A Beginners Guide to Bathroom Lighting

Contemporary bathroom lighting is an important aspect of your bathroom design. There are many different types of bathroom lighting styles, each one capable of bringing illumination and style to the room in equal measure. Below, we will discuss the basics of bathroom lighting design to get you started.

 

Why Do You Need Good Lighting in a Bathroom?

Quality lighting is an important aspect of any room in the house, and this is doubly true when it comes to bathrooms. Alongside providing ample illumination for tasks, it can also impact the appearance of the bathroom.

 

• SAFETY – Due to the wet nature of a bathroom, it is easier to slip and fall here than other rooms in the house. With bathroom light fixtures installed, you can more clearly see to reduce the chance of tripping, falling or other such accidents.

• VISIBILITY – By having plenty of visibility through task lighting in the bathroom, you can more comfortably groom and get ready for the day. It will also help you see the labels on bottles and medications to ensure their proper use.

• OVERALL APPEARANCE – Bathroom mirror lights, bathroom ceiling lights and bathroom wall lights are all a part of a layered lighting design in the bathroom. With them all included, you can eliminate the risk of shadows while also ensuring all of the features in the bathroom are highlighted and easy to see.

• MOOD LIGHTING – If you enjoy a long, hot soak in the tub, including mood lighting or accent LED bathroom lights into your space is a must. This can create a more atmospheric look and feel, offering you a spa-like experience at home.

 

Do You Need to Use Special Types of Lights in The Bathroom?

LED bathroom lighting comes with a few rules that must be considered when installing them. This is due to the moisture and general wetness of the room, which could damage lights that aren’t properly rated. Waterproof bathroom lights are generally a safe bet, as they have the proper IP rating to handle the job.

 

What are bathroom lighting zones and IP ratings?

IP ratings are Ingress Protection Ratings, which convey information about the protection levels offered by a light. The first digit communicates its resistance to debris, while the second digit communicates resistance to moisture.

 

First Digit – Solids

 

0  –  No Protection against solids

1  –  Protected against entry of solid objects larger than 50 millimeters

2  –  Protected against entry of solid objects larger than 12millimeters

3  –  Protected against entry of solid objects larger than 2.5 millimeters

4  –  Protected against entry of solid objects larger than one millimeter

5  –  Dust Protected

6  –  Dust Tight

 

Second Digit – Moisture

 

0  –  No Protection from moisture

1  –  Protected from drops of water that fall vertically

2  –  Protected from drops of water that fall at an angle of 15 degrees

3  –  Protected from drops of water that fall at an angle of 60 degrees

4  –  Protected from projection of splashing water

5  –  Protected from jets with low pressure

6  –  Protected from jets with high pressure

7  –  Protected from brief periods of immersion

8  –  Protected against long periods of immersion

 

Waterproof LED lights for bathrooms, such as lights that are IP65 rated or above, are typically best for bathrooms, just to be on the safe side. You can even find waterproof shower light fixtures to get direct task lighting right over your head.

 

Bathroom Lighting Zones 

Bathroom lighting zones are another thing to consider. These zones break the bathroom up into different sections with various requirements in terms of IP ratings.

 

• Zone 0 –  This is the area that is right inside the shower or bath and requires an IP67 rated light.

• Zone 1 –  The area above a shower or bath that is up to 2.25 meters from the floor. IP45 rated lights are required as a minimum.

• Zone 2 –  This area extends 0.6 meters outside of the perimeter of the bath and requires a minimum IP rating of IP44.

• Other Zones –  Any area outside of the above zones falls into the other zones category. While there are no special requirements, it is recommended that you use a minimum of IP20 rated lights.

 

Why Are LED Bulbs The Best Choice For Bathroom Lights?

While it is important to choose waterproof lights for bathrooms, there is another important element of the fixtures to consider: LED bulbs. For bathroom vanity lights, bathroom downlights and everything in between, LED bulbs are the best choice you can make. 

