When Amanda and Leo purchased their first modern home in Sacramento, the bathroom was sleek—flat-panel cabinets, soft grey tile, a seamless walk-in shower. But despite the clean lines, it felt… flat. Something was missing. That something? Lighting.
Like many homeowners, they initially overlooked this essential detail. But as they discovered, great bathroom lighting isn’t just functional—it’s transformative. This minimalist and clean guide, told through their journey and inspired by Jonathan Scott’s modern design ethos, explores subtle, smart, and effective bathroom lighting ideas for modern homes.
Layer 1: Ambient Lighting – The Foundation
✔ Recessed LEDs: Amanda and Leo’s bathroom ceiling featured four warm-white recessed fixtures, strategically placed to distribute soft light across the room without casting shadows.
✔ Flush-Mount Ceiling Lights: In smaller baths, a sleek flush-mount or semi-flush pendant adds character without visual clutter.
💡 Design Insight: Stick to a consistent color temperature (ideally 2700K–3000K) for a cohesive, spa-like atmosphere.
Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Flooring for Your Home also helps create a cohesive foundation for lighting to enhance.
Layer 2: Task Lighting – Clarity Where It Counts
✔ Vertical Sconces at Eye Level: Jonathan recommends placing sconces on either side of the mirror to eliminate harsh shadows on the face. Amanda and Leo chose matte black fixtures with frosted glass for a soft glow.
✔ Backlit Mirrors: Their guest bath features a mirror with integrated LED lighting—a minimalist solution that looks high-end and provides flawless task lighting.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overhead-only mirror lighting. It’s unflattering and uneven—especially during grooming routines.
Layer 3: Accent & Mood Lighting – Subtle Brilliance
✔ Toe-Kick Strip Lights: Installed below the vanity, these motion-activated lights offered Amanda and Leo a nightlight effect with zero glare.
✔ Niche Lighting in Showers: A waterproof LED strip inside their shower niche turned a functional element into a soft design feature.
✔ Dimmer Switches: One small change, huge difference. Dimmers allow the space to shift from energizing morning prep to wind-down evening serenity.
💡 Style Note: Minimalism doesn’t mean no drama—it means intentional contrast. Soft backlight behind a mirror, or warm LEDs under a floating vanity, add quiet visual depth.
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Lighting Types Amanda and Leo Considered (and Why They Chose What They Did)
| Fixture Type | Used? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pendant over vanity | ❌ | Too bulky for a narrow bath |
| Mirror-integrated LEDs | ✅ | Seamless and glare-free lighting |
| Track lighting | ❌ | Too industrial for their soft-modern style |
| Recessed ceiling LEDs | ✅ | Clean, unobtrusive, evenly distributed |
| LED strip under shelves | ✅ | Minimal and practical nighttime glow |
Final Result: A Bathroom That Glows With Purpose
Amanda and Leo’s updated lighting plan didn’t require tearing out walls or changing layouts. It required intention. The result?
✔ A bathroom that feels twice as large and far more welcoming
✔ Light that flatters, enhances, and adapts to daily life
✔ A space that’s still clean and modern—but now lives beautifully
💡 Jonathan’s Advice: “Good lighting doesn’t compete. It complements.”
