Blog>Expert Advice>Buying guide: Helping you to choose your bathroom lighting
Last updated: 24 September 2024
Buying guide: Helping you to choose your bathroom lighting
We cover the ins and outs of bathroom lighting, helping you to choose the best options for your home.
Bathroom lighting can be hard to get right. In fact, there are several common mistakes to avoid!
In this buying guide, we share everything you need to know about bathroom lighting, including:
The different types of lighting and their importance
How to choose the best lighting for your bathroom
Advice on safety and energy efficiency
The price to get an electrician to fit your bathroom lighting
The importance of bathroom lighting
Bathroom lighting has several functions. As with any room, a bathroom needs good overall illumination. However, it's the combination of different types of bathroom light fixtures that will make the space both practical and inviting.
By getting the right balance, your bathroom will be a well-lit space, with adequate lighting for precision tasks such as shaving or makeup application and gentle illumination for rest and relaxation.
Types of bathroom lighting
Bathroom lighting can be grouped into three main types: general, task, and accent lighting. A blend of all three is needed to meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of a bathroom.
1. General lighting
General lighting makes sure the whole bathroom is well-lit. This can be achieved with various types of bathroom light fixtures:
Bathroom downlights: Recessed spotlights provide widespread illumination across the entire room
Directional spotlights: A great way to add ambient lighting, highlighting particular parts of your bathroom design
Flush ceiling lights: These bathroom light fixtures are flush to the ceiling, not set within it, and offer a gentle glow
Pendant lights: For a more decorative touch, pendant lights can be used in larger bathrooms
2. Task lighting
Task lighting is crucial in a bathroom, helping to provide sufficient light for more precision tasks.
Wall lights: Positioned on either side of your bathroom mirror, wall lights will offer even illumination - always a better idea than a bathroom downlight directly above your head, which will cast shadows on your face!
Integrated mirror lights: LED lights built into your bathroom mirror are cost-effective and space-saving
3. Accent lighting
Accent lighting helps to create the desired ambience in your bathroom. For most homeowners, that's something that resembles a spa, rather than a clinical examination room! Create a relaxing and inviting space with:
LED strip lighting: Flexible and waterproof, position these under cabinets or shelves or around the base of the bath for an ambient glow
Niche lighting: Recessed lighting in shelving alcoves are both functional and decorative
How to choose the best bathroom lighting for your home
When selecting your bathroom fittings and fixtures, there's much to consider.
We've covered the various types of bathroom light fixtures. Now let's look at the specifics to be aware of before investing in bathroom lighting.
Style and design
Bathroom design has evolved from colourful sanitaryware to sleek and shiny bathtubs. And with that, so has the variety of bathroom light fittings and fixtures.
Chrome finishes and clean lines are well-suited to modern bathrooms
Recessed spotlights and LED strips create a sleek but inviting look
Brass or antique bronze and ornate designs pair well in a traditional bathroom
Matt black and metallic accents combine perfectly for a more industrial feel
Lantern-style pendant lights look great in a rustic design
Under cabinet, mirror lighting, and niche lighting create soft, diffused lighting akin to a spa
12 bathroom ceiling lighting ideas for a design glow-up
From flattering spotlights to striking pendant designs, let's take a look at the various finishes and styles a good lighting installation can offer.
Bathroom size
The size of your bathroom will influence the type of lights best suited to the space.
For smaller bathrooms opt for flush or recessed lighting to save space - backlit mirrors are great for this too
Larger bathrooms can take a pendant light or even a chandelier if space allows. Combine with recessed lights, wall sconces, and accent lighting for the perfect ambience
Colour temperature
The colour of your bathroom light bulbs will affect the ambience you achieve.
Warm white (2,700-3,000K): Creates a cosy, relaxed atmosphere
Cool white (4,000-5,000K): More suitable for task lighting, around a mirror, for example
Safety
Bathrooms are wet environments, therefore it's crucial to select bathroom light fittings that meet safety regulations.
Bathroom lights are graded by IP ratings. This indicates how well they resist solid and liquid objects, i.e. dust and water.
IP ratings use the initials 'IP' followed by two numbers. The first number shows its protection rating against solid objects. The second number indicates water resistance.
The higher the number, the more protection, indicating its suitability for specific bathroom zones.
Zone 0: Any area submerged in water, e.g. inside a bath or shower tray. Lights installed here must have a minimum rating of IP67
Zone 1: The area directly above a shower or bath up to a height of 2.25m. IP45 is the minimum rating, but IP65 is more generally used
Zone 2: The area up to 0.6m outside of the bath or shower perimeter. Lights in this area need to be IP44 rated
Zone 3: Any areas that have no direct contact with water - an IP rated light is not needed, but it's a good idea to use an IP20 light to be on the safe side
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is another factor to consider when choosing your bathroom lighting.
LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 30% longer
Smart lighting allows you to manage your lights from an app, controlling when they turn on and off, their temperature, and brightness
Motion sensors avoid lights being left on when not in use and are particularly handy at nighttime
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
How much does bathroom lighting installation cost?
The average cost of supplying and installing downlights is around £300 - £500 per project
Electricians tend to charge between £45 - £60 per hour
The cost of installing bathroom lighting will vary depending on the scope of the work, the type and quality of the fixtures you choose, and the complexity of the installation.
For an accurate quote, contact a qualified local electrician.
Request a quote for your bathroom lighting project
You should always hire a qualified electrician for your bathroom lighting project to ensure safe and competent installation. Get direct quotes from our approved members through our request a quote feature.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Key takeaways
Bathroom lighting is most effective when a combination of general, task, and accent lighting is used
Choose from a selection of bathroom light fixtures including bathroom downlights, pendant lights, wall and mirror lights, flexible LED strips, and niche lighting
In a bathroom environment, IP ratings are a key consideration to ensure safety
Always hire a qualified electrician to install your bathroom lighting
Electricians tend to charge between £45 - £60 per hour
The average cost of supplying and installing downlights is around £300 - £500 per project
Find a qualified electrician in your area
To find reviewed and Checkatrade-approved tradespeople in your area, search your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
FAQs
What type of lighting is best for a small bathroom?
Recessed bathroom downlights and integrated mirror lights are ideal for smaller bathrooms. You might also consider wall-mounted sconces or under-cabinet lighting strips for an even glow.
Can I install any light in my bathroom?
Due to the moisture in a bathroom environment, it's important to select light fixtures with an appropriate IP rating. Lights in zones near water, for example, above a shower or bath, need to be rated IP44 or higher.
Is LED lighting good for bathrooms?
LED lights are favoured as energy-efficient, long-lasting types of bulb. May LED options are dimmable, making them ideal for creating your desired ambience.
How much does it cost to install bathroom lighting?
The cost of installing bathroom lighting depends on the scope of the job and its complexity. The average cost of supplying and installing downlights is around £300 - £500 per project.
Can I install a dimmer switch in my bathroom?
Yes, it's possible to install a dimmer switch in your bathroom, just make sure you choose bathroom light fixtures and bulbs that have this function.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job