For most of us, showering is something we have to do — but the experience can also help us relax and rejuvenate.
Whether you’ve just crawled out of bed or you’re unwinding from a long day, a soothing shower can serve as a momentary escape from the stress of everyday life. However, bright, overhead lighting (or as TikTok users would call it, the “big light”) completely kills the vibe. The problem is, not all bathrooms have multiple light sources — and that’s where the viral shower lamp comes in.
The trend started when McKenna Barry — a home decor content creator — shared a video of her aesthetic shower design, which includes a cordless table lamp and waterproof speaker on an acrylic shower shelf. Ever since, we’ve been eyeing this waterproof cordless table lamp on Amazon, which is battery-operated and has three light settings, allowing for a customized shower experience.
“I used to feel like showering was such a drag and I honestly loathed it — it felt like a chore,” says Barry. “I’ve been on a bit of a self-healing journey, learning to be intentional about caring for and being kind to my body and my soul. Sometimes that means finding little ways to romanticize the mundane. By adding a silly waterproof lamp and waterproof speaker to the shower, I’ve come to truly look forward to shower time.”
Between Instagram and TikTok, Barry’s video has earned thousands of views and hundreds of comments — most noting frustration that they hadn’t considered the idea sooner. “The amount of times I’ve showered in the dark or with a ton of candles bc the overhead light is overstimulating 💀,” writes one viewer.
After many showers in the dark, Barry was determined to find a waterproof lamp that fit the feel of her home. “The lamp shown in my video was sitting in my Amazon cart for eight months before I decided to finally purchase it,” Barry jokes. “Now I wish I had shared it sooner, especially in light of how receptive viewers have been to the concept. It makes my heart wildly happy seeing it benefit so many people, especially those who are neurodivergent or those who suffer from migraines.”
What to consider before buying a shower lamp:
- Make sure it’s battery-operated and waterproof. “I would never do this with a lamp that plugs in — that can lead to electrocution,” warns Alec Scherma, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test engineer.
- Check the product’s IP rating. Every product is given an IP rating, which notes if it’s water and/or dust resistant. “If a product is rated IP68, that means it has a level 6 dust rating and a level 8 water-resistance rating,” explains Scherma. “These are the highest ratings available, and it basically means no dust and water can get in and affect this product.” If you’re unsure what a product’s IP rating means, you can Google descriptions for each number — but as a general rule, a higher number is best.
- You may have to clean more often. While placing the shower lamp further from water, soap and shampoo will keep it cleaner, it will be another item that requires regular cleaning. According to Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the GH Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, your shower lamp will likely “have to be wiped dry regularly. Otherwise, soap scum and mold could build up on or under it.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
