Something else to consider for “flattering” light is diffusion, contrast and symmetry. If you put a high CRI light directly under your chin in a pitch black room you’re going to look like a monster no matter how pretty you might be. The diffusion makes a difference in the flattery. Also the placement. A particularly forgiving lighting arrangement is called “clamshell” lighting which places two diffuse sources like a large book or corner of a room in front of your face or slightly above eye level. Finally, you may or may not want some backlighting or other way to fill in the room. In a small space with white(ish) walls, you’re bound to get reflections; maybe some sunlight through a window. However, consider at high-end retailers how they have semi-spotlights (less or no diffusion) which can be flattering on hair; conveniently called hair lights or rim lights which should fall on your head and shoulders. Color temperature doesn’t matter that much in terms of color perception because your eyes will adjust. However, I find that cooler whites help me see details better. If I was doing makeup, I’d prefer a cooler white so I wouldn’t miss anything. Then again I’m not a makeup artist. Bear in mind that you usually don’t want to mix color temperatures so if you plan to use existing lights, match your new lights to those or change everything. These are from film techniques but a face is a face. Incidentally it is not CRI which makes a good film light but TCLI. CRI is for eyes, the other is for cameras. Answer from HexspaReloaded on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/lighting › most flattering bulbs for bathroom lighting?
r/Lighting on Reddit: Most flattering bulbs for bathroom lighting?
February 26, 2024 -

The current bulbs in my bathroom are very unflattering and have a warmer tint. I've tried a cooler daylight bulb but it was way too bright. What do you think is the perfect bulb for flattering bathroom lighting?

Top answer
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Something else to consider for “flattering” light is diffusion, contrast and symmetry. If you put a high CRI light directly under your chin in a pitch black room you’re going to look like a monster no matter how pretty you might be. The diffusion makes a difference in the flattery. Also the placement. A particularly forgiving lighting arrangement is called “clamshell” lighting which places two diffuse sources like a large book or corner of a room in front of your face or slightly above eye level. Finally, you may or may not want some backlighting or other way to fill in the room. In a small space with white(ish) walls, you’re bound to get reflections; maybe some sunlight through a window. However, consider at high-end retailers how they have semi-spotlights (less or no diffusion) which can be flattering on hair; conveniently called hair lights or rim lights which should fall on your head and shoulders. Color temperature doesn’t matter that much in terms of color perception because your eyes will adjust. However, I find that cooler whites help me see details better. If I was doing makeup, I’d prefer a cooler white so I wouldn’t miss anything. Then again I’m not a makeup artist. Bear in mind that you usually don’t want to mix color temperatures so if you plan to use existing lights, match your new lights to those or change everything. These are from film techniques but a face is a face. Incidentally it is not CRI which makes a good film light but TCLI. CRI is for eyes, the other is for cameras.
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Some of that effect will be related to the CRI of the fixture. A lower, cheaper unit won't look as flattering as one with a high CRI. Aim for a 90+ CRI and a 3200K color temp and you should be good. You can go higher on both, but a higher color temp isn't recommended because this is a living space that will be used at night and we don't want to mess with circadian rhythms. If you have a dimmer, you could even go with a warm-dim option.
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Lamps Expo
lampsexpo.com › collections › best selling led bathroom vanity lights
Best Selling LED Bathroom Vanity Lights - Top Modern Lighting Fixtures — Lamps Expo
Shop our Best Selling LED Bathroom Vanity Lights, where popular design meets LED efficiency, for a bathroom that's both beautifully lit and energy-conscious. Explore now!
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Northerncult
northerncult.com › home › lighting blogs › 2024 – how to choose led light for bathroom lighting?
How to Pick the Best LED Light for Bathroom Lighting
August 26, 2025 - The bathroom is often going to have warm white lighting as this is where the family will bath or relax during the evening and the soft light helps to set a relaxing mood, so setting a color temperature between 2700K - 3500K (cool white) will be ...
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Super Bright LEDs
superbrightleds.com › home › knowledge base
The Essential Guide to Bathroom LED Lighting | Super Bright LEDs
October 22, 2025 - Get simple single-color white LED bulbs or upgrade to a smart bulb for optional wireless control, RGB, and white or tunable white light. Use our universal bulb finder to get the ideal replacement bulbs for your home. A popular alternative to traditional sconce lights trending in bathroom lighting design is using LED strip lights to create a backlit vanity mirror.
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Amazon
amazon.ca › Best-Sellers-Vanity-Lighting-Fixtures › zgbs › hi › 3130326011
Amazon.ca Best Sellers: The most popular items in Vanity Lighting Fixtures
Tools & Home Improvement Best Sellers Power & Hand Tools Lighting & Ceiling Fans Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Plumbing Safety & Security Smart Home Deals · Our most popular products based on sales. Updated frequently. ... LED Vanity Mirror Lights, Adjustable Color Temperature & Brightness 10 Dimmable Light Bulbs Stick on Vanity for Makeup Lighting ... 3-Light Bathroom Light Fixtures, Black Bathroom Wall Lights, Modern Bathroom Vanity Light with Clear Glass Shade, Bathroom Wall Lamp for Mirror Kitchen Bedroom Living Room
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IKEA
ikea.com › products › lighting
Bathroom Lighting & Lighting Fixtures - IKEA CA
Whether you’re grabbing a towel, locating your favourite toiletries, or simply ensuring everything is in its place, it’s your ideal companion for ease and clarity.See all bathroom cabinet lighting ... Available in more optionsKÖLVATTENOption: KÖLVATTEN, LED lighting with sensor, white/battery operated, 12 "Option: KÖLVATTEN, LED lighting with sensor, white/battery operated, 28 " (27 1/2 ")
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Jaquar
jaquar.com › en › blog › bathroom-led-lights-guide
Best Bathroom LED Lights | Complete Lighting Guide
As bathrooms serve multiple purposes—from a place to start the day with an invigorating shower to a sanctuary for relaxing baths—choosing the right lighting is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best LED lights for bathrooms, considering various aspects like functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
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Philips lighting
lighting.philips.ca › home › inspiration › bathroom lighting
Bathroom Lighting | Philips lighting
Here are the best bathroom lighting ideas to help you light every moment. From bright functional LED lights to mirror lighting and color-changing mood lighting.
