How to Update Bathroom Light Fixtures

Flush mount fixtures on the ceiling provide general lighting for the entire bathroom. However, in additional to being practical, they can also be stylish.

You can choose a flush-mount fixture in a finish or style that matches or complements the fixtures in your bathroom. Ceiling fixtures in chrome offer extra shine, while nickel is a less reflective finish that looks good with almost anything. A black flush mount fixture will work well in a modern or contemporary bathroom. For a more rustic look, go with a bronze or brass fixture.

Standard light bulbs generally work best with ceiling fixtures. Standard bulbs come in a range of light tones. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended wattage of the bulbs for your fixtures. For bright bathroom lighting, select a bulb with the maximum wattage recommended.

A smart light bulb can give you options for changing the color and brightness of your bathroom lighting.

You can choose from a wide range of pendant light types for your bathroom. Down pendant lights have an opening on the lower end and work well for task lighting. In an encased pendant, a cover of glass or metal encloses the light. A light bulb hangs alone in an exposed bulb pendant.

Choose globe-shaped pendant lights to match a bathroom with a modern style. If your house is older or you’re going for a vintage look, classic-style pendants can evoke the lighting of the past.

You can also update your bathroom pendant light with a new bulb. In addition to standard bulbs, options for pendant lights include candle-shaped or globe-shaped bulbs.

In a bathroom, more than one type of lighting works well. If you already have ceiling lights, you can add sconces next to your vanity. Sconces come in a variety of styles that can provide more light around the sink and mirror. In bigger bathrooms, a sconce with soft light can help make the area around a bathtub feel more relaxing.

If your bathroom lighting already includes sconces, you can change the shade to give them a new appearance. Glass is a traditional choice. For lamp-style sconces, go bold with a shade of patterned fabric in a bright color.

The direction of the sconce will affect the way it lights your bathroom. Up light sconces produce light that goes toward the ceiling. They are brighter than down sconces, which emit light in the direction of the floor. Up-down sconces send light both ways.

A new light bulb type can offer a simple upgrade for your bathroom sconces. Candle, globe and standard bulbs work well for sconces.

As you upgrade your vanity sconces, check their height. They should be between 60 and 70 inches from the floor. The right sconce height keeps the bulbs from shining right into your eyes or creating weird shadows as you look in the mirror.

Vanity lights can provide important task lighting in your bathroom. This row of lights above the sink can help you see better as you shave, put on makeup or even brush your teeth. Vanity light comes in a variety of styles.

If you need more illumination, you can simply switch out the bulbs in your vanity light bar. Try changing from warm light to cool, or from soft white to bright white. Warmer light tones offer a more relaxed feel. You can also select a bulb with more style. Decorative bulbs come with spiral filaments.

If you want to update the entire vanity light bar, be sure it fits the space. A strip of lights that’s at least 4 inches shorter than the vanity is recommended. Center the light bar over the vanity. The ideal height for a vanity light bar is about 3 inches above the bathroom mirror. Typically, vanity light bars are hung between 75 and 80 inches from the floor.