What Kind of Bathroom Light Fixtures Can You Use?

Bathrooms have special requirements, and one of them is having an effective and reliable lighting system. After all, this is where you’ll be taking a bath, grooming yourself, applying makeup, or just checking your appearance. We all want to look our best, so a faultless, high-quality bathroom lighting fixture is an absolute must.

Several types of bathroom lights are available in the market. Keep in mind that there is no single best option since it all depends on your needs and specific situation. In some cases, for example, only one kind of light will suffice. Meanwhile, other bathrooms may need multiple separate lights to form a coordinated lighting system.

Sounds confusing? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we explore some of the most popular bathroom light fixtures, including their advantages and disadvantages.

The Best Bathroom Light Fixtures

When choosing a lighting system for your bathroom (or any other area of your home, for that matter), you want something that is both functional and pleasing to the eye. Aside from this, you’ll also have to consider the bathroom’s dimensions and overall design, ensuring that your preferred fixture is appropriately-sized and won’t clash with the room’s interiors.

Put simply, everything should be coordinated and cohesive. More importantly, the whole lighting system should be able to illuminate the most important areas of the bathroom. With that in mind, we give you a rundown of some of the most widely used lighting fixtures today – ceiling lights, wall sconce lights, and vanity lights.

Option 1: Ceiling Light

In practically all bathrooms, ceiling lights are the one kind of lighting fixture that is most commonly used. They are either mounted to the ceiling or hanged from it by several inches to a few feet. Since they generally cast light on a large surface area, one or two lights are often enough to illuminate the entire space, making them convenient to install and use. Of course, it will still depend on the power and the bathroom’s dimensions. Some types, for instance, are quite small and emit weak light intensity.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most ceiling lights act as the focal point of your bathroom. This is ideal if you want to make a statement with your lighting fixture, but can be an issue if you want your bathroom’s interior design to take centre stage. However, there are also more discreet options to choose from.

As mentioned, ceiling lights come in a wide variety of types to fit different needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of the most popular options.

1. Ceiling Fan with Light

If you have a spacious bathroom and want to take things to another level, consider a ceiling fan with light. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, it is also ultra-convenient, promotes air movement and fills the room with a gentle breeze to create a cooler, more comfortable bathing environment.

Ceiling fans with light illuminate the room effectively, which means that they can serve as the sole light source. You’ll also appreciate that they come in various designs and styles to complement your bathroom’s interior. But, there are a few considerations. For one, they tend to be complicated to install and clean and may produce some unwanted noise if not properly maintained.

2. Chandelier

Chandeliers are probably the last thing that will come to mind when you hear the term “bathroom lighting fixtures.” They may seem excessive and showy – and that is precisely the point. Chandeliers are fantastic statement pieces, making you feel like royalty each time you bathe.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind, however. First of all, your bathroom has to be high enough to accommodate a chandelier. A 10-foot ceiling, at the very least, is recommended. Furthermore, make sure that your chosen chandelier is proportionate to your bathroom’s overall design and dimensions. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, for instance, you’ll want to pick an equally petite chandelier.

Related Article: What Is the Best Bathroom Ceiling Material?

3. Pendant Lights

Also known as “drops” or “suspenders,” pendant lights are lighting fixtures that hang from the ceiling and are usually held in place by a cord, chain, or metal rod. They are available in various designs, styles, and shapes, but the most common type is a single light bulb enclosed by a spherical cover (which can be made of metal, glass, plastic, or even concrete). Aside from being highly decorative, pendant lights are also functional and can further brighten up the room. They are especially suitable for directional or accent lighting.

Pendant lights are usually small, making them well-suited for bathrooms with limited space. However, they are not as bright as other fixtures, which is why they are often installed in sets. Positioning the lights strategically across the room is also critical to ensure adequate illumination.

4. Recessed Ceiling Lights

If you are short on vertical space, recessed lights – sometimes referred to as “pot lights” – are the way to go. This type of lighting is unique because it is installed directly inside the ceiling, which means that most of the fixture – including the housing, wiring, and other electrical components – is hidden from view. In fact, the only visible part is the bulb, which is responsible for producing light.

