Bathroom Interior Ideas Rooms

Bathroom Lighting: Tips, Placement, Design Ideas

A competent organization of safe, comfortable, and aesthetic lighting in the bathroom plays a significant role in creating the interior. Thanks to modern lighting fixtures and devices, you can implement any design ideas and create a cozy and romantic atmosphere in the room.

How much light is needed in the bathroom?

The ideal option for the bathroom is a sufficient amount of light, close to daylight. In this way, you can create the most natural illumination for a natural look and makeup application. As the combined bathroom can be used for different needs, it is better to install a combined type of lighting.

For a small bathroom, one central light in combination with two or three additional wall lamps is appropriate.

In a large room, it is advisable to install several top light devices. The more lights, the smaller the size and power they should be. For a spacious bathroom (bathroom in imperial terms can vary, but a spacious one might be around 100 square feet or 9.29 square meters), zonal lighting will be suitable, thanks to which it will be possible to highlight separate functional areas, as well as emphasize the configuration of space.

The photo shows the lighting of a small bathroom in the form of a concise central chandelier located on the ceiling.

The choice of lighting is influenced by the following important factors:

  • Stylistic design of the interior and color palette. The darker the shade of the walls, the greater intensity the light sources should have.
  • Size and shape of the bathroom.
  • Zoning features.
  • Types of lamps, their maximum power, and method of fastening. 
  • Presence of reflecting surfaces in the form of mirrors, tiles, and so on. 

First of all, before starting repairs in the room, they think through the lighting system and specific places where its sources will be located. Wiring of cables, construction of gypsum board false beams, and so on are provided for.

Which light to choose?

Regardless of whether the bathroom has windows or not, you should choose bright lighting that will not irritate the eyes. The most comfortable and pleasant is considered warm light, having a yellowish tint. Such soft lighting will contribute to complete relaxation in the bathing area. Devices with cold bluish light, located near the sink, will help to quickly wake up and freshen up.

Tips on Placement

In case of insufficient light in the room, the ideal solution is considered to be a multi-tiered lighting system in three levels.

Main

Depending on the location, ceiling, wall and floor lighting devices with manual or automatic switching are distinguished.

On a regular painted ceiling, pendant lights with increased moisture protection are often installed. For a ceiling plane decorated with a gypsum board structure, plastic panels or slats, recessed lights are preferred. They are very convenient, aesthetic, and safe, as they have hidden wiring. For a stretch fabric, point lighting will be suitable, and for a multi-level ceiling, LED lamps will be appropriate.

The classic solution for small rooms is to place a central chandelier.

If ceiling lights are not enough, wall light sources are used. The placement is chosen depending on the height of the walls. Lights should not blind the eyes, so they are usually installed at a level of about six and a half feet (two meters) from the floor surface.

When buying wall sconces for a bathroom, pay attention to lampshades, they should be spherical or bulbous in shape and be closed.

The photo shows the interior of an attic bathroom with point lighting built into the stretch ceiling.

Floor lighting is most often represented by backlighting, for example, an LED strip or waterproof lights. To create a tranquil atmosphere in the room, you can use enclosed lanterns, translucent lamps, or illuminators. Built-in floor lamps will add an unusual touch to the bathroom and give the atmosphere a hint of mystery.

Lighting of Functional Zones

Each area of the room requires the organization of auxiliary light. This way you can not only visually change the perception of space, but also add a touch of originality to the monotonous atmosphere.

Work Area

This area with a mirror and sink requires quality lighting, which should fall evenly from both sides. For this purpose, the installation of two side lights with symmetrical arrangement, a little higher than eye level, is best suited. This option is especially appropriate when applying makeup, as it provides the necessary brightness and does not create shadows on the face. For shaving, one lighting device above the mirror will be quite sufficient.

Lamps with flexible brackets that allow for the adjustment of light direction are especially convenient.

In the photo, a working area in a bathroom decorated with a mirror with built-in side bulbs.

