DON'T MAKE THESE BATHROOM LIGHTING MISTAKES
- Gabrielle Glasson
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Your bathroom represents a little moment to yourself in a busy day. It’s more than just a functional space—it’s a sanctuary, the perfect place to create a sense of luxury and calm the mind. The lighting needs of this space vary widely: from applying makeup in the morning, to taking a relaxing evening bath or a 3am trip to the loo, you want to plan for each use-case to ensure the perfect balance of functionality, comfort and style.
There are a few common mistakes people often make when planning bathroom lighting that we'd love to help you avoid!
common lighting mistakes
Forgetting to consider lighting for ambience - the day spa vibe for a bath! Downlights do not make for a relaxing bath experience!
Forgetting to consider task lighting for shaving and applying makeup. Ghastly shadows under the eyes and chin anyone?
Forgetting to consider low, warm lighting for the night time visit to the loo. Just enough to see where you're going without waking you up too much!
Not maximising natural light
HOW to light your bathroom
1. Layer Your Lighting
That means having different lights for different purposes so you always have the right light for the right purpose! Key layers to consider are:
Task Lighting: This is the lighting you need for activities like shaving, applying makeup, or brushing your teeth. Wall-mounted sconces on either side of the mirror are ideal for eliminating shadows on your face. Avoid overhead lighting alone, as it can cast unflattering shadows.
General (or ambient) Lighting: This is the main lighting that fills the room - usually downlights, heat lamps or a central pendant. For these we recommend making them dimmable where possible to allow bright light for daytime cleaning, and softer light at other times.
Accent and mood Lighting: This adds drama and mood to your bathroom and is what really creates the 5 star hotel vibes for bath time or a relaxing evening shower. Dimmable wall sconces, a pendant over the vanity or bath or LED strip lighting are fantastic ways to create a ambience and mood.
Hot tip: If you're placing a pendant light (or two) over your bath, make sure you hang them low enough that when you're lying in the bath with your head facing upwards, you're not looking straight up at a bright globe! Specify your preferred drop height to your electrician.
2. The Magic of LED Strip Lighting
LED strip lighting is a game-changer in bathroom design creating a soft glow while the light source remains invisible. Our favourite options for this are:
Under the back of the vanity - softly illuminating the floor for night time loo visits. For these a sensor is a great option.
Recessed into a shadow line ceiling - either surrounding the whole bathroom or just along the shower line to cast a soft 5-star-hotel glow down the wall at shower time.
Under the shaving cabinet to softly light up the basin and vanity top.
Framing mirrors
Highlighting niches
REMEMBER: LED lighting in bathrooms is all about creating a soft, warm glow, so make sure you specify a warm colour temperature for your strip-lighting. You don't want your bathroom feeling clinical! On that note...
3. Choose the Right Colour Temperature
The colour temperature of your lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood and functionality of your bathroom. Measured in Kelvins (K), here’s a quick guide:
Warm White (2700K-3000K): Creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for ambient and accent lighting, especially in a bathroom designed for relaxation.
Cool White (3500K-4500K): Offers a crisp, clean light that’s ideal for task lighting. This is the best choice for makeup application or shaving, as it mimics natural daylight and ensures accuracy.
Avoid going too cool (5000K and above), as it can feel clinical and uninviting. A mix of warm and cool lighting can work well, depending on the zones in your bathroom. Remember your bathroom is mostly made up of tiles and hard surfaces, so warm lighting really helps soften the space.
4. Practical Considerations
While aesthetics are important, don’t overlook the practical aspects of bathroom lighting:
Waterproofing: Ensure all fixtures are rated for bathroom use, especially in wet zones like near the shower or bathtub. Look for IP44-rated or higher fixtures for safety.
Mirror Lighting: If you’re applying makeup or grooming, opt for vertical sconces or a backlit mirror to provide even, shadow-free lighting.
Storage Lighting: If you have open shelving or glass-front cabinets, consider adding small LED lights to illuminate your toiletries.
5. Think About Natural Light
Skylights
The most luxurious bathrooms often feature a skylight over the bath or shower, flooding the space with daytime light and creating a stunning view of the stars by night. Velux skylights that can open also are a great way to add ventilation to a humid room, preventing mould.
If you've used curves in your bathroom you can even opt for a round skylight to really create a feature.
Windows
Frosted louvres are a great option for bathrooms, allowing maximum ventilation balanced with privacy while creating a soft diffused glow.
Otherwise consider high windows that run above shoulder height for privacy while allowing maximum light.
Final Thoughts
While lots of energy goes into selecting your bathroom tiles, vanities and tapware, a well designed lighting plan is often overlooked, leading to missed opportunities.
We encourage you to consider the different ways you use your bathroom space and the variety of bathroom lighting options and ideas available, layering lighting to create a practical and beautiful space that feels like a treat to use, both day and night.
