Great Lighting UK Ltd
0
£0.00

Do's and Don'ts of Bathroom Lighting

16 February 2023  |  Graham

Bathroom Lighting is important : Some do's and dont's

Consider these points before you rush out off to order your lights:

HOW DO YOU USE YOUR BATHROOM?

Odd question, but your bathroom probably has several different uses, at times it will be very functional, with the family all rushing to school and work, but at other times it can be a place of sanctuary so the way you light your bathroom needs to take this into account.

SIZE OF YOUR ROOM?

Is it palatial, normal or small. You want lighting to compliment the space not overpower it.

WHAT STYLE ARE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

Is it a period property, if so are you trying to recreate that feel, or are you trying for a beach or nautical design. It is worth spending a little time considering just what you want the end result to be, so that you can ensure the fittings you choose fit that design brief.

 

The fundamentals of lighting design still apply to your bathroom just as any other space.

1. How Do You Use Your Bathroom?

Odd question, but your bathroom probably has several different uses, at times it will be very functional, with the family all rushing to school and work, but at other times it can be a place of sanctuary so the way you light your bathroom needs to take this into account.

You may consider lighting design unimportant but, you need to consider all the uses. Ambient lighting for being in the room, usually a ceiling light, Task lighting, for makeup, shaving etc., and accent or decorative lighting for those times when you want to relax in the bath...

Tip: For more on Lighting Types see our post on 'How to make Light Work in Your Home'

2. Size of your Room

If you are planning for a small bathroom, you may need to use 1 or 2 small light units, whereas with a larger bathroom it would be better to have a number of light sources. Soft even light around the room is better than 1 bright light.

3. Position of Light Fittings

You need to bear in mind lighting regulations and Bathroom Zones and we have a complete post on that here

4. What Style Are You Trying to Achieve?

Is it a period property, if so are you trying to recreate that feel, or are you trying for a beach or nautical design. It is worth spending a little time considering just what you want the end result to be, so that you can ensure the fittings you choose fit that design brief.

5. Wall Lights or ceiling lights?

Bearing in mind our previous post on Bathroom Zones and lighting regulations, you can start to imagine how you will use the space and what types of light you will need to fulfil the different activities.

Downlights can be harsh and create shadows, not good when looking in the mirror first thing! Using a downlight over a shower can work, but not over a washbasin.

You can of course mix and match these ideas, using say a flush centre  ceiling light, with an illuminated wall mirror for tasks and wall lights for decorative effect.

Most modern bathroom lights purchased in your DIY warehouse will be chrome with bright LED bulbs, yes these are very low energy typically a 3.5 watt per LED bulb but the light can be harsh.

Our new range of Mullan Bathroom Fittings, includes pendants in brass with a vintage look and can be fitted with the new LED Edison style or squirrel cage bulb and look good for your decorative light yet still save money.

Using opal glass gives softer more diffused lighting.

6. Add Finishing Touches

Once you have chosen and fitted the lights, don't forget to add artwork or if space allows a chair or seat, these can be decorated in the same style to give a sense of cohesion in the design, and make the bathroom not just a functional room but somewhere you can enjoy as a private space...... 

Selected Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Deal
of the
Week
Ren Swan Neck Bathroom or Outdoor Wall Light
£264.00
Deal
of the
Week
Clayton Double Well Glass Wall Light IP54
£480.48
Deal
of the
Week
Jordan Double Bathroom Wall Light IP65
Jordan Double Bathroom Wall Light IP65
£401.28
Deal
of the
Week
Kairi Swan Neck Bathroom Wall Light IP65
£316.80