Bathroom lighting can make a huge difference to the overall feel and functionality of the space. It’s not just about choosing fixtures but understanding how lighting impacts the room's atmosphere.
From soft ambient lights for relaxation to task lighting for those mirror moments, finding the right balance is key.
In this article, you’ll discover some top bathroom lighting ideas that will inspire your next update. Whether you're after a cosy glow or bright lights to highlight features, there’s something to suit every style.
Table of Contents
1
LED Strip Lighting
For a sleek and modern bathroom upgrade, consider LED strip lighting. This versatile lighting solution can be installed under cabinets, around mirrors, or along the floor, providing a subtle glow that enhances your space.
The "River Oak Way" project by Brisbane-based C&K Concepts showcases how LED strip lighting can elevate your bathroom design. They used LED strips in the bath niche and beneath a floating vanity, creating a classy and functional look. This approach to lighting ensures a sleek, modern finish while adding a luxurious feel to your bathroom.
2
Recessed Downlights
When looking to brighten up your bathroom, recessed downlights are a fantastic option. Ideal for spaces with lower ceilings, these lights provide clean, modern illumination, creating an even and welcoming glow throughout the room.
At C&K Concepts’ Wylie Street project in Graceville, recessed downlights transformed a previously dark and cramped bathroom into a luxurious retreat. By complementing an oversized shower and a frosted glass screen, these downlights highlight every detail while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. Their subtle integration ensures that your bathroom not only looks stylish but also feels more spacious and inviting.
3
Vanity Lighting
Illuminate your bathroom with functional and stylish vanity lighting. Placing lights on either side of your mirror or above it ensures even lighting for grooming tasks, eliminating shadows. Options like wall sconces or LED strips can be both practical and elegant.
Take inspiration from Briswest Renovations' “Marble & Chrome Bathroom” in Kedron, where they’ve masterfully combined classic marble with crisp lines. The vanity lighting in this bathroom, featuring chrome wall lights flanking a two-door shaving cabinet, adds a soft, warm glow that enhances the room's aesthetic. The careful selection of lighting elements creates a bright, welcoming space, perfect for your daily routines. Embrace this idea to bring a touch of sophistication and practicality to your bathroom.
4
Pendant Lights
Imagine transforming your bathroom with a statement pendant light. This stylish feature not only brightens the space but also creates a stunning focal point. Consider suspending it above your vanity or placing it in the centre of your bathroom for a touch of elegance.
A great example is the “Mons Avenue, Maroubra” project by Beau Reno. This Sydney-based renovation company showcased how a well-placed pendant can highlight luxurious fixtures and bring focus to the space. By incorporating a pendant light above your vanity, you not only create a visually appealing focal point but also enhance the functionality of your bathroom. This addition can transform your daily routine into a more stylish and enjoyable experience, blending form and function seamlessly.
5
Natural Light
Maximising natural light in your bathroom can transform the space, making it feel bright and open. Skylights or larger windows are fantastic options to let in sunlight, creating a more inviting and energising environment.
For instance, GIA Bathroom & Kitchen’s Mount Eliza Home Project effectively incorporates ample natural light, enhancing the master ensuite with a stunning, airy feel. This open-plan ensuite features expansive windows that flood the space with light, highlighting the luxurious elements like the super white marble and warm oak timbers. By harnessing natural light, you can create a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but also boosts your mood every day.
6
Layered Lighting
Layered lighting involves a strategic blend of ambient, task, and accent lights to create a functional and inviting bathroom. By integrating ceiling lights for general illumination, vanity lights for precision tasks, and feature lights to highlight design elements, you can enhance both the practicality and aesthetics of your bathroom space.
Vision Bathrooms exemplified this approach in their Coombabah project, transforming an outdated bathroom into a luxurious, spa-like retreat. They utilised a large LED mirror and matte black fixtures, combining various lighting layers to emphasise the beautiful VJ panel feature wall and the stylish back-to-wall bath. This clever use of layered lighting not only boosts functionality but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the bathroom.
7
Tubular Sconces
Space-saving yet powerful, tubular sconces offer a chic and functional lighting solution for your bathroom. These vertical fixtures emit a bright, even glow, perfect for narrow spaces or areas that need focused illumination.
As seen in Mortimer St, Heidelberg project by M.J.Harris Group, these sleek fixtures were thoughtfully integrated to enhance the ambiance of a traditional yet moody bathroom and ensuite. By removing dividing walls and adding natural light through new windows, we created a spacious, well-lit environment. Paired with luxurious brass tapware and natural stone-look benchtops, Tubular Sconces beautifully complemented the overall design, offering both practical illumination and aesthetic charm.
8
Mirror Lighting
Conclusion
With so many bathroom lighting ideas to explore, there’s no shortage of options to enhance your space. The right lighting can transform a bathroom into a haven that suits your lifestyle.
Remember, it’s all about blending style with purpose.
Hopefully, these ideas have sparked some inspiration for your own project. Don’t be afraid to mix and match concepts to find the perfect combination for your bathroom.