Our bathroom showrooms are flooded with natural light, but not everyone's home has this luxury...that’s why we’ve created this guide to bathroom lighting - so you can learn how to choose bathroom lights and get ideas from our favourite customer projects.
How to Choose the Best Bathroom Lighting
When choosing bathroom lighting, there’s a bit more to think about than in other rooms. You'll need to consider IP ratings, how to layer lighting, brightness and colour temperature.
1. IP Ratings
Bathrooms are split into different zones based on how close they are to water sources like showers and baths. Each zone requires lighting with a specific IP (Ingress Protection) rating for safety reasons:
- Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower): Requires IP67
- Zone 1 (above the bath/shower): Minimum IP44 (IP65 recommended)
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Zone 2 (around sinks and nearby areas): IP44 or higher
If you’re about to start a bathroom renovation and are unsure about this, book an appointment with our bathroom designers, who can help map out lighting zones with a free design service!
2. Layering lighting
One of the most effective bathroom lighting ideas is to layer your lighting. Instead of relying on a single ceiling light, combine different types:
- Ambient lighting: your main light source (e.g. ceiling lights or spotlights)
- Task lighting: focused light for things like shaving or makeup
- Accent lighting: softer lighting to highlight features or create atmosphere
Layering gives you flexibility and helps your bathroom feel more like a relaxing space rather than a purely functional one.
3. Brightness
Brightness is often overlooked, but it makes a huge difference. Bathrooms need to be bright enough for daily routines, but not harsh or clinical.
As a general guide, aim for around 500–700 lumens per square metre.
Dimmable lighting is usually the best option, as this allows you to switch from bright, practical lighting in the morning to something softer in the evening.
4. Colour Temperature
Colour temperature affects both the look and feel of your bathroom, so it’s worth thinking about how you want the space to function day to day. It’s measured in Kelvin (K).
- Warm white (2700K–3000K): Softer and more relaxing, ideal for a “spa-like” feel
- Neutral white (3000K–4000K): A good all-rounder that feels clean and natural
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Cool white (4000K+): Brighter, best suited to task lighting
*It's best to choose your lighting colour in person, as images online aren't always accurate across different screens.
Bathroom Lighting Ideas & Inspiration
If you’re not sure where to start, looking at real design ideas can make things much clearer. Here are some of the most popular bathroom lighting ideas to consider for your home.
Ceiling Bathroom Lighting Ideas
Ceiling lighting is the main source of light in most bathrooms, so it sets the tone for everything else.
Recessed spotlights (downlights) are a go-to for modern bathrooms. Spacing them evenly helps avoid shadows and gives you consistent light across the room. In smaller bathrooms, a flush ceiling light is a great alternative.
💡 Top Tip: If you've a small windowless family bathroom oe en-suite, consider adding spotlights to your shower.
Bathroom Mirror Lighting Ideas
Bathroom mirror lighting is one of the most important elements to get right, as it directly affects how practical your bathroom is to use day to day.
Backlit LED mirrors are a popular choice right now, creating a soft, even glow that reduces harsh shadows. Alternatively, wall lights positioned either side of the mirror provide more balanced lighting across your face, making everyday tasks like shaving or applying makeup much easier.
💡 Top Tip: Avoid placing a single light directly above the mirror, as this can cast unflattering shadows.
Bathroom Wall Lighting Ideas
Wall lighting is a simple way to add both style and atmosphere to your bathroom.
It works really well for softening the overall lighting and creating a more relaxed feel, especially in the evening. Wall lights can also be used to highlight features like bathroom tiles or architectural details, helping to bring more depth to the space.
💡 Top Tip: Match your wall light finishes with your taps or accessories to create a more seamless look.
Bathroom Niche Lighting Ideas
Bathroom niches are becoming very popular, and they're is a great place to add subtle lighting.
If you have a niche or alcove within your shower or bath, LED strip lighting creates a soft glow that adds a more premium finish. It’s also practical, making it easier to find everyday items without relying on brighter overhead lighting.
💡 Top Tip: Warm LED strips tend to create a more relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.
Bathroom Floor Lighting Ideas
Floor-level lighting is perfect for adding a softer, more ambient layer to your bathroom.
Lighting beneath wall-hung vanity units or along the floor can create a floating effect, giving your bathroom a more contemporary feel. It also works well as a low-level light at night, so you don’t have to rely on brighter ceiling lighting.
💡 Top Tip: This type of lighting works best when paired with other layers, rather than used on its own.
Get More Bathroom Lighting Ideas at Bassetts
Visiting our showroom can make such a difference when you’re trying to choose lights for your bathroom. See how different types of lighting come together in fully designed bathroom displays, and get a much better feel for what you like.
With 12 different showroom locations and a vast range of lights to choose from, you're sure to find something to suit.
Book a Free Showroom Appointment
FAQs
What does zone 1 and 2 mean in bathroom lighting?
What is the best lighting for a small bathroom?
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