Find elsewhere
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Lumens
lumens.com › led-bath-and-vanity-lights
Modern LED Bathroom Lighting | LED Vanity Lights
This selection of LED bathroom ... In bath and vanities full of traditional colors and decor, look to a vanity light from Maxim Lighting or Quoizel to round out the room....
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Ledmyplace
ledmyplace.ca › home › modern bathroom light fixtures
Modern Bathroom Light Fixtures – LEDMyplace Canada
LED Flush Mount Fixtures = Perfect for low clearance ceilings in washrooms, bathroom ceiling light fixtures are ideal for placement in modern bathrooms as these provide great aesthetics and beauty to your washroom.
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Flexfire LEDs
flexfireleds.com › home › resources › led learning center + faq
The Ultimate Guide to Design with LED Strip Lights in Your Bathroom
Static white LED strip lights emit a single, unchanging single-color temperature. Static white is ideal where a consistent color temperature is desired. For the home, the most popular color temperatures for the bathroom are 3000K and 4000K. Tunable white lighting technology enables you to control ...
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Lights Canada
lightscanada.ca › home › led vanity lights
LED Vanity Lights | Lights Canada
Our collection includes dimmable LED vanity lights, multi-light options, and fixtures in popular finishes like chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and brass. These versatile lights are perfect for enhancing any bathroom décor, whether modern or traditional.
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Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 6488237 › led-lighting-for-bathroom-niche-experience-and-recommendation
LED lighting for bathroom niche - experience and recommendation?
Are they easy to maintain or replace if the LED goes bad few years later? What would be your recommendations for such setup? Thanks! ... For the OP pic, that is a permenant lighting install. It's from the Armani Hotel in Dubai. The bathroom from the OP pic also has a bathtub with a similar lighted niche.
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Lamps Expo
lampsexpo.com › collections › best selling vanity lights
Best Selling Vanity Lights - Top Designer Bathroom Lighting Fixtures — Lamps Expo
Description This minimalistic contemporary approach to LED vanity lighting will be the standard for both residential and commercial applications. ... View full details ... Description Orwell is an extensive assortment of industrial style fixtures. The beauty and character of the collection are in the refined details.... View full details ... Enhance the elegance and functionality of your bathroom with our Best Selling Vanity Lights collection.
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Lamp Shop Online
lampshoponline.com › home
LED Bathroom Light Guide: Lighting Your Bathroom Properly
This guide is designed to help you choose and buy the correct lightings for your bathroom using LED lights.
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IKEA
ikea.com › products › lighting › bathroom lighting
Bathroom & Vanity Lighting - IKEA CA
Bathroom cabinet lighting completes your bathroom storage for a functional and beautiful bathroom. Helps out your routines, whether you’re putting on your game face or taming a stray hair. Tested and approved for bathroom use. ... Available in more optionsKÖLVATTENOption: KÖLVATTEN, LED lighting with sensor, white/battery operated, 28 " (27 1/2 ")Option: KÖLVATTEN, LED lighting with sensor, white/battery operated, 12 "
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › best-light-bulbs-for-bathrooms-4169683
7 Best Light Bulbs for Bathrooms of 2025
November 26, 2025 - We researched light bulbs from ... efficiency, and color reproduction, and you’ll typically want to stick with A19 and G25 bulbs with the E26 base....
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Homedepot.ca
homedepot.ca › lighting & ceiling fans › wall lights › vanity lighting
Vanity Lighting - Wall Lights - Homedepot.ca
3 weeks ago - This guide will help you understand different types of light bulbs so you can choose which is best for your needs. ... If you’re looking to upgrade the look of your bathroom with new vanity lighting, The Home Depot has the vanity lights you need in a range of colours, finishes sizes and more. Bathroom vanity lights can be the focal point of your space, providing a well lit area for you to get ready and prepare for your day. LED vanity lights, farmhouse vanity lights, crystal vanity lights and more can not only light up the space but add a touch of elegance and style that can perfectly compliment your vanity, colour scheme and more.
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NYTimes
nytimes.com › wirecutter › blog › ask-wirecutter-bad-bathroom-lighting
Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Improve the Lighting in My Dingy Bathroom?
September 13, 2023 - An easy solution that is literally as simple as screwing in a light bulb (or two, or three, or more) is the Feit Electric Enhance 60W Replacement A19 Dimmable LED Light Bulbs, the top pick in our guide to LED light bulbs.