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Looking for lighting ideas to elevate your small bathroom and don’t know where to begin? Then this article is for YOU
Bathroom lighting is SUCH an important tool especially when it comes to a small bathroom! Where you place the lighting, what types of lighting, and the shade of lighting can really have a big impact in a bathroom-let alone a bathroom with less a smaller square footage!
The point is, we really want a small bathroom to appear larger and also highlight different aspects of the bathroom to make it be the most FUNCTIONAL but also the most AESTHETICALLY PLEASING. And, here I am to help you with that!
Natural lighting is always the best such as a window nearby. However that is not always the case and we gotta rely on other options for the best kind of lighting. There are three kinds of lighting that you want to look after:
Task Lighting: Place lighting specifically in areas of grooming or showering such as in the shower (duh!) or near your vanity to assist with putting make up on or washing your face.
Accent Lighting: Its function is to draw attention to various decor items such as art, tile. You would want to place these near or above the specific item you want to highlight.
Ambient Lighting: This acts to illuminate the entire space. This is important if there is an absence of natural light and you can go with so many options such as recessed lighting, overhead lighting, pendant lights etc.
Here in this article, we will go over some of the best small bathroom lighting ideas to really inspire you to creating your dream bathroom! This article will also give you reasons why one type of lighting might be beneficial over the other in regards to task, accent, or ambient lighting types. OK Here we go!
Small Bathroom Lighting Ideas
1. Overhead Lighting with Dimmer Switch
Overhead lighting can be a really great option when space is entirely limited. Having an overhead light with a dimmer switch allows you to have better control of the brightness and enable you to create different moods and atmospheres in the bathroom. For example, you can dim the lights for a relaxing bath or increase the brightness for grooming tasks.
Dimming the lights reduces energy consumption, saving you money on electricity bills over time. By lowering the brightness when full illumination isn’t necessary, you can minimize energy waste.
In addition, while overhead lighting provides general illumination for the entire bathroom (think ambient lighting), dimming it allows for more focused task lighting when needed. For instance, you can dim the overhead lights and use brighter vanity lights for grooming activities like applying makeup or shaving.
Dimmable lighting adds to the comfort and convenience of the bathroom environment. You can adjust the brightness according to your preferences, ensuring optimal comfort for various activities such as bathing, reading, or unwinding.
2. Wall Sconces
One of the most beautiful types of lighting options, especially for a SMALL BATHROOM and small spaces. Wall sconces provide great task, ambient, and accent lighting to your small bathroom! Wall sconces are usually mounted on the wall and can serve as a beautiful decor element.
Wall sconces provide even illumination usually and allows light to be spread evenly across your small bathroom which reduces harsh shadows and creates a great ambiance. You can place them on either side of your vanity mirror to help eliminate unflattering shadows when you’re putting makeup on or brushing your hair.
On that note, wall sconces placed near your vanity can offer amazing task lighting for shaving, makeup or styling your hair. Sconces are usually small or slim in nature so they will not serve to overwhelm your small bathroom space.
Like mentioned, wall sconces are GORGEOUS. They come in a variety of styles, ranging from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional. They can serve as really great decorative accents that enhance the overall aesthetic of the bathroom. Like the picture above, the beautiful gold accents of this sconce really compliments the gold hardware to the sink and overall neutral backdrop of the walls. *Chefs kiss*
3. LED Strip Lights
LED Lights can be an EXCELLENT option for small bathroom lighting! They are incredibly thin and flexible allowing them to be installed in very tight spaces where other types of light fixtures may not fit. They can serve as a great accent lighting accessory. Place them along baseboards, above all art, or behind your mirror without taking up valuable space!
LED strip lights are relatively easy to install, even for DIY enthusiasts. They come with adhesive backing or mounting clips, making them simple to attach to various surfaces. Additionally, many LED strip lights are plug-and-play, eliminating the need for complex electrical work
4. Backlit Mirror
Backlit mirrors are typically sleek and slim, which helps conserve space in a small bathroom. By using lighting directly into the mirror, you eliminate the need for additional wall-mounted fixtures, making the room feel less cluttered and more spacious.
Backlit mirrors provide uniform and diffused lighting across the entire mirror surface making it an excellent option for task lighting. This helps minimize shadows and glare, creating a more flattering and functional lighting environment for grooming tasks such as shaving, applying makeup, or styling hair.
Soft, indirect lighting produced by a backlit mirror adds a touch of warmth and ambiance to the bathroom making it an excellent choice for perfected ambient lighting. Unlike harsh overhead lighting, the gentle glow from behind the mirror creates a soothing atmosphere that can be particularly beneficial for relaxation during baths or unwinding after a long day.
Backlit mirrors serve as stylish and modern focal points in small bathrooms. Their sleek design and subtle illumination add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
LASTLY, backlit mirrors can make a small bathroom appear larger by reflecting light off the mirror surface and creating an illusion of a larger space!
5. Recessed Lighting
One of the best ideas for small bathroom lighting ideas! The low-profile design of recessed lights helps create a clean and minimalist aesthetic in small bathrooms. Unlike bulky surface-mounted fixtures, recessed lights provide subtle illumination without drawing attention to themselves, making the room feel more open and spacious.
A recessed light, also known as a can light, pot light, or downlight, is a type of light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening, or “recess,” in a ceiling, rather than being mounted on the surface.
Recessed lighting can be an EXCELLENT option for ambient lighting ideas. These lights can distribute light evenly across the room, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a well-lit environment. This even illumination is especially beneficial in small bathrooms where natural light may be limited, ensuring that every corner of the space is adequately illuminated.
Also can be great for task lighting— demonstrating great versatility!! These lights can be strategically placed to provide focused task lighting in key areas of the bathroom, such as above the vanity or shower.
6. Under-Cabinet Lighting
A great small bathroom lighting idea for accent lighting! Under cabinet lighting can add a decorative touch to the bathroom, highlighting architectural features, accentuating decor elements, or creating visual interest in otherwise dull areas! Such a great idea if you do not have lots of space to work with! You can use LED strips like mentioned above and customize the lighting to suit your preferences!
7. Pendant Lighting
If you’re looking beautifully designed and aesthetically pleasing types of lights than look no further than pendant lights! A great small bathroom lighting idea as these lights can both serve as a beautiful decor piece while also providing excellent ambient lighting to your space!
Pendant lights are a type of fixture that typically hangs from the ceiling by a cord, chain, or metal rod. It consists of a single light source enclosed in a decorative housing or shade and can have so much variety in them!
You can opt for gorgeous pendant lighting that compliment your sink, shower and bath hardware or go a little funkier and make your pendant lighting a staple piece! Important to note that there are SO many options so make sure you find one that best suits your design and functionality needs.
More Small Bathroom Lighting Inspo:
Alrighty! Those are some of the best small bathroom lighting ideas and bathroom lighting ideas over mirror that will hopefully inspire you to elevate your bathroom! You can really get creative with the types of lighting you choose for your small bathroom so really take your time in choosing but also make sure to have fun with it.
