Bathroom Lighting Ideas: The Complete 2025 Guide

8 Bathroom Lighting Ideas to Transform Your Bathroom

Thinking of giving your bathroom a fresh new look? While tiles, taps and furniture often take centre stage, bathroom lighting is the secret ingredient that can transform an ordinary bathroom into a calming, functional and stylish retreat. With the right bathroom lighting ideas, you can turn everyday routines into mood-boosting rituals.

Let’s explore inspiring ways to light your bathroom beautifully.

How to Plan the Right Bathroom Lighting

Before choosing fixtures, take a moment to think about how you use your bathroom every day. Do you need bright lighting for getting ready in the morning? Do you want softer light for relaxing in the evening? Your answers will help shape your lighting plan.

Here’s how to get started:

Assess natural light: Does your bathroom have a window or skylight? If so, how much light does it bring in, and at what time of day?

• Define your zones: Think about areas like the shower, bath, sink, and mirror. Each may need its own light source.

• Decide on the mood: Do you want a spa-like feel, a crisp hotel-style look, or something minimalist and functional?

• Measure your space: Smaller bathrooms may need compact fittings like downlights or flush-mount ceiling lights, while larger rooms can accommodate bolder fixtures.

Once you’ve considered these points, you’ll be ready to explore the best lighting ideas to match your layout, style and routine.

Types of Lighting to Layer in Your Bathroom

Combining different types of light sources helps you achieve a perfectly balanced bathroom. Here’s how to use each one:

Ambient lighting

This is your base light — usually from the ceiling — and gives the room overall brightness.

Task lighting

Task lights focus on specific zones like the mirror or vanity. Essential for shaving, makeup and skincare.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting adds mood and drama. Use it to highlight textures, alcoves or artwork and create atmosphere.

Inspiring Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Looking for bathroom lighting inspiration? Here are some standout ideas to make your space shine.

1. Go with Recessed Ceiling Lights

Sleek and modern, recessed lights sit flush in the ceiling and create soft, even illumination. Ideal for minimal, contemporary bathrooms and perfect above showers or baths.

2. Statement Ceiling Lights

If you want something bolder, flush or semi-flush ceiling lights add personality. Choose crystal-cut glass for a luxury feel or brushed metal for a modern look.

3. Stylish Wall Lights

Wall lights create soft pools of light that enhance the atmosphere and highlight features. Placing them beside a mirror also gives flattering, shadow-free light.

4. Mood Lighting with Candles

For ultimate relaxation, add candles in decorative holders or lanterns. Use LED flameless candles for the same effect without the fire risk. Pair with dimmed ceiling lights for a spa-like escape.

5. Put a Light Feature Above Your Whirlpool Bath 

Add a wow factor with a whirlpool or spa bath that features colour-changing lights. These not only look beautiful but also support relaxation and can even enhance your mood.

6. Light Up Your Bathroom Mirror

A bathroom mirror with lighting adds style and functionality in one go. Whether backlit or side-lit, illuminated mirrors create even light for grooming tasks and often include extra features like anti-fog and touch sensors. For more inspiration, check out our guide on bathroom ideas for mirrors. 

7. Go with Shower Lighting for Ambience 

Don’t overlook the impact of shower lighting ideas. Waterproof downlights or LED strip lighting integrated into ceiling recesses or wall niches can add warmth, drama, or a spa-like atmosphere to your shower area. Choose soft, dimmable lights for a calming effect or opt for colour-changing LEDs to create a more vibrant, energising shower experience. This kind of lighting can transform a basic routine into a relaxing escape.

8. Choose Lights with an IP Rating

An IP rating shows how well a light resists water. Fixtures near showers, sinks or baths should have a higher IP rating to prevent damage and ensure safety.

Bathroom Lighting Inspiration Tips

Here are some helpful do’s and don’ts to guide your design:

Do

• Layer different types of lighting for flexibility
  
  

• Use lighting to highlight textures and key features
  
  

• Think about natural light and how to complement it
  
  

Don’t

• Forget about safety or install the wrong type of bulb
  
  

• Place lights where they’ll cause glare in your mirror
  
  

• Settle for harsh white light, go for soft or dimmable options
  
  

Bring Your Bathroom Lighting Ideas to Life with Bathshack

From soft ambient glows to bold feature lights, your bathroom lighting should inspire and elevate your daily rituals. Use these ideas to shape a space that suits your style, your needs and your mood.

Explore more lighting inspiration and shop our full Bathshack bathroom lighting collection to bring your vision to life. For expert advice, contact us or pop in-store. 

Frequently Asked Questions - Bathroom Lighting Ideas 

How do you lighten up a small bathroom?

To lighten up a small bathroom, focus on layered lighting. Use recessed downlights or a sleek ceiling fixture for ambient light. Add a backlit or side-lit mirror for task lighting. Large mirrors and light-colored walls will also help reflect light and make the space feel bigger.

Should you use cool or warm lighting in your bathroom?

The best choice depends on the mood you want. Warm lighting (2700K-3000K) creates a relaxing, spa-like feel, while cool lighting (4000K-5000K) is more energizing and better for grooming tasks. The ideal solution is often dimmable lights or a combination of both to offer flexibility.

What is the best lighting for a bathroom?

The best lighting for a bathroom is a layered approach. You need ambient lighting for overall brightness, task lighting at the mirror for grooming, and accent lighting to highlight features and add style. Combining these three types ensures the space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

How do you tone down a bright bathroom?

To tone down a bright bathroom, you should introduce flexibility and warmth. Install dimmer switches on your lights to control brightness. You can also use bulbs with a warmer color temperature (around 2700K) and add secondary sources like decorative wall sconces or LED flameless candles to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere.