DIY Bathroom Lighting Ideas That Will Transform Your Space

When designing a bathroom, you might think that standard, bright light bulbs over the mirror are all you need. And yes, you do want it to be bright, but just a couple of vanity lights might not provide sufficient illumination. They also won’t bring much style. With a few creative DIY bathroom lighting ideas, you can completely transform your bathroom into a chic, relaxing home spa.

DIY bathroom lighting ideas that will transform your space

The bathroom should get just as much attention in your interior design as the rest of your home. If you’re looking for an innovative way to functionally and beautifully illuminate your bathroom, try starting with one of these ideas.

1. DIY industrial light fixture

Change the entire vibe of your bathroom with homemade industrial inspired fixtures. The industrial design school transforms elements of warehouses such as metallic textures and exposed piping into welcoming home additions. You can start your industrial project with a newly purchased plumbing pipe, or you can use a pipe decor kit. Pick your favorite style of miniature pendant lights to make it your own.

2. DIY vanity lighting

Sprucing up your bathroom can be as simple as upgrading your current decor. An outdated bathroom vanity light, for example, can dampen the whole mood. Updating the fixture can be as simple as repainting its base or replacing ordinary incandescents with transparent Edison bulbs.

Tweaking your current fixture allows you to use fewer materials and spend less money while still getting that fresh, shiny, new bathroom look. Why break the bank on a new bathroom when you can transform what you already have into something beautiful that feels new?

3. Copper pipe pendant

Want something trendy and tasteful without buying excess materials and untangling confusing assembly instructions? Well, with just three simple pieces, you can reshape your surroundings. All you need is copper pipes, spray paint, and a simple hanging pendant for an easy DIY bathroom fixture. Take it one step further by cutting the pipe and using copper wire to assemble your cuts into triangles. The result is a geometric pendant that instantly deepens your surroundings.

4. DIY lampshade

A DIY lampshade adds personality into your bathroom even more easily than a homemade copper pipe pendant. You can use whatever colors and styles you desire – for example, a modern bathroom design might merit white tones. You can also paint bold flowers or patterns onto a white lampshade. If you’re feeling really ambitious, try using hair dye for a gorgeous ombre effect – your bathroom will get the new dimension it deserves.

5. DIY bathroom light cover

Sticking to a tight budget? No problem. A unique and sophisticated cover costs under $15 to make, and how it transforms your bathroom atmosphere is priceless. With this step-by-step guide, you can camouflage your current fixture with stunning modern touches. Wood, paint, and fabric are all you need to see your bathroom in a whole new way.

6. DIY vintage cage-style fixture

Your master bathroom can go from dull and bleak to charming and endearing with a DIY vintage cage-style light. This vintage-inspired decor requires cage fixtures large enough to hold your choice of bulbs.

First, you can either purchase new cage fixtures or use your old ones that maybe need a bit of touching up. If your cages are chipping or you just want to change the color, spray-paint black onto the fixtures, add new bulbs, and reattach it to the wall for a rejuvenated vibe. Every time you walk into your bathroom, you’ll feel as if you're walking into a quaint and picturesque industrial farmhouse.

7. Lanterns with battery-driven candles

Plenty of lighting enhancements avoid messing with all the wires that are typically handled by a professional. More often than not, you can incorporate awe-striking new fixtures without even touching a tool. An easy DIY lantern with battery-driven candles is a great example. With no flames or electrical work to worry about, you can just sink into your bubble bath, wind down, and enjoy the peace. Just pick out the lantern of your choice and pop in a flameless candle, and you’re ready to go.

Elevate your spa night further by pairing your DIY lantern with the Ark Ambient Aurora Light. Alongside your flickering battery candle, your bathroom will be immersed in a comforting, abstract green laser aurora floating over soft blue nebula clouds. It’s a perspective you don’t get every day – and with the Ark, it’s available with just the push of a button.

ARK Aurora Light

$29.99

Transcend reality with a moving abstract aurora.

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8. Nautical rope string lights

You know that feeling you get every summer when you drive down to the beach and breathe in that fresh ocean air? Even in the colder months, you can conjure that feeling. Give your bathroom the ultimate makeover with beach-themed decor such as nautical rope string lights. Wrap a standard metal chandelier with sisal rope to create a statement piece fit for a beach house.

