What You Need to Know About Lighting in Bathrooms
Lighting Your Bathroom the Right Way
Lighting is one of the most important elements in a bathroom—it affects both functionality and aesthetics. The right lighting makes daily tasks easier, enhances design features, and creates a comfortable atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best lighting for your bathroom.
1. Layering Your Lighting: The Three Key Types
A well-lit bathroom needs a combination of lighting types to ensure brightness where needed and ambience where desired.
💡 Task Lighting – Focused light for grooming and personal care.
💡 Ambient Lighting – Overall illumination for the entire space.
💡 Feature & Accent Lighting – Decorative lighting to enhance the mood and highlight key areas.
Task Lighting: Clear & Focused
Task lighting is essential for areas like the vanity and mirror, where precise lighting is needed for:
✔ Shaving and makeup application
✔ Skincare routines
✔ Brushing teeth and grooming
Best options:
💡 Backlit or LED Mirror Lights – Provides even, shadow-free lighting for the face.
💡 Vertical Wall Lights (Sconces) – Placed on either side of the mirror for a balanced glow.
💡 Overhead Mirror Lights – A sleek, minimalist option that directs light downward.
🔹 Avoid: Harsh downlights above the mirror, as they create unflattering shadows.
Ambient Lighting: Soft & Even
Ambient lighting is the general lighting that brightens the entire bathroom. It should be soft and evenly distributed to eliminate dark corners.
Best options:
💡 Ceiling Downlights – Well-spaced LED downlights provide a clean and modern look.
💡 Flush-Mount or Pendant Lights – Ideal for high ceilings, adding a decorative touch.
💡 Wall Wash Lights – Soft, indirect lighting that reflects off walls for a gentle glow.
Tip: Use dimmable lights to adjust brightness depending on the time of day.
Feature & Accent Lighting: Style & Atmosphere
Accent lighting adds depth and luxury to your bathroom, creating a spa-like feel.
Best options:
💡 LED Strip Lighting – Under vanities or around mirrors for a floating effect.
💡 Recessed Niche Lighting – Illuminates shower shelves or feature walls.
💡 Pendant Lights – A statement piece above a freestanding bath for a touch of elegance.
Tip: Warm white light (2700K-3000K) creates a relaxing, inviting feel, while cooler white (4000K) is ideal for task lighting.
2. Choosing the Right Light Colour & Brightness
The colour temperature and brightness of your lighting impact the mood and functionality of your bathroom.
✔ Warm White (2700K-3000K): Best for a soft, relaxing atmosphere.
✔ Neutral White (3500K-4000K): Ideal for balanced, natural-looking lighting.
✔ Cool White (5000K+): Too harsh for bathrooms—better suited for commercial spaces.
Brightness Guide (Lumens per square metre):
💡 Vanity task lighting: 500-700 lumens
💡 General ambient lighting: 200-300 lumens
💡 Accent/feature lighting: 150-250 lumens
3. Waterproof Ratings: Safety First
Since bathrooms are wet areas, lighting must meet safety requirements based on its location.
🚿 IP44 Rating – Splash-resistant; suitable for general bathroom areas.
🚿 IP65 Rating – Water-resistant; required for inside showers and near baths.
🚿 IP67 Rating – Fully waterproof; used for outdoor-style wet zones.
Tip: Always use a licensed electrician to install bathroom lighting safely.
4. Smart Lighting for Convenience & Energy Efficiency
Modern bathrooms benefit from smart lighting solutions, such as:
✔ Motion-sensor lights – Ideal for night-time use.
✔ Dimmable LED lights – Adjust brightness to suit your mood.
✔ Colour-changing LEDs – Create a spa-like atmosphere with warm or cool tones.
✔ Energy-efficient LEDs – Reduce power consumption and last longer than traditional bulbs.
5. Bringing It All Together: A Well-Lit Bathroom
To achieve the perfect lighting balance:
✅ Layer different lighting types for function and aesthetics.
✅ Use the right colour temperature for warmth and clarity.
✅ Ensure lighting is waterproof-rated for safety.
✅ Consider dimmers and smart controls for flexibility.
At Custom Bathroom Creations, we help you design a bathroom with lighting that’s both practical and beautiful.
Need expert advice? Contact us today to start your bathroom transformation!