BulbBrief
For general bathroom light, use 3000–3500K, 90+ CRI, damp-rated bulbs. At the mirror, switch to 3500–4000K, 95+ CRI and light your face from both sides, not just overhead.
| Zone | Color | CRI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / ambient | 3000–3500K | 90+ | ~30–40 lumens/sq ft, damp-rated |
| Vanity / mirror | 3500–4000K | 95+ | ~1,600–2,400 lm across the vanity, side-lit |
| Shower / tub | 3000–3500K | 90+ | Wet-rated trim required |
| Common shape/base | G25 globe (E26) for vanity bars; A19/E26 or BR30 for ceiling | ||
How bright should a bathroom be?
Bathrooms need more ambient light than living spaces — about 30–40 lumens per square foot. A small 5 × 8 ft bathroom (40 sq ft) needs roughly 1,200–1,600 lumens of ambient light, plus dedicated light at the mirror.
Color temperature: warmer ambient, cooler mirror
For the room overall, 3000–3500K is a comfortable, clean white. At the mirror, go a touch cooler — 3500–4000K — because it’s closer to daylight and shows makeup and skin the way they’ll look outside. Avoid going past 4000K; very cool light turns clinical and bluish.
CRI is non-negotiable at the mirror
This is the one place in the home where CRI really counts. Use 95+ CRI bulbs at the vanity so foundation, blush, and hair color match in real light. For the rest of the bathroom, 90+ is plenty.
Placement beats power
A single light directly over the mirror casts shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin — the worst possible setup for grooming. Light the face from both sides (sconces or a vertical bar beside the mirror) for even, flattering illumination. Spread roughly 1,600–2,400 lumens across the vanity area.
Moisture safety
Use damp-rated bulbs and fixtures throughout a bathroom, and wet-rated products inside a shower or tub enclosure. The rating is printed on the fixture or packaging. When in doubt about wiring or a new fixture, call a qualified electrician.
Common bathroom lighting mistakes
- Only a single light directly overhead, creating harsh facial shadows.
- Using low (80) CRI bulbs at the mirror, so makeup looks wrong elsewhere.
- Going too cool (5000K+), which feels cold and unflattering.
- Using non-damp-rated bulbs that fail early in a humid room.
- Under-lighting a windowless bathroom — it needs ample ambient light.
Get your bathroom’s exact spec
Tell us the room and your main task — grooming gets its own vanity-light recommendation.
Open the calculatorBathroom bulb FAQ
What is the best color temperature for a bathroom?
3000–3500K for general light; 3500–4000K at the makeup mirror, which is close to daylight and shows makeup accurately without looking blue.
What CRI should bathroom bulbs have?
90+ for general light and 95+ at the vanity, where accurate skin tones and color matching matter most.
Do bathroom bulbs need to be damp-rated?
Yes — damp-rated throughout, and wet-rated inside a shower or tub enclosure, because moisture damages bulbs not built for it.
Why does my makeup look wrong in bathroom light?
Usually low CRI or a single overhead light. Side-light the face with 95+ CRI bulbs around 3500–4000K instead.