If you’re renovating your bathroom, you never want to overlook one of the most important aspects. The lighting and fixtures you choose for your bathroom can really make or break a space. Your bathroom lighting will help ensure you have the best light to start and end your day. From putting on make-up to shaving, your bathroom sees a lot of action. While you want each zone to have its own unique light, you also want the bathroom to feel cohesive and well-put-together. This bathroom lighting guide will help give you shop for lighting fixtures like a pro. From where to place your lighting to deciding what size to go with, here’s a round-up of bathroom lighting ideas and shopping tips.

Bathroom Lighting Tips for Layers of Light

For some of the best lighting in your bathroom, you should shoot for three layers of light. Ideally, you can have a combination of ambient light, task light, and accent lighting. Ambient light comes from a chandelier, flush-mounted light, or pendant light. Your task lighting is used for grooming and getting ready every day. These lights are likely the most important to you. Flattering task lights will help you put on make-up, shave, wash your face, and groom. The next light you’ll need is accent lights. Accent lights help to highlight a bathroom’s architectural design and features.

Side-Mounted Sconces Provide Some of the Best Bathroom Lighting

For everyday grooming, putting on make-up and shaving, side-mounted sconces or wall lights provide some of the most flattering task lighting. You can mount a sconce on either side of your mirror, mount them to the wall, or mount them directly onto the mirror. You’ll want to consider a few things when mounting your sconces. First, keep the sconces at eye level for optimal lighting. Second, if you have a lampshade, make sure the shade opening where the glass down-lights sit right below eye level. If you have a mirror that is centered above your sink, mount the fixtures so that they are a few inches to the right and a few inches to the left of your mirror. Keep in mind you want the light to be as close to your face as possible.

Use Similar Finishes for a Cohesive Look

When you’re shopping for more than one light fixture in your bathroom, even though they don’t all have to match exactly, you should try to match your finishes for a cohesive look. You can even mix metals in a couple of different places. Let’s say you use a matte black finish for your cabinet hardware, tap, and pendant lights but you have bronze sconces and a bronze chandelier over your bathtub. Create a cohesive feel and look by using the same or two finishes throughout your space. Keep your other fixtures in mind as well in terms of your shower head, tap, cabinet hardware and any existing lighting that will stay in your space.

Don’t Forget the Tub Area

The bathtub is a great place to add accent or ambient lighting. If you have a stand-alone bathtub you can use this area to make a statement. Over the tub is a great place to put a pendant or chandelier light fixture. You can go big here and add some drama or keep it minimal to accent a beautiful tub. The lighting over your tub might also be better served by using a dimmer. A dimmer on this light will help set a relaxing mood when you’re soaking in your tub or using your shower. If you don’t have a dimmer, a sconce can also work great to create a calming mood. If an overhead light is too bright for this space, try a sconce near your bathtub instead. The key is to have multiple light sources in your bathroom for safety and function.

Versatility is Key

If you’re worried about what fixtures to choose, consider brass and chrome. Both brass and chrome are versatile and will easily complement other bathroom fixtures and accessories. You can even mix metals together if you blend them right with other areas and the other lighting in your bathroom. Both of these metals are timeless as well. When used correctly you’ll have a timeless look that you won’t tyre of as trends come and go.

Size Matters

When it comes to the size of your bathroom, there are a few things to consider regarding the size of your light fixtures. Sconces and pendants can be on the smaller side regardless of the size of your bathroom. If you have the room, accent lights, pendants, and chandeliers can also be on the larger side to create some drama. A large chandelier can also make your bathroom feel much larger. You can use lighting to not only serve a function but also to make a statement and contribute to the overall feel of your space.

Work With a Professional

Your choice of bathroom lighting plays a big role in the look and feel of your bathroom. While it can be overwhelming to choose just the right pieces, once you do, you’ll have flattering lighting for every key zone in your bathroom. Whether it is task lighting for make-up application or a statement piece over your bathtub, the light you choose will help your bathroom function well and also look stunning. You can layer lighting to create different moods and tones for every inch of your space. No matter how big or how small your bathroom is, use lighting to help frame out essential areas and create a beautiful looking space that you’re happy to wake up to each morning. A professional lighting specialist in any of the 18 stores, can help you choose the right light for each space in your bathroom. From accent lights to task lights, fill out the contact form here to get in touch with a professional for your bathroom lighting project.