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Bathroom mirror lighting is a key element in your layered lighting design. It can enhance both the functionality and the general ambiance of a bathroom. In this article, we’ll cover the tips you need to light your bathroom while also providing bathroom mirror light ideas.
Why is Bathroom Mirror Lighting Important? Â
Bathroom mirror lights play an important role in your bathroom. As one of the main task lights, you need them to help you perform grooming tasks such as shaving, applying makeup and completing skincare routines. A well-lit vanity area can help you do so with ease.
Beyond that, vanity lights enhance the look of the bathroom. Not only does it add a glamourous look when used with other lights; it can also provide ambient mood lighting when used on its own. This can help you create a more comfortable, spa-like feel.
Can You Use Any Light For a Bathroom Mirror? Â
Before beginning your search for a new bathroom light, it’s important to know that not just any light will do. Since bathrooms are wet, humid places, you will need bathroom mirror lights that are able to withstand exposure to moisture.
You can ensure your bathroom mirror light is appropriate for use by checking the IP rating. IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, communicate how well a light resists damages by solids and moisture.
First Digit – Solids
0 – Offers no protection against solid debris
1 – Offers protection against solid debris larger than 50 millimeters
2 – Offers protection against solid debris larger than 12.5 millimeters
3 – Offers protection against solid debris larger than 25 millimeters
4 – Offers protection against solid debris larger than one millimeter
5 – Dust resistant
6 – 100% dust tight
Second Digit – Moisture
0 – Offers no protection against moisture
1 – Offers protection against vertical drops of water
2 – Offers protection against drops of water falling at a 15 degree angle
3 – Offers protection against splashing water at a 60 degree angle
4 – Offers protection against splashing water from any angle
5 – Offers protection against water sprays from any angle
6 – Offers protection against powerful water spray
7 – Offers temporary protection against immersion
8 – Offers complete protection against immersion
Once you know the IP ratings, you can figure out which lights are safe for use in which area of the bathroom. The bathroom is broken down into zones to make this easier.
- Zone 0. This zone encompasses the space that is directly inside of the bath or shower. Lights in this zone require an IP rating of IP67 to prevent water damage.
- Zone 1. Lights that are above the shower or bath up to 2.25 meters from the floor require an IP rating of IP65 or better.
- Zone 2. Areas beyond of the first two zones need a minimum of IP44 ratings, such as the sink area and vanity mirror area.
- Zone 3. Any area outside of the aforementioned zones do not necessarily require special IP ratings. Still, it is recommended that you choose an IP20 rated light or higher. This will apply to bathroom mirror wall light fixtures most commonly.
What is CCT And What is Best For a Bathroom Mirror?Â
CCT, or colour correlated temperature, is a way to discuss a light’s perceived warmth or coolness. It is expressed on a scale of Kelvin units ranging between 1,000K and 10,000K. The higher the number, the cooler the light. Conversely, the lower the number, the warmer the light.
The best colour temperature for your specific mirror lights will ultimately come down to preference. Warm lighting generally tends to be preferred, however. It creates a relaxing, soothing atmosphere in the bathroom that is good for relaxing in.
That said, cooler bathroom lights are preferred by those who want a more energetic, invigorating mood in the bathroom. Where vanity lights are concerned, choosing cooler “daylight” colour temperatures around 4000K is a good idea. This will give you a more accurate representation of how your makeup will look out in the sunlight once you leave the bathroom.
Types of Vanity Lights for Mirror Â
There are a few different styles of mirror lighting that you may want to consider for your vanity.
- Overhead lighting. This style of light provides general illumination not just for the vanity area, but for the bathroom itself. Commonly, this will come in the form of ceiling mounted lights, or some recessed lights. If you choose overhead lighting, supplement it with other vanity lights as well to prevent unsightly shadows.
- Wall sconces. Wall sconces are one of the most popular types of bathroom vanity lights. These lights are usually installed on either side of the mirror and are kept at eye level. Doing so will help eliminate shadows while giving you plenty of light to work with.
- Backlit mirrors. Choosing a mirror that already has lights built into it is another option. They provide a sleek, contemporary appearance and evenly diffused light that will avoid casting shadows.