Dreaming of those summer nights spent on the warm sand, looking up at the stars with the water flowing right over your feet? You can recreate that moment with the StarPort Laser USB in blue. Hundreds of twinkling blue laser stars will fill the room as you relax in your bathtub. Light an ocean-scented candle and gaze into the stars to mentally transport yourself to a calming evening down on the shore.

StarPort USB Light

$14.99

One tiny light. Thousands of stars!

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9. Globe sconce

A small bathroom can boast lighting and decor as impressive as in a large one, especially with globe sconces. In tight spaces, these DIY sconces bring additional style without taking up precious counter space.

Once completed, this intermediate-advanced DIY project plugs right into your wall. That means you have the flexibility to move it around. Take a quick trip to a department store and pick up a frosted, neckless globe and a porcelain socket. You should also buy a brass canopy, brass socket cup, necklace holder set, and a brass arm. Add a dimmer so you can adjust the brightness and set the mood for your luxury spa.

Via Laura Gummerman / A Beautiful Mess

10. Wooden disc pendant

Believe it or not, dinnerware can form the basis of some especially unique DIY bathroom lighting fixtures. Dust off that unused wooden serving bowl and repurpose it into a marvelous disc pendant. After you drill a hole through the bowl, simply thread a pendant fixture through it and be amazed. If you’re redesigning a kids’ bathroom, have some fun with it and use cords of different colors.

Up for a challenge? Try creating a turning plywood pendant light for a more geometric design that will instantly rejuvenate your bathroom. It’s professional-level lighting, complete with a stunning veneer, made only on your terms.

Via I Like to Make Stuff

11. Stacked sliced wood lamp

A bathroom surrounded by nature can evoke the soothing tones of Mother Earth. To achieve this feel, stack some birch slices together and use them as a bathroom lamp. String the cord of a lighting kit through the slices, then choose a lampshade that complements the wood. Turn it on, add a bath bomb to your warm water, dip in, and enjoy the world outside without leaving home.

12. Recycled bottle lamp

Are you trying to preserve the environment through recycling? Or do you just like the cleverness of converting a glass bottle into a little lamp? In either case, a recycled bottle lamp makes for an excellent DIY lighting project. It’s easy and inexpensive, it adds plentiful character to your bathroom, and it costs next to nothing.

Look around your house for old glass wine jugs, water bottles, or beer growlers. If you don’t own any of these items, consider swinging by your local thrift store or flea market to see what’s available. You have full creative control over how large or small you want the lamp.

Once you’ve obtained all these items, you just need a lamp kit to complete the project. Alternatively, you can buy the lamp kit pieces individually. Once the bottle lamp is assembled, you’ll have an eye-catching source of illumination that fits your vision to a tee.

13. Mason jars with lightbulbs

When incorporating mason jars into your design, the sky’s the limit. With a few mason jars and an old light fixture, you can give your bathroom a dream-home rustic yet modern vibe. It’s the easiest way to achieve the designs dominating your Pinterest boards while sticking to your budget.

To start, try creating a mason jar pendant. Alternatively, place your mason jars over bulbs on a sconce or hanging fixture. No matter the route you go, your mason jars might completely transform your space from drab to endlessly comforting.

14. BlissLights

It doesn’t get any easier than simply plugging a light into an outlet. That’s all it takes to incorporate BlissLights into your bathroom. With just the push of a button, you’ll find yourself shrouded in mesmerizing interstellar effects that transform your bathroom into a world beyond this one. There’s never a dull moment when you’re surrounded by an enthralling galaxy of shining stars and weightless clouds.

Add the Sky Lite Evolve Galaxy Projector to your DIY bathroom lighting for an entrancing show of multicolored nebula clouds. You can choose a different color for each of your two nebulas and cycle among several effects right from your smartphone. You’ll marvel at your glowing nebulas whether you’re brushing your teeth, showering, or getting ready for an evening out.

Sky Lite Evolve: Smart Galaxy Projector

$49.99$39.99

The latest evolution in smart galaxy lighting.

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Dress up your bathroom with BlissLights

Revamping your bathroom lighting can be a fun challenge to tackle, but it’s certainly a challenge. When done wrong, it can be expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating. When done right, it results in easy, fun projects for you, your friends, and your family. It also results in a permanently transformed space, especially if you add BlissLights to your design. BlissLights instantly transform your space without the need for any heavy tools, an electrician, or expensive materials. Browse the BlissLights collection for hassle-free bathroom lighting that’s more than a sight – it’s a universe.