Bathroom lighting – what you need to consider

Bathroom lighting should not only be functional, but also provide the perfect light.

We have the tips to help you make your bathroom shine in all its beauty.

Bathroom lighting should not only be functional, but also provide the perfect light.

We have the tips to help you make your bathroom shine in all its beauty.

Light in the bathroom makes all the difference

Bathrooms are spaces where we relax and unwind. Lighting plays a crucial role: it can make the room feel cosy and comfortable or cold and uninviting. That’s why it’s important to consider a few points when planning your bathroom lighting.

First, you should think about what function the light in your bathroom should serve. Should it only provide general illumination, or should it also be used as a design element? Depending on the function, you should aim for a harmonious combination of general, zone, and accent lighting for the right room illumination.

General lighting

Above all, bathroom lighting should be functional. The right general lighting is the foundation for this. General lighting is responsible for the overall illumination of a room and is also known as ambient lighting.

The aim of general lighting is to provide even light throughout the room, without glare or disturbing shadows. Suitable options include lights with diffuse light, such as classic ceiling lights, as well as panel lights, recessed lights, and special wall lights.

Tip: The requirements for lighting change depending on the time of day. In the morning, you need bright light to wake up and for your morning routine, and in the evening, warm light to relax. Dimmable lights allow you to adapt your bathroom lighting to your needs.

Ceiling lights

Ceiling lights come in all shapes and colours, so they suit any interior style. They can be mounted directly on the ceiling or suspended from a cable and are generally easy to install.

Trending: Pendant lights create a great atmosphere in the bathroom and are becoming increasingly popular. They look especially impressive when combined with mirrored bulbs in gold, copper, or black.

Panel lights

Modern and ultra-flat panel lights provide beautiful, diffuse general lighting that avoids harsh shadows. That’s why it’s also called “beauty light” and is perfect for your morning bathroom routine.

Recessed lights

Thanks to their minimalist design, they recede into the background and let your bathroom shine. However, when planning, keep in mind that recessed lights are installed within the ceiling, so a suspended ceiling is required.

Wall lights

Most wall lights emit their light mainly upwards and downwards, so they are not suitable for general lighting. However, there are some models that distribute light more widely and can be used for general lighting.

Zone lighting

With zone lighting, you ensure pleasant brightness in the areas of the bathroom that need more light. In the bathroom, this is mainly around mirrors and washbasins. Good mirror lighting is essential for optimal visibility during body and facial care. The best results are achieved with light that shines diffusely forwards, creating minimal shadows.

Accent lighting

Lighting in the bathroom should not only be functional, but also create a pleasant atmosphere. Accent lighting can turn a simple bathroom into a feel-good oasis. Table lamps or battery-powered lights with softly diffused mood lighting create the perfect ambience. Placed on a bathroom shelf, windowsill, etc., these lights set the right accents and help you to relax and unwind.

Safety standards for bathroom lighting

Lighting in the bathroom should not only be functional and atmospheric, but also safe. These safety standards are indicated by the IP rating.

„IP“ stands for „Ingress Protection“ and is a recognised European standard. The first digit after „IP“ indicates protection against foreign objects (value 0-6), the second digit indicates protection against water (value 0-8). The higher the individual digits, the better the protection of the device.

In the area of the bathtub/shower: IP67 required (dust-tight (6) and protected against temporary immersion (7))
For areas up to a height of 2.25 m around the shower head/bathtub or shower tray: IP65 (dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets (nozzle) from any angle (5))
Up to 60 cm around the bathtub/shower and on the wall up to 2.25 m: IP44 protection (protected against solid foreign objects – diameter from 1.0 mm (4) and protected against splashing water from all directions (4))

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