- Hollywood vanity light fixtures. Bulbous lights that are arranged along the top and sides of the mirror add a bit of glamour to your bathroom. Such positions for the lights also ensure there are no shadows being cast from any direction.
Where Do You Place Mirror Vanity Lights?Â
If you want to get the most out of your mirror bathroom light, understanding placement is crucial. When it comes to lights above the mirror, be sure to place it in a centered orientation around 75 to 80 inches from the floor. For bathroom wall lighting beside the mirror, aim for eye level, which should be above 60 to 70 inches above the floor.
Common Vanity Lighting Mistakes Â
To make the most out of your bathroom mirror light fixtures, avoid the following mistakes.
- Relying on overhead lights alone. Having a single fixture above the mirror will be more of a detriment than anything. An overhead light on its own runs the risk of casting shadows on your face, which is counterproductive when using the mirror for makeup and grooming. Adding in vanity wall light fixtures can help pad out the lighting and avoid shadows from forming.
- Inadequate lighting. By installing light that is too soft or too harsh, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Lighting that is too harsh may be unflattering and cast shadows. On the other hand, lights that are too soft may not provide enough clarity and illumination. Try to balance sufficient brightness with the right colour temperature to ensure the lights aren’t too intense.
- Ignoring CRI. The CRI, or colour rendering index, indicates how well a light reflects the true colours that it shines on. A higher CRI rating is crucial for any mirror light for the bathroom, especially if you intend to put on makeup in the mirror. Good CRI will ensure that you look the same in front of the mirror as you do out in the sunlight.
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How to Create a Well-Balanced Bathroom Lighting Scheme Â
Layered lighting is important in any room in the house. This is true for the bathroom as well. Layered lighting involves the inclusion of ambient, task and accent lighting to a space. Ambient light serves as the main layer of illumination, while task and accent lighting supplement it.
Ambient Light
Your ambient light is likely to come in the form of ceiling lights. Pendant lighting, recessed ceiling lights and surface mounted lights are all great choices to this effect.
Task Light
Task light is what you’re going to find around your mirror. Light for mirror areas provides more focused illumination to make it easier to apply makeup or perform grooming tasks. Wall sconces and pendant lights work well here.
Accent Lighting
Accent lights enhance certain areas of the bathroom. They can be used to create a spa-like atmosphere, or simply to draw the eye to a specific focal point. Accent light can be incorporated in a number of ways.
- Under-cabinet lighting provides a soft, ambient glow that can bring depth and warmth to the bathroom
- Decorative lighting near artwork, architectural elements and any other focal points will help draw attention to key elements in the bathroom
- Cove lighting in any recessed alcoves brings a luxurious touch to your bathroom
ConclusionÂ
Your vanity lights play a key role in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Follow the guide above to ensure your mirror lights are everything you need.
Bathroom Mirror Lighting Ideas
With the LWA196 12 Watt Black LED Mirror Light, you can provide ample lighting above and around the vanity area. This long bar light generates 840 lumens of 3200K warm white light that makes it easier to see. Its generous width of 590 millimeters spreads light over a wider area, making it good for bigger vanities. It is fashioned out of durable aluminium that is finished in sleek black and and has an opal acrylic diffuser that prevents glare. It has an IP20 rating to provide it basic protection.
Get an Old Hollywood vibe in your bathroom with the LWA338 9 Watt LED Stainless Steel Bathroom Wall Light. These lights feature bulbous shades that give it a vintage look as they output 720 lumens of 3000K warm white light. It is fashioned out of durable aluminium and complete with opal acrylic shades that soften and diffuse the light. Overall, the fixture measures 390 millimeters in width.
Turn your bathroom into a glamourous, spa-like space with the LWA339 12 Watt LED Stainless Steel Bathroom Wall Light. This light features a row of four bulbous shades covering the LED bulbs inside. It generates 960 lumens of 3000K warm white light that is diffused through the opal acrylic shades. It is durably crafted out of stainless steel and has an IP44 rating. Overall, the fixture measures 540 millimeters in width.
