Light Fixture Hanging Guide | Bathroom

Key Takeaways

• You can use any style of lighting for your bathroom, including pendant lights, wall sconces, and chandeliers.
• To ensure cohesive lighting design, create layered lighting for the vanity, above the toilet, and above the shower or bathtub.
• Keep your bathroom safe and functional with UL-listed and IP-rated light fixtures and light bulbs.

Hanging Bathroom Lights

Installing a new light fixture in your bathroom can add a lot of character and ambiance to the space. Not to mention, it can make getting ready in the morning much easier when you have proper lighting. However, hanging bathroom light fixtures can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with interior design. In this blog post, we'll discuss where to hang light fixtures in bathrooms to create a comfortable, functional, and stylish space.

Like any interior design tips, these are just suggestions and common installation practices. Always use your intuition and best judgment when designing your space with bathroom hanging light fixtures. 

Pendants

Pendant lights are a great option for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom. They come in various styles, sizes, and designs, making them suitable for any bathroom decor. Consider hanging bathroom light fixtures over bathtubs, in corners, or even over a vanity. 

Ideally, the bottom of the pendant bathroom hanging light fixture should be around 7 feet above the floor. This will ensure that the fixture is high enough to avoid getting in your way. However, if the pendant is in a corner or another area where you won’t be standing directly under it, you can hang it a little lower.

Sconces

Sconces are the most popular choice for lighting mirrors and vanities. These bathroom hanging light fixtures are ideal for smaller bathrooms and low ceilings, as they take up minimal space while providing ample lighting. 

If your mirror is centered over the sink, installing two exposed bulb sconces, one on either side, or a single sconce above are great options. Depending on the size of the vanity, hanging bathroom lights on either side of the sink should follow a few simple guidelines:

• Place sconces about 28” apart or 2–3 inches from either side of the mirror
• Allow for about 65” from the floor to the bottom of the backplate
• Center a single sconce over the mirror, leaving about 2–3” from the fixture and the mirror

The configuration of your bathroom will determine how precisely you follow these three guiding rules, especially if you have an intimate or an oversized space. Special accommodations must be made when hanging bathroom lights in environments that are above or below average in size.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a great option for adding a touch of luxury and elegance. These larger hanging bathroom light fixtures aren’t a typical choice, but they’re ideal for high ceilings or extra-large spaces. We love placing a unique chandelier over freestanding bathtubs to highlight the centerpiece of your space and illuminate the entire bathroom. 

Alternatively, you can hang a multi-port chandelier in the center of the bathroom to ensure it is centered and avoid asymmetry. When considering height, chandeliers should be hung high enough to avoid collisions but low enough to provide ample lighting. Hanging chandeliers 7 feet or higher from the floor usually does the trick.

Hanging Bathroom Light FAQ

Can you put a hanging light in the bathroom?

Yes, we love adding the elegance and sophistication of a brass or gold pendant light to the bathroom. Hanging lights also offer a subtle sense of movement to your space that prevents it from feeling and looking dull. We recommend choosing IP-rated lighting to ensure the utmost safety in your light fixture design. However, if your bathroom hanging light fixtures are outside of designated zones, you can use non-IP fixtures.

What type of lighting is best for bathrooms?

The best lighting style for your bathroom is up to you! But you should definitely take some functionality concerns under advisement. If you’re looking at hanging bathroom lights, make sure they offer the following essentials:

• Compatible with 3,000 - 4,000K light bulbs for ideal illumination
• Aim for 50 lumens per square foot
• Look for damp-rated or moisture-safe light bulbs
• Choose rust-resistant fixtures
• Prioritize high CRI bulbs for colors that are true to life

Are there any important rules for hanging bathroom lights?

There are several guidelines for hanging bathroom lights to ensure functionality, including:

• Lighting without shadows: If you want flattering lighting for doing your hair and makeup in the mirror, you must place your vanity lights in a way that ensures full light at all times. You can choose an overhead placement or place a fixture on each side of the mirror. Light bulbs should sit at eye level for an even spread.

• Meeting regulations: Hanging bathroom lights must be IP67-rated in specific zones, including anywhere they may encounter high levels of moisture. Lighting must also be low voltage, with a maximum of 12V. Furthermore, any transformers or LED drivers should be placed outside of the bathroom.

• Matching hardware for cohesive design: Bathrooms have a variety of metal fixtures, including faucets, handles, and hooks. Make sure your bathroom looks cohesive by matching the finish of all hardware from light fixtures to faucets!

How many lights should my bathroom have?

The number of bathroom hanging light fixtures you need definitely depends on how large a space you have. Small bathrooms can likely get away with just a single pendant light or a vanity wall sconce set. However, bathrooms with average to large floor areas will benefit from layered lighting. Consider an overhead light, as well as additional vanity lights and task lights. You may want a separate switch for each set of lights, including the ambient overhead light, the toilet light, and the vanity light.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when it comes to hanging bathroom light fixtures, there are a few things to consider, such as the height, placement, and size of the fixtures. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom that is sure to impress.

Have more questions? Use our chat feature to discuss your lighting needs with Color Cord Company experts!