Our Essential Guide to Bathroom Lighting

Choosing the right lighting for your bathroom is about more than just visibility, it’s about creating a space that works well all year round. Natural light changes with the seasons, so your lighting setup should be flexible enough to brighten gloomy winter mornings and still feel comfortable on brighter summer days. Since the bathroom is often the first stop in your daily routine, having the right lighting can help you start the day on the right foot.

1. Layering Light

Layered lighting is a great way to enhance your bathroom both practically and stylishly. Using a mix of lighting types helps to distribute light more evenly and creates a well-balanced space.

Ambient lighting is your base layer, providing the overall light source for the room. This can come from ceiling pendants, wall lights, or even a statement chandelier.

Task lighting is the second layer, designed for everyday activities like applying makeup, brushing your teeth, or shaving. For these types of tasks, I think we’d all agree that good visibility is essential – particularly where a razor is involved.

Accent lighting is the third layer, used to highlight architectural details or influence the mood. This is where you can get creative. Feature pendants, perimeter wall lights, or directional recessed lamps are popular ways to add depth and personality to a bathroom space.

Hegan Home, Hackney, London, England - Design and Photography by Phillip Design Studio, Copyright Fiona-Walker Arnott

2. Ceiling Lighting

When planning your bathroom lighting, the ceiling is often the first place to start. It’s an ideal location for stylish fittings, keeping lighting out of the way while still making a visual impact.

Ceiling fixtures come in a wide range of styles, and because they're generally positioned outside the immediate wet zones, you have more flexibility in your design choices. Flush ceiling lights have long been a popular option for ambient lighting, and recent designs – like our Aquarius, Talise, and Darya IP-rated lights – offer a modern update with both style and safety in mind.

Pendant lights and chandeliers are also becoming increasingly popular in bathroom interiors, as more people seek to turn their bathrooms into calming, spa-like retreats. Our Kyoto, Yaounde, and Eske chandeliers provide elegant options to suit both compact and spacious bathrooms.

If you’re considering a pendant or chandelier, try one that casts a decorative shadow. This is a simple way to add texture and atmosphere to your space.

Design by McFarland Design House (@mcfarlanddesignhouse),Photography by Tiffany Gentry (@tiffanygstudio)

3. Vanity Lighting

The vanity area is one of the most essential parts of the bathroom, acting as a personal sanctuary of-sorts during those quiet morning moments.

Task lighting here should be focused and shadow-free, helping you carry out daily routines like skincare, shaving, or makeup application easily. To avoid unwanted shadows, steer clear of ceiling lights positioned directly above or in front of the mirror.

A popular and effective option places wall lights on either side of the mirror at eye level. This setup provides even, balanced illumination across the face. If space is tight, a sleek linear light above the mirror is a smart alternative. It still offers good coverage while keeping things minimal and tidy.

Investing in high-quality vanity lighting doesn't just improve function; it also helps create a calming, spa-like vibe that boosts your mood in the morning and brings a sense of calm at the end of the day.

Private Residence, Design and Photography by Amy Rebecca Interiors (@amyrebeccainteriors), www.arinteriors.co.uk

4. Lighting Safety

Electricity and water don’t generally go hand-in-hand, so safety should always be a top priority when planning your bathroom lighting. Understanding bathroom zones and the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system is essential to choosing safe, compliant light fittings for each area.

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating determines where a light fixture can be installed with reference to its closest environment. The higher the IP rating, the greater protection a light fixture offers against dust, moisture and water ingress. Knowing and understanding the different zones in your bathroom will assist in selecting suitable light fixtures.

For more in-depth information, read our full guide to understanding IP Ratings.

Private Residence in Dublin. Design and photography by Chupi Sweetman .

5. Colour Temperature

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), and it’s used to describe the tone of light emitted from a bulb or light fixture. It ranges from warm and cosy to bright and energising, depending on the number of Kelvins.

In a bathroom, having a mix of both warm and cool lighting is key to creating a space that’s both functional and relaxing.

For task-focused areas like vanities or wash zones, we recommend using cool white light (around 4,000K). This provides a crisp, energising glow – perfect for morning routines and activities that require clarity and focus.

For ambient or relaxing spaces, such as around the bath, opt for warm white light (between 3,000K–3,500K). This softer light creates a calming atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding at the end of the day.

For even more flexibility, consider using dimmers to shift between lighting moods throughout the day. This allows you to move seamlessly from bright and functional to soft and soothing, all within the same space.

You can learn more about colour temperature in our supporting blog post.

Great bathroom lighting should strike a balance between functionality and atmosphere. Whether you’re designing from the ground up or upgrading your space, thoughtful lighting choices can transform the visual appeal of your bathroom as well as how it feels.

Here are a few key questions to guide your planning:

• Do you want to create mood or ambience with your lighting?
• Are there specific features, like a freestanding bath or a statement vanity, you want to highlight?
• Where do you need focused task lighting for clarity and precision?

With the right lighting layout, you can shift the tone of your bathroom in an instant. Please feel free to reach out to our sales team if you have any further questions, or would like to discuss an upcoming bathroom project.

Header Image Credit - Saffron Walden, England by Chris Dyson and Edwina Boase