20 Dreamy Bathroom Lighting Ideas

The key to excellent lighting design in a bathroom — one that provides both beauty and functionality — is a layered approach, incorporating different types such as task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.

Natural light is often at a premium in bathrooms, which is why choosing efficient lighting is especially important. Learn how designers take bathrooms from blah to brilliant with the use of chandeliers, decorative wall sconces, hanging pendants and even mirrors with integrated lighting.

To complement the faucet and hardware in this radiant primary bathroom, designers chose a trio of gold swing-arm wall lamps for above the mirrors and a delicate beaded chandelier above the tub.

Dial up the drama in your neutral bathroom with smoky, bell-shaped sconces. Designer Brooke Wagner shows how it's done by matching the color of the glass to the smoky quartz backsplash — which instantly makes the room seem both intriguing and expertly tied together.

In this cheerful bathroom, three simple globe sconces with black hardware affably punctuate the angular pattern of the wall tile and serve as task lighting (lighting focused on illuminating a specific area) to the vanity. The lights are positioned for excellent cross-illumination and provide even light to the face. Include task lighting in your shower and toilet areas, too.

Tipping its hat to transitional design, this powder room's marble console vanity is overseen by a pair of stately black-and-brass sconces. An important factor in bulb selection is color temperature. In this bathroom, high-temperature bulbs would confer blue on the subway tile. Instead, the vintage-style bulbs selected contribute warmth to the tile's gorgeous emerald greens and make the space feel cozier overall.