13 Dreamy Bathroom Lighting Ideas
There's nothing dreamy or luxurious about a standard ceiling light in the bathroom. Learn how designers take bathrooms from blah to brilliant with the use of chandeliers, decorative wall sconces, perimeter and recessed lighting.
Follow Codes When Illuminating the Tub Area
Light the Vanity Area Evenly
Make a Statement With Mod
Light the Shower Safely
Go With the Flow
Matching a lighting fixture's style to the bathroom's overall look is always a safe bet. In the design of the bathroom of a restored 19th century farmhouse, architect Kate Johns hit the perfect balance between yesterday and today, using new materials to create a period-appropriate — yet fresh and modern — look. “We used a custom vanity designed to look like a farm work table with a marble top. Painted wide beadboard paneling and a recessed wood-framed medicine cabinet with industrial galvanized steel lights complete the aesthetic,” she says.
Add Layers
The trick to properly lighting a bathroom while creating a luxurious feel, says designer Scott Arthur Yerkey, is to use multiple layers. Include makeup lighting along with wall sconces, place decorative ceiling lights over the tub area and light up any art displayed. In addition, add perimeter recessed lighting. For sparkle, he suggests crystal or glass.