Bathroom Lighting Guide

The right lighting can transform your bathroom—get it wrong, and you’re left with shadows, glare, or worse, a safety hazard. Here’s how to get it just right.

Ever feel like your bathroom lighting is actively working against you? Maybe it’s too dim when you’re trying to shave, or so harsh it makes you question every life choice while brushing your teeth. The right lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about setting the mood, making your space feel bigger, and ensuring your fixtures are safe in a moisture-heavy environment.

From IP-rated waterproof fittings to smart lighting that listens to your voice, this guide covers everything you need to transform your bathroom into a well-lit sanctuary.

 Click Below to Jump to a Section:

• Bathroom Zones: Where You Can (and Can’t) Install Lights
• Understanding The Bathroom Zones
• IP Ratings Explained: What Do Those Numbers Mean?
• Why LED Bathroom Lighting is the Future
• Smart LED Features on the Rise
• Types of Bathroom Lighting
• The Best Lighting Plan for Your Bathroom
• Light Your Bathroom the Right Way
• FAQs: Bathroom Lighting Questions Answered

Bathroom Zones: Where You Can (and Can’t) Install Lights

Bathroom zones define how close a light is to water and how much protection it needs. The closer to water, the higher the risk, meaning lights must be rated for moisture resistance.

Understanding The Bathroom Zones

• Zone 0 → Think of underwater LED strips in a whirlpool tub or inside a built-in shower niche. Any fixture in this zone must be fully waterproof (IP67+) and low voltage (max 12V).
• Zone 1 → Covers the area directly above a bath or shower up to 2.25m. If you want shower spotlights, they must be at least IP44, but IP65 is safer (especially if water jets hit them directly).
• Zone 2 → Includes the perimeter of the bath/shower and around sinks. This area gets occasional splashes, so lights here must be IP44 rated or higher. Most bathroom mirror lights, vanity sconces, and wall-mounted fixtures fall into this category.
• Zone 3 (Outside Zones) → Any lights outside these zones can be standard indoor fittings (IP20+), unless you have a wet room where the whole bathroom might be exposed to water jets—then go for IP65.

Regulation Tip: If using mains-powered lights in Zone 1, UK building regs require RCD (Residual Current Device) protection to prevent electric shocks.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how far water can splash, always choose a higher IP rating. Safety first!

IP Ratings Explained: What Do Those Numbers Mean?

Now that we know where lights can be installed, let’s talk about IP ratings (Ingress Protection).

An IP rating tells you how well a light fixture is sealed against water and dust. It’s written as IPXX, where:

• The first number (0–6) = Protection against solid objects (dust, debris)
• The second number (0–8) = Protection against moisture (water splashes, jets, immersion)

Common IP Ratings for Bathrooms

• IP44 → Splash-proof (suitable for Zone 2 & most vanity lights).
• IP65 → Water jet-resistant (recommended for Zone 1—shower ceiling lights, downlights).
• IP67 → Fully waterproof (required for Zone 0, e.g., LED lights inside a bathtub).
• IP68 → Submersion-proof (for extreme conditions—used in pools, spas).

General Rule: The closer a light is to water, the higher the IP rating must be. If your light fitting doesn’t have an IP rating, it’s NOT suitable for bathrooms.

Bonus Safety Tips: If using water jets to clean, treat any area within jet range as Zone 1 or 2, and opt for IP65-rated lights. UK regulations require any mains-powered light in Zone 1 to be protected by an RCD (Residual Current Device, 30mA)—this reduces the risk of electric shocks.

Why LED Bathroom Lighting is the Future

Traditional halogen and incandescent bulbs are on their way out—the future is LED.

Why Are LEDs Taking Over?

• Energy-efficient → Uses 75% less energy than halogen bulbs.
• Long lifespan → LEDs last 20,000+ hours (up to 15 years of daily use).
• Stay cool → Unlike halogens, LEDs don’t overheat—perfect for steamy bathrooms.
• Smart home compatible → Many LEDs work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and app controls.
• Creative options → Think backlit LED mirrors, dimmable vanity lights, and RGB mood lighting.

 Since 2021, the UK has banned the sale of halogen bulbs—so if you’re updating your bathroom, LED is your best bet.

