Good bathroom lighting is essential to improve both functionality and aesthetics. It should facilitate daily activities while creating a pleasant environment. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure effective bathroom lighting.

The importance of layered lighting

Effective bathroom lighting involves layering different types of light to create balance. A well-structured lighting plan typically includes ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting is the general lighting of the room, usually provided by ceiling lights or chandeliers, ensuring the area is well-lit for general activities.

Task lighting focuses on specific areas, such as the vanity, where grooming takes place, and should provide clear and bright light to facilitate tasks such as shaving and applying makeup. Accent lighting can highlight decorative elements or architectural features, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

Choosing the right fixtures

When choosing fixtures, consider versatility and style in your choices. Vertical sconces mounted on either side of the mirror are excellent for providing even lighting and minimizing shadows on the face. Lighting above the mirror can also be effective, ensuring that fixtures are placed at a height of 75 to 80 inches above the floor to provide adequate light distribution. In small bathrooms, recessed lighting saves space while offering intense ambient light. Additionally, creative options such as backlit mirrors can serve both to illuminate and decorate your space.

Bathroom lighting

A LED wall sconce with an elegant and functional design is perfect for illuminating a bathroom with style, such as this model, available on our online store.

Preview of the chrome mirror bathroom light 8W Natural White

With a sophisticated chrome finish, this sconce projects natural white light at 560 lumens, ideal for clear and precise lighting above mirrors. With a maximum power of 8W and a color temperature of 4000K, it ensures optimal color rendering thanks to a CRI index of Ra≥80. Its design offers a 60° beam angle, ensuring effective light coverage.

Choosing bulbs and color temperature

Choosing the right bulbs is essential for effective bathroom lighting. LED bulbs are highly recommended due to their energy efficiency and longevity, and a range of color temperatures is available to meet personal preferences.

An excellent choice is to select an outdoor LED wall sconce, such as this model, for example. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a combination of style and performance. With a power of 2x5W, this sconce offers lighting equivalent to 100W while consuming less energy, delivering a powerful light output of 1200 lumens.

Preview of a wall sconce

Designed with a translucent design and elegant white finish, it integrates harmoniously into both modern and traditional settings. With an IP65 protection rating, it is perfectly suited for installation outdoors or indoors, whether in a hallway, on a facade, or even in a bathroom thanks to its natural white lighting. Give your home a touch of sophistication and superior lighting efficiency with the ANDREA wall sconce.

For warm and flattering light, look for bulbs with a color temperature between 2000K and 3000K, as they faithfully reproduce daylight and enhance skin tones and ambiance. Additionally, bulbs with a high color rendering index (CRI) guarantee vibrant and realistic colors.

Safety devices and regulations

Safety is paramount when planning bathroom lighting. Install outlets with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection to guard against electric shocks, especially in wet areas. Additionally, ensure that all fixtures used in wet or adjacent areas, such as above the shower or bathtub, are rated to withstand moisture and mold without compromising safety. When installing new lighting elements, it is advisable to consult an electrician to ensure compliance with local building codes.

Preview of an elegant bathroom with wall sconces and LED ceiling spots

In France, it is the NF C 15-100 standard that applies in bathrooms. This standard defines three volumes in the bathroom for the safety of electrical installations:

• Volume 0: This volume, which corresponds to the water reception area in the bathtub or shower, only permits IPX7 and TBTS 12V type equipment, and no device is allowed in the volume hidden under Volume 0.

• Volume 1: Located above Volume 0 up to 2.25 meters, it allows the installation of IPX5 equipment such as lighting or TBTS 12V switches, as well as instantaneous or storage water heaters of Class I and piping.

• and Volume 2: This volume only accepts IPX4 equipment, such as lighting or TBTS 12V switches, Class II electric or lighting heating devices, Class I water heaters, shaver sockets with separation transformer, and piping.

Each volume imposes specific restrictions on the electrical equipment that can be installed there.

Outside the defined volumes, the restrictions are less strict, allowing the use of appliances such as Class I washing machines or dryers, Class I or II electric heating devices, various types of lighting, water heaters, classic or TBTS 12V switches, grounded outlets, as well as separation transformers, piping, and electrical junction boxes. To ensure safety, a 30 mA differential switch must protect the bathroom's electrical circuits, and all piping, metal masses, and lighting must be grounded.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid common pitfalls that can impair the effectiveness of bathroom lighting. These include using only ceiling lights, which can create harsh shadows, and neglecting to use dimmers to modulate the lighting intensity. Additionally, placing bedside lamps directly above mirrors can create unflattering shadows; side lighting is preferable to enhance visibility during grooming. By avoiding these mistakes and applying the strategies described, you can create a functional and welcoming bathroom.