LED bulbs are preferred because:

• They are energy efficient and use far less energy to create ample illumination.
• They have a long lifespan promising a minimum of 20,000 hours as opposed to the 1,000 hours offered by traditional bulbs.
• They don’t output heat, so they are safe to touch when in use.
• They come in various colour temperatures so that you can customise the appearance of the light.
• They have different lumen counts to allow you to choose the brightness levels.
• They are eco-friendly due to their low energy consumption and environmentally-safe parts.

 

Some Examples of Lighting Fixtures to Use in The Bathroom:

While pendant lighting, surface mounted lights and other ceiling lights are usually the go-to for homeowners, waterproof bathroom ceiling lights aren’t the only type of light that you can incorporate into a bathroom. Below, you will find other types of lighting to add to your bathroom:

 

• VANITY LIGHTS – Vanity lights on or around a bathroom mirror can give you adequate lighting for performing basic grooming tasks more easily.

• WALL LIGHTS – Whether you are looking for indirect lighting or a way to create a moody atmosphere, wall lights are a great choice.

• RECESSED LIGHTING – Recessed ceiling lights are installed into the ceiling instead of on its surface, giving it a minimalist, modern and clean look.

• SHOWER LIGHTING – Waterproof lighting in the bath or shower area can provide you with direct lighting while bathing.

• UNDER-CABINET LIGHTING – Lights that are installed beneath cabinets and in drawers can help you better access various products and accessories.

 

Different Ways to Control Your Bathroom Lighting

When you have greater control over your bathroom lights, you can customise the appearance and atmosphere of the space while also maintaining control over the aesthetics. There are different methods to turning your lights on, off or dimming them.

 

• TRADITIONAL WALL SWITCHES – Wall switches are attached right to the wall and allow you to turn a light on or off just by flipping the switch.

• DIMMER SWITCHES – Usually installed as part of a wall switch, dimmer controls let you make a light brighter or dimmer depending on your preference at any given time. These are especially useful for creating a moody atmosphere. It is important to note that not all lights have the ability to dim, so be mindful when purchasing and installing lights if you want to dim them.

• MOTION SENSORS – Motion sensors in a bathroom can detect movement in the space and will turn on when people are present. When no movement is detected after a certain period of time, the lights will turn back off on their own. This furthers the energy-saving nature of LED lights even more.

• TIMED LIGHTING – You can program lights to turn on and off at a certain time depending on the lighting levels during different times of the day.

• SMART LIGHTS – Smart lighting controls can be controlled via apps and smart phones.

Bathroom Lighting Design Terms Explained

Much like in any other room of the house, there are three main elements to layered bathroom lighting: ambient lights, accent lights and task lights.

 

Ambient Lighting

Ambient light refers to the general lighting in a room. It is responsible for the overall brightness in the bathroom and typically comes in the form of ceiling lights. They provide an even wash of illumination throughout the bathroom, which can not only make it more comfortable but can make it safer to navigate as well.

Common ambient light in the bathroom includes:

• Pendant ceiling lighting
• Ceiling mounted fixtures
• Recessed ceiling lights

 

Task Lighting

Task lights do exactly as their name suggests and that is to provide light for you to perform tasks. These are lights near sinks, showers, vanities and other areas where you take part in grooming. Having task lighting makes it easier for you to see while performing such activities and can also enhance the overall aesthetics of the space.

 

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting, otherwise known as mood lighting, can create an atmosphere in the bathroom, giving it a spa-like feel. It can also be used to highlight certain features in the bathroom, such as unique architecture or art. Accent lighting is also good at creating depth and dimension in the bathroom for a well-rounded look.

 

How To Choose the Best Bathroom Ceiling Light

When shopping for a bathroom ceiling light, there are a few things to consider:

 

• BATHROOM LAYOUT – Factor in the size and dimensions of your bathroom when choosing lights to ensure you purchase enough to cover the entire area. This includes thinking about the ceiling height and the width of the room.

• LIGHTING EFFECT – If you just want to brighten a room and make it easier to see, task lighting such as recessed ceiling lights and vanity lights are important. If you are just hoping to make the room more atmospheric, choosing wall lights and other accent lights may benefit you.
  

• CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF CEILING LIGHT – Pendant lights, surface mounted ceiling lights and recessed ceiling lights all have their place. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

• CONSIDER THE STYLE – Bathroom lights come in all shapes and sizes. From modern square bathroom lights to traditional circular fixtures; from metal finishes to vibrantly coloured fixtures, you can get creative and choose lights that fit into the existing design style of your bathroom.

• LED BULBS – With their many aforementioned benefits, you would be doing yourself and your bathroom a disservice by choosing anything other than LED bulbs.

 

Why Do You Need Task Lighting in a Bathroom?

Task lighting provides a number of benefits in a bathroom, including:

 

• Enhanced visibility for applying makeup, shaving, doing a skincare routine or styling your hair
• Clear and accurate lighting for various tasks makes performing them a more efficient process
• Safety and functionality of the space are instantly improved upon with task lights
• Aesthetics and overall atmosphere can be created in part using task lighting

 

Ideas for Bathroom Lighting

 

1. LBL292 10 Watt Square Bathroom Ceiling Light

With the LBL292 10 Watt Square Bathroom Ceiling Light, you can enjoy a modern, clean-looking ambient light. This square ceiling light features an opal acrylic diffuser that the ultra-bright 1,000 lumens shine through, providing ample illumination. The diffuser also further softens the 3000k warm white LED light.

It comes in a black or white finish to suit the appearance of any bathroom decor and measures 128 millimeters by 128 millimeters. Its durable aluminium body retains its integrity for years to come.

 

2. LBL272 5 Watt LED Globe Bathroom Ceiling Light

The LBL272 5 Watt LED Globe Bathroom Ceiling Light is an excellent choice for anyone who likes traditional lighting. It has a globe-shaped opal acrylic shade that softens and diffuses the 430 lumens of 3000k warm white LED light.

This light is crafted out of premium aluminium and has an IP65 rating, which makes it ideal for use in a bathroom. This black ceiling light measures 170 millimeters in height by 125 millimeters in width.

 

3. LWA432 6 Watt Square IP65 Bathroom Wall Light

Create a mood in your bathroom with the LWA432 6 Watt Square IP65 Bathroom Wall Light. This wall sconce works well as accent lighting, thanks to the wall washing effect. It shines 600 lumens of 3000k warm white light back onto the wall behind it, creating a soft glow.

The rounded edges of this square light give it a contemporary feel, which is enhanced by the simple black or white finishes it comes in. The light measures 180 millimeters by 180 millimeters in size with a 67-millimeter projection from the wall.

 

4. LWA431 6 Watt Round IP65 Bathroom Wall Light

Enhance the atmosphere in your bathroom with the LWA431 6 Watt Round IP65 Bathroom Wall Light. This light features a rounded body fabricated using durable aluminium and finished in your choice of black or white. It offers 600 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shines back onto the wall behind it for a nice glow.

The fixture has an IP65 rating, making it safe for use in the bathroom. It measures 180 millimeters in diameter with a 67-millimeter projection from the wall.

 

5. LWA338 9 Watt LED Stainless Steel Bathroom Wall Light

Perfect for mirrors and vanity areas, the LWA338 9 Watt LED Stainless Steel Bathroom Wall Light is a classic Hollywood style wall light consisting of three round ball-shaped lights in a line. The fixture outputs a total of 720 lumens of 3000k warm white light through the opal acrylic shades. It is crafted out of high quality stainless steel and has an IP44 rating, making it safe for outer zones in the bathroom. It measures 390 millimeters by 107 millimeters by 90 millimeters in size.

 

6. Onyx 6 Watt Black Bathroom LED Downlight Fitting

Enjoy the look of recessed lighting in the bathroom with the Onyx 6 Watt Black Bathroom LED Downlight Fitting. This light outputs 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light, which is ideal for task lighting. It is built to last from premium aluminium that is finished in anodized black and holds an IP rating of IP65. This light shines at a 38-degree beam angle and features a tilting gimbal, so you can direct the angle of the light emitted even further.