Smart LED Features on the Rise

• Tunable White LEDs → Adjust colour temperature from cool white (morning) to warm white (evening).
• Colour-Changing LEDs (RGB) → Mood lighting for chromatherapy (e.g., a calming blue glow for baths).
• Motion Sensors & Scheduling → Automatic lights that turn on/off when you enter/leave the bathroom.

Best LED Upgrade? Backlit LED mirrors are skyrocketing in popularity—giving you flawless, shadow-free illumination for grooming.

Types of Bathroom Lighting

Now that we’ve covered zones, safety ratings, and why LEDs rule, let’s talk about the best types of bathroom lighting.

A well-lit bathroom should have layered lighting, combining these three types:

1. Ambient Lighting (General Illumination)

• The main light source in your bathroom.
• Best options: Flush-mount ceiling lights, LED panels, recessed spotlights.
• Where to use it: Evenly spaced across the ceiling to avoid dark patches.

Pro Tip: Use dimmer switches to adjust brightness for different times of day.

2. Task Lighting (Bright, Focused Light for Grooming)

• Essential for shaving, makeup, and skincare.
• Best options: LED vanity lights, backlit mirrors, side-mounted sconces.
• Where to use it: On both sides of the mirror (NOT above—it creates shadows!).

Pro Tip: Want perfect mirror lighting? Use vertical light bars at eye level for shadow-free illumination.

3. Accent Lighting (Decorative & Mood Lighting)

• Adds drama and highlights key features.
• Best options: LED strip lights under cabinets, cove lighting, wall-wash lights.
• Where to use it: Around a freestanding tub, recessed shower niches, under vanity units.

Pro Tip: Warm LED strips under floating vanities create a hotel-luxury feel (and double as a nightlight!).

The Best Lighting Plan for Your Bathroom

• Small Bathroom? Stick to one ceiling light + LED vanity mirror for space-saving efficiency.
• Large Bathroom? Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for a spa-like feel. 
• Want a High-End Look? Use dimmable LED lighting to adjust brightness for different moods.

Light Your Bathroom the Right Way

Choosing the perfect bathroom lighting isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, efficiency, and function.

• Follow bathroom zone rules to keep your lighting safe from water.
• Choose the right IP rating for each area (IP44 for walls, IP65+ for showers).
• Opt for LED lighting for energy savings, longevity, and smart features.
• Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for a balanced, well-lit space.

Need more bathroom inspiration? Check out our DIY guides, lighting blogs, and expert buying guides to help you plan the perfect space.

And if this helped, share it with someone planning a bathroom upgrade!

FAQs: Bathroom Lighting Questions Answered

What is the best lighting for a bathroom? 

The best bathroom lighting combines ambient, task, and accent lighting. A flush-mount ceiling light or recessed LED downlights provide general illumination, while backlit LED mirrors or vanity sconces offer focused task lighting. Accent lighting, like LED strips under a floating vanity, adds a luxury feel. For safety, always choose IP44+ rated lights in wet areas.

What IP rating do I need for bathroom lighting? 

The IP rating (Ingress Protection) determines how waterproof a light fitting is:

• IP44 → Splash-proof (for vanity mirrors, wall lights).
• IP65 → Water jet-resistant (for shower ceiling spotlights).
• IP67+ → Fully waterproof (for lights inside baths or shower floors).
  If unsure, choose a higher IP rating for safety.

Can I install a light above my shower? 

Yes, but it must be IP44 minimum (IP65 recommended). Shower ceiling lights should be sealed, waterproof LED downlights designed for Zone 1 installation.

What’s the best lighting for a bathroom mirror? 

For shadow-free lighting, use side-mounted LED sconces or a backlit mirror. Avoid overhead lighting—it creates harsh shadows. Opt for cool white (4000K–5000K) LEDs for the best grooming visibility.

What’s the difference between warm white and cool white lighting?

• Warm White (2700K–3000K) → Creates a cosy, relaxing atmosphere.
• Cool White (4000K–5000K) → Provides bright, clear light—ideal for shaving/makeup.
  For the best of both, use tunable white LEDs that adjust colour temperature.

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