Once installed, pot lights leave the surface of the ceiling flat for a clean, sleek look. This can make the room feel and appear much larger. More importantly, it makes them an excellent option for low-ceilinged bathrooms.

However, there are a few notable downsides. Aside from being challenging to install, recessed lights are also permanent, so you can’t take them with you if you’re moving to a new home. Plus, most options are plain and have a clinical feel to them, which can be unflattering for some bathrooms. Finally, it is vital to install the lights correctly and to use the appropriate bulbs. Otherwise, you might waste electricity, causing your bills to go up, or even spark a fire.

Option 2: Wall Sconce Lights

Wall sconces refer to lighting fixtures that are installed and fixed into the wall. They are typically mounted in pairs to provide balance, and direct the light upwards and outwards (instead of down). Interestingly, they are one of the oldest forms of lighting fixtures and can be traced back to Classical antiquity. During the European Middle Ages, they were usually used with candles, oil lamps, and torches. Sconces became more elaborate over time, particularly in the 17th century.

In modern times, wall sconces remain a popular lighting option. After all, they are sophisticated yet functional accent lighting. In most cases, they are positioned on each side of the mirror or above the bathroom sink, and feature shades to reduce the glare of the light, allowing you to face yourself in the mirror comfortably.

In terms of visual appeal, sconces won’t disappoint. They can be rustic, highly ornate, traditional, or contemporary, making them well-suited for a vast range of bathroom styles. This, in turn, makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking for decorative ambient lighting.

Related Article: The Top 5 Waterproof Bathroom Wall Materials You Can Use

Option 3: Vanity Lights

Vanity lights – alternatively called “mirror lights” – are yet another fashionable bathroom lighting fixture. Like wall sconces, they are usually installed in pairs and placed on either side of the mirror, creating balance and promoting proper light distribution.

Vanity lighting might seem like they are merely for aesthetic purposes, but they are actually functional and practical as well. Positioning them on the counter, for one, will help illuminate the countertop and sink. And if your bathroom is on the smaller side, your vanity lights can certainly act as your sole light source. Meanwhile, some homeowners prefer to use them in tandem with a ceiling light. It is all up to you.

Just ensure that your vanity lighting has shades. Otherwise, the light will shine too brightly on your eyes. This way, you’ll be able to apply your makeup or freshen up without any issues.

Related Article: How to Start Planning Your Bathroom Renovation

Light Up Your Bathroom in Style

Of all the areas in your home, the bathroom is probably the most finicky when it comes to the lighting requirements. It is only natural. After all, it is where you’ll be grooming and freshening up, whether it is to face the day ahead or to prepare for a good night’s sleep. As such, your chosen lighting fixture needs to be well-made, reliable, and accurate. Of course, it has to be visually pleasing as well.

Lucky for you, there are several options to choose from. You should be able to find at least one that matches your needs and preferences.

If you want a high-powered fixture that can act as general lighting, a traditional ceiling light is the way to go. You can also be bolder and more creative with your options if you have plenty of space to spare. That is, you can go for ceiling lights with fans and chandeliers, which will make for incredible statement pieces on top of providing effective illumination. Meanwhile, if you have limited vertical space, recessed lights, which are installed directly in the ceiling, are perfect for you. Moreover, they work well as ambient light.

If you’re looking to cast light on specific areas of the bathroom, a pendant light, wall sconce light, or vanity light won’t disappoint as each is excellent for task lighting. Since they are not as bright as the other options in this list, you’ll have more leeway to experiment and use them with other fixtures. Plus, they are versatile. They can be decorative enough to serve as design elements, as well as unobtrusive enough so they won’t take away the attention from the room’s focal point.

At the end of the day, remember that there is no single best bathroom light fixture. So, feel free to tinker around until you figure out the best combination that can deliver your exact lighting needs. If you’re still confused, you can always ask home builders and other trusted experts for advice. This also ensures that your lighting fixtures will be installed safely and correctly for the best possible illumination.