The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a statement

When making plans on how to start lighting your bathroom, the first and most important thing to focus should be on the vanity lighting. If at all possible, a vertical fixture should be placed on either side of the bathroom mirror. This permits for the illumination to be evenly distributed across your face. The lighting fixtures should be mounted just about 5.5' above the floor or eye level, and 36-40' apart. This set up assists in eliminating the annoying shadows beneath the eyes and chin.

Installing fixtures on either side of the mirror might not be permissible in some cases. Sometimes it is not possible to commit to the first option due to size and installation constraints, the next best way would be to hang the light directly over the vanity mirror. The appropriate lighting fixture should be installed 75-80 inches above the floor. In cases where there are larger bathrooms to plan for, the horizontal fixtures may be placed in conjunction with the vertical lights to offer much needed additional overall illumination to the open spaces in the room. Here are a few lighting tips to bear in mind.

Lighting with 150 watts should be the minimum when used in lighting the vanity. It is usually safe to make an error in judgment with more wattage than less. In many cases where the home owner feels that there is too much light, then the solutions would be either to use lower wattage bulbs or a dimmer instead. It is more often easier to figure out a way to reduce the illumination or wattage than to find ways to increase the amount of light once the fixtures are installed permanently is found to be wanting.

When you are going to install some decorative lighting in your bathroom remember to use 'UL wet location' lighting. UL wet locations means unsheltered areas that are prone or more exposed to direct contact with rain and moisture. Lighting with this rating is safe and won't short circuit. Lighting options in your shower area and over the bath tub would have better chances of success with UL wet location recessed lighting. Make certain that you are using wet rated models for the shower and tub. Just keep in mind that your safety must come first.

The only location where recessed lighting is not ideal would be over the vanity. There would be a tendency to cast shadows on the face which makes personal grooming a bit more challenging than usual. Use crystal chandeliers or pendant light on top of the bath tub to create a glamorous effect and a touch of class to your every bathroom encounter. These are but a few of the popular lighting options used today. Your bathroom may be your sanctuary at times but your personal preferences and style will always keep you on your toes. Looking for more ways to make your bathroom more comfortable, elegant and cost effective will be a fun challenge.