The One Thing Your Bathroom Is Missing This Winter – Designers Say It's the Simple Answer to Cozier, Warmer, More Welcoming Space

A bathroom is a space dedicated to rituals. It's where we get ready in the mornings and unwind in the evenings. It's the room where we enjoy relaxing bubble baths and carry out our all-important skincare routines.

Despite this, bathroom lighting can often feel a little sterile. Yes, we might light a few candles around the bath every so often, but the rest of the scheme focuses on overhead and vanity fixtures. But designers say it's time we start considering a bathroom lamp.

That's right, these cozier, more ambient light sources are making their way into our bathrooms, guest bathrooms, and powder rooms, and designers say it's the one thing that will instantly elevate your space. Here's why they say you should add a lamp, as well as a few chic buys we're loving.

A bathroom needs to be functional, but it should also be a space that you enjoy spending time in, that brings you relaxing comfort, and creates the perfect atmosphere for beginning and ending your day.

And lighting is so important for creating that sense of warmth and coziness. While overhead lighting is often rather bright, a lamp adds a warmer, more ambient glow. 'Warm, low-level lighting has an extraordinary ability to relax both the room and the person in it,' says Jo Plant, chief creative officer at Pooky.

'There’s nothing quite as jarring as stepping from the gentle glow of your living room into a bathroom that’s brighter than a film set; it wakes the brain up, spikes cortisol, and completely derails that wind-down moment. A small lamp helps bridge the gap beautifully, easing you into the space without flicking on the main lights and shattering the calm,' she explains.

If you've been keeping up with the emerging bathroom trends for 2026, you'll know that those relaxing, spa-inspired bathrooms are making a strong comeback. And it's a look that focuses on atmosphere, something lamps are key to creating.

'If you’re hoping to create more of a spa-like sanctuary at home, then introducing a rechargeable lamp into your bathroom is a wonderfully simple place to start. Pop one on a shelf, a cabinet, or a sideboard, anywhere that stays blissfully splash-free, and you’ll instantly soften the space,' says Jo

A lamp can be a charming addition to even the smallest bathrooms, too – even, perhaps unexpectedly, a powder room. And now is the perfect time to add these final touches ahead of a season of hosting.

'We love lighting layers and believe they can work in any room,' says Jessica Bennett, creative director at Alice Lane Interior Design, who says a powder room is the perfect place for a lamp. 'That’s where a lamp can make the most impact. It can act as a nightlight and is perfect to leave on while guests are over.'

In a guest bathroom, give the real hotel experience by layering a lamp with subtle motion sensor lights from Amazon, which you can easily install under a cabinet or at floor level for a soft, practical light source. The perfect pairing with a lamp to create that layered lighting Alice recommends.

In particular, cordless lamps that are small in size and easy to charge are an ideal choice for bathrooms and powder rooms, as they perfectly blend style and functionality, as Jo explains.

'It’s a truth universally acknowledged that powder rooms are often the final frontier in any decorating project, and lighting is usually the thing that gets left behind. A cordless lamp is the easiest way to banish gloomy corners and create a warm, welcoming glow, especially if you’re adding lighting after decorating,' she says.

'These petite spaces are also the perfect spot to inject a little personality. Mixing bases and shades lets you create something charming and unique to your home. As ever, just keep lamps clear of splashes and spills, but otherwise a rechargeable design is both stylish and wonderfully practical for cloakrooms.'

Pooky is the master of all things portable lighting. Their Genesis rechargeable cells can be paired with many of their cordless bases and shades for the chicest of flexible lighting. And of course, you have the viral Addison Ross Bobbin Lamps that not only add a soft lighting to your bathroom, but a pop of glossy color too.

There are a few things you need to consider before adding a lamp to any bathroom, regardless of size. Safety is something you always need to think about when it comes to lighting, especially in these damp rooms.

'IP-rated lights used to be terribly sensible and not terribly beautiful, but that’s no longer the case. The key is understanding which ‘zone’ you’re placing your lighting in, as that determines the IP rating you’ll need,' says Jo.

'A simple rule of thumb: the closer the light sits to water, the higher the protection required to avoid shocks or faults. Once you’ve got that in hand, you’re free to focus on the fun part: the style!'

When it comes to the style of lamp you add to your bathroom, be thoughtful about the materials you introduce and how they will wear over time. 'Depending on where you place it in your bathroom, and if it’s a powder bath or not, you’ll want to consider the material of the lamp and shade,' says Jessica.

'Due to steam, avoid paper or fabric shades in bathrooms that will be used for showering or bathing. If the lamp is a living material, such as brass, expect it to age. But we think that only adds to the beauty of the lamp,' she notes.

'Lamps can absolutely be placed in powder rooms as long as the scale is correct,' adds interior designer Mallory Mathison Glenn. 'I love to use a pair of antique porcelain jar lamps on a bathroom vanity. Custom shades to match the wallpaper are also a must!'

Shop Our Bathroom Lamp Edit

If your bathroom feels like it's lacking cozy appeal and warming ambience, this is your sign to add a lamp to your scheme. It's a small detail that makes such a difference to the appeal of the room, and has slightly more impact than a shower lamp – although they can make the perfect pairing. It's such an underrated type of bathroom lighting, but one you will never regret adding. Trust us!