Light fixtures for small bathrooms

Pre-programmed settings are possible with the latest smart lighting switches and controls. There are many smart electrical devices available, including smart dimmers, switches, and receptacles. These devices allow you to control your lights from anywhere, anytime. 

Always hire a qualified licensed electrician contracting (LEC) business to install your devices and ensure the breaker is off on the electrical panel during the installation. The existing receptacle will be removed and wires separated, so it’s important to make sure it’s done correctly and safely to avoid the risk of electrical fires or deadly shocks. 

Watch a smart switch installation by Eaton here. 

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We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, so lighting is essential for functionality. Add layers of light by using different lighting fixtures and use these tips to achieve better bathroom lighting. Whether you use one sizeable recessed light fixture or a combination of lighting fixtures, ensure sufficient lighting for tasks, accents, and ambiance. Most importantly, always make sure a LEC does the installation.

The key to good bathroom lighting is layering, and creating a space that is bright and airy. Using a combination of ambiance, task, and accent lighting is highly suggested and this can be achieved by using a combination of fixture styles.

Depending on the size of the bathroom, one good quality flush ceiling-mounted light can efficiently light a bathroom. However where possible, use creative ways to layer lighting with recessed lights, lit mirrors, and wall sconces. This will brighten up the space and make it feel bigger

LED lights are the most energy-efficient light bulbs for several reasons. One advantage is that LEDs produce little heat and consume less energy. They also have a normal life of 15 to 25 years, compared to roughly 10 years for a CFL.

In terms of wattage, you’ll need bulbs that are at least 60 watts to provide adequate bathroom lighting. If your bathroom is particularly large or you prefer it to be brighter, consider using 75-watt-equivalent lights.

In the bathroom, you’ll need both ambient and task lighting. Vanity lights provide ambient lighting with shades pointing up, while lamps with shades, pointing down, provide good task lighting.

Yes, vanity lights can hang over mirrors, however, make sure the lights are positioned appropriately to the mirror and vanity. The normal bath vanity lamp height is 75 to 80 inches above the mirror, measured from the floor. For the most equal illumination across your reflection, place the vanity light bar 3 inches above the mirror.

If you want to light a large room, upward-facing lights will be more effective in diffusing light further. However downward-facing lights would suffice if you simply need to light a small area. 

When using downlights make sure you have a clear and even pattern. You need to consider the layout of your bathroom, and a general rule is that the lights should start two feet from the edge of the ceiling, and be spaced out evenly, every two feet across the ceiling. 

If you are unable to do two feet, ensure the lights are spaced proportionally. Don’t forget you will have to take into consideration where the joists are located.

It depends on the configuration of your bathroom. Equal lighting at both ends of a tub is best. With a shower that’s 3×3 ft. or 3×4 ft. you can get away with one fixture, but if it’s larger you’ll need more.

This will be a maximum of 12-Amps for a 15-Amp circuit breaker. With a 60-watt light, a 15-amp breaker can handle up to 24 lights. You can install up to 120 LED lights on a single circuit if you use low-wattage LED bulbs, such as a 10-watt LED bulb. 

It’s important to note that if there are also receptacles on the circuit, this will reduce the number of lights that can share the circuit to a total of 12 (receptacles + Lights) 

By installing a smart switch, which can also allow you to control the lights right from your phone.

Unless you’re installing devices with a known load, the limit is 12. If you have a hardwired LED light or a smoke alarm, you can place as many of these devices on the circuit as you like, as long as you don’t exceed the 80 percent load.

LEDs run far cooler than incandescent bulbs, but their electrical components and external heat sinks get fairly hot. You’ll still need to keep the insulation away from your fixtures unless they are approved for insulated ceilings. 

Another simpler alternative is to replace each of your fixtures with a sealed one rated for insulation. I recommend hiring a licensed electrical contracting (LEC) business to perform the work.

The ability to modify the finishes later is one of the reasons why recessed lighting is ageless. You have an indestructible can in your ceiling. 

The finish, on the other hand, may become outdated over time. However, it may be acquired in a variety of colours and styles to meet your demands so you are free to alter them as frequently as you want.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are significantly more efficient than incandescent, halogen, and even CFL lights – yet the lights cost more out of the box. LEDs save energy while producing brilliant, clean light.

They can waste electricity, produce poor lighting, and raise your heating and cooling bills if used incorrectly.

Fixtures have a light inside a can-shaped housing that is completely integrated into your ceiling, wall, or floor and are usually mounted using hangers and rods. The light bulb is protected by the can, and they commonly have an electrical box on top of the housing unit.

