A bathroom needs bright, even light on the face at the mirror, softer ambient light for the rest of the room, and fixtures rated for moisture. Get the mirror right first – that is where the light matters most.
Vanity lights
Mount a vanity light 75–80 inches above the floor, centered over the mirror. Choose a fixture about three-quarters the width of the mirror, and never wider than the vanity.
Sconces beside the mirror
Two wall sconces, one on each side of the mirror at about 66 inches high, light the face from both sides with no shadows under the eyes or chin. Space them 36–40 inches apart.
Lit mirrors
LED mirrors put the light exactly where you need it and work well in small bathrooms where there is no room for sconces.
Ceiling and shower lights
Add a damp-rated flush mount or recessed downlights for ambient light. Any fixture inside the shower or over the tub must be wet-rated.
Damp and wet ratings
Every bathroom fixture needs at least a damp rating. Anything that can be splashed directly – shower, tub surround – needs a wet rating.
Color temperature
Choose 3000K–3500K and a high CRI (90+) so skin tones and makeup look natural. Keep every fixture in the room at the same color temperature.