Shower Lamps (Yes, Really!) Are Trending — Here Are 6 Waterproof Ones We Love
These waterproof soft lighting sources will transform the look and feel of your shower.
As much as we enjoy top-to-bottom renovations and curated design transformations, there’s not always enough time (or budget) to dedicate to such all-encompassing projects. Thankfully, there are ways to elevate your space with smaller changes. Take your bathroom, for example. Right now, shower lamps are trending across social media for the way they soften the surroundings and enhance the mood of the utility-first space. While many users have begun posting shower lamp content, home and seasonal decor blogger McKenna Barry is credited with kickstarting the shower lamp craze by showcasing the Weilailux Waterproof Cordless Rechargeable Lamp in her shower on her TikTok and Instagram accounts.
“I cannot believe that it’s taken off the way it has,” McKenna exclaims to HGTV. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to be the one to start a trend, but if I were to ever start a trend, it’s very on-brand for me that it revolves around coziness. It makes my heart wildly happy seeing so many people comment on my videos about how much this has benefitted them already, especially those who are neurodivergent or those who suffer from migraines and are negatively affected by the bright lights traditionally used in bathrooms. This has made a much bigger impact than I could've ever dreamed.”
What makes a shower lamp so special, you might ask? It’s all about big lights vs. soft lights and the effect they have on the overall space. Keep reading to learn more about the shower lamp trend, including which safety precautions to take and which lamps we’re shopping ASAP.
The Appeal of Soft Light
Think of the coziest places you’ve ever been. Now think about the lighting. Chances are, you envision places illuminated with small, warm lights, like your grandma’s house or a cozy pub down the road — not the cafeteria or DMV with their intrusive fluorescent overhead panel lighting.
“The ‘big light’ allows you to see a space,” McKenna explains, nodding to overhead lighting. “Soft, warm lighting allows you to feel it, and the difference between the two makes a world of difference in your ability to relax.”
It’s understanding this that led McKenna to create the shower lamp trend. “My idea for a shower lamp was born from the desire to find a way to add soft light to a shower to make it more tranquil,” she explains. “I used to feel like showering was such a chore and I honestly loathed it. But I’ve been learning to be intentional about caring for and being kind to my body and my soul. That doesn’t always mean extravagant skincare routines or the cliche of laying down in a robe with cucumber coins over your eyes. Sometimes it’s simply finding little ways to romanticize the mundane.”
McKenna isn’t the only creator enamored with shower-friendly soft, small lights. “Shower lamps are a big yes for me,” says home design creator Luis Arturo Sanchez. “I have a thing for portable lamps and love how versatile they can be. I recently discovered that one of my little lamps is waterproof, and I can proudly say that it's been in my shower ever since. It creates an ambiance I think everyone should experience at least once.”
The ambiance he speaks of? “Soft light is so much more flattering, relaxing and, honestly, sexy,” he explains. “When it comes to my home, I want to walk into a calm space where I feel relaxed and experience an overall soothing effect. I firmly believe that lighting is such a powerful tool in interior design that it can make or break a space. You can have the most stunning space, but if you only use your overhead light, I don't want to be there.”
Mini Lamps We’re Obsessed With From Amazon
Take a cue from Nancy Meyers-inspired kitchens and add one of these small, chic table lamps to your kitchen counter or dining space.
But First, A Note on Safety
Now that you understand the allure of shower lamps (and soft light in general), you might be eager to add one to your cart. Before doing so, there are a few things you’ll want to keep an eye out for when shopping for a shower lamp. After all — and quite obviously — not all lamps are shower-friendly.
“It should definitely be waterproof and cordless,” McKenna says. “The lamps that are being used in peoples’ showers are, by design, outdoor lamps whose waterproof rating is intended for rain. So even though I don’t have any safety concerns using a waterproof lamp in the shower, I make sure to keep it in the corner of my shower to ensure it only gets a rain-like sprinkle to increase the lamp’s lifespan.”
It should go without saying, but never use a corded lamp in or near the shower, which could be a safety hazard for electrocution. When shopping for waterproof lamps for in or near your shower, look for lamps with an IP rating of IP44 or higher. IP ratings refer to how resistant a product is to dust and water, so some cordless battery-operated lamps may be water-resistant and able to withstand light rain but shouldn't be submerged in water. The higher the number, the better. As McKenna suggests, it's a good idea to keep shower lamps in the corner of a shower or in a niche to prolong its life.
Got it? Good. Now, it’s time to shop for the best shower lamps Amazon has to offer. Take your pick, below.
McKenna’s favorite shower lamp is the Weilailux Waterproof Rechargeable Dimmable Desk Light, which is sold in six colors. “I have nothing but great things to say about it,” she beams. “The charge lasts forever, it’s dimmable, the light is warm and calming, and I love the faux wood design for aesthetic reasons.”
Luis’ go-to shower lamp is the Weilailux Mushroom Waterproof Cordless Rechargeable Lamp, sold in six colors, ranging from black and white to pink and green. “This is the only shower lamp I've ever used,” he admits. “There might be other options out there, but this one is cute enough to style anywhere in your house beyond your shower.”
The Tubicen Portable Rechargeable Night Lamp is beloved by hundreds of Amazon shoppers. The waterproof lamp, which is sold in six colors, features a brass, nickel or matte metal handle which makes for easy carrying, not to mention a chic design feature.
If you prefer simple, streamlined modern design, consider the Sakringt Cordless Rechargeable Table Lamp, sold in 10 colors in sets of two (three colors are available on their own, as well). The slim light will fit easily on a shower shelf and thanks to its weighted base, you don’t have to worry about the lanky light toppling over mid-shampoo.
Looking to saturate your shower with color? Check out the Mr.Go Dimmable Rechargeable LED Cube Light. The waterproof cube measures four inches and can be set to one of 16 colors, or programmed to cycle through the rainbow.
Love the idea of the Mr.Go Cube Light but want a light source that floats? The Borelor Floating Pool Light will transform bath time with its soft shape and 16 color options.
