How to Choose the Right Bathroom Lighting for Your Utah Home

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular renovation projects, not just in Utah but across the US. But when it comes to redoing a bath, most homeowners tend to overlook lighting or plan it as an afterthought. At Lifespan Bath Remodel, we believe it should be the exact opposite. 

Lighting not only improves visibility but also sets the right mood and even makes a smaller bathroom look more inviting and larger. Whether you want to put new bathroom light fixtures over a mirror or on the walls, you’ve got to find the best fit.

In this post, we’ll explain what you should consider before choosing bathroom light fixtures and which one best suits your remodel. 

What You Should Consider Before Choosing Bathroom Lights

Before shortlisting bathroom light fixtures, you need to figure out the layout. The right layout can make your bath look spacious and highlight the best parts of your interior design. It’ll also make your space safe for 24/7 use.

So, here’s what you need to think about before ordering those bathroom light fixtures:

Size and Layout

First, look at the size and layout. Your bathroom’s interior will dictate how much illumination it requires. For example, a larger space would need more intense and spaced-out bathroom wall lights to illuminate the corners. 

On the other hand, a smaller bathroom could use fewer fixtures. Typically, one or two ceiling lights and a couple of bathroom light fixtures over the mirror can be enough. 

It all depends on how much room you’ve for adding new fixtures and making changes to your existing layout. We recommend talking to a bathroom remodeling contractor to see what your best option is. 

Natural Light 

The more natural light your bathroom has, the better. But you’ll still need ambient lighting for when the sun goes down. Think about adding a few bathroom wall lights to illuminate the corners. That should help you see everything clearly when using the bath at night. 

Bathroom Zones

Lighting also depends on how many zones your bathroom has. Most Utah bathrooms, especially in the master bedroom, have a toilet area, a shower, and a sink with a vanity. Each of these zones requires a different type of bathroom light fixture. 

The shower and toilet areas require ambient lighting, which can be a wall-mounted or ceiling fixture. But the sink and vanity areas typically need bathroom light fixtures over the mirror. 

Safety 

You’ll need to consider local building codes before installing bathroom lights. In Utah, you’ve to use wet-rated light fixtures and circuit breakers in areas like bathrooms. Always check the labels before buying light fixtures for your bathroom. 

The Best Type of Light Fixtures for Your Bathroom

Now that you know what you should consider when it comes to bathroom lights, the next step is to look at your options. Typically, Utah bathrooms can use: 

Ceiling Lights

You can find flush-mount or semi-flush ceiling lights in almost every bathroom, particularly in older properties in Utah. The biggest benefit of this bathroom light is that it illuminates every part of your space if placed correctly.

If you want both aesthetics and visibility, go with a chandelier that perfectly complements the interior design of your bathroom. The other option is a flush-mount or semi-flush ceiling light, which balances a traditional décor. 

Vanity Lights

Every bathroom needs light fixtures over the mirror because it’s where your day starts and ends. In the morning, you shave, do your hair, or put on your makeup before heading out to work. And in the evening, this is where you get ready for bed. 

You can place bathroom lights, like scones, above or beside your mirror. Scones, when mounted at eye level on both sides, provide great lighting for the sink and vanity area. They’re affordable, come in versatile designs, and are easy to maintain. 

But scones typically have a shade. If you’re choosing these light fixtures for your bathroom, go with metal or glass shades, which offer excellent moisture resistance. If you love fabric shades, you’ll need to look for something that holds up well against moisture. 

Shower Lighting 

Just like the vanity and sink, you’ll use your shower every day. Recessed bathroom light fixtures are the best option for illuminating this area. These lights melt into your interior and provide proper illumination as you shower. 

However, be sure your shower lights are wet-rated. This bathroom light fixture should have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. GFCI helps prevent electric shocks where water and electricity are in proximity.

Pendant Lights 

Pendant lights are an excellent way to illuminate your bathroom while making a style statement. These bathroom lights hang from the ceiling and have a modern look. If you’re remodeling your dated bathroom, consider these to create a design focal point. 

If you’re installing these bathroom lights over the mirror, make sure they hang above or on both sides. Pendant lights are a perfect solution for small bathrooms or those with a minimalist design. 

Like all other bathroom light fixtures, these also need to be wet-rated. The outer part of the fixture should be able to tolerate moisture and require minimal maintenance. 

LED Strips

Another option is waterproof LED strips. LEDs are one of the best types of light for bathrooms because they’re versatile, affordable, and provide ample illumination. Plus, LED lights use up to 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. 

Look for LEDs with a color rendering index of 90+ to get ample light. You can install these bathroom lights along the edge of the shower or the mirror. LED strips are highly flexible, so you can be as creative as you want when adding them to your bathroom. 

Get the Right Light Fixtures for Your Bathroom

When you’re ready for a bathroom light upgrade, give us a call. We’ve been helping Utah homeowners upgrade their bathrooms for over three decades. Our team specializes in everything, from bathtub to shower conversions to wall surrounds. And as far as bathroom lights are concerned, we can help you choose the right ones and install them. 

From Salt Lake City to Provo, we serve homeowners across Utah. Ready to get new light fixtures for your bathroom? Contact us today for a free estimate.