Are you dreaming of transforming your tired old loo into something spectacular? Well, if you’re planning a bathroom remodel, getting the bathroom lighting right should be at the top of your list! Our team specialises in creating stunning bathroom renovations in Ipswich, and we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about brightening up your space in a way that’s both practical and pretty. Trust me, sorting your lighting can take your bathroom from drab to absolutely fab!
Why Bathroom Lighting Makes All the Difference
Let’s be honest — nobody wants to pluck their eyebrows or clean their teeth in the shadows. Good bathroom lighting isn’t just about making the space look nice (though that’s brilliant too); it’s about making it work properly for all the things you do in there.
Think about it: you wash your face, style your hair, have showers or baths, and sometimes just need a quiet moment to yourself. Different activities need different types of light, which is why getting your lighting scheme spot on can be a bit tricky but worth every penny.
The right lighting can even make your bathroom feel larger, especially if you’re working with a smaller space like an en suite bathroom! If you’re ready to transform your bathroom with the perfect lighting setup, contact us for a free quote on your bathroom renovation project.
The Three Main Types of Bathroom Lighting
Right, before we dive into specific options, let’s chat about the three main types of lighting you should know about for your bathroom remodel:
1. Task Lighting
This is the practical stuff — the lighting that helps you see what you’re doing when you’re standing at the mirror sorting out your hair or checking if you’ve got toothpaste around your mouth. Task lighting needs to be bright enough to see details but not so harsh that it makes you look like you’ve seen a ghost!
2. Ambient Lighting
Think of this as your bathroom’s main light source. It’s the general illumination that lets you see where you’re going and what you’re doing. Good ambient lighting should fill the room evenly without creating harsh shadows or dark corners in your bathroom walls.
3. Accent Lighting
This is the fancy bit! Accent lighting is all about highlighting certain features in your bathroom — maybe a gorgeous walk in shower, some stunning wall tiles, or even your bathroom flooring if it’s something special. Accent lighting can draw the eye to the best bits of your bathroom and create depth in your space.
Now let’s look at some specific lighting options that’ll work brilliantly in your bathroom remodel:
Best Lighting Options for Your Bathroom Remodel
Ceiling Lights
Recessed Downlights
These lights sit flush with your ceiling, so they don’t hang down into the room. They’re brilliant for smaller bathrooms where you don’t want light fittings taking up precious space.
Good to know: You’ll need several of these spaced throughout your ceiling to avoid creating shadows. Aim for one downlight per 1-1.5 square metres of bathroom space.
Perfect for: Low ceilings or minimalist bathroom layouts. They give a clean, modern look and work particularly well above a walk in shower.
Not so great for: If you’re on a tight budget, as you’ll need several of them and installation can be pricey if you don’t already have the wiring in place.
Flush or Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures
These attach directly to the ceiling with just a small gap (or no gap for flush mounts). They spread light more evenly than downlights and come in loads of different styles.
Good to know: Look for fixtures with an IP rating of at least IP44, which means they’re safe for bathroom use. The IP rating is super important in bathrooms to ensure your lights are safe around water!
Perfect for: Medium to large bathrooms where you want one main light source.
Not so great for: Very steamy wet rooms, unless you choose a higher IP rating.
Wall Lights
Vanity Lights
These are the lights you put around or above your mirror. They’re super important because they help eliminate shadows on your face when you’re doing things like applying makeup or shaving.
Good to know: The best setup is to have wall mounted lights on both sides of the mirror at about eye level. This works brilliantly for a double vanity setup too. If that’s not possible, a light bar above the mirror is your next best option.
Perfect for: Daily grooming tasks where you need to see clearly.
Not so great for: Creating a relaxing mood — they’re typically quite bright and functional.
Sconces
Wall sconces can be both practical and decorative. They add a lovely touch of style to your bathroom walls while providing useful light.
Good to know: Make sure they’re properly rated for bathroom use (that IP rating again) and positioned where they won’t get splashed too much.
Perfect for: Adding a bit of character and style to your bathroom remodel.
Not so great for: Small bathrooms where wall space is limited.
Mirror Lights
LED Mirror Cabinets
These clever units combine storage, a mirror, and built-in lighting. The LEDs are typically built into the frame of the mirror or cabinet.
Good to know: Look for ones with adjustable brightness if possible, so you can have brighter light for doing your makeup and softer light for a relaxing soak in one of those lovely shower baths.
Perfect for: Multitasking spaces where you need storage and good lighting.
Not so great for: Budgets at the lower end, as good ones can be quite pricey.
Backlit Mirrors
These create a gorgeous halo of light around your mirror. They look dead fancy but are actually quite practical too, providing soft, even light.
Good to know: They create fewer shadows than overhead ceiling lights, making them brilliant for seeing your face clearly.
Perfect for: Adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom remodel.
Not so great for: Those looking for very bright task lighting, as they tend to be a bit softer.
