Your Guide to Bathroom Lighting

Designing bathroom lighting requires a careful mix of functionality, safety, and style. The choice of fixtures not only influences the mood but also ensures that the space meets safety standards. With these factors in mind, here’s our guide to achieving the perfect bathroom lighting setup.

What are bathroom lighting zones and IP ratings?
Before selecting any light fitting for a bathroom, you need to understand IP ratings and the zone system. Together, they determine which fittings can legally and safely be used in each part of the room.

IP stands for Ingress Protection. The number tells you how well a fitting is sealed against water. Bathrooms are divided into zones based on proximity to water sources, and each zone has a minimum IP requirement.

• Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower itself. Any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage, (max 12v) and be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof.
• Zone 1 is the area above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP45 is required but it is generally accepted that IP65 is to be used. It’s also worth noting that most shower lights are rated at IP65 in any case.
• Zone 2 is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. In addition it is good practice to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.
• Outside Areas are any locations around Zones 0, 1, and 2 (subject to specific limits) where water jets are not likely to be used. There are no special IP requirements in this zone, however we suggest that you consider a light with an IP rating of at least IP20+.

What is the best lighting for a bathroom?
A flush or semi-flush ceiling fitting is a practical choice for the main source of light, particularly in bathrooms where ceiling height or the proximity of the shower means a pendant is not suitable. It distributes light evenly across the room without crowding the space, which matters in smaller bathrooms where the proportions are already working against you.

That said, ambient light alone is not enough. The vanity area has its own specific requirements, and it is worth treating it separately. Wall lights positioned on either side of the mirror are the most effective solution for vanity lighting, providing balanced, shadow-free light for daily tasks. 

What materials work best for bathroom light fittings?
In a bathroom, where humidity is a constant, the most practical and enduring materials for light fittings are glass and metals such as brass or bronze.

Glass is a popular choice for bathroom lighting because it can be easily cleaned and can withstand humidity without losing its brightness. If you go for frosted or opal glass, it softens the light nicely, reducing any harsh glare and giving your bathroom a relaxing, spa-like feel. And if you’re into timeless elegance, brass or bronze fittings are perfect. They look sophisticated and need very little maintenance, keeping your bathroom stylish with minimal effort. We just recommend that you match the metalwork on your light fittings to the bathroom fixtures & accessories.