The bathroom is the most private space in the house—a sanctuary for self-care, relaxation, and beauty routines. It needs to be inviting but, above all, functional. To make the most of your bathroom—whether styling your hair or applying makeup—well-designed lighting is key. Here are 5 expert tips to help you select the right fixtures and perfect your mirror lighting.
Best Lighting for your Bathroom: General Tips
When designing bathroom lighting, start by layering different types of light to meet various needs. For any space—whether it’s a small, cosy bathroom or a spacious one with natural light—you’ll need ambient lighting to ensure safe movement and task lighting focused on the sink and mirror, the room’s most functional area. In larger bathrooms, consider additional lighting for the bathtub or even integrating chromotherapy features in the shower for a spa-like experience.
Always opt for dimmable fixtures to adjust the light level based on the time of day, the task ahead, or weather conditions, especially in naturally lit bathrooms.
Color Temperature: Choosing the Right Tone
Selecting the right colour temperature for bathroom lighting is a personal choice, but some tones work better than others. Cool light, while precise, can make modern bathrooms with minimalist designs feel unwelcoming. On the other hand, warm light creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, but it’s important to strike a balance—aim for a colour temperature of around 3000K to avoid overly yellow tones that can distort colours. This ensures a balance between warmth and accurate colour rendering.
IP Rating: Understanding Bathroom Light Safety
Because the bathroom is a humid environment, lighting fixtures must meet proper IP rating standards. This code, starting with “IP” followed by two digits, indicates the protection’s level against dust and water. For example:
- Fixtures near the bathtub or shower should have an IP65 rating, protecting them from low-pressure water jets.
- For other zones, IPX4 (splash-proof) is usually sufficient.
Where to Place Bathroom Lights
Choosing bathroom fixtures—recessed spotlights, flush mounts, or pendants—depends on personal style, as long as they meet safety and IP standards. Recessed lights provide a clean look, while pendants add decoration, but ensure they’re placed safely away from the shower and at the right height.
How to Light Your Bathroom Mirror
The mirror is critical for daily grooming, so its illumination must be free of any shadows. Integrated-lit mirrors are a great option, but their brightness can sometimes be insufficient.
Designers recommend placing sconces above or on either side of the mirror, providing diffuse, non-glare light. Choose bulbs with a CRI>90 to render skin tones accurately, ensuring perfect visibility for makeup application or shaving.