When it comes to designing your bathroom, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance and functionality. A well-lit bathroom not only enhances your daily routine but also adds a touch of elegance and modernity to the space.
At first glance, your options appear quite limited. Not only do you lose out on using table and floor lamps, but bathroom lighting also comes with a technical safety aspect that does leave you with a somewhat smaller selection to choose from. Despite lacking in variety compared to lighting options for other rooms in your home, with a little research and planning it is possible to find the perfect lighting for your bathroom!
In this blog, we’ll explore some brilliant bathroom lighting ideas and share tips that will help you pick stylish and practical lighting for your own bathroom.
Safety first
Before we dive into our top tricks, let’s talk safety. Main ceiling lights generally come in two forms; recessed downlights or surface mounted ceiling lights. It’s vital that these are bathroom rated so please check that the lights you want conform to current electrical regulations. Failing to do so could have serious consequences.
If you’re unsure about picking out bathroom lighting that meets safety regulations, please talk to experts like us who can help you make the right choice for both safety and style.
Right, we’ve got the really important bit out of the way, let’s talk all things bathroom lighting!
Layered lighting
Layered lighting is a technique that involves combining different types of lighting to create a balanced and visually appealing effect. Whilst it can take some extra time to get installed, the effects are quite lovely if we do say so ourselves!
Start with ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination to the space. This can be achieved through recessed ceiling lights or a central pendant light. Then, add task lighting near the vanity area for activities such as shaving, skincare application or applying makeup. Finally, incorporate accent lighting, such as wall sconces or LED strips, to highlight architectural features or create a soothing ambience for those relaxing nights in.
Dimmer switches
Installing dimmer switches is a game-changer when it comes to bathroom lighting, as they allow you to adjust the brightness according to your needs and mood. Dimmers are particularly useful in creating a relaxing atmosphere for unwinding after a long day with an evening of self-care, or for gently waking up and getting ready for the day ahead. Choose dimmable LED bulbs, as they’re energy-efficient and provide better control over the lighting levels.
Get creative with your lighting
Who says you can’t have some fun with your bathroom lighting? Definitely not us! There are plenty of useful and unexpected ways to incorporate extra light into your bathroom.
Mirror lighting
Proper lighting around the mirror is essential when it comes to up close activities like shaving. Instead of relying solely on a single overhead light, consider installing lights on either side of the mirror to minimise shadows and provide even illumination. Vanity lights or wall sconces on either side of the mirror are both stylish and functional options.
Shower lighting
Another great place for lighting can be within your shower area. Additional lighting can either be incorporated into nooks in the shower area or you can have a separate shower light extractor installed. This not only puts the extractor in the best position for steam removal, but the additional lighting is really useful in the shower, especially for older adults or those with visual impairments.
Furniture lighting
If you have fitted bathroom furniture, or a fitted bath panel, why not have some plinth lights installed? Not only are these a great feature, but they can also be left as low-level lighting, meaning they’re a great accessibility idea for anyone who might need access to the bathroom during the night.
LED lighting
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are not only energy-efficient but also offer a wide range of options in terms of colour temperature and design. Opt for cool white or daylight LED bulbs for task lighting, as they provide bright and clear illumination, whereas warm white LEDs are perfect for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. LED strips can be used under cabinets or behind mirrors making them a versatile option too.
Think about the colour scheme of the overall bathroom before making your choice too. For example, if your bathroom is more cool or neutral toned, white bulbs will likely look better than warm white bulbs.
Smart lighting solutions
If you’re really looking to push the boat out and get techie, you may want to consider smart lighting solutions. Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and bathroom lighting is no exception.
Smart lighting systems offer convenient control over your bathroom lights through voice commands or smartphone apps. You can adjust the brightness, colour temperature, and even schedule the lighting according to your preferences. Additionally, some smart mirrors come with built-in lighting that can be adjusted for makeup application or creating different moods.
So, although at the start we did say that bathroom lighting options are more limited, if you take our expert advice, you won’t be left in the dark!
Looking for more personalised advice? Get in touch, we’d love to help you pick the perfect bathroom lighting for your space!