Your bathroom is the place where you get ready for the day, and often retreat and refresh yourself at the end of the day. Getting your bathroom lighting right is key to making the space beautiful and practical. There are many ways to make this room shine, from wall sconces to lights over your vanity. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may want lighting over the vanity, ambient lighting overhead, and accent lighting to show off a special feature and create a balanced space.

If your bathroom is large enough, add a mixture of different light sources to create a layered look. Read more for modern bathroom lighting ideas that will make your bathroom the functional, yet beautiful space you need.

Function & Beauty of Wall Sconces

Wall sconces for bathrooms balance the light on either side of your vanity while they minimize shadows and reduce glare off of the mirror. Beautiful, elegant, and practical, these lights make it easier to get ready each morning.

Finn 25 Inch 1 Light LED Bath Vanity Light by Tech Lighting

The sleek domed acrylic diffusor of the Finn 25 Inch 1 Light LED Bath Vanity Light by Tech Lighting gives the space a spa-like feel. It emits great wide-angle light that gives you the light you need over your vanity while softening the overall look of the space.

Vanity Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Face

When looking for vanity lighting ideas, consider grouping lights over the mirror to ensure you get light where you most need it. In addition, when the light bounces off the mirror, it will make your bathroom feel bigger.

Nevis 24 Inch 3 Light Bath Vanity Light by Hinkley Lighting

The handsome Nevis 24 Inch 3 Light Bath Vanity Light by Hinkley Lighting brings subtle nautical flair to your bathroom with the intricately interwoven cast bracelet details and the clear, seedy glass sleeves. With double mirrors and double vanity lights, you get enough light for the entire space.

Different Bulb Types & the Ambiance They Create

The type of light bulb you choose determines what the light will look like in your bathroom. The different bulbs perform differently, and there are four basic types used for bathroom lighting.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs for Bathroom

Most of us are familiar with the long, cylindrical tubes seen in department stores. Fluorescent light bulbs used in bathrooms have a curlicue design and can fit in most light fixtures and provide overhead or task lighting.

F. Chapman Pimlico 11 Inch Wall Sconce by Visual Comfort and Co.

The E. F. Chapman Pimlico 11 Inch Wall Sconce by Visual Comfort and Co. puts light right where you need it with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL). Using one on each side of the mirror highlights a focal point in your bathroom and makes your space feel well-designed.

Halogen Light Bulbs for Bathroom

Halogen bulbs produce bright, white light that mimics natural daylight and is excellent for areas that need task lighting. Or if you want lighter, brighter, more natural-looking illumination in your bathroom.

Platinum Collection Evermore 23 Inch 6 Light Bath Vanity Light by Quoizel

Add a little sparkle to your bathroom with the Platinum Collection Evermore 23 Inch 6 Light Bath Vanity Light by Quoizel. Complete the look with metallic accessories and black-and-white artwork for a look that references Hollywood glamor.

Incandescent Light Bulbs for Bathroom

These traditional bulbs have been used for decades to produce a warm, glowing light that is perfect for bathrooms. This type of light is ideal for mirror lightings and vanity fittings, where you require bright lighting.

Caparros 24 Inch 3 Light Bath Vanity Light by Kichler Lighting

The cool brushed nickel finish and clear ribbed glass of the Caparros 24 Inch 3 Light Bath Vanity Light by Kichler Lighting create a beautiful delightfully transitional style that is perfect for any décor. You can go nautical with a porthole mirror, or more rustic with pecky cypress shelving if you prefer. You can even use these lovely vanity lights in a minimalist space.

LED Light Bulbs for Bathroom

Long-lasting LED bulbs use less energy and emit a bright light ideal for bathrooms. The clear, balanced light doesn’t flicker, which makes them great for vanity lighting.

Feiss Abbott 24 Inch 3 Light LED Bath Vanity Light by Generation Lighting

Using white fixtures in a predominantly white room creates a clean and timeless look while adding color creates contrast for an exciting, modern style. The white milk glass shade of the Feiss Abbott 24 Inch 3 Light LED Bath Vanity Light by Generation Lighting softens the light and reduces harsh shadows to create a more relaxed feel.

If you are considering remodeling your bathroom, or just updating the lighting to elevate the style, stop into a Capitol Lighting showroom near you to see all the bathroom and vanity lighting options available. Or schedule a virtual appointment with a certified lighting specialist.