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Bathroom ceiling lights are an important layer in your bathroom lighting scheme. They provide the main ambient lighting in the space that you can then complement with other fixtures such as vanity and shower lighting. Below, we’ll take a look at the importance of ceiling bathroom lights, as well as their benefits and uses.
Why Do You Need Ceiling Lights in a Bathroom?
Ceiling lights play a massive role in the functionality, appearance and safety of a bathroom. Since they make up the ambient layer of light, they are responsible for most of the illumination in the space.
Bathrooms are task heavy spaces and therefore require ample illumination. A quality toilet ceiling light can make it easier for you to perform all sorts of tasks from showering to grooming. Certain areas of the bathroom, like vanities and showers, can have additional task lighting to complement the ambient layer.
Since bathrooms are wet, there is a higher risk of falls and accidents. By having plenty of light spread throughout the room by way of modern bathroom ceiling lights, you can improve the visibility and therefore the safety of the space.
They are also space saving by eliminating the need for bulky wall lights. This is especially true if you install bathroom flush ceiling lights. Using sleek, modern recessed bathroom lighting like these can improve upon the overall aesthetic of the space in this way.
Do You Need IP Rated Ceiling Lights in The Bathroom?
IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, are a way to indicate how well-protected against damages that a light will be. It consists of two digits, with the first representing the protection from solids, and the seconds indicating its protection from moisture:
First Digit – SolidsÂ
0 – Offers no protection from entry of solids
1 –  Provides protection against entry of solid objects 50 millimeters or greater
2 – Provides protection against entry of solid objects 12.5 millimeters or greater
3 –  Provides protection against entry of solid objects 2.5 millimeters or greater
4 –  Provides protection against entry of solid objects one millimeter or greater
5 –  Dust protected
6 – Dust-tight
Second Digit – MoistureÂ
0 – Offers no protection from moisture
1 – Provides protection against vertically falling water drops
2 –  Provides protection against water drops from a maximum angle of 15 degrees
3 –  Provides protection against water drops from a maximum angle of 60 degrees
4 –  Provides protection against splashing water
5 –  Provides protection against low-pressure jets
6 – Provides protection against high-pressure jets
7 – Provides protection against brief immersion
8 – Provides protection against long periods of immersion
IP rated bathroom lighting is important if you want to keep the space safe. Bathrooms are naturally wet and humid, so an IP rated ceiling light for bathrooms is best. Opt for one as protected as you can, such as IP65 or higher.
Bathroom lighting zones are something to also take into account. These zones indicate what lights can be safely placed where, so you know the minimum IP rating for each area.
- ZONE 0 – This area is the one inside of the shower or bath. Lights here need an IP67 rating and have to be immersion proof.
- ZONE 1 – Zone 1 is the space right above the bath or shower. You will need a minimum rating of IP45 for this zone.
- ZONE 2 – This area extends to half a meter outside of the bath and shower. It needs a minimum of an IP44 rating.
- OUTSIDE ZONES – Any zones outside of the aforementioned areas have no specific requirements. Even so, it is recommended that you have an IP20 rated light or better.
Why LED Bathroom Ceiling Lights Are the Best Option
When it comes to the different types of lighting options for your bathroom, LED bathroom ceiling lights are going to be your best bet. There are many reasons why you should opt for LED lights for bathroom ceiling needs, whether you have surface mounted or flush bathroom light fixtures.
Incredibly energy efficient, bathroom lights that have an LED bulb use significantly less energy than halogen or incandescent bulbs. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but such eco friendly bathroom lighting is also good for your wallet. Since it is more efficient, you can count on your electricity bill going down over time.
LED lights are also incredibly long lasting. They are rated to outlast tens of thousands of hours of use as opposed to the 1,000 hours or so of a halogen bulb. This will save you even more money, since you won’t need to replace the bulbs quite as frequently.
Finally, LED lights are beloved for their versatility. They come in many combinations of lumen counts and colour temperatures, so you can stay in control of the appearance of your lighting.
What is LED Colour Temperature, And What is Best For The Bathroom?
Colour temperature is a metric used to determine how warm or cool a light is. The temperatures are presented on a scale of Kelvin units ranging between 1,000k and 10,000k. Warmer lights have a lower rating while cooler lights have a higher one.
When it comes to the ceiling light for toilet rooms, it will depend on the style and atmosphere you are going for. If you want a cosy, inviting bathroom for a spa-like feel, opt for warm lights between 2700k and 3000k. Dimmable bathroom ceiling lights are also a good idea in this instance. If you instead prefer a brighter, more modern feel, you may benefit from colour temperatures between 3500k and 4000k.
How To Maintain Bathroom Ceiling Light Fittings
Cloakroom ceiling lights and bathroom light fittings in general need to be maintained in order to ensure they last as long as possible. This is especially true due to the wet environment of a bathroom. Fortunately, maintaining the lights doesn’t take too much work.
- KEEP LIGHTS CLEAN. Inspect the lights periodically and ensure there is no build-up, dust or other debris on the lens or fixture, as this could block the light from shining. If you notice debris, use a damp, soft cloth to gently wipe it away.
- REPLACE FAULTY ELEMENTS. If you notice faulty wires or broken bulbs, be sure to replace them as soon as possible. You may need an electrician if wires are the problem.
- WORK SAFELY. If you insist on doing it yourself, handle the lights with care to avoid shock.
- CHECK HEAT DISSIPATION. LED lights output very little heat. Still, you should take care to make sure any heat can escape the fixture so that it does not diminish the lifespan.
