Good bathroom lighting comes down to three layers: soft overhead light for the whole room, bright task light at the mirror, and optional accent light for mood. Get the mirror lighting right and the rest is easy. This guide covers how to plan each layer, where to place fixtures, which bulbs to buy, and what bathroom lighting costs to install.
The three layers of bathroom lighting
1. Ambient lighting
Ambient light fills the room. In most bathrooms it comes from a ceiling fixture, recessed lights, or a combination of both. Plan on about 20 to 50 lumens per square foot, so a 40-square-foot hall bath needs roughly 800 to 2,000 lumens of general light. A dimmer lets the same fixtures work for a bright morning and a relaxing evening bath.
2. Task lighting
Task light is the light at the mirror, and it matters most. A single fixture above the mirror casts shadows under your eyes and chin, which makes shaving and makeup harder. The fix is light from both sides of your face: a pair of sconces on either side of the mirror, a lighted mirror, or vertical light bars. Aim for about 1,600 lumens at the vanity in total.
3. Accent lighting
Accent light adds depth and makes a small bathroom feel larger. Common options include LED strip lighting under a floating vanity, a lit shower niche, cove lighting, or a small pendant in a primary bath. A low toe-kick light also works as a night light.
Where to place bathroom lights
- Vanity sconces: center them about 60 to 66 inches above the floor, roughly at eye level, and about 36 to 40 inches apart.
- Light bar above the mirror: about 75 to 80 inches above the floor, and at least as wide as about three-quarters of the mirror.
- Recessed lights: space them about 4 to 6 feet apart, and add one over the tub or shower if that area feels dark.
- Double vanities: give each sink its own sconces or light bar rather than one long fixture in the middle.
- Near water: fixtures inside a shower or tub enclosure must be wet rated. Fixtures within about 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically of the tub rim or shower threshold need at least a damp rating, and hanging fixtures aren’t allowed in that zone.
Choosing bulbs and color
- Color temperature: 2700K to 3000K gives a warm, flattering light. Go up to 3500K or 4000K if you prefer a crisper look, but avoid mixing color temperatures in the same room.
- Color accuracy (CRI): choose bulbs with a CRI of 90 or higher. Low-CRI bulbs make skin look gray or green, which is why makeup can look different outside.
- LEDs: they run cool, last 15 years or more, and use far less power. Look for dimmable LEDs if you’re adding a dimmer.
- Diffused fixtures: frosted or opal shades spread light evenly. Clear glass with exposed bulbs can glare in a small, reflective room.
Bathroom lighting ideas by room size
- Small bathroom or powder room: a lighted mirror or a pair of slim sconces plus one ceiling fixture is usually enough. A light-colored ceiling and glossy tile help spread the light.
- Hall bathroom: a ceiling fixture or two to four recessed lights, sconces or a light bar at the vanity, and a fan-light combo to save a ceiling box.
- Primary bathroom: recessed lights on dimmers, separate task lighting at each sink, a wet-rated light in the shower, and accent lighting like a pendant over the tub (outside the wet zone) or LED strips under the vanity.
How much bathroom lighting costs
| Project | Fixture cost | Installed by an electrician |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a vanity light (existing box) | $50 – $400 | $150 – $300 |
| Pair of vanity sconces | $100 – $600 | $250 – $500 |
| Recessed light (each, retrofit) | $30 – $100 | $200 – $400 |
| Shower recessed light (wet rated) | $50 – $150 | $250 – $450 |
| LED lighted mirror | $150 – $800 | $150 – $350 |
| Dimmer switch | $20 – $80 | $100 – $200 |
| LED strip (toe kick or cove) | $40 – $150 | $100 – $300 |
| Exhaust fan with light | $80 – $300 | $250 – $600 |
Swapping a fixture on an existing electrical box is a common DIY job if you’re comfortable turning off the breaker and following the instructions. New boxes, new circuits, and anything in the shower are best left to a licensed electrician. If you’re replacing the vent fan at the same time, our exhaust fan installation cost calculator prices fan-light combos, and our vanity installation cost calculator includes mirrors and lighting at the sink.
Common bathroom lighting mistakes
- Relying on one ceiling light, which leaves the mirror in shadow.
- Putting a single light directly above your head at the vanity.
- Mixing warm and cool bulbs in the same room.
- Choosing low-CRI bulbs that distort skin tones.
- Skipping a dimmer, so the room is either glaring or dim.
- Installing fixtures that aren’t rated for damp or wet locations near the tub or shower.
Planning a bigger update? Lighting is included in our bathroom remodel cost calculator, and you can browse all our cost calculators.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lighting for a bathroom?
Most bathrooms look and work best with three layers of light: overhead ambient lighting, task lighting at the mirror, and optional accent lighting. Use LED bulbs at 2700K to 3000K with a CRI of 90 or higher so skin tones look natural.
Where should vanity lights go?
Side-mounted sconces work best, centered about 60 to 66 inches above the floor and about 36 to 40 inches apart. A light bar above the mirror should sit about 75 to 80 inches above the floor. Side lighting reduces the shadows an overhead light casts on your face.
How many lumens does a bathroom need?
Plan on about 20 to 50 lumens per square foot for general lighting and about 1,600 lumens at the vanity, split between the fixtures on either side of the mirror.
How much does it cost to install bathroom lighting?
Replacing a vanity light with an existing box typically costs $150 to $300 for an electrician plus the fixture. New recessed lights run about $200 to $400 each installed, and adding a dimmer costs about $100 to $200.
Do bathroom lights need to be wet rated?
Fixtures inside a shower or tub enclosure must be rated for wet locations. Fixtures near the tub or shower, within about 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically of the tub rim or shower threshold, need at least a damp rating, and hanging fixtures like chandeliers aren’t allowed in that zone.
Estimates are national average costs for 2027 planning and are not quotes. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.
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