A hallmark of traditional lighting in the dining room, chandeliers have migrated to every room in a home, and the bathroom is no exception. There’s something so decadent, luxurious, and romantic about installing a chandelier over the bathtub. And because they come in so many different sizes, styles, and shapes, chandeliers can add sophistication to any bathroom.

Although a combination of bathroom lighting fixtures is key to a good bathroom lighting plan, installing a chandelier above the bathtub makes a statement. It changes the bathroom from a merely functional room to a beautifully designed one.

With so many decorative options available, knowing what to look for in chandeliers for the bathroom can help refine your selection. Follow these tips to choose a bathroom chandelier you will love.

How Can I Safely Put a Light above a Bathtub?

Before hanging a chandelier over a bathtub, checking local building codes is critical. Codes can differ from region to region, so consulting with an expert before you begin will ensure you get it right. Make sure your chandelier is installed in a “dry zone,” an area where it won’t get hit by the spray. Putting the chandelier is a nice touch, it gives you the option of dimming the lights when you want to take a relaxing soak but offers plenty of lighting when you are getting ready in the morning.

Sparta 32 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Hudson Valley Lighting

The lush look and feel of this bathroom is far from spartan. Filled with texture and light, the Sparta 32 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Hudson Valley Lighting touches the design. It fills the room with illumination, bouncing light off the metal tub and creating a stunning centerpiece.

Recommended Chandelier Height over a Bathtub

Overhead space is required when hanging a chandelier over a bathtub for two reasons. First, the chandelier must be well away from the water in the bathtub, and second, it must be high enough to offer plenty of headroom.

In any case, consult the building regulations in your area for more information. These regulations exist to avoid electrical hazards and accidental deaths.

National Electric Code (NEC) from 2020

The National Electric Code (NEC) sets the foundation for electrical safety in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings worldwide. According to the NEC, lights installed in a bathtub or shower must meet the following requirements:

1) Lighting and ceiling fans cannot be located within a 3-foot wide by 8-foot high area above the bathtub or shower.

(2) All other lighting inside the bathtub or shower must be rated for damp or wet locations.

Rylee 24 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Crystorama

The traditional shape of the Rylee 24 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Crystorama adds a touch of glam to this quietly elegant bathroom. The hand-painted, distressed frame brings vintage vibes while the beads give it a bohemian flair.

How to Calculate Height for a Chandelier over the Bathtub

When installing a chandelier over the bathtub, the lowest point of the chandelier has to be 8 feet about the rim of the bathtub, per NEC guidelines. In addition, consulting a lighting expert will give you the most up-to-date code requirements in your area before you make your decision.

If the bathroom has a high ceiling, the general rule is to add 2-3 inches of chandelier height per foot of ceiling height. So if a standard ceiling is 8 feet, add three inches for each additional foot of ceiling.

Chapman & Myers Lawrence 20 Inch 20 Light Mini Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection

In this fun and funky bathroom, bold black-and-white geometric tiles are highlighted by the mid-century style of the Chapman & Myers Lawrence 20 Inch 20 Light Mini Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection. Wood accents warm up the room, and a pop of green from the artwork underlines the cool casual vibe.

Tilda 5 Light Mini Chandelier by Arteriors Home by Arteriors Home

A vision of playful elegance, this stunning soothing is a vision of light and laughter. The daring design of the Tilda 5 Light Mini Chandelier by Arteriors Home by Arteriors Home sets the perfect tone. It’s easy to imagine relaxing under glowing illumination at the end of a long day.

Selecting the Right Chandelier to Install above the Bathtub

Chandeliers are available in every style, so choosing one that complements the bathroom’s style is probably the most fun part of the process. When you start looking, you’ll see all types, from over-the-top models dripping with crystals to mid-century modern and everything in between. Here’re some things to consider when choosing a chandelier for the bathroom.

Room Size: Chandeliers take up visual and physical space, so consider the size of your chandelier in relation to the size of your bathroom.

Bathroom Layout: Placing the chandelier over the tub creates a beautiful focal point. If your ceiling height doesn’t allow a chandelier over the bathtub, moving it a few feet in front of the bathtub can give a similar look.

Materials: Consider finishes and how they coordinate with the look you want to achieve.

AERIN Sanger 29 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection

The polished nickel finish and crystal glass beads of the AERIN Sanger 29 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection turn this bathroom into a sophisticated and serene retreat. The light-colored finish and shimmering beads keep the look open and airy, highlighting the natural daylight streaming through the windows and giving off a soft glow in the evening.

Tiffany 42 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home

This spa-like bathroom retreat features clean, crisp lines and minimal finishes to create a bold, daring design. The Tiffany 42 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home echoes this sensibility with its whimsical seedy glass discs and a blackened finish that goes with the finish on the visible shower hardware.