When it comes to home renovations, bathrooms are often high on the priority list. They’re personal, functional, and essential. Yet, even the most beautiful tile, sleek fixtures, or luxurious vanities can fall flat without one crucial ingredient—proper lighting.
At Stripped Electrical, we believe a bathroom isn’t just a place to brush your teeth and rush out the door. It’s where your day begins and ends. It should energize you in the morning, relax you at night, and reflect your style every hour in between. That’s why lighting design is at the heart of every bathroom renovation we handle.
Let’s explore how the right lighting choices can elevate your bathroom from bland to breathtaking—and how our expert electricians can help make it happen.
Why Lighting Matters in a Bathroom
Bathrooms are unique in that they serve multiple purposes in a compact space. You need lighting that supports:
- Personal grooming and hygiene (think flawless makeup application or a smooth shave)
- Relaxation and wellness (such as soaking in a tub or winding down after a long day)
- Safety and accessibility (no one wants to fumble around in poor lighting)
- Aesthetic appeal (lighting can highlight textures, reflect off surfaces, and create ambiance)
The lighting choices you make influence not just visibility, but how your bathroom feels and functions. With the right electrical planning, even the smallest bathroom can look more spacious, stylish, and serene.
1. Layered Lighting: The Secret to a Well-Lit Bathroom
Too often, bathrooms rely on a single overhead fixture. This leads to shadows, uneven light, and a cold or clinical vibe. Instead, we recommend layered lighting—a design strategy that combines multiple types of lighting to achieve balance and beauty.
The Three Key Layers:
Ambient Lighting
This is your main source of light, typically from ceiling fixtures or recessed lights. It sets the overall tone and illuminates the entire space.
Task Lighting
Focused lighting placed around key activity areas like mirrors or vanities. Think vertical sconces or backlit mirrors. This layer is essential for grooming and precision tasks.
Accent Lighting
Used to highlight design features, such as tile work, shelving, or artwork. LED strips under floating vanities or cove lighting above bathtubs can create a spa-like ambiance.
By thoughtfully combining all three, you avoid harsh shadows and flat light, giving your bathroom both functionality and flair.
2. Choosing the Right Fixture for the Right Function
Not all lights are created equal—especially in wet or humid spaces like bathrooms. At Stripped Electrical, we help you choose fixtures that are safe, durable, and stylish.
Vanity Area
This is where precision lighting matters most. Opt for fixtures that:
- Provide even lighting on both sides of the face
- Have a color temperature between 2700K–3000K (warm to neutral white)
- Are mounted at eye level to reduce shadows
Vertical sconces or integrated LED mirrors work beautifully in these areas.
Overhead Lights
Flush-mount ceiling fixtures or recessed lighting work well to cast general illumination. If your ceiling is high, a statement pendant or chandelier (yes, even in bathrooms!) can bring elegance.
Shower and Bathtub Zones
Choose wet-rated fixtures to ensure safety. Recessed lights with waterproof trims are ideal for walk-in showers. For freestanding tubs, consider a dimmable chandelier for added drama and relaxation.
3. Color Temperature & CRI: What You See Is What You Get
Lighting is about more than just brightness. Two important technical specs you should know are color temperature and CRI (Color Rendering Index).
- Color Temperature: Measured in Kelvins (K), it affects the warmth or coolness of your lighting.
- 2700K–3000K: Warm and cozy (great for relaxing vibes)
- 3500K–4100K: Neutral white (ideal for morning routines)
- 5000K+: Cool white or daylight (can feel harsh and clinical)
- CRI: This measures how accurately a light source reveals true colors.
- A CRI of 90+ is excellent for bathrooms where color accuracy matters (especially for makeup or hair).
The lighting pros at Stripped Electrical can help you match the right tone and clarity for your goals—whether that’s Instagram-worthy selfies or a spa-inspired retreat.
4. Smart Bathroom Lighting: Welcome to the Future
In today’s high-tech homes, lighting can do more than just switch on and off. Smart lighting systems allow you to:
- Adjust brightness and color temperature via app or voice command
- Set scenes like “Wake Up,” “Relax,” or “Midnight Trip”
- Control lights remotely for energy efficiency and security
- Add motion sensors for hands-free convenience
We can install dimmable LEDs, smart switches, or Wi-Fi-enabled systems that integrate seamlessly with Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit.
Imagine starting your day with a soft sunrise glow, then winding down at night with a warm, candlelight hue—all controlled from your phone.
5. Lighting to Make Small Bathrooms Look Bigger
If your bathroom is on the smaller side, smart lighting choices can create the illusion of space.
Here’s how:
- Use wall-mounted sconces to free up counter space
- Backlight your mirror to reduce harsh shadows
- Add under-cabinet or under-vanity lighting to make the floor “float”
- Install a bright, diffused ceiling fixture to spread light evenly
- Choose fixtures with reflective surfaces (chrome, glass, or polished nickel)
At Stripped Electrical, we’ve helped countless clients maximize their space with clever electrical design—even in bathrooms with limited natural light.
6. Code Compliance and Safety First
Bathrooms have strict electrical requirements for good reason—water and electricity don’t mix well. Our licensed electricians ensure your bathroom renovation meets all Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) requirements, including:
- GFCI-protected outlets near water sources
- Wet/damp-rated light fixtures in moisture-prone zones
- Proper spacing and circuit capacity for all your devices
- Safe switch placement (especially in tight powder rooms)
With Stripped Electrical, you don’t have to worry about inspection delays or safety oversights. We’ve got it covered—down to the last wire and screw.
Real Life: Lighting That Made the Difference
One of our recent clients was renovating a dated main-floor bathroom in a mid-century bungalow. While the tile and vanity were being modernized, the room still felt dark and closed in. After a lighting consultation, we installed:
- A dimmable chandelier over the freestanding tub
- Vertical sconces on either side of the mirror
- Backlighting behind the floating vanity
- An LED strip under the toe kick for nighttime navigation
The result? A space that felt twice as big, three times more relaxing, and endlessly more functional.
Let Stripped Electrical Brighten Up Your Bathroom
At Stripped Electrical, we are more than just your local electricians. We're a team of dedicated professionals with a passion for lighting up lives and spaces. Our journey began with a simple idea: to provide our community with top-notch electrical services that are not only reliable and efficient but also delivered with a commitment to excellence.
We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, tailoring our solutions to meet your specific requirements—especially in personal spaces like your bathroom.
Let’s Get Started
📧 Email us at hello@strippedelectrical.ca
📞 Call 780-932-1776 to book your bathroom lighting consultation today.
Your dream bathroom is just a few lightbulbs away. Let us help you make it shockingly stunning.