Canless lights, on the other hand, are not enclosed in a can. Instead, they’re one unit with a thin casing that connects to your electrical cables directly. The majority of canless lights are little discs with LED lights attached. They don’t need an electrical box because of the way they’re connected to your wiring.

An LED bulb can last for up to 50,000 hours. This lasts around 50 times longer than a regular light bulb. LEDs are also brighter than incandescent light bulbs, but they require a greater number of them to light a room.

LED lights will provide light forever unless a component in the LED fails. LEDs, unlike florescent bulbs, do not burn out, although they will degrade over time and will emit less light. LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours.

Yes, as long as they are installed properly. When lights are turned on, they produce a lot of heat. In some cases, where recessed lights have been improperly installed, the heat might be a safety concern. 

Recessed lighting must be IC certified when it comes into contact with insulation. If non-IC certified lights are used, they could cause a fire when overheated.

LED lights are a great option. LEDs with a damp rating are more resistant to steam and moisture. 

Bathrooms benefit from brighter lighting since it allows you to see more clearly. However, for areas around your bathtub, you may want to consider softer, warmer lights with a dimmer for a relaxed atmosphere.

LED lights come in several types, including regular non-waterproof, waterproof against drops and splashes, and completely waterproof.

Recessed lighting in the shower is the most typical method of adding illumination to your shower. However, remember that the lights must be wet-rated.

Bathroom Renovation completed by Briks Design Build Group, Holmes Approved Builder

LED lights provide light at a lower temperature and are a lower risk of causing an electrical fire.

There are specific cut lines indicated on the strip and connected at any point between the copper dots on the LED Strip. You can then re-waterproof the strip using the proper end caps and a strong adhesive.

There are specific brands that claim to be completely waterproof and fully submersible. Do your research and ask a LEC to make sure you’re using safe products, so you don’t get electrocuted.

Chronic exposure to LED lights has been shown to accelerate the aging of retinal tissue, resulting in a loss of visual acuity and an increased risk of eye illnesses such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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10 ways to light a small bathroom |

(Image credit: Jean Liu Design. Photography: Stephen Karlisch)

Really good small bathroom lighting ideas will make all the difference in a compact space, increasing the sense of volume and helping to make it feel larger. It will also help make the most of the room available by allowing you to adjust the mood according to the time of day – from bright light when you want an invigorating shower or to clean the room, to a soft glow for a relaxing mood as the day draws to a close.

There are many ways to introduce lighting into a small bathroom, from downlights in the ceiling to pendants, wall lights and low-level lights. A mix of lighting is always going to give you more options for your bathroom ideas – even an off the shelf mirror with built-in illumination can help reflect light and create a more spacious feel in the room.

Below we showcase the best small bathroom lighting ideas so that you can enhance your space. 

Small bathroom lighting ideas

For small bathroom ideas that really tackle ways to make the space feel bigger, layered bathroom lighting is key: 

‘Try combining ceiling lights with indirect lighting in recesses and at floor level to open up the space and make the room feel as bright as possible,’ suggests Jo Sangster, senior designer at Ripples . Use dimmer switches and different circuits, if you can, to allow you to control the brightness, softening the level to a gentle glow in the evening.

As with all small bathroom lighting ideas, for safety reasons it is important to use waterproof fittings that are specified as suitable for bathroom use–  and use a licensed (qualified) electrician to carry out the installation work. 

1. Add decorative detail with lighting

(Image credit: Jean Liu Design. Photography: Stephen Karlisch)

Decorative small bathroom lighting can add a touch of glamor, and it is particularly valuable in smaller spaces where it can add impact and personality to even the most streamlined of designs. 

And, just because a space is small, you needn't think there's no room for bathroom ceiling lighting ideas – quite the opposite can be true, as in the room above, where beautiful teardrop-shaped pendant lights catch the eye in a bathroom by Jean Liu Design .

2. Borrow natural light in a small bathroom

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

An internal bathroom without windows can be made to seem larger and brighter by ‘stealing’ natural light from an adjacent room. In this ensuite bathroom designed by Gunter & Co , a glass screen separates the spaces, allowing light to flow from the bedroom into the ensuite. 

The fluted glazing provides privacy as well as textural detail and design interest: note the contrasting vertical and horizontal fluted panels.

3. Layer the lighting in a small bathroom

(Image credit: SGS Design. Photography: Ryan Wicks Photography)

If you want to make a small bathroom look bigger, layering of lighting – just as you would in a living space or bedroom – is a must.

