Positioning your bathroom away from exterior walls makes it impossible to install windows. Whether your bathroom lacks a window or has one that lets in minimal light, I can vouch for several effective tips I’ve used to transform them into functional spaces. We can agree that thoughtful bathroom lights’ design enhances aesthetics and practicality. In this article, I will share my expert knowledge on light fixture types, placement, and smart lighting ideas to modernise your bathroom.

Types of Bathroom Lights

Before choosing the best bathroom lighting solutions, you need to understand the different types and which ones are appropriate for use in such a humid, high-traffic space.

Ambient Bathroom Light:

Ambient lighting, or general lighting, is the overall illumination provided by all bathroom light fittings, in other words, it is the primary light source.

Accent Bathroom Light:

We often describe anything attractive or inviting as an accent element: an accent wall, floor, ceiling, decor, doors, or windows. Accent lights highlight a specific item or feature in your bathroom, creating a sense of interest and drama. They can also focus on specific elements in the space, such as artwork or plants.

Task Bathroom Light:

Whether you want to shave or do your makeup, task lighting focuses on the practical areas. They can be customized to the person’s interests. For example, having a bathroom cabinet with light and shaver socket. Do you like to read in the bathtub? Task lighting can be added right above you.

What is the IP Rating for Bathroom Lights?

UK regulations urge homeowners to choose specific IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for different bathroom lighting zones, to ensure safety in wet and humid areas.

Zone 0: (Inside Shower and Bathtub Area)

The IP required for these areas that need to be on the bathroom lighting fixture is IP67 or higher. These bathroom lights are completely waterproof and the fitting must be sealed and low voltage (maximum of 12V).

Zone 1 and bathroom light: (Above the Bath and Shower)

This area requires splash-proof IP44 bathroom lights, but it is recommended to use IP65 bathroom lights for extra protection. If you have children or a pet, it is better to be safer with the extra splash!

Zone 2: (0.6m Around Baths/showers/sinks)

In this area, it is also recommended to get a minimum of IP44 in case of casual splashing.

Outside Zones and Bathroom Light: (What is Beyond Zone 2)

There is no recommended rating in areas where water splashes do not occur. However, since the bathroom is a usually humid space, IP44 is the minimum limit. A bathroom light switch can also be installed outside to avoid electrocution and accidents.

Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Now that you know how to choose the safest option for you and the types of bathroom light fixtures, we dive into the illuminating hacks! For a bathroom with no windows or low natural light, you have to layer ambient, task, and accent lighting. These tips will give you the best ways on how to achieve it:

1. Bathroom Ceiling Lights: Main Ambient Bathroom Light

Installing waterproof bathroom ceiling lights is the first, safest, and best way to brighten up your bathroom. The strong and even illumination covers the entire space. These ambient lights distribute light evenly and even ensure a decluttered look in smaller bathrooms. Recessed ceiling lights are a trendy and practical option. Positioning them on the edges of the bathroom can also enhance the sense of space. Other types of ceiling lights are flush mounts, cluster fixtures, and ceiling pendants, which brings us to the next tip.

2. Bathroom Pendant Lighting:

Pendant lights add focused illumination with a decorative touch. The hanging lights create an aesthetic view and are common in bathrooms with higher ceilings. They can complement traditional and contemporary designs. Pendant lighting can be used both as ambient and task lights especially if they hang above a bathroom vanity or a bathtub. Avoid making them very low since it would add glare instead of illuminating the space. Adjust the height for better light distribution. Unlike other ceiling lights, pendant lighting can add focus to specific areas and dark corners (it can be decorative accent lighting).

3. Bathroom Wall Lights:

You can be creative with this one. First, you have the option to put two wall lights on the sides of the bathroom mirror or one above it. This will eliminate the shadows and enhance your makeup application or shaving experience. It also reflects more light around the room. You can add upward-facing bathroom light bulbs for a soft and reflective glow across the ceiling and the walls. They can also be used as accent lighting by facing the lights into artwork, textured walls, or decor, to add more depth to the space.

4. Bathroom Mirror With Lights:

My personal favourite is a bathroom mirror cabinet with light that combines smart and modern functionality. This task light adds storage while eliminating shadows. Built-in LED mirrors create a modern and stylish feel doubling as a light source. They maximize the light reflection in the bathroom and come in various types: including back-lit, front-lit, battery-powered, and smart options.

5. LED Bathroom Lights:

LED bathroom lights and strips are a game-changer that will instantly light up your bathroom. They come in various colours and can be adjusted to mimic natural light. You can add LED light bulbs as an energy-efficient solution to any previous lighting hack. Or add bathroom strip light under vanities and cabinets to add subtle ambient lighting. Not only do they use 80% less energy, but LEDs do not compromise the brightness level and you can customise the colours to your taste.

6. Smart Bathroom Lights:

With the modern world comes modern solutions. They are a game-changer when it comes to dark and windowless bathrooms. They offer convenience and energy efficiency. For example, bathroom sensor lights automatically turn on when they sense movement. This takes us to the bathroom night light, which takes motion sensors to another level and dim and soft glow for night visits. They have adjustable colour temperatures that make your dark bathroom not so scary at night. Moreover, Other smart options are LED bulbs connecting to WI-FI and Bluetooth or controlled via Alexa or Google Assistant. In addition, a smart bathroom cabinet with light and shaver socket has features to enhance visibility, touch control, and anti-fog functions. Not only you will improve the functionality of your bathroom, but you also maximize its brightness and warmth.

7. Secret Important Tip: Add Mirrors!

A clever and overlooked hack aside from the lighting, adding mirrors strategically will brighten up a dim bathroom. They can be placed across bathroom wall lights or other light sources that will amplify the illumination and create the illusion of more space. You can add a bathroom mirror with LED lights to add extra visibility and more light reflection across the room.

FAQ:

Do you need a window in a bathroom in the UK?

A window can be very beneficial when it comes to ventilation. If your bathroom is positioned away from exterior walls, you need to install a reliable extractor fan.

How to get more light into a dark bathroom?

To brighten a dark bathroom, use layered lights with ceiling, mirror, and wall lights. Opt for LED and smart lighting to add customization and a modern look. Install accent lights to enhance depth. Use light-colored decor and motion sensor light for convenience. Extra mirrors can amplify the brightness and visibility.  

How to lighten up a black bathroom?

Opt for warm white shades with the light bulbs. Add illuminating mirrors and glossy finishes and decor to enhance reflection. Also, Use glass shower panels and metallic fixtures to bounce light. Using reflective wall and floor tiles is also a smart solution to reflect light, such as porcelain and ceramic tiles. We install black reflective tiles in many of our renovations. The reflective surface of the tiles amplifies the brightness and adds a dramatic mood.

If you want a renovation with full consideration of your space, time, and personal taste, our team at AV Modern Bathrooms is at your service! Our full renovation has a highly competitive price in the market starting only at £3600 with a free included LED mirror. Secure your free quote now. Call us at +44 1942 365989, and email us at info@avmodernbathrooms.com for more information. Or visit us at 69-71 Higher Parr Street, St. Helens, WA9 1AD, UK (our main office is in St. Helens, but we proudly serve customers across the North West, North Wales, and parts of the Midlands).