The Bold Design Home Town Star Erin Napier Uses For Sophisticated Bathroom Lighting

Selecting materials and fixtures when renovating a bathroom can seem like an impossible task — especially when it comes to choosing the perfect lighting. It feels like there are a million options nowadays, and finding something that's aesthetically pleasing and functional can take a long time. Luckily, Erin Napier, co-host of HGTV's "Home Town," has given us the inspiration we all need. In Season 7, Episode 15, Napier adds a touch of sophistication to a couple's master bathroom by installing two glass pendant lights above the double vanity, with one hanging over each sink.

What makes this selection a great design choice for the bathroom is that pendants are typically used as task lighting, which — you guessed it — helps illuminate certain areas to complete different types of tasks. In this case, the even placement of the pendants achieves a balanced amount of lighting in the space with little to no glare. This will be great for the homeowners when it comes to things like applying makeup and shaving. The design of the pendants is also stunning: The jar-like shape beautifully complements the upscale farmhouse aesthetic of the home.

If you've fallen in love with this look like we have, then you'll be happy to know that there are various types of pendants available to fit different aesthetics. If your home is similar to the sophisticated, farmhouse design that Erin Napier renovated, you'll likely want something like the Textured Glass Pole Pendant from Pottery Barn for $149. This product is similar in shape and size, but it has a hammered-glass texture that can add something a bit different to your overall bathroom design.

If you desire something a bit more modern, we suggest taking a look at the Galassia Abstract Mini Pendant from Build with Ferguson for $259. It comes in an elegantly curved teardrop shape that beautifully cradles the round bulb. It feels more contemporary than your traditional pendant fixture, with a subtle, less-is-more design. We believe it will light up your vanity area nicely while contrasting the sharp edges and shapes commonly seen in modern bathrooms.

Although pendant light fixtures can be both beautiful and useful, there are a few things to consider before installing them above your bathroom's vanity. First, you don't want the light fixture hanging right in front of your face or hitting your head. Be sure that the pendants are hanging at least 6 inches above the top of your head. If you're installing two or more pendants, it's also important to ensure there's equal distance between each fixture. A comfortable distance is typically 2 to 3 feet apart.

Also, depending on the size of your space and how much natural light it has, a few pendant lights may not be enough. In Erin Napier's bathroom design, the space was small and featured a window next to the vanity. In this instance, two pendants were capable of adequately lighting up the area. However, if your bathroom is larger and has no natural light, then you'll likely need to add other light fixtures, like a chandelier or a flush-mount.