Should You Add a Lamp to Your Shower? TikTok Says Yes—Here's What to Know

The "big light" in your bathroom has its purpose. It helps you see which spots need shaving and wakes you up in the morning—but there's no denying it's a major ambiance killer when you're trying to unwind at night.

The perfect solution? Adding some mood lighting to your shower.

If you previously thought that was impossible without a serious electrical issue, think again. We came across this genius TikTok by @mrsmckennabarry, and we knew we had to share.

She simply installed a small corner shelf in her shower using a strong adhesive and placed a waterproof, battery-operated lamp there. This affordable, renter-friendly addition makes for a spa-like atmosphere.

In fact, professional designers often recommend illuminating your shower.

"Adding lighting to a shower allows you to create a dim and relaxing space to calm the mind," Nathan Taylor, principal designer at Obelisk Home, says.

If you want to get the shower lamp featured in the video, you can head right to Amazon. And for more tips on giving your bathroom the lighting it deserves, read on for a shower lighting glow-up.

Add Small Pockets of Light

Just like with any room in your house, the key to establishing mood lighting in your bathroom lies in several soft light sources.

"When adding lighting, think lights that will highlight instead of illuminating the entire space," Taylor says.

A few of his go-to methods for achieving cozy lighting in a bathroom include putting ceiling lights on dimmers and adding cove lighting on the ceiling, the back of shower niches, or under a floating bench.

Designer Alyssa Magid echoes this same sentiment, noting that creating a cozy ambiance in a bathroom all comes down to layered lighting choices.

"Functional overhead lighting is a must, and well-placed sconces and night lights can create a softer and more relaxing atmosphere," she says. One of her other favorite bathroom lighting applications is installing LED strip lights under floating vanities.

Design Tip

Candles are another easy way to add small pockets of light to the area surrounding your shower. Place a few on your shower bench, or stick a waterproof LED votive in your shower niche.

Opt for a Glass Shower Door

If adding hardwired lighting to your shower isn't in the budget (or isn't up-to-code where you live), you'll want to let as much nearby light pour into your shower as possible. This is one reason Magid highly recommends clear glass shower doors.

Think Statement Lighting

If you're working on a bathroom remodel, canned lights on dimmers are often a good move. However, you don't necessarily have to limit yourself.

"Utilizing wet-rated lights is absolutely a great way to add decorative lighting to a shower space," Taylor says. She notes that water is our friend until it sets on surfaces for too long, so use lights that have sloped tops to prevent water from pooling.

Choose the Right Light Bulbs

The wrong light bulbs can foil even the most ideal bathroom lighting setup. When shopping for bulbs, Magid suggests going with warm white, or about 3,000K.

"A shower does not need to be super bright," she says. "It should feel like a relaxing experience, not a medical office."

Take It To The Next Level with Chromotherapy

If you really want to make every shower feel like a spa treatment, lighting can help with that. Specifically, chromotherapy lighting.

Taylor often suggests this feature to his clients who opt for steam showers. Chromotherapy utilizes a wide spectrum of light, with the idea that various colors evoke certain positive mood shifts and health benefits.

There are various ways to install chromotherapy lighting in your shower. If you're working with a budget or value convenience, you can install an extension on your shower head.

Read the original article on The Spruce.