Shower and Bath Lighting
Recessed Shower Lights
Specially designed waterproof downlights that can safely go directly above your shower enclosure.
Good to know: These must have a high IP rating (IP65 or higher) to be safe in wet areas, especially above shower heads where water is constantly splashing.
Perfect for: Making sure you can see properly in the shower — nobody wants to miss a bit when shaving their legs!
Not so great for: Budget renovations, as waterproof fittings cost more.
LED Strip Lights
These flexible strips of tiny LED lights can be placed under cabinets, along bath panels, or even in shower enclosures to highlight your gorgeous floor tile or wall tiles.
Good to know: They come in different colours and can often be controlled by remote, so you can change the mood of your bathroom with the press of a button.
Perfect for: Creating a spa-like atmosphere in your en suite bathroom or main bathroom.
Not so great for: Task lighting — they’re more about atmosphere than functionality.
Decorative and Feature Lighting
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights hang down from the ceiling and can make a real style statement in your bathroom remodel.
Good to know: For safety, they need to be kept away from water sources and should have the appropriate IP rating for bathroom use.
Perfect for: Higher ceilings and adding a bit of drama to your bathroom design. They look amazing over a freestanding bath or double vanity!
Not so great for: Low ceilings or small bathroom layouts where they might get in the way.
Chandelier
Yes, you can have a chandelier in your bathroom! They add a touch of luxury and can transform an ordinary bathroom into something special.
Good to know: Make sure it’s specifically designed for bathroom use or has been properly sealed for damp environments.
Perfect for: Creating a wow factor in larger bathrooms.
Not so great for: Standard-sized bathrooms where it might overwhelm the space.
Smart Lighting Options
If you’re really keen to make your bathroom super modern, consider these clever options:
Colour-Changing LEDs
These let you change the colour of your bathroom lighting to suit your mood — bright white for doing your makeup, warm yellow for a relaxing bath, or even funky colours just for fun!
Good to know: Many can be controlled by your phone or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
Perfect for: Tech lovers who want a versatile bathroom experience.
Not so great for: Those who prefer simplicity or are on a tight budget.
Motion Sensor Lights
These turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom and turn off when you leave. They’re brilliant for middle-of-the-night trips to the loo when you don’t want to blind yourself with bright lights.
Good to know: Some can be set to come on at a lower brightness at night.
Perfect for: Families with young children or elderly people who might struggle with switches in the dark.
Not so great for: Those who like full control over their lighting.
Practical Tips for Choosing Your Bathroom Lighting
Consider Your Bathroom Layout
Different bathroom layouts need different lighting approaches. A wet room might need more waterproof options, while a bathroom with a walk in shower might benefit from specific lighting to highlight this feature.
Think About Your Wall Tiles and Floor Tile
If you’ve splashed out on gorgeous wall tiles or special bathroom flooring, consider lighting that will show it off! Angled downlights or LED strips can draw the eye to these features.
Don’t Forget Dimmer Switches
These brilliant devices let you adjust the brightness of your lights, so you can have bright light for doing your makeup and softer light for a relaxing soak in the tub. Just make sure your chosen light fixtures are compatible with dimmers.
Remember the IP Ratings
This is really important for safety in any bathroom remodel! Bathroom lights need to be protected against moisture and water. Here’s a quick guide to IP rating requirements:
- IP44: Protected from water splashes – good for general bathroom use outside of wet zones
- IP65: Protected from water jets – suitable for use in shower areas and near shower heads
- IP67/IP68: Waterproof – can be submerged in water, perfect for inside shower enclosures or wet rooms
Consider Your Colour Temperature
Light colour is measured in Kelvins (K):
- 2700K-3000K: Warm white – cosy and relaxing, good for creating a spa-like feel
- 3500K-4000K: Cool white – bright and clean, good for task lighting
- 5000K-6500K: Daylight – very bright and clinical, similar to natural daylight
Many people prefer warm white for ambient lighting and cool white for task lighting around mirrors.
Bringing It All Together: Layered Lighting Scheme
The best bathroom remodel combines different types of lights to create what designers call a “layered lighting scheme.” Here’s how to do it:
- Start with good ambient lighting (ceiling lights)
- Add task lighting around your mirror and shower enclosure
- Include some accent or feature lighting to draw the eye to special features like your walk in shower or fancy wall tiles
- Consider adding dimmer switches for flexibility
By layering different types of lights, you can create a bathroom that’s both practical and atmospheric.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lighting for your bathroom remodel isn’t just about making it look nice (though that’s important too!). It’s about creating a space that works for all the different things you do there — from the practical morning rush to get ready, to that blissful evening soak in the bath.
Take your time to plan your lighting scheme carefully, making sure you have the right mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting. And don’t forget those all-important IP ratings to keep everything safe around water!
With the right bathroom lighting, your newly remodelled space can be transformed from purely functional to absolutely smashing. Happy remodelling!
