15 bathroom lighting ideas for a quick refresh

Bathroom lighting is sometimes overlooked during a bathroom renovation with attention usually directed at the big-ticket items like the bathtub, shower, toilet, tiles and more. Lighting, when done well, can completely transform a space stylistically and improve functionality. You can also do it in a way that is more eco-friendly and sustainable, giving you plenty of reasons to make changes sooner rather than later.

Installing vanity lights ticks many of the boxes that you want for bathroom lighting as a visually appealing form of task lighting. They combine exceptionally well with vanity mirrors, which can also be lit. There are several vanity lighting styles that you can explore, including track lights, recessed lights, pendant lights, or even lamps. Each will bring its own character and qualities, but all will give you that much-needed boost of lighting to help with your daily cleaning and grooming rituals.

Related article: 10 versatile bathroom vanity ideas

The best things in life are free, and natural light is a tremendous asset to harness if you can. The size and location of windows are critical to starting from scratch, taking into account the direction of the sun facing your bathroom. If renovating, the type of window could be changed to allow more natural light into the space, especially if the existing frames are bulky. Another thing to consider is installing a skylight which will significantly improve visibility in your bathroom during the day.

A wall sconce is an amazing option for mood lighting and creating an atmosphere in the bathroom. The wall sconce condenses light so that its beams are concentrated in specific areas. Depending on the shape and style of the sconce and the power of the light source, it can serve as featured lighting or secondary lighting. These lights are also excellent if you have a large bathroom and want to decorate the entryway, adding instant ambience.

Many homeowners opt for a minimalist approach to their bathroom design. This design choice uses the power of simplicity to make your bathroom's most important features stand out. Some ways that you can incorporate minimalist lighting include small lamps, strip lights and single bulbs. This adds flow to your bathroom and strengthens the purpose and intention of the design.

Related article: The top bathroom trends for 2024

Using task-oriented lighting helps you create focus and purpose in your bathroom. This style of lighting lets you get things done. Most people think this is just about lighting around the basin and vanity, but there is so much more that you can do. For example, adding in and around a free-standing bathtub will not only improve safety and provide greater visibility when cleaning, but it will also direct attention toward an impressive bathroom feature. You can do the same with additional recessed lighting above showers for a similar impact and effect.

A bathroom’s ambience is important because it sets the tone and mood, both of which are crucial. Bathrooms are often where we start our days, so you want the mood to be just right to help get you through it. As the strongest source of artificial light in a bathroom, it needs to be well-measured. When using recessed lights, be sure not to overdo it which can easily happen, making the room feel overblown with light. In smaller spaces, other types of ceiling lights like dome lights, might present a more muted but effective solution.

Related article: 6 tips for creating great mood lighting in your home

Installing pendant lights adds both style and personality to your bathroom. They come in a plethora of designs allowing you to find something that is both unique and striking. They can be a fantastic focal point for a bathroom or something that is complementary to your fittings and overall design. This is a very quick fix that can have quite a large influence on the look and feel of your bathroom as well as its practical day-to-day use.

Related article: 9 different types of pendant lights for your home

Track lights are great because they cover much ground when illuminating your bathroom. These lights are often installed in rectangular arrangements, though you can find stylish curved designs, too. They are an excellent choice for a bathroom because of their flexibility, as you can set each separate light at the angle you want it. This also means you can experiment with different lighting styles as your tastes and preferences evolve.

Related article: What are track lights and how should I use them?

Wall sconces have already been discussed, but there are plenty of other ideas for bathroom wall lights that you can explore. Uplights are great mood setters with their stylish and focused beams of light that project up towards the ceiling. These can also make small bathrooms feel larger than they are. You can also consider up and down lights, which project lights in both directions on the vertical, creating a great visual feature of their own. These will also help create a sense of depth in your bathroom as a form of layered lighting.

Don’t be afraid to play around with different hues when thinking about your bathroom lighting. Some people find coloured lighting to be too garish, but there are ways they can be used with a light touch to add a point of difference. You need not drench the whole room in coloured light but instead use independent light fixtures that emit shades of yellow, orange, blue or whatever colour suits you. If this still feels too bold, consider trying different light temperatures to increase or decrease the warmth of your bathroom.

As something that should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, eco-friendly lighting lets you match style with sustainability in your house. Lighting makes up 10% of people's housing budget in Australia so you'll also save money by switching to LED lights, lights set on timers, and touchless lighting systems. It helps to protect the environment while reducing your bills.

Vintage lighting options are incredibly trendy at the moment, thanks to the number of great qualities they bring. One of these is the uniqueness and personality they bring to a space as rare items seldom seen. They also have so much entrenched history, adding depth and substance as well as style. Vintage pieces are also typically ornate and detailed with undeniable charm making them fantastic assets to be able to incorporate into your design.

While not a source of light themselves, mirrors can play a key role in boosting existing light, both artificial and natural, in a bathroom. While all bathrooms do feature mirrors by default, the key is to think about their positioning and placement in a way that will enhance the existing lighting setup. This might involve repositioning an existing mirror, replacing it entirely with something bigger or adding an additional mirror, like a freestanding mirror in a larger space. The impact of all these options can be telling and can brighten and freshen things up.

Related article: 15 stunning bathroom mirror ideas for Australian homes

Light dimmers offer versatility, allowing you to adjust the brightness based on your needs and mood. Brighten the space during busy mornings or create a soothing, spa-like atmosphere in the evening. This flexibility enhances the bathroom's functionality and makes it feel more luxurious. With the right lighting, your bathroom can cater to both practical tasks and moments of relaxation.

Backlit panels, whether behind mirrors or as part of a wall design, offer a soft, diffused light that’s easy on the eyes. They work well as a contemporary design feature and are particularly effective in modern or minimalist bathrooms. Additionally, they can help create an ambient glow, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Their subtle illumination also reduces the need for harsh overhead lighting, adding to the room's tranquility.

These bathroom lighting ideas are simple to implement and can significantly enhance both the look and functionality of your space. Whether you're adding larger windows to maximise natural light or installing task lighting for more effective cleaning, these tips make it easy to transform your bathroom. You can incorporate them into a complete renovation or tackle them individually to refresh the space, creating a brighter and more enjoyable experience for you and your family.

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This article was updated 22nd November 2024