Bathroom lighting is more than just a functional necessity—it sets the mood, enhances the aesthetics, and improves daily tasks like shaving or applying makeup. With the right lighting, your bathroom can feel brighter, more spacious, and more luxurious. Whether you're updating a small powder room or designing a spa-like retreat, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best bathroom lighting.
How to Choose the Best Bathroom Lighting for Your Space
1. Layer Your Lighting for the Perfect Balance
A well-lit bathroom isn’t just about a single ceiling light. The key to effective lighting is layering different types of light sources to eliminate shadows and create a balanced atmosphere.
Ambient Lighting: This is your general overhead lighting, often provided by ceiling-mounted fixtures, recessed downlights, or even a statement pendant light in larger bathrooms. It ensures the entire space is well-lit.
Task Lighting: Essential for detailed activities like grooming, skincare, or applying makeup. Task lighting is best positioned around the mirror to reduce shadows on your face.
Accent Lighting: Adds depth, highlights architectural features, and creates a soft, luxurious glow. This includes LED strip lighting under vanities, backlit mirrors, or decorative wall sconces.
2. Choosing the Right Light Placement
Strategic placement of lighting ensures both functionality and aesthetics. Here’s where and how to position different types of lights:
Vanity Lighting (Mirror Lighting): Lighting around the mirror is crucial for grooming tasks. The best setup is wall lights on either side of the mirror at eye level (approximately 1.6m from the floor), which provides even illumination without creating harsh shadows. If wall sconces aren’t an option, an alternative is a single light fixture above the mirror. In this case, position it at least 1.8m high to ensure light is distributed evenly over the face.
Ceiling Lighting: For general illumination, recessed downlights should be evenly spaced throughout the ceiling to prevent dark corners. A pendant light or flush mount fixture can add style and personality while ensuring bright, functional lighting.
Shower & Bathtub Lighting: For shower lighting, waterproof IP-rated downlights are recommended. A great choice is IP65-rated lights, which can handle high humidity and direct water exposure. LED strip lighting along shower niches or under floating vanities can add a modern, spa-like feel.
3. Consider Brightness & Colour Temperature
Choosing the right brightness and colour temperature will impact how your bathroom feels and functions.
Brightness (Lumens Guide)
- Vanity/task lighting: 600–800 lumens per light fixture for clear visibility.
- Ambient/ceiling lighting: 1,500–3,000 lumens in total for general illumination.
- Accent lighting: 300–500 lumens to add warmth and dimension.
Colour Temperature (Kelvin Scale)
The warmth or coolness of the light significantly affects the bathroom’s ambiance.
- Warm White (2700K–3000K): Soft, inviting, and best for relaxation—ideal for ensuites and spa-like bathrooms.
- Cool White (4000K): A crisp, neutral white that mimics natural daylight—great for task lighting near mirrors.
- Daylight (5000K–6000K): Bright and energising but can feel too harsh in smaller bathrooms. Best used in makeup mirrors where true colour accuracy is needed.
For the best balance, many homeowners opt for a dimmable lighting setup, allowing flexibility to adjust brightness depending on the time of day.
4. Match Your Lighting to Your Bathroom Style
The best bathroom lighting doesn’t just function well—it also complements your interior style. Consider these lighting finishes to match your decor:
- Modern & Minimalist: Black, matte white, or brushed nickel fixtures offer a sleek, understated look.
- Classic & Elegant: Brass or gold accents add warmth and a timeless feel.
- Natural & Coastal: Textured glass, rattan shades, and timber finishes bring organic warmth to the space.
Pairing your lighting with backlit mirrors or integrated LED vanity lights can further enhance the aesthetic while ensuring practical illumination.
5. Choosing Bathroom-Safe
Lighting Bathrooms have high humidity levels, so it’s essential to use waterproof and moisture-resistant fixtures.
IP44 rating: Suitable for most bathroom lighting near sinks and mirrors.
IP65 rating: Required for shower lighting or lights positioned directly above bathtubs to withstand moisture and splashes.
Always check that your chosen lights meet Australian safety regulations for bathroom installations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best bathroom lighting involves a combination of strategic placement, layered lighting, and the right brightness and colour temperature. By considering these elements, you can create a functional and stylish space that suits your daily routine. Looking to upgrade your bathroom lighting?
Explore our latest range online and find the perfect lighting solutions for your home!