Lighting in the bathroom: tips for choosing, location, design ideas

How much light do you need in the bathroom?

The ideal option for a bathroom is a sufficient amount of light, close to daylight. Thus, it turns out to create the most natural light for a natural look and makeup. Since a combined bathroom can be used for different needs, it is better to install a combined type of lighting in it.

For a small bathroom in Khrushchev, one central light is appropriate in combination with two or three additional wall lamps.

In a large room, it is desirable to install several ceiling lights. The larger the number of luminaires, the smaller they should be in size and power. For a spacious bathroom, zone lighting is suitable, thanks to which it will be possible to achieve the allocation of individual functional areas, as well as emphasize the configuration of the space.

The photo shows the lighting of a small bathroom in the form of a laconic central chandelier placed on the ceiling.

The following important factors influence the choice of lighting:

• Stylish interior design and color palette. The darker the shade of the walls, the more intensity the light sources should have.
• The size and shape of the bathroom.
• Features of zoning.
• Varieties of luminaires, their maximum power and mounting method.
• The presence of reflective surfaces in the form of mirrors, tiles and other things.

First of all, before starting repairs in a room, they think over the light system and specific places in which its sources will be located. Provide for wiring cables, the construction of plasterboard false beams and other things.

Which light should you choose?

Regardless of whether the bathroom is windowless or not, you should choose bright lighting that will not irritate the eyes. Warm light with a yellowish tint is considered the most comfortable and pleasant. This soft glow will contribute to complete relaxation in the bathing area. Appliances with a cold bluish light, located near the sink, will help you quickly wake up and invigorate.

Location tips

With a lack of luminous flux in the room, a multi-tiered lighting system in three levels is considered an ideal option.

The main

Depending on the location, there are ceiling, wall and floor lighting devices with manual or automatic switching on.

On an ordinary painted ceiling, pendant lights are often installed with increased protection against moisture. For a ceiling plane decorated with a plasterboard structure, plastic panels or slats, built-in lamps are preferred. They are very comfortable, aesthetic and safe as they have hidden wiring. In the case of a stretch canvas, spot lighting is suitable, and LED lamps will be appropriate for a multi-level ceiling.

The classic solution for small rooms is the location of the central chandelier.

If ceiling lighting is not enough, wall light sources are used. The location is chosen depending on the height of the walls. Lamps should not blind the eyes, so they are usually installed at a level of two meters from the floor plane.

When purchasing a sconce for a bathroom, they pay attention to lampshades, they should resemble a sphere or a bulb in shape and be closed.

The photo shows the interior of the bathroom in the attic with spot lighting built into the stretch ceiling.

Floor lighting is most often a backlight such as LED strip or sealed fixtures. To create a peaceful atmosphere in the room, it is possible to use closed lanterns, translucent lamps or portholes. Built-in floor lamps will add an unusual ambiance to the bathroom and add mystery to the atmosphere.

Lighting of functional areas

Each section of the room requires the organization of auxiliary light. Thus, you can not only visually change the perception of space, but also add a touch of originality to the monotonous atmosphere.

Work zone

This area with a mirror and a washbasin requires high-quality lighting, which must fall evenly from both sides. For this, it is best to install two side lights with a symmetrical arrangement, slightly higher than eye level. This option is especially appropriate when applying makeup, as it provides the desired brightness and does not create shadows on the face. For shaving, one lighting fixture above the mirror will be enough.

Lamps with flexible arms with the ability to adjust the direction of light are considered especially convenient.

In the photo there is a working area in the bathroom, decorated with a mirror with built-in side lights.

Bath and shower

For lovers of relaxing baths, the installation of one or two appliances with a muffled diffused glow is suitable. With the help of LED lighting, you can also arrange the bath itself around the perimeter or, if there is a lack of lighting, place several lamps in the shower area. The best option for a wet area will be devices with the ability to change the brightness and direction of the light flux.

In the photo, spot lighting located above the bathroom in the interior of the bathroom.

Storage systems and technology

To create an extraordinary romantic mood and give the environment a certain elegance, use the highlighting of individual interior elements with light. This decorative solution allows you to highlight shelves, cabinets, boxes for things and other items. Such illumination can be carried out using LED strips or spotlights. As additional lighting in the room, an area with hooks for towels or a place where a washing machine is located is equipped with a separate source.

In the photo, the shelves in the bathroom, equipped with spot lighting.

Decorative

Thanks to the stand-alone strip lighting, spotlights framing the bathroom, a tap attachment that changes the shade of the water temperature, it turns out to give the room even more light and space.

The photo shows decorative lighting in the interior of a high-tech bathroom.

One of the popular bathroom solutions is a false window. It is made of frosted glass, which is decorated with moisture-resistant patterns and is equipped with built-in luminescent lighting.

Lighting in a small bathroom

It is not advisable to use bulky lamps as lighting in a small bathroom and, if possible, do without a chandelier. Spotlights are best suited here, due to which you can also organize zoning and make the room as functional as possible.

The photo shows a small bathroom, decorated with lighting and suspended ceiling lamps.

For a bathroom with a low ceiling, it will be more correct to choose lighting in the form of sconces, floor lamps or a ceiling chandelier with an upward luminous flux. Thus, a play of shadows will be created on the ceiling plane, which will visually add height to the room.

In the photo there is a mirror with built-in lighting in the interior of a small bathroom.

Design examples

The backlit shower head, which creates a colored stream of water, has a chic look. Ceiling in the form of a starry sky or luminous drops with LED point elements is considered an equally unusual solution. To create original lighting, the sides of the bathroom and podiums are decorated with the help of illumination, and niches, screens or baseboards are decorated with spotlights.

The photo shows a spacious bathroom with original lighting installed in the floor.

To create a relaxing and surprisingly romantic atmosphere in the bathroom, LED bubble air panels are appropriate.

Ideas in various interior styles

In the classic style, the furnishings are decorated with steel or wrought bronze candelabra and crystal products with numerous pendants, chains, beads and other decorative elements are used.

For minimalism, it is appropriate to use pendant lamps, which are distinguished by a simple form and lack of decor. In the interior, there are often models with round shades in the form of balls, cones or abstract lamps.

Provence is characterized by floor lamps, voluminous chandeliers and metal or wood candelabra. As a complement to the beautiful interior composition, massive forged chandeliers with glass lampshades are selected and lamps or sconces in the form of inflorescences are placed near the mirror.

The photo shows the option of lighting a bathroom, decorated in a modern style.

LED lighting in combination with metal halogen lamps fits perfectly into the loft style. To enhance the industrial atmosphere, pendant light bulbs are used on thick chains or cords that resemble wires.

Scandinavian interiors include any type of wall or ceiling light that can be combined with modern LED lamps. This style does not accept too bulky and fanciful light sources.

Safety regulations

When developing a lighting scheme, first of all, they pay attention to safety. Lighting devices must be airtight and arranged in such a way that no drops of water fall on them.

• It is not recommended to install lamps above the bathroom, as the incandescent glass in contact with moisture can cause the light bulb to burst.
• Light sources should not have exposed wiring and cables.
• The use of extension cords and tees is not advisable.
• Where sockets are available, they should be located at a safe distance from washbasins, showers and bathtubs.
• The electrical network in the bathroom must be grounded without fail.

Photo gallery

If you organize the light correctly, you can profitably complete the image of the bathroom, make the cladding, furniture and plumbing more spectacular, as well as form a practical and cozy design. Correctly designed lighting can give the interior the necessary accents and bring harmony to it.