What are the best lighting options in small bathrooms?

When it comes to lighting a small bathroom, it can be challenging to find fixtures and bulbs that provide enough illumination while not making the space feel overly bright or cramped. With the right combination of lighting elements, even the smallest bathroom can feel open and airy. Here are some tips on selecting the best lighting for bathrooms with limited square footage.

Opt for Multiple Lighting Sources

Rather than relying on a single overhead light, incorporate multiple lighting sources at different elevations throughout the bathroom. This layered lighting helps reduce shadows and prevents dark corners or a cave-like feeling. Ideal options include:

• A main overhead light on the ceiling
• Decorative wall sconces or vanity lights on each side of the mirror
• Undercabinet lighting below the vanity
• A tall lamp in a corner

Mixing lighting types creates visual interest and allows you to customize the mood and task lighting as needed. Just be sure not to go overboard on the number of fixtures or the bathroom may start to feel too busy.

Choose the Right Bulbs

The bulbs you select will greatly impact the ambiance of the bathroom. Consider these tips for picking bulbs:

• Opt for bulbs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 or higher. The CRI measures how accurately a light source displays colors. High CRI bulbs will provide natural, true-to-life hues.
• Look for a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) between 2700K-3000K. Bulbs in this range give off a soft, warm white glow.
• Use high-lumen bulbs designed for bathroom use to provide sufficient brightness for tasks without feeling too harsh.
• Choose dimmable bulbs to control the lighting levels.
• For vanity strip lighting, select tube-shaped bulbs to distribute an even glow.

The packaging for light bulbs will clearly list the CRI, CCT, lumens, and dimmable capability to guide your selection process.

Include Lots of Task Lighting

Since bathrooms are used for very specific tasks like applying makeup, shaving, and grooming, they require very targeted task lighting. Ensure you have ample lighting aimed at key areas like the vanity, shower, and toilet. Options for task lighting include:

• Vanity strip lighting shining upward to illuminate faces
• Vanity bar lighting directed towards the countertop work area
• Right-sized recessed lighting around the mirror
• Undercabinet lighting shining down on the vanity top
• A shower light for clear visibility
• Lighting aimed at the toilet area for safe nighttime visits

Position the task lighting at appropriate heights and angles to provide the visibility needed for bathroom activities.

Don’t Forget About Natural Light

Even a small bathroom should incorporate natural light whenever possible. Sunlight helps make the space feel more open and inviting. Ideas for letting in natural light include:

• A window, preferably centered on a wall or near the shower
• A skylight or sun tunnel to bring light from above
• Mini manually operated skylights with ventilation
• Frosted glass window panes or textured glass to obscure views while transmitting light

If adding a window is not possible, hanging a mirror opposite the doorway can help amplify the light coming in from other rooms. Place the mirror strategically to maximize brightness without creating glare.

Choose the Right Fixtures

To make a small bathroom feel more spacious, select compact yet well-designed light fixtures that align with the room’s overall decor. Recommended options include:

• Flush mount or semi-flush ceiling lights hugging close to the ceiling
• Wall-mounted fixtures taking up minimal space
• Recessed can lighting placing the bulbs out of view
• Horizontal linear fixtures that elongate the look of the room
• Narrow vertical sconces on each side of the mirror
• A contemporary chandelier or pendant light to serve as a focal point

Avoid bulky fixtures or overly ornate styles that feel weighty or imposing. Clean-lined, compact designs will keep the bathroom feeling light and airy.

Use Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the bathroom lighting for any activity or time of day. Examples of scenarios when dimming ability is helpful include:

• Lowering light levels at night when bright illumination is not needed
• Creating a calm ambiance for soaking in the tub after a long day
• Brightening up for detailed makeup application before going out
• Turning down vanity strip lighting for a soft glow

Look for dimmers that provide smooth, flicker-free adjustment across the lighting range. Newer LED dimmers are designed specifically for use with energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Light Color Makes a Difference

The color or temperature of the bathroom lighting will affect the overall look and feel. Here are some popular options:

• Warm white (2700K to 3000K): Provides a cozy, inviting glow perfect for nighttime
• Bright white (3500K to 4100K): Emits a crisp, energizing ambiance ideal for morning routines
• Daylight white (5000K to 6500K): Mimics natural sunlight to help apply makeup or hairstyling

You can mix and match different colored bulbs throughout the bathroom to create mood lighting. Just ensure the vanity area has sharp daylight bulbs for tasks like tweezing, shaving, and makeup.

Zone the Lighting

Divide the bathroom into functional zones like the shower, vanity area, and toilet portion. Add separate lighting controls for each zone so you can selectively turn portions on and off as needed. Key zones include:

• Shower/bathing area
• Vanity/mirror section
• Toilet and entries

This zoned approach prevents having to light up the entire bathroom when only using part of the space. The lighting controls can be traditional switches, dimmers, or even voice-activated smart bulbs.

Try Sconces in Place of Overhead Fixtures

Overhead lighting can sometimes create unflattering shadows on faces at the vanity. An alternative is installing sconces at eye level on each side of the mirror. The right and left illumination minimizes shadows. Some sconce tips:

• Place the sconces 60-70 inches from the floor to align with average eye height.
• Position the sconces 8 to 12 inches outward from the mirror edges.
• Look for narrow, vertical sconces that don’t protrude too far into the room.
• Aim the light from the sconces towards the face, not straight out into the room.

Sconces work best for smaller mirrors. For larger mirrors, a combination of sconces and overhead lighting works well.

Don’t Forget the Fan

Proper ventilation is important in any bathroom, but especially small enclosed ones. Adding a vent fan will improve air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Tips for incorporating a fan:

• Opt for an ENERGY STAR rated fan with a humidity sensor to automatically clear moisture.
• Select a low-sone fan with a noise rating of 1.5 or less to prevent bothersome noise.
• Install the fan on a timer or dedicate a switch for easy, habitual use after bathing.
• Pair the fan with an LED light nightlight if there is no other light switch nearby.

Fans should vent to the outside. If an external vent is not possible, get the most powerful, moisture-removing fan possible.

Take Advantage of Reflective Surfaces

Strategically placed mirrors can help bounce natural and artificial light around, making a small bathroom feel more expansive. Try these mirror tips:

• Hang a mirror opposite the tub or shower to reflect light from the vanity fixtures.
• Position a mirror across from the bathroom door to amplify entryway lighting.
• Select mirrors with clean lines and minimal frame designs to feel lightweight.
• Angle mirrors to direct lighting to specific areas as needed.
• Use mirrors on the ceiling or a mirrored medicine cabinet to amplify overhead lighting.

In addition to mirrors, glossy tile or chrome finishes also help reflect light, as long as they don’t create harsh glare.

Play with Paint Colors and Textures

The color and finishes of the bathroom walls impact how lighting interacts with the space. Here are some tips:

• Opt for light, neutral paint colors which help diffuse and amplify lighting throughout the room.
• Consider a reflective or glossy paint for the ceiling to bounce light around.
• Use a soft matte or eggshell paint finish on walls to prevent glare.
• Incorporate patterned tile, wallpaper, or accessories to add visual texture and interest.

Dark or bold paint colors can make a small bathroom feel closed in. Stick with bright, airy colors and varied textures instead.

Conclusion

With some thoughtful planning and strategic lighting selections, even the smallest bathroom can feel fresh and spacious. Focus on creating layers of light at different elevations using a mix of fixture types and bulb colors. Don’t forget critical task lighting at the vanity, shower and toilet. Take advantage of natural light whenever possible, supplement with ample mirrors and reflective surfaces, and select finishes that enhance brightness. The right lighting can transform a formerly dark, cramped bathroom into a relaxing oasis.