Guest post- A Guide To Bathroom Lighting!

This article is brought to you by Edel Flood.

Bathrooms are one part of the home where you need good lighting, so it pays to take the time to get this aspect of the space right. Here are a few things you ought to take into consideration if you want to change the way your bathroom is illuminated.

Is there enough light?

Bathrooms are where people clean their teeth, wash their faces, shave, put on makeup and fix their hair, among many other things. All of these tasks require bright light, so make sure that practicality is one of the main factors that governs your decision in respect of which bathroom light fittings to choose.

Normally, a single central bulb would not provide enough light for a bathroom, so consider where you will need extra illumination. For example, additional light above the main mirror is likely to be incredibly handy for every member of your household, while a bright light over the shower is also a good idea.

Even though bathroom lighting has to be functional, you should also think about how to make the space relaxing as well. Installing downlights on the walls that can be switched on without the main light is one way to create a soothing ambiance if you want to enjoy a long soak in the tub, for instance.

Where is the light switch located?

You might not give the position of your bathroom light switch a second thought, but have you ever noticed how any switch in the bathroom is always a pull chord, while if it is a standard switch it will be located on the wall outside by the door?

This is primarily to do with safety, as European regulations state that any bathroom fittings have to be completely encased to prevent them from shorting out or giving electric shocks when they get wet. So, if you are redoing the lighting in your bathroom completely, be aware that you would not have much choice over the position of the switch.

Only use bathroom-specific light fittings

Following on from the above point, you need to make sure any light fittings you buy for your washroom are safe to be used in an environment that is often hot and wet. Fittings designed specifically for bathrooms have all the potentially dangerous parts completely enclosed, making them safe to be used around water.

All bathroom lights are rated by zones, which dictates where they are suitable to be used. For instance, zone 0 lights can be fitted on the interior of a bathtub or shower enclosure, while zone 3 lamps should be installed at least 2.4 m away from the perimeter of the bath or shower and 3.75 m off the ground. Zone 1 and 2 fittings fall in between these two examples.

While there are some basic light fittings you can install yourself, if you are totally overhauling your bathroom, it is sensible to call in a qualified electrician to carry out this work. Websites like Rated People can help you find someone suitable who is based in your area.

Be creative

Once you have got past all the practicalities of bathroom lighting, you can start to get creative with your design. There is a wide range fittings available for this part of the home now, so you would not have to be restricted to ugly fluorescent tubing.

A great way to customize your bathroom lighting is to invest in some shades that complement the rest of the bathroom's design. For a contemporary space, sleek frosted glass tubes with a chrome fixture are a great option, while more ornate shades with floral detailing or etching in the glass can look fantastic in a period bathroom.
 

 Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.