In this room by SGS Design , LED bathroom lighting in the form of ceiling spots has been used to draw the eye to the perimeter of the room, enhancing the sense of space, as well as providing practical task lighting. Lights fixed on both sides of a wall mirror cast an even light across the face, ideal for applying makeup or shaving, while the mirror itself provides a reflective surface which also boosts a roomy feel.

4.

(Image credit: Ashley Whittaker Design/Thomas Loof)

Textural materials can ramp up the level of interest in the smallest of bathrooms, especially if their surface is thoughtfully illuminated. 

‘A well-designed lighting scheme is key in a small bathroom,’ says Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting . ‘Use directional downlights to bounce light off the mirror and on to your face and make simple tiles look expensive by skimming light down them in shafts,’ she adds.

The same can be achieved with bathroom wallpaper, tiles and other textural wall treatments.

5. Highlight the features

(Image credit: West One Bathrooms. Photography: Paul Craig www.pcraig.co.uk)

In a compact space, it is especially important to plan bathroom lighting to make the most of its key features – and this is something you can highlight using clever small bathroom lighting ideas.

Waterproof LED spotlights in the floor can be used to highlight a focal point, such as a pretty bath, as shown in this design by West One Bathrooms . The subtle lighting provides a gentle glow, ideal for a relaxing bath in the evening.

6. Pair low level lighting with wall-hung furniture to enhance space

(Image credit: Detail Lighting)

‘By wall mounting vanity units and other furniture items, you open up the floor space and create a less cluttered look,’ explains Jo Sangster, senior designer at Ripples. ‘Pair wall hung fittings with low level lighting to maximize the effect.’ 

Low level lighting can also be used as an unobtrusive night light. Note, too, the subtle lighting behind the mirror in this bathroom – it's a practical addition but a subtle one that will create a welcoming glow, rather than the harsh light cast by an overhead bulb.

7. Light storage in a small bathroom

(Image credit: Keuco)

One of the latest bathroom lighting trends is to illuminate storage – and it's not just for practicality. Small bathroom storage ideas can include integrated lighting in drawers, which is convenient and practical, helping you see contents easily and quickly, especially important in smaller spaces with less natural light. This vanity is from the Edition Lignatur collection by Keuco , which features integrated lighting in all drawers as standard.

8. Light up a niche to create depth

(Image credit: Lusso Stone)

A simple niche, cut into the wall of the shower, makes an ideal place to store soap and shampoo in easy reach. In this design from Lusso Stone , an LED strip, fixed at the top back of the niche, has been used to create a warm glow, which is both atmospheric and practical for illuminating the shower in the evening.

9. Add personality with small bathroom lighting

(Image credit: Vanrenen GW Designs)

Smaller bathrooms need character to move focus away from the room size (or lack of it). ‘All the hard surfaces in a bathroom can create quite a clinical feel, so I like to bring in fabric and color where I can to add softness and warmth,’ says interior designer Sarah Vanrenen of Vanrenen GW Designs , who used pretty wall lights with fabric shades to complete this charming room.

10. Create even light to boost the feeling of space

(Image credit: Pappas Miron Design. Photographer Stephen Kent Johnson)

In this bathroom by Pappas Miron Design , ceiling pendant lights echo the vintage style of the mid-century chest, re-purposed as a vanity. While the pendants add ambient light, they only light the top of the head of anyone looking in the mirror, so slender tube lights have been added to provide even facial illumination.

How do you light a small bathroom?

To light a small bathroom, ceiling downlights and wall lights can be used to draw the eye upwards and to the perimeter of the room, enhancing the sense of space, while reflective surfaces such as mirrors will help bounce light around to achieve the same effect. 

A combination of lights on different controls will not only allow you to adjust the mood of the room according to the time of day, but will also allow you to show off specific features, such as a beautiful bath or vanity, which can make the space feel larger.

Love the idea of bathroom chandeliers? Only the subtlest of these designs will work in a small space.

How many lights does a small bathroom need?

When working out how many lights a small bathroom needs, consider both general lighting for tasks such as cleaning the bathroom and mood lighting on dimmer switches that can be softened when you want a relaxing soak in the tub. Ceiling downlights are a good option for general lighting or a ceiling pendant light can work well. Wall lights by the mirror, recessed lighting in a shower niche and low level lighting for night time are practical additions that can also draw attention to beautiful features in the room and boost the sense of space.

Amelia Thorpe is a specialist interiors and design journalist, covering every topic to do with homes from fabrics, furniture and lighting to surfaces, kitchens and bathrooms. 

