Expert Tips for Lighting Your Bathroom Right
Wondering how to light a bathroom? Get some professional advice from our experts
Amanda Pollard
24 September 2018
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
If you’re planning a new bathroom, don’t forget to think carefully about your lighting, as it can have a huge effect on how the space functions and feels. Take a look at this expert bathroom lighting guide to find out how to illuminate your wash space beautifully.
Professional advice from: Misha Andersen of Misha Andersen Design Ltd; Joanne Sangster of Ripples Bathrooms; Jo Mann at Light House Designs Ltd
Professional advice from: Misha Andersen of Misha Andersen Design Ltd; Joanne Sangster of Ripples Bathrooms; Jo Mann at Light House Designs Ltd
Play it safe
The first thing you need to be aware of when planning your bathroom lighting is whether the fittings are suitable for the room itself. “Give careful consideration to the IP rating, as there are specific requirements for wet areas,” advises Misha Andersen. “Before placing any item in your bathroom, check that it’s compliant with regulations.”
Misha explains: “The bath and shower area is denoted Zone 1, and most shower lights are rated at IP65. Zone 2 is 60cm outside the perimeter of the bath and 2.25m from the floor. In this zone, an IP rating of at least IP44 is required.”
The first thing you need to be aware of when planning your bathroom lighting is whether the fittings are suitable for the room itself. “Give careful consideration to the IP rating, as there are specific requirements for wet areas,” advises Misha Andersen. “Before placing any item in your bathroom, check that it’s compliant with regulations.”
Misha explains: “The bath and shower area is denoted Zone 1, and most shower lights are rated at IP65. Zone 2 is 60cm outside the perimeter of the bath and 2.25m from the floor. In this zone, an IP rating of at least IP44 is required.”
Highlight a feature
As well as being functional, lighting can be used to showcase key areas. “We usually start with a feature when planning a bathroom design, such as an object, sculpture, statement wall or even floor tiles,” says Misha. “Elegant lighting helps to draw attention to certain parts of the room.”
“Lighting in niches and recessed shelving is a fantastic way to highlight features in your bathroom,” adds Joanne Sangster, “and it also lets you add a different colour or texture.”
Learn about the elegance of recessed lighting
As well as being functional, lighting can be used to showcase key areas. “We usually start with a feature when planning a bathroom design, such as an object, sculpture, statement wall or even floor tiles,” says Misha. “Elegant lighting helps to draw attention to certain parts of the room.”
“Lighting in niches and recessed shelving is a fantastic way to highlight features in your bathroom,” adds Joanne Sangster, “and it also lets you add a different colour or texture.”
Learn about the elegance of recessed lighting
Illuminate the mirror
One of the most important zones to incorporate practical task lighting is the vanity area. Jo Mann recommends placing wall lights at eye level, either side of the mirror. “This will provide an even spread of light onto your face,” she says. “If your space doesn’t allow for this, then a light above the mirror will do.”
Jo continues: “To add further punch, a recessed directional downlight centred on the basin, in line with the edge of the vanity unit, will cast a pool of light onto the basin itself.”
Wondering which vanity is right for your bathroom?
One of the most important zones to incorporate practical task lighting is the vanity area. Jo Mann recommends placing wall lights at eye level, either side of the mirror. “This will provide an even spread of light onto your face,” she says. “If your space doesn’t allow for this, then a light above the mirror will do.”
Jo continues: “To add further punch, a recessed directional downlight centred on the basin, in line with the edge of the vanity unit, will cast a pool of light onto the basin itself.”
Wondering which vanity is right for your bathroom?
Light up the shower
“Don’t overlook obvious areas like showers,” says Misha. Joanne agrees: “Recessed downlights work well in showers. Position two or three along the back wall, set 17.5cm off the tiles – the light will skim down the wall, creating arcs of light on the tile, stone or marble.
“If you’d rather put the downlight in the centre of the shower,” adds Joanne, “be careful not to position it above the showerhead, as this will create an ugly reflection on the ceiling and shadows below.”
“Don’t overlook obvious areas like showers,” says Misha. Joanne agrees: “Recessed downlights work well in showers. Position two or three along the back wall, set 17.5cm off the tiles – the light will skim down the wall, creating arcs of light on the tile, stone or marble.
“If you’d rather put the downlight in the centre of the shower,” adds Joanne, “be careful not to position it above the showerhead, as this will create an ugly reflection on the ceiling and shadows below.”
Go hi-tech
New technologies can give you more options for your bathroom lighting. “There are customised solutions available, such as lights that change intensity at the click of a button, or lighting placed on a timer or PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor), so that when someone steps in the shower, it automatically comes on,” explains Joanne.
“There are also features that can add fantasy lighting if you’re a big fan of colour,” adds Misha. “You can be bold and playful, and use lighting as a style feature.”
If you’re going for coloured lighting, however, Joanne recommends you use a limited palette. “Make sure the colour complements the rest of the room,” she says. “It might be tempting to add splashes of colour everywhere, but less really is more. Ask yourself where lighting would complement the products and design of your bathroom.”
New technologies can give you more options for your bathroom lighting. “There are customised solutions available, such as lights that change intensity at the click of a button, or lighting placed on a timer or PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor), so that when someone steps in the shower, it automatically comes on,” explains Joanne.
“There are also features that can add fantasy lighting if you’re a big fan of colour,” adds Misha. “You can be bold and playful, and use lighting as a style feature.”
