Which kind of lighting is right for you? Dim and restful, colourful and playful, or bright and energising? Perhaps all of them…
Light is one of the most important architectural elements shaping the atmosphere of a space. No one can deny the soothing effect of soft, dim light, the energy of a brightly lit room with many light sources, or the playful atmosphere created by coloured bulbs.
Like every other room, a bathroom should have its own lighting language. It is a place where you relax, get ready in a hurry and enjoy bath time with your children. So which lighting is right for you: dim and restful, colourful and playful, or bright and energising? Perhaps all of them… Before choosing bathroom lighting, it is essential to decide on the atmosphere and style you want, or you may get lost among tens of thousands of options.
First, bathroom lighting does not require different technical features from lighting in other rooms. A wall light you love for your sitting room, a wicker lamp or even a sparkling chandelier could also be an elegant choice for your bathroom. That brings the number of options into the hundreds of thousands, doesn’t it? This is why defining your style, preferred type of light and, of course, budget in advance is so important.
Ready to begin?
If you are designing a new bathroom and construction is still under way, start with the layout. Decide on lighting after fixing the positions of furniture and fittings. A bathroom lighting plan should address two categories: the main light source and additional lights that illuminate specific details.
If you want to change the lighting in an existing bathroom, you have two options: replace the old lights using the existing wiring, or install new wiring and rethink their positions. Bear in mind that the second option may involve considerable demolition and replacing tiles.
If possible, connect the main light source to one switch, the shower and bath area to another, and the mirror and basin area to a third. This avoids lighting unused areas unnecessarily and helps prevent high electricity bills. A three-gang switch at the bathroom entrance would suit this arrangement.
Usually the strongest light source, this sits in the centre of the bathroom. As it is expected to illuminate the toilet and basin sufficiently on its own, choose a fitting that takes powerful bulbs.
Consider ceiling height before selecting the central light. In a small bathroom with a low ceiling, choosing an enclosed fitting or LED light rather than a pendant makes better use of the space.
You can choose spotlights or wall lights, or opt for concealed lighting behind the mirror. Lighting around the mirror and basin should illuminate the focal area well, making everyday tasks such as brushing teeth, applying make-up and shaving easy. You could place wall lights on either side of the mirror, or add interest with two wicker pendants hanging from the ceiling. The mirror’s shape, whether round or square, can also guide your choice of lighting.
Because these areas are enclosed by a curtain or shower screen, they need a separate light fitting. Here, it is worth choosing a water-resistant model, particularly if there are small children at home. Among enclosed and close-to-ceiling designs, choose fittings that will not allow water or steam inside.
When choosing lighting for a guest bathroom, you can forget everything above. You are free to choose dim lighting for a small space, pendants for low ceilings, crystal chandeliers or a charming table lamp beside the basin. Let your style speak. Put rules and trends aside and give your imagination free rein. Make a design you like from Pinterest yourself, tie a favourite scarf around a lamp or place tiny lights among a plant’s leaves. If you want guests to ask, “What is that doing in the bathroom?”, be bold…
Branches found in nature can become an interesting lamp for your bathroom. If you choose battery-powered spotlights to hide behind them, you will not need an electrical connection. Alternatively, attach bulbs by their cables to a branch suspended in the centre of the bathroom. Remember to decorate your lamp with trailing greenery!
