We researched dozens of bathroom lighting options, ranking them on brightness, style, adjustability, sturdiness, and ease of installation. Our best overall pick is the Progress Lighting 3-Light Antique Bronze Bathroom Vanity Light, which offers a simple and versatile design, includes installation hardware, and comes in multiple finishes. Here are the best bathroom lighting fixtures. When shopping for a bathroom light fixture, you’ll want to consider the versatility of both its look and functionality. This vanity light checks all of our boxes with a classic and simple design that will work well in different types of bathroom interiors. We like that you can mount it so the shades are facing either up or down. It’s also damp-rated and can handle the usual moisture found in bathrooms. “When selecting sink vanity lighting, consider who is using the mirror,” Johnson says. “If someone is leaning in close to do makeup, opt for down lighting which provides better light for hair and makeup. Otherwise, an up light works well.” This fixture measures 24 inches long and has three lights with etched glass shades and a sizable wall plate. It can handle a max of three 100-watt bulbs (not included). You can choose from antique bronze or polished nickel finishes, and for added convenience, the mounting hardware is included. Price at time of publish: $80 The light has a sleek modern design, featuring a silver backplate that supports two white tubes on either side. The smallest option produces 560 lumens of light, and the brightness goes up with each size, allowing you to find the right level of illumination for your space. Plus, you can opt to mount the fixtures horizontally over your mirror or vertically on either side, similar to sconces. Price at time of publish: $30 These LED lights can be mounted horizontally or vertically, and they’re compatible with dimmer switches, as well. The light’s output depends on which size you choose, but even the smallest light produces 1,268 lumens. Plus, there’s no need to worry about having to replace the lights any time soon, as the lifespan of the bulbs is estimated to be 54,000 hours. These contemporary sconces feature a clear bell-shaped glass shade that houses a 60-watt light bulb (not included). The shade is supported by a straight metal arm, and the fixtures are compatible with dimmer switches, allowing you to adjust their intensity as needed. Price at time of publish: $87 The ceiling light is safe to use in damp locations and comes with an integrated LED bulb that gives off 1,100 lumens. The fixture’s glass shade creates a soft white light in your bathroom, and the product is compatible with most Triac wall dimmers. Price at time of publish: $80 You can choose between brushed nickel or polished chrome finishes for this fixture, and it’s every bit as functional as it is pretty, producing more than 3,000 lumens of light. It can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or even down from the ceiling, and its integrated LED bulb will last up to 50,000 hours. Price at time of publish: $370 This vanity light can be installed with its shades facing up or down, and it’s compatible with any 60-watt standard light bulb. The fixture is damp-rated, making it safe to use in a humid bathroom, and you can even have it wired into a dimmer switch for even more control. Price at time of publish: $119 The lighted mirror comes in several sizes to suit your bathroom, and it can be wired into a wall switch if you choose. However, there are touch controls on the mirror, as well, for quick adjustments. It even has anti-fog technology that keeps the mirror clear after your hottest shower—really, what more could you ask for? Price at time of publish: $429 In addition to its powerful fan, this product has an integrated LED light with a simple circular design, and the fan and light can be wired to operate together or independently. However, keep in mind that while this exhaust fan can be used in the bathroom, it should not be installed directly over a shower or bathtub unless the unit is protected via a GFCI circuit. Price at time of publish: $137
Brightness
As you compare light fixtures, you’ll want to consider how much light they’ll create in your bathroom. If a light has an integrated LED bulb, check how many lumens it puts off—in general, you’ll want around 7,000 lumens in a medium-sized bathroom. If you’re buying a light without light bulbs, look at how many bulbs it holds and the maximum wattage per bulb.
Features
Consider lighting the jewelry of your bathroom," says Bryan Johnson, CEO of Shades of Light. “Be sure to coordinate finishes within a bathroom, particularly between your mirror, faucet and lighting. They don’t need to match, but you do want each of these pieces to complement each other, especially when so close together. If you have a frameless mirror, this could allow you to focus more on the lighting or faucet.” Some bathroom lights include useful features, such as compatibility with dimmer switches or the ability to adjust their light temperature. There are even smart lights available that can be controlled from your phone. Just keep in mind that these features often drive up the price of lights, so you’ll want to make sure you’re paying for functionality that you’ll actually use.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Camryn Rabideau is an experienced freelance writer and has been contributing to The Spruce since 2017. She has covered all things home for many publications, including Martha Stewart, InStyle, and Food52. Additional reporting was done by Rabekah Henderson, a freelance design and decor writer whose work has appeared on MyDomaine, Atomic Ranch, Cary Magazine, and American Farmhouse Style. Bryan Johnson, CEO of Shades of Light, also offered additional commentary on what to look for when purchasing bathroom light fixtures.
