As your bathroom is a place where you spend time relaxing, it's important to balance practicality with creating ambience.
From Elegant overhead lighting to functional task lighting, there's a huge range of lighting options that can be added to a bathroom to create a welcoming space to escape to at the end of a long day.
No matter the size or amount of natural light available, here are just a few ways you can use lighting to set the mood in your bathroom.
Layer the Lighting
Layered lighting allows you to vary the mood according to time and need; for example, dimming lights for a bath or brightening them for applying makeup or shaving. To fulfil all bathroom requirements, incorporate ambient, accent and task lighting at different levels.
Create a cosy bath time ambience
Instead of surrounding the tub with candles creating a fire hazard, install some discreet accent lighting to illuminate the area instead. You can conceal LED strip lighting by setting it into a recess or running it along a shelf.
Waterproof light fittings can also be added to showers, creating a luxurious spa effect.
Soften the mood with dimmable lighting
Dimmer lights will allow you to switch effortlessly between practical lighting for cleaning and using the mirror; to a softer, more intimate feel for relaxing. These can be fitted with energy efficient LED bulbs.
Go BOLD with statement lighting
Chandeliers and pendants are a very stylish addition to any space and they can really light up a large bathroom. A glass pendant will cause light to dance around the room, creating a beautiful visual effect - something for guests to admire!
Install task lighting around the mirror
Avoid glare and unflattering shadows by positioning lights on either side of the mirror at eye level and as close to your face as possible.
Some mirrors came with built-in LED lights and other useful functions, or you may decide to have a decorative wall light on the other side. Opt for bulbs that offer clear, bright light and mimic the effect of natural light.
Hide lights in the ceiling
Recessed downlights can be installed in the ceiling to light up different areas, such as the shower. Rather than creating a central grid, position them around the room to create feature and focus.
Install two or three rows of downlights at the back of the shower or bath, so the shafts of light create a spa-like effect of water running down the wall.
Light the way
Low level lighting is great for practicality - it can be operated by sensors, and for setting the mood with its soft and intimate tone. If you have decorative tiles, this type of lighting is perfect for showing them off.
Be clever with multifunctional lighting
Short on space? Adding shelves that double up as lights is the ideal way to maximise the space whilst lighting up darker areas of the bathroom
Use accent lighting to highlight features
Use LED strips or directional lights to highlight decorative features such as tiles, plants or stylish ornaments.
Create a healing effect with coloured lights
Some LED can slowly change colour through the colour spectrum or you can choose the colour to fit your mood. Known as chromotherapy, different colours can have different healing effects on the mind and body.
Remember that lights must be designed for bathroom use and IP rated according to proximity to water. Contact us for assistance with installing bathroom lighting safely. We are Part P registered and on the 'Registered Competent Person' register.
Take a look at our other blogs for more home lighting Inspiration.