Bathtub and Shower

For lovers of relaxing baths, installing one or two devices with muted diffused lighting is suitable. With the help of LED lighting, you can also decorate the bathtub itself around the perimeter or, in case of insufficient lighting, place several lamps in the shower area. The best option for the humidity area will be devices with the ability to change the brightness and direction of the light flow.

The photo shows spot lighting located above the bathtub in the bathroom interior.

Storage Systems and Appliances

To create an extraordinary romantic atmosphere and give the surrounding environment some elegance, they use highlighting of individual interior elements with light. Such a decorative solution allows you to highlight shelves, cabinets, boxes for things, and other items. This kind of lighting can be implemented with LED tape or spotlights. As additional lighting in the room, a separate source equips the area with towel hooks or a place where the washing machine stands.

The photo shows bathroom shelves equipped with spot lighting.

Decorative

Thanks to independent strip lighting, spotlights framing the bathtub, a faucet attachment changing the shade from the water temperature, it is possible to give the room even more light and space.

The photo shows decorative lighting in the bathroom interior, made in the high-tech style.

One of the popular solutions for the bathroom is a fake window. It is made of frosted glass, which is decorated with moisture-resistant patterns and equipped with fluorescent built-in lighting.

Lighting in a Small Bathroom

For lighting in a bathroom of a small size, it is not advisable to use too bulky lamps and, if possible, do without a chandelier. Spotlights are best suited here, thanks to which you can also organize zoning and make the room as functional as possible.

The photo shows a small bathroom decorated with lighting and hanging ceiling lamps.

For a bathroom with a low ceiling, the best lighting choice would be wall sconces, floor lamps, or a ceiling chandelier with upward directed light. This way, a play of shadows will be created on the ceiling, visually adding height to the room.

The photo shows a mirror with built-in lighting in a small bathroom interior.

Design Examples

A shower head with lighting that creates a colored water stream is a stunning sight. Equally unusual are a ceiling in the form of a starry sky or glowing drops with LED point elements. For creating unique lighting, the edges of the bathtub and podiums are decorated with backlighting, and niches, screens, or skirting boards are decorated with spotlights. 

The photo shows a spacious bathroom with unique lighting embedded in the floor.

To create a relaxing and surprisingly romantic atmosphere in the bathroom, LED bubble air panels are a suitable installation.

Ideas in Various Interior Styles

In a classic style, the setting is decorated with steel or bronze candlesticks and uses crystal products with numerous pendants, chains, beads, and other decorative elements. 

For minimalism, the use of hanging lamps, distinguished by their simple shape and lack of decor, is appropriate. In the interior, models with round shades in the form of spheres, cones, or abstract lamps are often found.

Provence is characterized by floor lamps, voluminous chandeliers, and metal or wooden candlesticks. As a complement to a beautiful interior composition, massive wrought-iron chandeliers with glass lampshades are chosen and lamps or sconces in the form of inflorescences are placed near the mirror.

The photo shows an example of lighting in a bathroom decorated in a modern style.

LED lighting in combination with metal halogen lamps fits perfectly into the loft style. To reinforce the industrial atmosphere, pendant bulbs are used on thick chains or cords, reminiscent of wires. 

The Scandinavian interior assumes any type of wall or ceiling lights, which can be combined with modern LED lamps. This stylistic approach does not accept overly bulky and ornate light sources.

Safety Rules

When developing a lighting scheme, safety is the first priority. Light fixtures should be sealed and placed so that water droplets do not get on them. 

  • It is not recommended to install lights above the bathtub, as heated glass can explode when it comes into contact with moisture.
  • Light sources should not have exposed wiring and cables. 
  • The use of extension cords and adapters is not desirable. 
  • If there are outlets, they should be located at a safe distance from the sink, shower, and bathtub.
  • The electrical network in the bathroom must necessarily be grounded.

If the light is properly organized, you can complete the image of the bathroom, make the cladding, furniture, and plumbing more effective, and also create a practical and cozy design. Thanks to correctly designed lighting, you can provide the interior with the necessary accents and bring harmony into it.

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