15 Modern Small Bathroom Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Space

This post shows you the best Modern Small Bathroom Lighting Ideas to try today.

There is nothing I find more annoying than walking into a poorly lit space and hitting my toes against concrete and tiles.

Besides the excruciating pain of such accidents, a poorly lit bathroom has the disadvantage of denying me the simple thrill of enjoying the sight of a beautifully done bathroom.

Where is the fun in that?

Here, I will share the most creative modern lighting ideas for small bathrooms.

Whether you like your bathroom bright or dim, there is something here for you.

Keep scrolling to discover multiple ways to leverage lighting to brighten up your space.

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Get Unconventional with an Incomplete Mirror

If you love artistry, then this option is ideal for you. Install a semi-circular backlit mirror inside a compact space with a wooden frame, and place light fixtures under your sink to enhance brightness from below and on the ceiling.

Then, next to the mirror, place two sconces horizontally for them to reflect from the mirror for extra brightness.

Centered LED Light Strips on Mirrors

If you have a large mirror in your bathroom, you could fit a circular thin LED light strip at a central point to create a stylish circular illusion.

Then, place another light strip at the bottom of your bright-colored bathtub and beneath the sink or drawers.

Also, add recessed light fixtures on the ceiling to complement the contemporary theme.

Timeless Pendant Lights

Do this by fitting pendant lights in front of the mirror above your sink.

This modern and timeless option fits well, especially against a beige bathroom color scheme.

Get Mysterious with Subtle Lighting

For anyone who prefers subtle brightness with a bit of mystery, install recessed light fixtures on the ceiling and a large rectangular backlit mirror that fits wall to wall.

Paint the walls white and install white fixtures like sinks, tubs, and cabinets directly beneath the mirror.

In doing so, the LED light at the lower part of the mirror reflects the white fixtures for extra but subtle brightness.

Sophistication with a Luxurious Touch

Install an expansive mirror with a thick continuous LED light strip along its edges to create minimalist and contemporary lighting.

To enhance the modern aesthetic, add illuminated shelves.

All this against a textured backdrop with rich wooden accents creates an inviting and visually appealing luxurious ambiance.

Keep it Simple but Functional

On each side of the mirror in your bathroom, install a wall sconce at eye level and place brightly colored bulbs.

These are excellent for functionality by creating flattering light when using the mirror during grooming or beauty activities.

Add a square LED panel on the ceiling for extra light throughout the bathroom.

Get Classy with Vanity Lights

Fit twin oval mirrors directly above two sinks and against a backdrop of brightly colored tiles.

Then, install globe vanity lights directly above each mirror.

This option creates an elegant illuminating ambiance that is stylish yet contemporary.

A Combination of a Chandelier with Recessed Lights

If your bathroom is not spacious, you could fit a chandelier as an overhead light above the mirror.

Install a chandelier with gold accents to complement the brown color of your vanity sink.

Then, enhance the lighting further by fitting recessed lights on the ceiling for a modern touch.

Twin Mirrors with Light Strips

You could install twin mirrors on your bathroom walls and fit thick LED light strips within the mirrors but close to their edges.

Doing this creates a mirror frame that enhances the room’s sophisticated style.

Complement this with a backdrop of dim tiles for a dramatic aesthetic.

Minimalist Illumination

An adequately bright vanity light could provide enough illumination to brighten your bathroom space.

Install the vanity light directly above the mirror over a vanity sink in a compact section of the bathroom.

Ensure these fixtures are white to enhance the space’s brightness.

Purple and Dramatic

If you prefer a splash of color, you could fit several tiny evenly spaced purple lights around your mirror.

Then, complement this with concealed purple light strips beneath the vanity in your bathroom and recessed bulbs on the ceiling.

The lighting is dark enough to create a futuristic feel yet bright enough to ensure functionality.

Soft and Diffused Brightness

To execute this design, install a backlit oval mirror above your sink against a wall with glossy white tiles for enhanced brightness.

Then, in wall corners and recessed shower shelves, install concealed bright LED strips to create soft lighting.

Lastly, complete this by installing recessed light fixtures on your ceiling for a modern and elegant finish.

Soothing Subtle Illumination

If you have multiple sinks in your bathroom, you could install backlit mirrors above each sink.

Then, install other backlit mirrors on the adjacent side of the room so that the illumination on each mirror reflects on other mirrors.

This creates a modern and soothing ambiance for your bathroom.

Simple But Elegant

For a simple but elegant lighting solution, install a square mirror above a wood-themed vanity and against a white backdrop.

Then, fit a vanity light comprising three bulbs directly above the mirror to provide overhead lighting.

Ensure the bulbs are bright enough to complement the bright wall color for enhanced illumination.

Keep it Modern and Industrial

Even without mirrors, you can keep your bathrooms bright with singular vanity lights above the sink for functionality.

Then, install other light fixtures on the ceiling to illuminate the rest of the bathroom.

Add some bright-colored fixtures to enhance the room’s brightness by reflecting light.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Type of Lighting is Best for a Small Bathroom?

For a small bathroom, the best lighting combines ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on areas like the mirror, and accent lighting adds visual interest.

LED lights are energy-efficient and ideal for small spaces because they don’t produce much heat.

Opt for fixtures that are sleek and minimal to avoid overwhelming the space.

2. How Can I Maximize Natural Light in a Small Bathroom?

Maximizing natural light in a small bathroom can make the space feel larger and brighter.

Use light-colored paint on the walls to reflect more natural light.

Consider installing a skylight or larger windows if possible, or use frosted glass for privacy while still allowing sunlight to come through.

Adding mirrors strategically can also reflect natural light, making the space feel more open.

3. What Kind of Vanity Lighting Works Best in Small Bathrooms?

In small bathrooms, vanity lighting should be both functional and stylish.

Wall-mounted sconces on either side of the mirror offer balanced illumination and reduce shadows on your face.

An LED lighted mirror can be an excellent modern alternative that adds elegance while saving space.

Always aim for lighting that mimics natural daylight for the most flattering results.

4. How Can I Use Lighting to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger?

Lighting can play a huge role in making a small bathroom feel more spacious.

Recessed lighting or flush-mount ceiling lights can give the illusion of a taller ceiling.

Using layered lighting, such as pendant lights combined with task lighting, can create depth in the room.

Avoid bulky light fixtures that take up too much visual space, and instead opt for sleek, minimalist designs.

5. Are There Specific Light Fixtures That Work Best for Modern Bathroom Designs?

Yes, certain light fixtures complement modern bathroom designs beautifully.

Chrome and matte black finishes are popular choices for a sleek, contemporary look.

Pendant lights or geometric-shaped fixtures add an artistic touch, while minimalist LED strips offer a clean, futuristic vibe.

Look for fixtures with clean lines and avoid overly ornate designs to maintain that modern aesthetic.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Bathroom” board.