Great Lighting UK Ltd

Best Bathroom Lighting Ideas

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Best Bathroom Lighting Ideas

BATHROOM LIGHTING IDEAS : THE BEST LIGHTING OPTIONS FOR YOUR BATHROOM

Importance of Proper Bathroom Lighting

Proper lighting in the bathroom is essential for both functionality and aesthetics. The right lighting can create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, while also ensuring that you have enough illumination for daily tasks such as shaving or applying makeup.

Insufficient or improper lighting can make the bathroom feel dull and uninviting. It can also lead to shadows, making it difficult to see clearly.

When considering bathroom lighting, it is important to remember that the bathroom is a space where you start and end your day. Therefore, it should be well-lit to help you prepare for the day ahead or wind down in the evening. Proper bathroom lighting can enhance the overall design and ambiance of your bathroom, making it a more enjoyable and functional space.

Types of Bathroom Lighting

There are three main types of bathroom lighting that you should consider: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Let's take a look at each type (with some examples):

Ambient Lighting: This type of lighting provides general illumination for the entire bathroom. So pendant or fixed ceiling-mounted fixtures such as chandeliers, flush mounts, or recessed lights. Ambient lighting ensures that the bathroom is evenly lit and sets the overall mood.

Task Lighting: Task lighting is focused lighting that is specifically designed to illuminate specific areas for tasks such as shaving, applying makeup, or grooming. This type of lighting is commonly achieved through vanity lights, wall sconces, or small pendant lights. Task lighting should be placed at eye level and on either side of the mirror to minimize shadows on the face.

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features or areas in the bathroom, such as artwork, architectural details, or decorative elements. It adds depth and visual interest to the space. Accent lighting can be achieved through wall-mounted or recessed lights, as well as spot lights.

BEST LIGHTING FIXTURES FOR THE BATHROOM

Selecting the right lighting fixtures can elevate the overall design of your bathroom. Above are just a few examples:

Vanity Lights: Vanity lights are mounted on either side of the mirror and provide even lighting for grooming tasks. They come in various styles, including single & double wall sconces, multi-light fixtures, and Hollywood-style vanity lights.   Wall & Vanity Lights

Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures: Ceiling-mounted fixtures, such as flush or semi-flush mounts, are ideal for adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the bathroom. Choose fixtures that complement the overall style of the space.  Bathroom Ceiling Lights

Pendant Lights: Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling and can be used to create a focal point in the bathroom. They come in various designs and can add a contemporary or industrial touch to the space.  Bathroom Hanging Pendant Lights

Safety in the Bathroom

Bathroom Light Zones | Edition 18

It is important when installing bathroom lights that the regulations are followed to ensure safety for all users. It is also important if you intend letting your property as you will be required to have your electrical system certified. 

Firstly, simple and hopefully obviously you cannot use a portable light in the bathroom, so no table or floor lamps, for a general overall light use a ceiling light which will usually be flush mounted, ie fixed direct to the ceiling, this reduces any water ingress into the unit, or if you have the space a fixed pendant version will work. We do both using LED or standard bulbs.

You can also use spotlights if you require directional light or wall mounted bathroom lights for mood lighting. You can use 240 v systems, but for lights in Zone 0 ( i.e. ceiling light in a shower cubicle) this would operate of a 12v system, with the transformer outside that zone - usually in a roof void)

With all bathroom lights, placement i.e. where in the bathroom you wish to install the light will determine the types available as the bathroom is split into zones. Lights are also rated by IP (Ingress Protection) and 2 numbers or IPX+Number. (Basically the higher the number the more protected a fitting is) Full details of IP rating explained here

Zone 0 - Inside a Bath or shower - The zoning requirement for Zone 0 is for electrical products to be of a low voltage (max 12V) and rated IPX7. Requires electrical products to be low voltage (max. 12 volts) and be IPX7

Zone 1 - Refers to the area directly above zone 0 to a height of 2.25m above the shower tray or bath. The zoning requirement for Zone 1 is for electrical products to have an IPX4 rating or better. Or SELV (safety extra low voltage) products may be used to ensure that the transformer is located in Zone 3 or beyond. A 30ma RCD (residual current device) should also be used in this zone to protect the circuit if using a 240v supply on a separate circuit.

Zone 2 - Refers to the area outside Zones 0 and 1, and it stretches 0.6m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. Zone 2 also includes the window sill and window recess is located next to the bath. The zoning requirement for Zone 2 is for electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. The transformer for the SELV unit should be located in zone 3 or beyond.

Not Zoned (was Zone 3) - Refers to the area beyond zone 2, stretching 2.4m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. This area used to be referred to as Zone 3 but this is no longer defined and any light fitting can go in this area. No IP requirement, but IP44 + can be preferable as these are splash proof.

Ceilings - Unless the fitting is over a bath or shower and falls into Zones 1 or 2, a normal pendant will do, 

Switches should be pull cord from the ceiling or outside the room.


Jan
10 September 2018  |  5:16

Thanks just moved into a house didn't notice recessed spotlight over top of shower cubicle til used room. ...thanks for inforwarding


MRS L Atkinson
23 May 2020  |  15:16

Loving all the different lights I could use for my bathroom. Brilliant (smiley star face)!

Thank you X


Graham
23 May 2020  |  17:57

Thank you..