Why You Need A Small Chandelier For Your Bathroom

With modern changes in interior design, bathrooms are now much more than purely functional places. In this guide, we will discuss vanity lights, ceiling lights, exactly why you need a small chandelier for your bathroom, and how to make all of your lighting fixtures work together.

Now, let's see how you can complement your new mini chandelier with other lighting fixtures, as well as how to install them appropriately.

Vanity lights

Vanity lights are by far the most common lighting fixtures for the bathroom and for good reason. You need plenty of light around your vanity area because that's where you perform most of the bathroom activities, such as grooming or putting on makeup in front of the mirror.

This is why for vanity lights we suggest either a linear overhead sconce that directs the light downwards or two 360-degree sconces on either side of the mirror.

Considering that your new mini chandelier will provide most of your ambient light, the vanity sconces only need to provide enough task light. For more details on vanity sconces you can read this guide.

Ceiling lights in the bathroom

Before we dive into the details of small chandeliers for your bathroom, let’s talk about ceiling lights in general. Just like sconces, ceiling lights are essential for providing general or ambient lighting, illuminating the whole bathroom.

The problem with many bathrooms is that they rely too much on a single overhead light, which can create harsh shadows and make the room feel flat and unwelcoming. That’s where the magic of chandeliers comes in. They act as statement pieces that can add elegance and personality to your bathroom.

Now, when it comes to choosing ceiling lights, particularly chandeliers, there’s an important balance to strike. You want something that provides enough light but doesn’t overwhelm the space. This is why small chandeliers are ideal for bathrooms - they offer that touch of glam without overpowering the room.

How to choose the right small chandelier for your bathroom

When selecting a chandelier for your bathroom, size is key. A massive chandelier in a small bathroom can feel overwhelming and out of place, while a tiny fixture in a spacious bathroom may get lost.

As a general rule of thumb, measure the width and length of your bathroom, add those two numbers together, and convert that total to inches. This will give you a rough idea of the chandelier's diameter that will suit your space.

For example, if your bathroom is 8 feet by 10 feet, 8 + 10 = 18, so a chandelier that’s around 18 inches in diameter would be ideal. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut rule for the metric system, so you will have to make the conversions yourself.

Another thing to consider is the chandelier’s placement. Make sure it’s hung at least 7 feet above the floor to not obstruct anyone's view or not cause any head bumps!

If you're installing it over a bathtub (which we highly recommend for that spa-like feel), make sure it adheres to safety regulations - this usually means hanging it at least 8 feet above the tub or 3 feet away from the tub’s edge.

Finally, consider the material. Bathrooms can get steamy and humid, so choose chandeliers made from materials like glass, crystal, or high-quality metal that can withstand moisture. You can use our filters here to only view chandeliers made from these materials!

Why a small chandelier is perfect for your bathroom

Now that you know how to select and install the right chandelier, let's talk about why you need one in the first place. Bathrooms are no longer purely utilitarian spaces. Adding a small chandelier can turn this functional area into a fun and relaxing environment that you’ll look forward to spending time in.

Here are a few reasons why a small chandelier is the perfect fit for your bathroom:

1. A small chandelier acts as the centerpiece of the room, offering a focal point that is necessary in every room
2. A chandelier diffuses light more gently than traditional ceiling fixtures, creating a softer, more inviting glow. This is especially important in a space where you want to relax and unwind, such as during a soak in the tub.
3. Small chandeliers come in a variety of styles, from vintage-inspired crystal designs to modern, minimalist pieces. Visit our selection of chandeliers here to see it for yourself. You can even use the filters to narrow down your search.
4. Even if you have a small bathroom, a chandelier can make the room feel larger by drawing the eye upward. This creates the illusion of more vertical space.
5. Your bathroom should reflect your style, and a chandelier is a great way to add personality to the space.

How to install your new small chandelier

To install a small chandelier in your bathroom, begin by turning off the power at the circuit breaker. Once you’ve assembled the chandelier, mount the ceiling bracket in the desired spot.

Carefully connect the chandelier’s wires to the corresponding wires in the ceiling - matching the wire colors. After that, secure the chandelier to the ceiling bracket and briefly restore power to check if the light works properly.

Adjust the height of the chandelier so that it hangs at least seven feet from the floor, or higher if placed above the tub as we discussed. Once everything is aligned and secure, finish the installation by making sure the fixture is straight and properly tightened.

Wrapping up

A small chandelier might seem like a surprising choice for a bathroom, but once installed, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. These fixtures combine style with functionality, offering not just lighting but also a touch of sophistication if we may say so.

This is why it is important to not stick with purely vanity lights for your bathroom. Of course, as we have discussed in other blog posts, there is nothing wrong with sticking to vanity sconces, but we have also seen the importance of layering and diversifying your light sources.

It’s time to improve your bathroom's coziness, one light fixture at a time!