Choosing bathroom lighting can be a little trickier than other rooms in your home as they must be waterproof and integrated into the surfaces. See our guide on IP ratings here for further information on regulations. Hopefully this guide will help you choose the perfect products and show you how best to position them for maximum effect.
The Washbasin
In the majority of bathrooms there is a mirror above the washbasin so if you plan to use a mirror here for tasks like doing makeup or styling your hair every daym you need good artificial light. You are looking for a soft light that is evenly distributed and illuminates the whole of the face, shadow free. An illuminated mirror is the best option, but if you already have a mirror in place wall lights fitted at the sides of the mirror are a suitable alternative, just ensure the light is soft and light distribution is as broad as possible. If wall lighting isn’t suitable and the ceiling is the only option choose a light fitted with a diffuser and fit centrally above the washbasin so light will fall evenly on the face.
The ShowerWithin a shower you generally have two options, you can have a light fitted on the ceiling above the shower or recessed wall fixtures. There are a multitude of ceiling lights to choose from, diffuser lights are always an excellent choice as the light is soft and relaxing. Recessed wall fixtures give a very high end feel and look great fitted into a tiled inset shelf, or recessed downlights fitted in a strip at the head of the shower cast a lovely evenly distributed glow.
The Bath
The bath for many people is far more than just a place to cleanse themselves, it’s a sanctum of solace used for relaxation after a busy day. If this is the case for you, avoid fitting ceiling mounted downlights centrally above the bath as they can provide quite a harsh and uncomfortable light. Instead choose recessed wall lights and fit them above the head of the bath so that light is reflected from the walls and casts a soft warm and relaxing glow across the bath. Alternately have a ceiling light fitted at the head of the bath for the same effect.
The Walls & Floor
After lighting the parts of your bathroom that require light for function, you may wish to install some decorative lighting to enhance mood and highlight attractive features in your bathroom. Lighting up your bathroom shelves is a very simple and effortless way to update your bathroom. LED strip lights fitted where the wall meets the shelf casts a soft light up the wall, they are simple to install and look sensational. A more unusual way to light your bathroom is by fitting recessed floor lights, they can be fitted along the edge of your bathroom floor illuminating your bathroom walls or if you have steps in your bathroom they can be fitted as guide lights. For a real show stopping effect, fit them around the base of a free-standing bath and you will feel like you have been transported to a luxury spa.
Choosing the perfect bathroom lighting can transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat that you will long to relax in after long day at work. Follow our perfect bathroom lighting guide and you are guaranteed to achieve the look you want.
