Best Lighting for Kitchens and Bathrooms

If you’ve ever cooked dinner under dim lights or tried to apply makeup in a poorly lit bathroom, you know just how important good lighting really is. At Coast Lighting, we help homeowners, designers, and builders across the Bay Area, especially here in Redwood City, make smart lighting decisions that elevate both form and function.

Whether you’re planning a remodel or simply upgrading fixtures, this guide will walk you through the best lighting solutions for two of the most important spaces in your home: the kitchen and the bathroom.

Why Lighting Matters in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Function Meets Style

Kitchens and bathrooms are hard-working spaces. From food prep to shaving, lighting needs to be practical, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be beautiful.

Layers Are Key

The best lighting plans use layers: ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative). We’ll break this down room by room so you can build a lighting strategy that works for your needs and your design goals.

Best Kitchen Lighting Ideas

1. Ambient Lighting: Set the Stage

Start with overhead lights that provide even illumination throughout the space. These might include:

• Recessed can lights: Great for low-profile ceilings or modern designs.
• Flush or semi-flush mount fixtures: Ideal for smaller kitchens or homes with lower ceilings.
• Large pendants: When placed strategically, they can double as both ambient and decorative lighting.
  
  

Coast Tip: Use dimmers so you can adjust the mood for entertaining vs. daily tasks.

2. Task Lighting: Focus Where You Work

Task lighting in the kitchen should target high-use areas like countertops, islands, and cooktops. The go-to options include:

• Under-cabinet lighting: A favorite for brightening prep zones and adding a clean glow.
• Pendant lights over islands: Choose two or three evenly spaced pendants that provide both light and style.
• Recessed directional lights: Aim them at the sink, stove, or cutting station.
  
  

Coast Tip: Under-cabinet LED strips are a game-changer. They’re discreet, energy-efficient, and easy to control.

3. Accent Lighting: Add Dimension

Accent lighting is your chance to show off special features:

• Glass cabinet lights: Highlight beautiful dishware or barware.
• Toe-kick lighting: A subtle strip of light under lower cabinets adds modern flair and doubles as a nightlight.
• Cove lighting: Installed above cabinets, it brings a soft, ambient glow.
  
  

Coast Tip: Accent lighting should enhance, not overwhelm. Use it sparingly to create visual interest.

Best Bathroom Lighting Ideas

1. Vanity Lighting: The MVP of Bathroom Fixtures

This is where most people get it wrong. A single light above the mirror casts shadows that make everything look... off. Instead, try:

• Side-mounted sconces: Installed at eye level on either side of the mirror, these create even lighting on your face.
• LED mirrors or backlit mirrors: Sleek, modern, and incredibly effective for applying makeup or shaving.
• Overhead bar lights: If you only have space above the mirror, opt for a horizontal fixture that spans most of the mirror's width.
  
  

Coast Tip: Look for 2700K to 3000K color temperature for warm, flattering light.

2. General (Ambient) Lighting: Keep It Bright and Balanced

Ambient light fills the rest of the bathroom beyond the vanity. Popular choices include:

• Flush mounts or semi-flush ceiling fixtures: Simple and effective.
• Recessed lights: Great for clean ceilings, especially in modern or small spaces.
• Bathroom-friendly chandeliers: Yes, you can go glam! Just be sure it’s rated for damp locations.
  
  

Coast Tip: Think about how the room is used. Powder rooms can be moody and decorative, but master baths should be bright and functional.

3. Shower & Tub Lighting: Don’t Leave These in the Dark

No one likes a gloomy shower. Add a waterproof recessed light or an enclosed surface mount over your shower or tub.

• Wet-rated recessed lights: Installed in the ceiling with a waterproof trim.
• Niche lighting: Illuminate shelves or alcoves inside the shower with subtle mini LEDs.
  
  

Coast Tip: Confirm that your fixtures are rated for wet or damp locations; this isn’t a place to cut corners.

4. Night Lighting: Safety Meets Softness

For nighttime trips to the bathroom, consider:

• Motion sensor lights under the vanity
• Low-profile toe-kick lighting
• Soft-glow wall sconces on dimmers
  
  

These add safety and convenience without flooding the space with harsh light.

Bonus Tips for Both Spaces

Don’t Forget Dimmers

Dimmers make every space more versatile. Morning routines? Turn it up. Relaxing bath or dinner party? Dim it down.

Pick the Right Color Temperature

• 2700K–3000K (Warm White): Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens in residential spaces. It feels natural and comfortable.
• 4000K (Cool White): Can work in ultra-modern kitchens or commercial spaces, but may feel too cold in most homes.
  
  

Choose the Right CRI (Color Rendering Index)

Aim for a CRI of 90+ to ensure colors appear accurate, essential for cooking, grooming, and decorating.

Need Help? Let’s Light It Up, Together.

We know lighting can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here.

At Coast Lighting in Redwood City, we offer one-on-one consultations, a curated showroom full of high-end and energy-efficient options, and the kind of support that makes projects smoother for homeowners, designers, and contractors alike.

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, upgrading your bath, or just tired of living in the dark, we’ll help you find the perfect fixtures, finishes, and functionality.

Visit us in Redwood City or book a consult today.