As the daughter of an antique dealer and a lifelong collector of old cookery books and vintage graphics herself, she also has a particular expertise in antiques, mid-century and decorative arts of all kinds.

Drawn to homes because of their importance in the happiness of our lives and the enjoyment they can bring, Amelia has been writing about the topic for more than fifteen years. She has interviewed some of the most influential designers of our time, from Piero Lissoni, Antonio Citterio, Jaime Hayon and Arik Levy to Nina Campbell and Robert Kime.

Lighting in a small bathroom - design, photo

How not to miscalculate with lighting in bathroom design and how to choose light for classic or high-tech - this will be discussed later in the article. And of course - with a photo of design solutions.

Without a reliable power supply system, isolated from moisture, even the most beautiful and sophisticated lamps will not last long. In the room in question, residents take a shower or bath, in other words, temperature and humidity changes constantly occur here. In addition, the lamps during operation are heated to high temperatures. And if working ventilation will save you from fogging and accumulation of condensate, then it will not help from direct splashes into the body of the device.

Therefore, when considering the power supply network in the bathroom, they select sealed, moisture-proof lamps. To do this, look at the IP index - according to it, even a layman will determine the degree of protection of electrical equipment from the effects of water and dust. After the letters IP there are two numbers from 0 to 9. The first indicates the level of protection against dust and foreign objects, the second - from moisture. The higher the number, the stronger the protection. For example, a lamp marked IP55 is protected from directed water jets and any contact with foreign objects, in other words, it is completely sealed. A table with all values ​​is shown below.

Does this mean that you should only choose fixtures with the best protection in the bathroom? To answer this question, let's move on to the next component of good lighting in bathroom design - practicality.

The small bathroom photo below shows that there are several lamps. They are located in different areas. The sconce illuminates the mirror in front of which they wash, shave, apply makeup and take care of the skin of the face. A built-in ceiling light floods the shower cabin with light. And finally, another device illuminates the exit from the room.

Thanks to this distribution of artificial light, there are no darkened corners in the bathroom that would negatively affect the perception of space. Bright lights are placed where attention is required for convenience and safety. A good solution would be the illumination of open shelves - this is an interesting design solution that instantly gives the interior an individuality. Also practical - all the labels of jars-bottles in the light.

Returning to the photo of a small bathroom, it is not difficult to see that the lamps differ from each other in varying degrees of protection from moisture and dust. And this is absolutely justified. Spray does not reach the sconces above the mirror - the object of lighting is too high above the sink, and a glass partition protects from the shower jet - a practical detail of this design. At the same time, the light above the shower is hermetically sealed to avoid unpleasant incidents. Therefore, instead of choosing a lamp with a high moisture resistance, give preference to a lamp of a design that will prevent steam from entering the fixture.

Therefore, when choosing lighting devices, consider in which areas they will be located - this will determine the degree of protection required. In disputed areas, contact a specialist.

When technical difficulties are left behind, creative torment begins. Interior designers offer an incredible variety of ideas, finds, interesting details - which ones to choose for your bathroom? Let's try to figure it out.

If you want to add a bit of futurism to the interior - or vice versa, retro-styles, LEDs will come in handy more than ever. Acid, bright neon lighting colors will fit in with a minimalist or high-tech bathroom design like native ones. White light will look appropriate in any design, even in the classics. The photo shows how, with the help of LEDs, the designer singled out one element, made it the center.

Directed light will also help to highlight a ceramic mosaic panel or a voluminous decor item - fancy dishes, figurines. By choosing lamps that can change the direction of light, you make your life easier in the future: you just need to highlight a new object with light, and now the whole room looks different, in a new way. This is a simple and effective way to update the interior.

Illumination of open shelves in niches, which was already mentioned in the previous section of the article, combines originality with practicality. And the fancier the shapes, the better!

As for the ceiling, the variety of ideas is again not limited to a couple or three. Someone prefers strict symmetry and will place several spotlights in pairs or one at a time in strict sequence. The other, on the contrary, will choose multi-level lighting with wall lamps. The third will build a ceiling with perimeter lighting, giving smooth, soft artificial rays.

Particularly impressive is the ceiling imitating the starry sky. It will require a lot of imagination and money, but the result is worth it. Such lighting is suitable for classics, minimalism and eco-style.

And if the romance of the open sky does not seem like a particularly attractive solution, then think about lighting the floor. It is more designed for spacious rooms. Light bulbs built into the bottom of the bath pool will enhance the impression that this is not a bathroom in the house, but a real cave.

Choose what you like best and make it a reality. And if you run into trouble, come back. On our site you will find design advice from redevelopment to decoration.

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