29 Jun 2023
Bathroom Lighting Advice and Tips
If lighting your bathroom is on your wish list for home improvements, or you’re starting from scratch, then finding the right balance between aesthetics and safety is key. Unlike other rooms in your home, bathrooms have unique challenges due to water exposure. To save you time, we've created this guide to give you tips and inspiration that will help you to illuminate your bathroom to your desired effect.
Understanding bathroom zones
As we’ve seen, bathrooms require a bit of extra attention when it comes to what is and isn’t allowed. Bathrooms can be categorised into three main areas:
Zone 0: This is the area directly inside a bath or shower. Lighting fixtures here should have an IP68 rating and operate at a 12V SELV (safety extra low voltage). A person using the bath or shower could have parts of their body submerged underwater; so a high level or protections is required.
Zone 1: Included the space above the bath and inside the shower cubicle, up to a height of 2.25 metres. Fixtures within this zone need to be a minimum IPX4 rating. Electrical appliances must have a water ingress rating of at least IPX4 (e.g. IP54) - However, if the area is subject to powerful spray from a shower head, it is advisable to use IP65 or greater.
Zone 2: Extending just outside the bath or the shower area, this zone also requires lighting fixtures with a minimum IP44 rating. This is the area beyond Zone 0 and Zone 1. It extends 60cm horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically beyond Zones 0 and 1.
Outside Zones - This is the area outside Zone 2 (including under the bath if a tool is required to gain access). Shaver units and shaver lights are permitted. SELV appliances are permitted. Non-SELV portable appliances in bathrooms must be physically prevented from leaving this zone. This is achieved by limiting the length of the mains lead on the appliance.
When installing lights near your bath, shower or sink, it's important to ensure they have an IP44 rating or higher, indicating splash-proof protection.
Certain areas in your bathroom may not fall under any specific zone but for peace of mind opt for lighting fixtures with a water-resistant to protect them from moisture and steam is a good idea. This will also enhance the overall appearance and ensure a unified look.
Bathroom trends
Here are some popular bathroom lighting trends:
Layered Lighting: Create a well-balanced and functional bathroom lighting scheme by incorporating multiple layers of light. This includes:
- Ambient lighting (general illumination)
- Task lighting (focused lighting for specific activities like shaving or applying makeup) Example
- Accent lighting (highlighting specific features or decorative elements)
LED Lighting: LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility. LED lights come in various colour temperatures, allowing you to achieve the desired ambiance in your bathroom. Example
Pendant Lights: Pendant lights are a stylish and modern choice for bathroom lighting. They can be used as a focal point over vanities or freestanding tubs, adding a touch of elegance and visual interest to the space.
Backlit Mirrors: Backlit mirrors have gained popularity as they provide both functional lighting and a sleek, contemporary look. The light surrounding the mirror helps eliminate shadows and provides even illumination for tasks like grooming.
Niche Lights: Small marker lights are trending in bathrooms. Small niches make large impacts on the aesthetics. These fixtures add a touch of hotel class and can complement a variety of design styles. Example
Statement Chandeliers: Make a bold statement by incorporating a chandelier as a central lighting fixture in your bathroom. Chandeliers can add glamour and sophistication, transforming the space into a luxurious retreat.
Integrated Vanity Lighting: Integrated vanity lighting, such as LED strips or lighted mirror cabinets, offers a clean and seamless look. These lighting options provide focused illumination for grooming tasks and can be customized to match your desired style. LED Strip is available in IP44 and IP65 with aluminium profile to suit.
Natural Light Enhancement: Maximizing natural light in your bathroom is a timeless trend. Consider using larger windows, skylights, or light-enhancing features like frosted glass to allow more natural light to flow into the space.
Remember, while trends can provide inspiration, it's important to choose lighting that suits your personal preferences, complements your bathroom's design, and meets your specific needs for functionality and ambiance.
Choosing the right colour temperature
When it comes to colour temperature, selecting one that matches your preferences and suits your bathroom is essential. Cool white (around 4000K) is a popular choice for bathrooms because it offers a bright lighting effect. However, you may find that you also like the subtle calming effects of 3000K warm white, softer lighting for those relaxing bubble baths. By considering a selection of bathroom ceiling and wall lights, it is possible to have the best of both. Plenty of CCT and colour change options available, Example.
The Finishing Touch
Choosing the right finish for your bathroom lighting fixtures can significantly impact the overall aesthetics. Options such as polished chrome can create a contemporary aesthetic and match a lot of the tapware available in the market.. Matt White can blend in with walls or ceilings, and Matt Black provides a stark contrast and is really on trend. When choosing your finish, try to maintain a sense of consistency in the space to enhance the overall look and feel of your bathroom, and of course, choose a retailer with an extensive range of lighting options in stock.
At PEC Lights, whether you’re looking for IP Rated Recessed Downlights, Waterproof Strip Lights, Bathroom Wall Lights, or Shaver Lights, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to help. We will answer all of your lighting questions and are ready to help you make sense of electrical requirements, especially in the bathroom, where specific rules apply. Contact us on 020 8503 4315, email info@peclights.com, visit our site here, or pop into our shop in Manor Park, Newham, London.
