Usher in some much-needed calm or revitalization with our roundup of shower lighting ideas. Transforming a merely functional bathroom into a full-on sanctuary is all in how you illuminate the space.
Before I installed a couple of recessed lights — with a dimmer switch, of course — in my own shower, the only light came from the bulbs over my mirror on the other side of the room. This was not optimal, especially when I needed a boost to fully wake up in the morning.
Available in a range of designs and budgets — strip lights, for example, run about $20 to $100+, while recessed lighting can cost around $30 to $300+ — it’s easy to find shower lighting to match your style.
1. Install Recessed Lighting
The option I chose, and probably the most obvious of them all, is recessed lighting. These lights are installed in the ceiling rather than hanging from it. Depending on the design, recessed lights can come in circular or square shapes, be fitted with dimmers (like mine), and/or have color-changing capabilities. Because they’re mounted flat against the ceiling, this lighting style pairs perfectly with minimalist and modern bathrooms.
2. Shine a Spotlight
Not to be confused with the aforementioned recessed lights, spotlights are mounted on (rather than in) surfaces like ceilings and walls. Often used as accent lighting, they’re great for highlighting shower niches.
Of course, you can also use them to feel like the star you are as you belt out your favorite shower tunes. Spotlights are also adjustable and more decorative than recessed lighting — I’m personally a fan of the LED crystal ones.
3. Hang a Pendant Light
If you have the space (and high ceilings), try a showy, statement pendant light. For this to work, you’ll need to ensure it’s hung 3 feet x 8 feet above the top of the shower stall or wall, so it doesn’t get in the way of where you stand or where your showerhead is located.
My Tip: Make sure your selection is suitable for wet environments and has an Ingress Protection (IP) Rating of at least 45. The IP Rating describes the extent to which a light is resistant to water and moisture.
4. Use LED Strip Lighting
For a bathroom that stays giving retreat vibes, I recommend the soft, tranquil lighting LED strips provide. Whether you use them to accent your niches or place them around the upper or lower perimeter of your shower walls, the warm white light — or colored light of choice — will wash over you and melt away the stress of the day.
5. Try a Waterproof Lamp
A rental-friendly alternative for those who can’t install new, permanent fixtures is a rechargeable, waterproof, LED lamp. One such lamp recently went viral on social media for its cozy shower vibes. Now, you don’t have to own your spot in order to trade harsh overhead lighting for calm, serene luminescence.
6. Shower Under the Stars
Well, kind of. With waterproof, battery-operated fairy lights, you can replicate the feeling of showering underneath the stars. I’d most likely apply these twinkling lights to the ceiling of the shower with double-sided sticky tape that can withstand moisture, but you can also opt to hang the lights from your shower curtain.
7. Mount Some Vintage Sconces
Antique-inspired wall sconces can transform a blah bathroom into a haven worthy of your favorite period film. Opt for candle- or lantern-style sconces, and you’ll experience an inviting atmosphere bathed in unique, artistic character.
8. Consider an LED Showerhead
Give your bathroom an eco-friendly upgrade that gives spa-like energy with an LED showerhead. I absolutely love that these come with color-changing lights (typically green, red, and blue) that automatically switch based on water temperature. This type of showerhead also reduces energy consumption when compared to overhead lighting. Some models even allow you to change the color on your own to match your mood — for example, blue for a calming effect or red when you need energy to face the day.
9. Backlight Your Shower Wall
Project the illusion of having a larger space by backlighting one wall in your shower, be it glass, stone, or acrylic. The indirect light will upgrade the aesthetic feel of your shower, too, and depending on your color choice, it can create a sense of romance, drama, or peacefulness.
10. Switch Out Your Bulbs
You can even change up the lighting in your shower by simply using a different light bulb. Make your shower feel more like a nightclub with a bulb that delivers rows of laser lights in different colors. This may work best with an in-shower, waterproof spotlight, as the bulbs themselves are only damp-rated.
Find a Lighting Expert Near You
Whether you’re aiming for bright and airy or prefer more subdued mood lighting, one of these shower lighting ideas will help you achieve those goals.
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- How to Change a Bathroom Light Fixture
- How to Install a Vanity Light
Main Photo Credit: Pexels
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