It’s such an impactful decision and one that can sometimes leave you stuck– where to put lighting, and which type to use. At Stagg Design, we believe in layers of lighting to create different moods and ambiance throughout a home, and we know the right lighting in the right place can make a big impact. Today we’re sharing four different ways to light a bathroom, and talking you through each one so you can make the right choice for your space.
In bathrooms, I love a combination of overhead can lighting, on a dimmer as an additional option, and some kind of sconce/pendant light. Different lighting for different scenarios, and different moods.
We’ve put together some illustrations to walk you through some different options laid out in the same space including pendants, sconces, vanity lights, and a lamp.
Pendants might not be the first thing you think of when you’re planning out a bathroom, but that’s one of the reasons I love them so much. They are unexpected, feel fancy, and have a way of lighting a room in just the right way. I wouldn’t count on them as the main lighting source in a bathroom that needs a lot of light (where you’re be getting ready for the day, etc), but I love them as complimentary lighting to overhead cans, and in a powder where you want a nice glow.
Sconces on either side of a mirror are not only flattering, they also can allow for a soft glow when the brightness of a can isn’t needed or wanted. Sconces are a trusty bathroom lighting option and the possibilities for styles are limitless. I love them flanking a mirror, as the person looking at the mirror has light shining directly on their face. It’s a practical and stylish option.
A vanity or bar light placed above a mirror is great when you want to maximize mirror space, or for a small bathroom. Look for a light can fill a room with more than one bulb. I prefer a beefier vanity light above the mirror, as I don’t want any harsh shadows on the face.
If you’ve got a wide countertop or ledge, I love a lamp in the bathroom in place of or in addition to any hardwired lighting. It’s so unexpected and elevated! Lamps in general add a nice ambiance and they are practical to have on as a nightlight or as a constant when entertaining.
Good lighting is crucial to a space feeling luxurious. While I love designer lighting, I also appreciate how many budget friendly lighting options and designer dupes there are. Here are some of our current, affordable lighting finds! We’ve also linked our Stagg Design lighting guide that gives you all of our team’s tips and tricks for the right heights, sizes, and more for lighting your space.
Lighting is vital to a cohesive design, but getting it just right can be tricky. In this guide, we show you how to place a sconce in just the right spot for your home, and share our favorite lighting sources. Download the free guide.