The Bathroom Lighting Design That's Quickly Becoming Outdated (As It Should Be)

Lighting has evolved more than almost any other design element in our homes, not just in style but also through technological innovations over the decades. That said, certain lighting styles that feel new and trendy initially can begin to feel outdated just as quickly as they became popular. There's nothing wrong with finally letting go of passing trends, considering the best design choices are those that have an inherently timeless style you can always rely on. We've seen some designs have a big resurgence, like plaster lighting, the outdated '80s trend that's back and better than ever, but there are still certain choices that are better left in the past for now. If you want your home to feel fresh and fashionable, it's best to avoid (or get rid of) the bathroom lighting that's quickly approaching outdated territory — LED mood lights.

Interior designers are encouraging people to rethink those once-trendy mood LED lights that cast a rainbow of color around the room in favor of more thoughtful, sophisticated designs. Lighting has a massive impact on the overall feel of a space, and the wrong approach can derail an otherwise stylish bathroom design. If you've been looking to refresh your bathroom, it's worth hearing out the many reasons why LED mood lighting could be hurting your style and considering the alternatives that can benefit your space much more in the long run.

When LED lighting first rose to popularity, it wasn't much of a surprise — there hadn't been many options to introduce an array of colors and intensities into a lighting scheme up to that point. These designs came on strong, perhaps because they gave us that same cozy and creative feeling of stringing lights on a Christmas tree. However, what once felt fun and fresh is now, according to designers, a bit tacky and out of style. 

Holistic is the term we're about to hear popping up more and more with home design and decor, as organic aesthetics and wellness-focused approaches begin to rise. LED lights inherently clash with these values because they feel clearly artificial and also pose some possible health risks, like fatigue and headaches, as shown in some recent studies. Their futuristic aesthetic can feel overly unnatural, which design experts feel leads to making a space come off as cheap and dated.

It's important to create a calming ambiance in the bathroom, but overwhelming the space with the cool glow of LED lights can feel jarring and uncomfortable. Your bathroom is also where you get ready for the day and rely on a good reflection to give you a boost of confidence, but LEDs tend to have a harsher effect on our appearance. It may have once felt like a fun way to introduce a moody glow to your vanity, but some professionals believe that it veers into feeling immature and prefer more elevated ways to craft the perfect mood in your bathroom.

You may have previously integrated LED lighting into your bathroom because you felt that your current lighting wasn't able to set the correct mood, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your space without relying on this outdated trend. To build a stylish and sophisticated ambiance, designers stress the importance of layering your lighting. Consider the different purposes you'll need your lighting to fulfill, and find designs that work for each individually. Rather than lighting your vanity with unflattering LEDs, you can opt for sconces or a pendant light that creates a stylish statement with softer, focused lighting. Or, use crisp, clean spotlights for a brighter feel. You'll also want to be mindful of the bulbs you choose — some of the best vanity choices offer 1,500 to 2,500 lumens, 90+ on the Color Rendering Index, and a slightly warm temperature.

Aside from task lighting, you'll want to set the mood with a layer of ambient lighting to keep the space feeling cozy and serene when you need to unwind. To add some personality to any current bathroom lamps, colorful lampshades are the lighting trend that's set to make a bold statement — it's an easy way to give your space a boost of character, while incorporating some playful hues. Instead of relying on harsh LEDs, use smart positioning of ceiling fixtures to build ambiance, installing rows of lights that focus on important areas like the bathtub or a feature wall. Don't forget to also prioritize natural lighting, as it's one of the best mood-boosters to give the bathroom a fresh, healthy glow each day.