What Are Smart Bathroom Ceiling Lights?
Smart bathroom ceiling light fixtures are an advanced style of bathroom illumination. They are a convenient and efficient way to add functionality and modern appeal to your bathroom.
Smart lights can be integrated with your smart home system to allow you to control it in more convenient ways. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, for instance, allow you to control your smart lights through a smartphone app or central hub. Through these methods, you can also control the lights using your voice. Smart lights can be turned on and off with voice commands, allowing you to control them hands-free.
With smart lighting, you can stay in control of even the smallest details of your bathroom light. Besides altering brightness levels on dimmable lights, you can sometimes change the colour temperature with appropriate bulbs that offer it.
Tools such as schedules, timers and routines will turn the lights on and off for you according to certain conditions. This is an incredibly convenient way to use your smart lights, and can also help you save on energy usage. For example, you may decide to set a bathroom ceiling lamp to dim and turn it on at night to automatically serve as a nightlight.
Ideas on Lighting to Use Alongside Ceiling Lighting in the Bathroom
Ambient Lighting
Ambient light provided by your ceiling lamp is only one layer of the three that are recommended. You will also want task and accent lighting to ensure your bathroom is balanced and well-lit.
Task Lighting
Task lighting helps make it easier for you to perform certain activities, such as applying makeup, shaving or showering. Good task lighting makes these tasks safer and easier to do.
Shower lights and vanity lights are two of the most popular styles of task lighting to incorporate. If you have a linen closet in your bathroom, having a separate ceiling light there will help you see when you go to retrieve towels.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting helps set a mood and draw attention to certain areas in the space. If you like your bathroom to have a resort-like feel, indirect accent lighting is a good choice. Another good example of functional accent lighting in a bathroom is a nightlight.
Waterproof strip lights under cabinets or behind countertops work well to this end. Accent lighting can also improve the functionality if you place them in built-in shelving units.
How Bright Should Your Bathroom Lighting Be?
From task lighting such as shower ceiling light fixtures to general ambient light, brightness plays a key role in the appearance and functionality of the bathroom. Brightness in LED lights is measured in lumens, and different areas have different lumen count recommendations.
General bathroom lighting should have around 70-80 lumens per square foot. Small bathroom ceiling lights will need fewer lumens, while larger bathrooms will require more.
Task lighting, such as vanity and shower areas, will need plentiful light. Shower areas have a recommended lumen count of 700 to 1,000 lumens, so you can safely bathe. Vanity lights should have around 1,700 to 2,400 lumens to make grooming easier.
Accent lighting will vary based on the effect you are going for. Even so, it is generally recommended to have 200 to 400 lumens for your accent lighting.
What Ceiling Lighting Should You Use in a Shower?
Your shower light is arguably the most important task light in the room. A good shower or bath light is necessary for safety reasons, as well as functionality and aesthetics. There are many styles you can choose from, including:
- Recessed lighting
- Surface mounted lighting
- Spotlights
- LED light panels
Once you have an idea of the style you want, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for shower lights.
Waterproofing and Durability
Shower and bath lights will be exposed to the most direct source of water. For this reason, you will need an IP65 rated shower light or higher. You should also opt for sturdy builds that won’t rust, such as plastic, stainless steel or treated aluminium.
LED Brightness
Consider how bright you want your light to be, and choose a fixture with an appropriate lumen count. It is recommended you choose a light with 700 to 1,000 lumens for a shower area.
Colour Temperature
Choose the colour temperature that will be most comfortable for you. Some prefer bright, invigorating lights for morning showers. In this instance, cool white light (3500k to 4000k) or daylight (5000k to 6000k) are ideal for providing crisp illumination.
On the other hand, some like to have a cosy, spa-like bathroom. Warm white lights between 3000k and 3300k strike a balance between warmth and necessary visibility.
Smart Compatibility
If you want to control your shower lights using your voice or want to dim them on command, look into smart lights.
ConclusionÂ
Bathroom ceiling lights are a critical part of your bathroom lighting scheme. They enhance safety, aesthetics and functionality all in one. There are many styles you can incorporate, though you should first be sure they are suited for use in a humid bathroom.
Bathroom Ceiling Light Ideas
Perfect for smaller bathrooms, the LDC469 3 Watt Mini Recessed LED Bathroom Downlight is a compact recessed light that saves on space. It generates 120 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shines at a 30 degree beam angle, making it ideal as accent lighting. This sleek fixture is circular in shape and has a diameter of only 50 millimeters. Safe for use anywhere in the bathroom, it has an IP65 waterproof rating. This fixture comes in your choice of either black or grey finishes to suit the style of the rest of the bathroom.
The LBL272 5 Watt LED Globe Bathroom Ceiling Light is a traditional ceiling light that looks great in transitional spaces. It features a spherical opal acrylic diffuser cover that rests on a black base. This diffuser softens the 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light that its LED bulb produces. It is designed to be mounted on ceilings anywhere in the bathroom thanks to its IP65 rating. overall, it measures 170 millimeters by 125 millimeters.
Dress up your bathroom with the contemporary style of the LBL298 10 Watt Round Bathroom Ceiling Light. This surface mounted ceiling light features a base in your choice of black or white. The base supports the LED bulb, acrylic diffuser and exterior shade. This IP65 waterproof rated light generates 1000 lumens of 3000k warm white light, so it’s perfect for use as a shower light. It measures 150 millimeters in diameter and is manufactured from hard wearing aluminium.
