Bathroom Wall Lights

Even the perfect fixture for a bathroom can end up looking unappealing if you do not place them correctly. Choosing the right height for your bathroom wall lamp is a critical element of installing wall mounted bathroom lights.

Check out this quick guide with general recommendations for height placements of lights for bathroom walls. You may need to make slight adjustments depending on your specific bathroom, but they serve as a good starting point.

• GENERAL LIGHTING. For general wall lighting around the bathroom, hang your wall bathroom lamp around eye level from the floor. This tends to be around 165 centimeters, or 5’5″. This provides nice visibility without risking any glare.

• VANITY AND MIRROR LIGHTS. The goal with vanity wall lights is to eliminate harsh and unflattering shadows. Place a bathroom wall light fitting on either side of the mirror at about 150 centimeters from the floor. Space the lights between 30 and 40 centimeters from the edge of the mirror.

• SHOWER AND BATH. When installing bath wall lights into the bath area, put them at a minimum of 2.25 meters from the base of the shower or bath in compliance with UK safety regulations. Waterproof lights are a necessity here.

Small bathrooms present their own unique challenges that larger spaces do not. In order to light a bathroom without making it feel dark and cramped, there are a few strategies you can employ.

Begin with bathroom sconces that save space to avoid creating a cluttered look. Wall lights are already preferred in smaller bathrooms with low ceilings, because they free up overhead space that pendants would crowd. Flush mounted or recessed bathroom wall sconces are ideal in small bathrooms.

Make the most of your vanity mirror by using it to reflect light around the room. Dual wall sconces on either side of the mirror will provide a nice glow that the mirror can then distribute. Layer this task light with ambient and accent lights strategically to achieve a well-balanced look.

Other reflective surfaces, such as metallic finishes on sinks and towel racks, will also move light around the room. Choose light colours for the walls so they will bounce light back around instead of absorbing it the way darker colours would.

IP ratings are one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing bathroom wall lights. IP ratings indicate how well a light resists damages from entry of debris and moisture. The first digit indicates the solids, while the second indicates moisture.

Since bathrooms have baths, showers, and sinks that create water, bathroom wall lamps are more susceptible to water and even humidity damages. If you don’t use IP rated lights, you run the risk of damaging the bathroom lights.

For this reason, it is recommended you have IP65 bathroom wall lights or higher depending on placement. In-shower or bath lighting should be IP67, while you can get away with IP44 near mirrors and sink areas.