The bathroom is a space often overlooked from a lighting point of view when applied with precision the LED Light for bathroom lighting can regenerate and relax like it can make all the difference when carrying out routine tasks such as applying makeup or shaving and crucially it can be the defining factor with an interior scheme accentuating a feature or finish.
In bathrooms where water is present – certain lighting must meet a minimum IP rating to reduce the risk of electric shock. When installing bathroom lighting, it’s important to understand the bathroom ‘zones’ and which IP rating applies to each. In this blog we will cover topics from basics of bathroom lighting design, what kind of lighting is best for bathrooms, IP rated bathroom light, etc,
Think about the atmosphere and areas where you want to illuminate
In general bathroom lighting, the bathroom is an important space, bathroom lighting not only has the power to beautify the room, but also to improve task concentration and effectiveness, and keep you safe. The bathroom is usually the first place we go to at the start of the day, and the last one before we go to bed.
Let’s break down the various layers of lighting for bathroom
- Task lighting for precision tasks such as applying makeup, shaving, applying creams, etc.
- Accent lighting that highlights key focal views such as your reflection framed within your mirror
- Ambient lighting that brings balance and harmony to the bathroom
- Feature lighting that gives the space personality and character.
01. Task lighting for precision tasks
Task lighting specifically targets the main task areas like a mirror which is often the focal point in a bathroom where you need to achieve a flattering and uniform light effect on your face this can be achieved by implementing diffused light either by integrating the lighting into the mirror or by adding wall sconces on either side of the mirror to produce an even vertical lit effect task lighting to the shower area should be located in relation to the shower head.
In order to prevent harsh shadows lastly make sure that you position a low glare deep recessed down light over the bathtub to the center of the tub rather than either side otherwise this can be uncomfortable for a person when laying down. Adding LED Mirror Light for Bathroom shouldnt be treated as a top priority.
02. Accent lighting for sense of warmth and depth
Let’s now move on to accent lighting that guides the eye and creates points of interest along the bathroom the bathroom offers many opportunities for joinery lighting that can serve as accents. Lighting within a shower niche can accentuate the depth of the wall. Directional down lights over the basin create a sparkle effect on the basin and tap which prevent the space from feeling a little bit flat.
Its crucial that you carefully position this down light in a way that avoids shadows from the person in front of the mirror. Uplights positioned on the back of the bath and shower instantly create a dramatic effect this technique can also bring out any special finishes used in the space by grazing light onto them lighting to bathroom joinery helps add a soft accent to what may otherwise be a bland space.
03. Ambient lighting for sense of warmth and depth
Ambient lighting gives bathroom giving the space a welcoming and inviting mood also helping to relax and rejuvenate if the space allows for it ceiling coffers and coves are an excellent way of bringing indirect light into the bathroom.
Consider installing a row of two or three at the back of the shower or bath, instead of over the centre, so the shafts of light create an effect almost like running water down the wall. The light will also reach the extremities of the room, engaging the feel of space.
04. Feature lighting to make a statement
Feature lighting giving us the opportunity to make a statement and bring a touch of personality to the bathroom. It can also help to enhance overall light levels using a pendant in the center of the bathroom can transform the feel of the space and make it feel cozier.
Pendants can also be used as feature lights either side of the mirror which can also contribute to the amount of task lighting required within this area of the bathroom. We recommend adding a continuous but discrete floating lighting effect to the vanity washing light down onto the floor this adds an element of low level lighting to the bathroom that can be used as a night light because the effect is below eye level when thinking about lighting for your bathroom.
It is important to think about the different bathroom zones as there are strict regulations regarding the types of light you can use.
What kind of lighting is best for applying makeup?
Make sure that you have no lighting directly over your head at the basin, as this will create unflattering shadows (see mirror lit from above). Pendant lights on both sides or Wall lights mounted either side of the mirror, or using an illuminated mirror will create a more even spread of light on the face (see mirror lit from two sides).
Also make sure the light color temperature are suitable for your skin tone, For makeup application, 4500K-5000K is recommended as it is not too warm or too cool. Kelvin (K) is a unit to describe the colour temperature of the light. 2700-3000K is a soft warm light and suitable if you would like a healthy glow for photography and not make up application.
Also make sure the lights are high CRI (color rendering index), follow our detailed blog about color rendering to understand more about color rendering.
Which IP Rate or protection class for bathroom luminaires?
While considering the IP rated bathroom lights, we divide it into 3 sections, luminaires in the floor where immediate vicinity of the bath tub or shower must have an IP 67 protection class. This means that they are protected against temporary immersion. Normally we use LED Strips or uplights to highlight the bathtub or lights positioned on the back of the bath and shower instantly create a dramatic effect as mentioned in the accent lighting section.
Protection class IP65 is the right choice for bathroom luminaires in areas up to a height of 2.25 m around the shower head and the bath tub or shower tray. This means they are protected against jets of water.
Use light fixtures with an IP44 protection class for walls up to 2.25 m high and at a distance of up to 60 cm around the bath tub or shower, to ensure they are protected against splash water.
Picking the right LED Lights for Bathroom lighting
To make things short while considering the LED lights for bathroom lighting design, here are the five points to make bathroom lighting design better.
Prepare a basic lighting plan highlighting the specific areas and incorporating all your needs and atmosphere you want to create in the bathroom,
Check whether all four layers of lighting can be incorporated, ie Ambient lighting, Accent lighting, Task lighting, and Feature lighting,
Choose the right color temperature, CRI >90, and energy consumption, especially areas where applying makeup,
Match the style of bathroom light fixtures with the overall bathroom design including the lighting finish, installation type, and color temperature,
Don’t overload the space with too many light fixtures.
FAQs about LED light for bathroom lighting
What is the best lighting for a bathroom?
Are LED lights good forbathroom?
Is warm white or cool white better for bathrooms?
How many lumens should you have in a bathroom?
Average lux on Task areas in the bathroom: 300 lux
Average lux on general areas in the bathroom: 200 lux
What type of lighting is best for bathroom?
What are the regulations for bathroom lights?
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