How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Bathroom:
Good bathroom lighting does more than just illuminate your reflection, it enhances your space, creates atmosphere, and helps you start and end your day in comfort. Whether you’re doing a full renovation or a simple upgrade, this guide walks you through how to choose the right lighting for your bathroom, including where to place LED strips and how illuminated mirrors can make all the difference.
1. Layering Light for a Perfectly Balanced Bathroom
Just like in a kitchen, the key to well-designed bathroom lighting is using layers of light. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can achieve both practicality and style.
Ambient Lighting (General Light)
This is your main light source and should provide soft, even illumination throughout the bathroom.
Best options include:
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IP Rated Recessed ceiling spotlights for a clean, modern look, and safe for use in the bathroom
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Surface-mounted LED downlights if your ceiling height is limited
Tip: Choose a warm to natral white (2700–4000K) for a relaxing yet clear glow.
Task Lighting (Focused Work Light)
This is essential for precision activities such as shaving, applying makeup, or skincare. The most effective task lighting is bright, shadow-free, and positioned at face level.
Best options include:
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Illuminated mirrors or mirrored cabinets: Combine function with style, providing perfect front-facing light that eliminates shadows.
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Wall-mounted lights on either side of a mirror: Ideal for even, balanced illumination.
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Integrated LED strips in vanity units or cupboards: Offer a clean, seamless look that doubles as a design feature.
Placement tip: Keep lighting around eye level (about 1.5–1.6m from the floor) to ensure flattering, even light across the face.
Accent Lighting (Mood & Decorative Light)
Accent lighting gives your bathroom a spa-like feel, highlighting textures and features for a touch of luxury.
Best options include:
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LED strip lights under floating vanities or shelves to create a soft glow.
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Recessed plinth lights to add subtle, ambient warmth.
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LED strips behind mirrors or along bath panels for a sophisticated layered effect.
Pro Tip: Use low-brightness, warm-toned LEDs (2700K–3000K) for mood lighting that feels relaxing and indulgent.
Discover the Perfect Bathroom Lighting with Sycamore
At Sycamore, we specialise in high-quality IP-rated bathroom lighting and illuminated mirrors designed to combine safety, performance, and style. From under-vanity LED strips to mirror cabinets with built-in lighting, our range makes it easy to achieve a professional finish at home.
Illuminate your bathroom beautifully — the smart, safe, and stylish way.
Click here to view our bathroom lighting collection.