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Bathroom Lighting Ideas ✨
Bathroom Reno underway? Or designing someone’s dream bathroom from scratch? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you're perfecting your morning routine or winding down after a long day, the right lighting turns your bathroom into a space that works and feels just right.
We’ve broken it down into two main functional zones: Vanity and Shower/Bathtub to show you how we love to layer light in the bathroom, beautifully and functionally.
Bathroom vanity lights
Why It Matters:
The vanity is where we spend time focusing on the details: brushing, grooming, shaving, skincare, makeup, and more.
The goal? Bright, even, shadow-free lighting that makes you look and feel your best. Harsh overhead light or dim corners won’t cut it here (which means the standard 4 downlight grid isn’t enough!)
A well-lit vanity uses layered lighting, which is a mix of direct and indirect sources that combine for both function and atmosphere.
Wall Lights
Wall-mounted lights can be used in pairs on one side or as solos on either side to create an elegant glow of light that is essential for grooming tasks.
We love our Pluto and Iris wall lights for their refined forms and soft, diffused glow and are our top picks for their elegant form and flattering, bright glow.
Pro tip: Install them at approximately eye level (around 1500–1600mm off the floor) to reduce shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin.
Directional Downlights
It’s all about positioning and angles.
Instead of generic downlights placed directly overhead (which causes unflattering shadows), adjustable donwlights can be angled to shine toward the mirror. This allows the light to bounce off a reflective surface and get directed onto your face, creating an even fill of brightness without glare.
Pro tip: Switch Downlights from Unios are our favourites for even, balanced task lighting, perfect for personal grooming while adding brightness to the mirror.
LED Strips
LED strip lighting is one of the most versatile ways to enhance a vanity. Installed behind the mirror, under shelves, or along cabinetry edges, they offer a soft, indirect glow that reduces contrast and adds atmosphere.
Backlit mirrors can look clean and modern and help provide an even glow of light.
Pro Tip: Choose high-CRI, diffused LED strips for accurate colour rendering and a smooth, hotspot-free finish. (Aka Luna Mini!)
Bathroom shower & bathtub lights
Why It Matters:
Wet areas can be tricky to light, but with thoughtful planning, you can turn them into atmospheric sanctuaries without compromising on visibility.
Whether you’re stepping into a steamy morning shower or sinking into an evening soak, the right lighting should enhance the mood, highlight textures, and illuminate without glare.
Niche & Wall Grazing
Subtle yet striking, niche lighting and wall grazing techniques are ideal for adding definition and drama without adding visual clutter.
We love using Starlight Downlights and LED strip lighting to:
- Highlight tiled walls – grazing light reveals the texture and craftsmanship of feature tiles
- Illuminate shower niches – making your soaps and skincare feel a little more curated
- Define architectural elements – recesses, ledges, or alcoves come to life with this soft, directional glow
Pro tip: Use warm white (2700–3000K) for a more relaxing tone, especially in bath areas.
Uplighting for Relaxation
Let’s face it: overhead lighting in a bath space often feels clinical. It can be overly bright, harsh on the eyes, and it doesn’t help you relax. That’s where uplighting comes in.
The Vespa G2 is our go-to here. It casts light upward, allowing it to reflect gently off the ceiling and walls. This creates a soft, ambient glow that fills the space without direct glare.
Pro tip: It also visually lifts the space, making ceilings feel higher and the bathroom feel bigger.
Statement Piece
Want to make your bathroom unforgettable?Add in a sculptural pendant or decorative ceiling fixture.
While many people overlook decorative lighting in wet areas, when placed correctly and rated for bathroom use, a statement fixture becomes the jewellery of the space. It adds style, softness, and a sense of personality that’s rare in most bathrooms.
Pro tip: Always check IP ratings and placement zones to ensure your fixture is approved for wet areas.
💫 Bonus Feature
Table Lamps
A table lamp in the bathroom? It’s not the first thing people think of but once you try it, it’s hard to go back.
We’re big fans of the Poldina Mini for its sleek portability, soft ambient glow, and ability to bring a warm, unexpected layer to the space. Place one on a shelf, side ledge, or even the vanity itself to add charm, depth, and a “lived-in luxury” feel.
Pro tip: The Poldina Mini is cordless and rechargeable, so it’s safe, flexible and perfect for styling or even mood lighting during a relaxing bath.
Thoughtfully layering functional and ambient lighting, while defining each functional zone with purpose, transforms the bathroom into a refined sanctuary that looks beautiful, performs seamlessly, and feels effortlessly calming, day or night. ✨
