Whether you call it a powder room or half bath, this small room offers a ton of ways to level up the style in a home. Because it is conveniently located for use by guests, it is a room that often gets a lot of attention. And because it is a small space, finding lighting can be tricky. But you don’t have to sacrifice style to do it right.

The nice thing about powder rooms is that they are great places to go wild with pattern, color, and lighting. Since they are not usually the main bathroom, you can concentrate more on fun than functionality. That’s one reason why you see even small powder rooms filled with patterned wallpaper and non-traditional bathroom light fixtures.

Whether you’re looking for vanity lights, sconces, or something completely different, some inspirational powder room lighting ideas make your half-bath completely guest worthy.

What Type of Lighting Do I Need for a Powder Room?

When flipping through design magazines or Instagram or watching design shows, you’ll often see powder rooms that go a little extra on color, texture, or bling. It’s the one place where you can break some of the design rules on purpose. It takes a few special features to keep the powder room from being run-of-the-mill. The key is to do it in a way that works with the home’s overall style.

The type of lighting for powder rooms depends on the configuration and style of the room. Sconces on either side of the mirror offer a light source when guests want to check their appearance, while powder room chandeliers, pendants, or flush lights add drama to the space.

Hanley 30 Inch 4 Light Flush Mount by Arteriors Home

Here’s a perfect example of how to make a mix of color, texture, and pattern work in a small room. There’s so much going on in this powder room, yet the subtle color palate ties everything together, leaving the Hanley 30 Inch 4 Light Flush Mount by Arteriors Home to add the right touch of drama along with needed lighting.

Somerset 15 Inch Large Pendant by Hinkley Lighting

For focused lighting that illuminates the mirror, the simple lines of the Somerset 15 Inch Large Pendant by Hinkley Lighting are the perfect fit for this low-key room. Chic and elegant, it exudes quiet and precise sophistication as it provides warm illumination. Overhead lighting can be unflattering, but in this instance, the sconce placed just at eye level puts task light right where it is needed the most.

How Many Light Fixtures Are Needed in a Powder Room, Ideally?

It’s not how many light fixtures are needed but how much lighting is required. Two wall sconces on either side of the mirror make a beautiful statement while offering plenty of light for guests. It’s easy to create a pretty powder room with so many different wall sconces and vanity lights to choose from.

Kelly Wearstler Melange 12 Inch Wall Sconce by Visual Comfort and Co.

Equal parts classic and quirky, this powder room features Kelly Wearstler Melange 12 Inch Wall Sconces by Visual Comfort and Co. against the stunning grey-and-white wallpaper with a fan motif. The fringed mirror adds to the sense of fun, while the pink accents keep it from being too colorless.

Aerin Cristol 12 Inch Wall Sconce by Visual Comfort and Co.

This colorful bathroom is anything but dull and dreary. Not only do the pair of Aerin Cristol 12 Inch Wall Sconces by Visual Comfort and Co. give it a double dose of style. They support rather than distract from the stunning wallpaper and bring a gentle grace to the room.

Baird 23 Inch 4 Light LED Bath Vanity Light by Hudson Valley Lighting

The Baird 23 Inch 4 Light LED Bath Vanity Light by Hudson Valley Lighting puts the finishing touch on this playful powder room. Mouth-blown spheres soften the light, attached to thick, circular backplates. Paired together, these elements lighten not just the room but also the mood, the vivacious spirit behind the style shining through.

Best Lighting Fixtures for Your Powder Room

Choosing powder room lighting is more than just ensuring the room has enough illumination. These days, powder room design and lighting make a statement. And while you should choose lighting that suits your taste and style, there are a few technical aspects to consider.

Size – consider the size of the vanity and powder room as you look for lighting.

Finish – with so many different finishes, it is easier than ever to match the finish to your fixtures.

Style – it all comes down to personal preference. Are you looking for lighting that blends in or pops? Each is a valid choice depending on the look you want to achieve.

Colette 12 Inch Wall Sconce by Mitzi

With a name like Collette, you’d expect something a little cheeky and slightly flirty, and the Colette 12 Inch Wall Sconce by Mitzi doesn’t disappoint. Their slender shape is perfect for this tiny powder room.

Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Captra 3 Inch Mini Pendant

In an especially small powder room, a pair of pendants, such as the Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Captra 3 Inch Mini Pendant are a great way to add lighting and save on space. Suspended at about eye level, they provide plenty of light and even more style. Their sleek, streamlined shape plays well against the vibrant color of the exuberant print.

Broche 24 Inch 6 Light Semi Flush Mount by Crystorama

When the room calls for something a little bit fancy, but there is no room for a chandelier, the stunning Broche 24 Inch 6 Light Semi Flush Mount by Crystorama levels up the glam. Layers of individual wrought iron leaves deliver a stunning, unique, and functional light, bringing life to the pattern on the wallpaper. This type of lighting is one of the best small powder room lighting ideas.