Bathroom Lighting Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Whole Renovation
You can nail the tiles, vanity, and layout —
but if you mess up the lighting, the whole bathroom suffers.
We see it all the time across Melbourne: stunning renovations that still feel wrong. Why? Because the lighting is too harsh, too dim, or placed in all the wrong spots.
Let’s break down the most common bathroom lighting mistakes (and how to avoid them).
🔻 Mistake #1: Only Installing a Central Ceiling Light
One big light in the middle of the room? It’s just not enough.
Creates shadows on your face when standing at the mirror
Doesn’t highlight features like tiles, niches, or joinery
Feels cold and clinical — more hospital than spa
Fix it: Use layered lighting: ambient (ceiling), task (mirror), and accent (niches or under-vanity).
🔻 Mistake #2: Ignoring Natural Light
Melbourne homes vary — some bathrooms have windows, some don’t.
If yours does, use it strategically. Avoid blocking it with:
Shower screens
Dark curtains
Overhead cabinets
If it doesn’t? Compensate with warm-toned lighting and mirrors that bounce light around.
🔻 Mistake #3: Bad Mirror Lighting
Side lighting = flattering.
Overhead lighting = horror movie shadows.
What works best:
Wall sconces on either side of the mirror
Backlit mirrors with built-in LEDs
Dimmable options so you’re not blinded at 6am
🔻 Mistake #4: Wrong Colour Temperature
A bright white light might seem clean — but it often feels sterile.
Pro tip: Use 3000K (warm white) for a welcoming, natural glow. It’s ideal for grooming and makes your space feel calm and luxurious.
Cooler tones (4000K+) work best in laundries or commercial settings — not where you relax.
🔻 Mistake #5: No Lighting Zones
Don’t treat your bathroom like one big box. Different zones need different lighting levels.
Shower zone: Waterproof downlight or wall-mounted fixture
Vanity: Task lighting or sconces
Toilet: Soft ambient light or sensor light (great for night)
You want to see clearly, but also wind down. That’s hard to do with a blinding floodlight.
Bonus: Smart Upgrades That Make Lighting Even Better
Motion sensor night lights under the vanity
Dimmer switches to change the vibe from AM rush to PM unwind
LED strip lights inside cabinetry for a luxe hotel feel
Bluetooth light/fan combos for ventilation and mood control
All of these are small additions with big payoffs — and we help you plan them from the start.
Final Word?
Lighting is often the last thing people plan — but it should be one of the first.
At Bluestone Build Co, we work with trusted lighting suppliers to make sure your new bathroom looks just as good lit up as it does on the drawings.
