Your choice of lighting can have a massive impact on your bathroom design – not only practically, but also on how bright and inviting the space feels.

Bathroom lighting is all too often an afterthought, yet it can make or break a bathroom design. We’ve all had our own experiences with it – from the good to the bad to the downright ugly. Brushing your teeth under harsh overhead lights, for example, can bring ‘witchy’ features to light, while if you’ve ever tried to apply makeup in a dimly lit bathroom, you’ll have experienced the disastrously ‘unblended’ consequences.

Fortunately, soft task lighting – especially from wall lights – can create a wonderful glow and make those everyday bathroom rituals a true joy. A well-lit bathroom goes beyond mere functionality, though – it’s about creating an oasis of tranquility.

So, to help you achieve a well-lit sanctuary, KBB journo Amanda Cochrane breaks down what you need to consider…

Create a lighting plan

For a practical and relaxing space, you’ll need a lighting plan in place, which requires careful consideration to strike the right balance between task, ambient and accent lighting. Luckily, there’s now a great variety of lighting options (both designer and high street) to choose from, from dimmable fixtures offering flexibility to well-placed wall lights helping to reduce shadows for grooming tasks.

“One major mistake is relying solely on overhead lighting; this can cast unflattering shadows and create a at, uninviting space,” says Charlie Bowles, director of Original BTC. “Instead, incorporate wall lights at eye level, which will provide even, more flattering illumination.”

Then, you need to think about how your lighting needs will change during the day. Think brighter and functional task lighting for mornings, and aim for softer, ambient lighting for winding down in the evening.

“There’s a fine line between lighting that creates a relaxing ambience, such as spotlights and pendant lights, and options which are better used for functionality, such as task lighting,” points out David Amos, director at Amos Lighting. “You should consider how much natural light your bathroom receives and plan accordingly.”

Safety and IP ratings

When it comes to choosing the correct lighting for your space, bathrooms are more complex than other rooms in the home due to the moisture and humidity. Work with a knowledgeable supplier who will provide you with the lighting that’s suitable for your design, ensuring it also withstands damp conditions and doesn’t become an electrical risk.

“Bathroom lights with incorrect IP ratings can be extremely dangerous as they create an electrical hazard,” points out Sam Garbutt, lighting expert with LED & Power.

Now, what exactly is an IP – or Ingress Protection – rating? It’s basically a two-digit number that indicates how resistant a light is to dust, water, and other intrusion. Whether you’ve got a dramatic pendant, elegant wall lights or practical spotlights in place, you will always need to consider the recommended IP rating.

Lights that go inside a bath or shower, for example, need an IP rating of IP67, meaning they are immersion proof and have a maximum voltage of 12v. Standard bathroom lights have a rating of IP44, which means they are splashproof and hence safe within a certain distance of a sink, bath or shower. If the light is nowhere near the water – for example a pendant light – then there is no IP requirement.

Where to place your lighting

Planning the positioning of your lighting as early as possible in the process is key – crucially, before commencing any major decorating works like plastering, painting or laying the flooring. Like with any project, it’s always going to be expensive to retrofit, so think about the different zones in your bathroom and how you want them to be lit.

Do you want an illuminated mirror, for example, or wall lights in the shower area, or both? Or are you looking for a spectacular chandelier or pendant over the bath? Don’t forget about less conventional options, either (hello, floor level spots), which help achieve a more designer look.

“Bathroom lighting should be one of the first things you plan, before tiles are set or the sink is installed,” says Hollie Moreland, creative director at David Hunt Lighting. “A lighting plan developed in the initial stages of your bathroom project will ensure all lights are perfectly aligned with fixtures like sinks, baths and showers. It doesn’t have to be overly intricate, but consider factors such as installing separate circuits to control different light sources – you’ll then be able to switch off more functional lights but keep mood lighting on, for example.”

Tips for lighting each zone

Vanity and mirror area – Go for glare-free task lighting such as wall scones positioned at eye level, which will help to prevent shadows and ensure clarity.

Shower and bath zone – A choice of recessed or sculptural waterproof lighting will contribute to a relaxing ambience.

Standout details – Concealed LED strips in alcoves or under the bath, plus sculptural wall lighting designs, provide the perfect accent lighting, helping to highlight textures and architectural elements in your bathroom.

General bathroom space – A central pendant or statement piece will set the tone for your bathroom design and add a luxurious focal point.

Lighting trends

There’s a clear shift away from the single overhead light design towards multiple lighting fixtures, with a mix of wall lights and pendants, and more colourful options.

“Consumers are incorporating multiple wall lights into their bathroom designs as they are becoming more colour-confident and playful with their lighting choices,” explains Hollie. “They are moving beyond the usual white fixtures to bring colour, personality and charm into the room.”

The use of statement lighting – from chandeliers to pendants and striking wall sconces – is also a rising trend, helping to elevate spaces from purely functional to total sanctuaries. Thoughtful, well-placed lighting can still transform the simplest scheme into something exceptional, with feel-good materials and textured pieces now becoming popular, as well.

“Luxury bathroom lighting is shifting towards warmer finishes and sculptural forms,” says Flora Chaumontet, marketing manager at CTO Lighting. “Natural materials such as alabaster, bronze and opaline glass are gaining popularity, as they diffuse light beautifully and add a timeless elegance.”

Blending aesthetics and function

Overall, bathroom lighting gives you the chance to be creative and to turn an often-forgotten space into one of the most delightful rooms in your home. The key is to make it central to your design and stick to a carefully considered lighting plan.

“Creating a gorgeous bathroom that is well lit and highly functional will serve your home for many years to come,” says Lee Lovett, co-founder and creative director at The Soho Lighting Company. “Function and safety should always come first when lighting a bathroom, but aesthetics really do matter, too.

“A bathroom is one of the most versatile and used rooms in a house, having to constantly adapt its purpose from tasks such as applying makeup, to enjoying relaxing soaks in the tub. This requires control, flexibility and exquisite lighting.”

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