Our bathrooms have become an increasingly important room in our homes as we seek respite from our ever busier lives. Not only do they provide us with a functional space for daily routines - washing, grooming and dressing - but nowadays we want them to provide the perfect escape from the hectic pace of life. We want them to be an asspiratonal space where we can indulge ourselves in luxury, or create a spa-like enviornment where we can find comfort and relaxation.
Selecting the right lighting for your bathroom is an essential part of this. When designing a luxury space, choosing the rights lights and knowing where to fit them will set the right tone for the function and feel of the room, so read on to find answers to FAQs and follow our detailed guide for getting your bathroom lighting right.
CAN I HAVE ANY LIGHTS IN A BATHROOM?
No. Bathroom lights need to conform to current safety regulations to ensure they are safe to use in a damp environment where there is an increased risk of electrical shock. It is recommended that all bathroom lights have an
IP rating of at least IP44 which means the electrical parts are concealed against water intrusion. All our bathroom lights are designed with safety in mind so all have an IP ratings of 44 as required, as standard for bathroom splash zones.
To find out more, read our guide
IP Ratings Explained.
WHAT LIGHTS CAN I HAVE IN A BATHROOM?
Ideally you need three types of lighting in a bathroom.
Ambient – for good overall lighting that fills the room. Generally meaning bathroom ceiling lights.Task – focused light for working or grooming. This could be wall lights and bathroom mirror lights.Accent – decorative light for warmth, atmosphere and an even balance of light. Could be strip LED lights, candlelight or inbuilt bath and shower lights.
Learn more in our Knowledge Base guide:
Everything You Need to Know About Bathroom Lighting
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER FOR BATHROOM LIGHTING?
Keep it consistent – multiple sources of light for an even spread and cohesive look.
Shape & style – your light’s dimensions will influence the look and feel of the space so make sure you think about the aesthetic you wish to achieve. Go for subtle, streamlined lights for a modern, minimalist appeal. Or choose opulent designs for statement lighting that will take centre stage.
Bathroom mirror lights - a mirror is a natural focal point that will draw the eye so is an ideal place to fit some beautiful bathroom wall lights. They will diffuse light to banish dark shadows, add layers of light for a soft, calming effect and make the room seem brighter and bigger.
For inspiration, see our Blog: Guide to the best bathroom mirror lights
Discover more about bathroom mirror lights in our Detailed Guide to Bathroom Mirror Lights
Image courtesy of
@taraashwelldesigns
HOW MANY BATHROOM LIGHTS DO I NEED?
That depends on the size and layout of your bathroom, but generally we recommend at least one ceiling light fitted fairly centrally in the space – or two for a larger bathroom with a second ceiling light fitted above the bath or shower.You will need at least one wall light if fitted above a bathroom mirror, or preferably two fitted either side of the mirror. If you have the space, we suggest adding a third light source in your bathroom to give an even spread – this could be coloured LED lighting to create a the right mood, or another wall light to create soft layers of light. For inspiration and a guide to mirrors, see our
Blog: 7 Mirrors to transfor your space
To find out more about lighting a small bathroom, read our Blog: How to light a small bathroom.
WHERE SHOULD I FIT BATHROOM WALL LIGHTS?
ABOVE A MIRROR
As a rule, a bathroom mirror light to be placed centrally at least 5cm above the top of the mirror frame and around 15-20 cm above the hairline of the tallest person in your family. Avoid placing lights directly over the mirror at a very low height, as this can cast unflattering shadows on your face.
BESIDE A MIRROR
Wall lights should be placed at, or a little above, eye level, generally around 155 - 165cm (5.5 to 6ft) from floor level.
Fit them 20-30cm away from the mirror's edge to ensure shadow-free illumination. If your bathroom has a high ceiling, or you have a vertically hung mirror, you may need to adjust these heights upwards.
For more information, see our guide: Everything You Need to Know About Bathroom Lighting
WHAT ARE THE LATEST BATHROOM TRENDS?
1. A SPA-LIKE BATHROOM
Image courtesy of
@myoldpub
Your bathroom is a place to unwind and relax, so why not turn it into your own personal spa. Fill the space with soft layered lighting to transform your bathroom into a haven of relaxation. Having a mix of bathroom wall lights, ceiling lights and mirror lights creates gentle pools of light throughout your bathroom. For added luxury, complement the space with soft towels, foraged foliage or fresh flowers, and the calming aroma of
scented candles.
2. FEATURE WALLS
Image courtesy of Boz Gagovski
@boz_gagovski for Uns Hobbs
@uns.hobbs_interiors.
Features walls in bathrooms are a great interior design idea to add visual interest without having to renovate the whole room. Bold wallpapers in florals and graphic prints add a sense of vintage charm to the space. Ensure they stand out by surrounding them with neutral elements that allow the pattern to shine without visual clutter, and coordinate them with your room’s colour palette. Patterns should complement, rather than compete with the room’s primary colours. If you don't fancy wallpaper, you can use bold paint colours or textured bathroom wall tile to balance existing colours in your bathroom.
For a handy guide to using patterns, see our blog:
How to use patterns in the home
3. BOLD ACCENTS OF BLACK
Image courtesy of
Madeleine Holden, @madeleinehldn
Black is fabulously versatile in bathrooms as it pairs well with almost any colour and contrasts beautifully with metallic hues like chrome, gold and brass, as well as
bathroom materials like marble, stone and acrylic. A pop of black used as
bathroom fittings can create a country feel in older homes, an industrial appeal in modern ones and brings a monochrome freshness to any style of home.
To discover more, read our blog on how use black to style a bathroom:
Elevate your space with black bathroom accessories.
4. EARTHY TONES & NATURAL ELEMENTS
Image courtesy of Paul Whitbread
@paul_witbread_photo and
Frampton Court Terracotta, clay and rust are warm, earthy tones gaining popularity in bathrooms as people seek to bring a sense of nature indoors. These colours create a cosy, inviting atmosphere that can be paired with natural materials like wood and stone to enhance their warmth. Warm taupes and beiges are also go-to neutrals for a sophisticated yet laid-back bathroom, providing a calming foundation that combines well with a variety of accent colours, while shades of soft brown, such as chocolate or caramel, evoke a sense of grounding and are being incorporated into tile designs, walls, and fixtures.
For more information, see our guide: Everything You Need to Know About Bathroom Lighting.