If you’re going for coloured lighting, however, Joanne recommends you use a limited palette. “Make sure the colour complements the rest of the room,” she says. “It might be tempting to add splashes of colour everywhere, but less really is more. Ask yourself where lighting would complement the products and design of your bathroom.”
Create an atmosphere
“Consider mood,” advises Misha. “To create a variety of atmospheres, we use two or three different lighting circuits. We combine task lighting with hidden LED features behind furniture, mirrors and taps.”
“Consider dimmable lighting too,” she continues. “It creates mood but will also tailor your lighting to the different light sensitivities and preferences of each family member.”
See how to use LED lights at home
“Consider mood,” advises Misha. “To create a variety of atmospheres, we use two or three different lighting circuits. We combine task lighting with hidden LED features behind furniture, mirrors and taps.”
“Consider dimmable lighting too,” she continues. “It creates mood but will also tailor your lighting to the different light sensitivities and preferences of each family member.”
See how to use LED lights at home
Allow for midnight visits
When you’re planning your bathroom lighting scheme, think about those nighttime trips to the loo, especially if you’re designing an en suite. “As an en suite is a room that’s placed next to the bedroom, you don’t want bright lights flashing on in the middle of the night,” says Joanne. “It’s not comfortable for the person taking a trip to the bathroom, or for the person asleep in the attached bedroom.
“Consider different levels of lighting,” she adds, “so when you take a late-night trip to the bathroom, you can turn on low-level lights. Some could be operated by a PIR, which detects movement, so there’s no fumbling around for a light switch.”
“In the last few years, presence-detector lighting with floor washes have become more and more popular,” agrees Misha.
“A small, low-level recessed light in the wall or skirting board will skim light across the floor, creating a soft glow,” adds Jo. “Linked to a PIR, this can provide enough light to use the loo during the night. And if you position the light fitting below a towel rail, under the vanity or by a bath, it also allows the effect to be enjoyed as a calm evening light setting.”
Read more:
15 Outstanding Bathroom Lighting Ideas
Tell us:
Are you planning to fit a new bathroom? Will you be using any of these tips for your lighting? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
When you’re planning your bathroom lighting scheme, think about those nighttime trips to the loo, especially if you’re designing an en suite. “As an en suite is a room that’s placed next to the bedroom, you don’t want bright lights flashing on in the middle of the night,” says Joanne. “It’s not comfortable for the person taking a trip to the bathroom, or for the person asleep in the attached bedroom.
“Consider different levels of lighting,” she adds, “so when you take a late-night trip to the bathroom, you can turn on low-level lights. Some could be operated by a PIR, which detects movement, so there’s no fumbling around for a light switch.”
“In the last few years, presence-detector lighting with floor washes have become more and more popular,” agrees Misha.
“A small, low-level recessed light in the wall or skirting board will skim light across the floor, creating a soft glow,” adds Jo. “Linked to a PIR, this can provide enough light to use the loo during the night. And if you position the light fitting below a towel rail, under the vanity or by a bath, it also allows the effect to be enjoyed as a calm evening light setting.”
Read more:
15 Outstanding Bathroom Lighting Ideas
Tell us:
Are you planning to fit a new bathroom? Will you be using any of these tips for your lighting? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Bathroom Guides
Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process
Full Story
Lighting Ideas
Every Bathroom Needs These 4 Types of Lights
Get ready for your close-up in a bath that's a sanctuary with task, accent, decorative and ambient lighting
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
What to Do With Windowless Bathrooms
With clever planning and creative styling you can shine a light on washrooms without a window
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
How to Make a Bathroom Safe for All Ages
Grab rails and anti-skid mats are common knowledge. What are the not-so-common ideas for an accident-proof bathroom?
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
9 Fresh Alternatives To Bathroom Wall Tiles
Can a bathroom be done without tiles? Here's a guide to other wall treatments that can set your bathroom apart
Full Story
Houzz Around the World
32 Unforgettable Bathrooms From Around the World
A wild mix of materials, hand-drawn decorations, floral tiling... feast your eyes on these truly individual approaches
Full Story
Kitchen Guides
How to Clean Tiles: Daily Cleaning Tips
To scrub or not to scrub? Use steel wool or not? Learn how to clean tiles easily
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
Makeover Magic: A Dull Bathroom Gets a Luxury Upgrade
Inky hues and gleaming brass have transformed a dull, beige bathroom into a dramatic, indulgent sanctuary
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
How to Make Your Bathroom Watertight
Here are ways to waterproof your bathroom from any kind of leakages or dampness
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
Not Just Any Shower Cubicle: 50 Refreshing & Rejuvenating Designs
Find fresh inspiration in these bathrooms with mosaic and large-format tiles, pebble flooring and more
Full Story
Great article, has pretty well summed up all the basic standards we apply to our bathrooms. We always use a micro pir to activate the featur lighting, which can also be linked to any de-mister pads behind mirrors. Carefull placement of downlights in relation to objects especially large shower heads so as to not cast unwanted shadows. This is one of those lessons learnt the hard way, but we now have a nice way of countering the shower head issue by placing two small led downlights either side of the head.
My favourite feature lighting at the moment is combining concealed light with 3D or textured tiles. #Porcelanosa do some amazing examples of 3D tiles. Here is a bespoke mirror / led / demister setup we recently installed.