be. From there, you can map out where you need things brightened up and the size of the fixtures you’ll be able to implement. Finally, you can begin playing around with creative feature lighting to incorporate a focal point should you so desire.
How can I improve the lighting in my bathroom?
Other than physically installing more light bulbs, there are a number of other techniques you can use to brighten up your bathroom.
Firstly, opt for white to off-white colours and keep it consistent throughout your bathroom. Either bathroom-specific paints or tiles will work well in encouraging both artificial and natural light to bounce around the room, giving it the impression of being brighter and airier.
Next, fix a task light above your bathroom sink mirror. This means that, not only do you have an additional source of light, but you’ll also have the reflective surface of the mirror providing even more light. A mirror, in general, is a great method for improving the light levels in your bathroom and you’ll find it easy to purchase one that fits your preferred decor.
Lastly, choose suite items that won’t obstruct your sources of light; glass shower panels will help light to flow through the bathroom and won’t cast any dark shadows.
What is the best wattage for bathroom lights?
In the master bathroom, you should ideally aim for a minimum of 75 to 100 watts, whereas an en-suite or a powder room will be suited to around 45 to 60 watts. If you’re likely to have elderly users, it will be worth sticking to a higher wattage of around 100 to help improve vision and, ultimately, safety.
You may find it beneficial to have your task light on a dimmer as it will give you the freedom to control the bathroom light levels. This is especially helpful when you wake up in the morning and your eyes need some time to adjust, or in the evening when you want to have a relaxing bubble bath without the glare of a 100-watt bulb.
How do you light a small bathroom?
A small bathroom is likely to feel even smaller if it’s too dark – you want your bathroom to feel bright and spacious no matter how confined it truly is. When working with a limited amount of square footage, it’s important to find a balance between illuminating it fully and implementing a series of light fixtures that won’t dominate the room.
There are a few ways you can go about filling a small bathroom with light. Firstly, a flush ceiling light or several downlights will do a more than adequate job of preventing your bathroom from feeling dim. Combined with a more creative solution such as a mirror with a vanity light, an illuminated medicine cabinet over the basin, and an LED light or two fitted into the floor around your bathtub, even a small space will having the light-producing fixtures it needs.
We also offer a wide range of whirlpool baths which can be fitted with chromotherapy mood lights for a spa-like experience so, depending on just how tight the dimensions you’re working with are, this is another accessible solution to brighten up your bathroom.
