Bathroom design - beautiful lighting as an element of decor

The main requirement for lighting fixtures located in the bathroom is their safety. They must be well protected from moisture and moisture. Particular attention should be paid to lighting at the floor level: it is recommended to raise the built-in elements 5-10 cm from the floor level and mount them parallel to the lower edge of the bathtub or furniture. Even the most airtight backlight should not fall into a puddle of water if something unexpected happens - an accident, neighbors flood, etc.

The bathroom space is conditionally divided into electrical safety zones, in each of which it is necessary to install lamps with a certain degree of moisture protection - IP-23, 44, etc.

It is important to separate two sides of this problem: the quality of the lighting fixtures themselves and the impeccable condition of the wiring in the apartment or house. Even if it is believed that the wiring is new and high-quality, it will not be superfluous to invite a specialist to diagnose its condition.

A comfortable stay in the bathroom depends largely on a balanced light scenario

Options for modern bathroom lighting

General principles, approach to light in any room:

1. A centralized light source plus a backlight system for certain areas, often with a complex (multivariate) mode switching system.
2. Refusal from the central light source in favor of several interconnected groups of lamps.

Lamps hanging on long cords give the interior a feeling of lightness and airiness.

For the bathroom, the choice depends on the area. The extensive bathrooms, which today are found mainly in private homes, provide room for any design decisions. A very attractive option is a bathroom with windows, that is, with access to natural light.

The ideal option is when both natural and artificial lighting is organized in the bathroom

Lighting in a small bathroom - features

1. Avoid dark, dimly lit corners and nooks and crannies. They are more difficult to maintain cleanliness, even if there is confidence that there will be no fungus, no cobwebs, or dust accumulation.
2. The color temperature of the lamps should be selected in the maximum accordance with natural light.
3. Avoid sharp glare. Adjust the angle of the mirror and glossy surfaces, if possible, and fixtures, mainly wall.
4. If there is a washing machine or other equipment for washing and drying clothes in the bathroom, it is important that the shadow does not interfere with the work. To do this, install a light source on the opposite wall. Preparing things for washing, using stain removers requires quite bright light, as close as possible to the natural spectrum.

If you connect imagination, in a small bathroom you can create a unique mood with the help of only one light

In a small bathroom, more compact models of fixtures are selected

Choosing the right lighting power

Of course, there are engineering and technical laws, formulas for calculating illumination with several variables and an accurate result. But in practice, the intensity of lighting is more likely to be selected by eye, based on the principles of “like-dislike”, “already annoying or still quite tolerable”.

You can choose lighting devices with the ability to adjust power using a dimmer or remote control

A large role is played by the number of mirror and reflective (glossy) surfaces: they visually increase the illumination. If there are a lot of light sources, you can consult a designer, a technical specialist or just ask a question on a forum on the Internet.

The lighter the interior of the bathroom, the less fixtures required to illuminate it

It is important to consider the sources of natural light: windows in bathrooms are not uncommon for summer houses and cottages, and in urban apartments there are transparent windows under the ceiling. In the daytime, they can save electricity - use the bathroom, not including the light.

How many fixtures will be needed

This question is decided by the designer based on the style of the room. If you manage on your own, for small and medium-sized bathrooms it is better to focus on such a layout: from two to four wall-mounted lighting fixtures plus additional illumination - LED, spots. The installation of ceiling lights is optional, this is a matter of taste for the owners.

Chandelier will spice up the interior of your bathroom

Central lighting is needed in spacious rooms than in small ones.

Correspondence of the illumination of the room to its functions

Twilight is excluded if sorting and preparation of clothes for washing are in progress. There should not be too bright light if the hostess has prepared an aromatic bath for rest and relaxation. It is better to provide an opportunity to dim the light.

Ceiling lights of low power create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth

When a baby is bathing in the bathtub, at some stage it is quite possible to turn on a multi-colored or flashing backlight. New impressions and positive emotions are provided!

In practice, there are many intermediate options. If you urgently need to wake up in the morning, and coffee or tea is not ready yet, you can achieve an invigorating effect by turning on the bright lighting in the bathroom. For those who do not like a sharp transition from a sleepy state to an active one, on the contrary, you can wash yourself in low-key lighting - and it’s also nice to include pleasant music.

Color lighting allows you to use the bathroom for color therapy sessions

Tip. Using the possibilities of lighting in the bathroom, additionally connect aromatherapy. Add the scent of lavender, citrus, green tea - and your day will be filled with new, amazing emotions.

Choosing the right fixtures - what you need to know

The number of fixtures in the bathroom depends on the area. But even in the smallest bathroom at least - two light sources on opposite walls. There is no maximum, as you can easily highlight:

• a mirror on the sides;
• the bottom of the furniture and the bath itself;
• niche perimeter;
• a remote shelf or hanger.

Fixtures on flexible brackets allow you to adjust the direction of the light flux

A medium-sized bathroom will benefit if several fixtures can be turned on in a different order, for example:

• shower only;
• for cosmetic procedures;
• to prepare for and during washing;
• for meditation while lying in the bathroom (moderate, white or colored lighting is suitable).

Dimensions of lighting fixtures depend on the dimensions of the bathroom

The choice in favor of volumetric fixtures is made in accordance with the chosen style direction

How to properly position the light sources in the bathroom

It is necessary to avoid:

1. Bright blinding glare.
2. Distortion of reflection in the mirror, including color spots.
3. Shadows falling on objects and areas that are often used.

If the bathroom has a curtain, one light source needs to be located directly in the bathing area

Furniture lighting

Furniture, large pieces of equipment, niches and fitted wardrobes are illuminated around the perimeter, as well as along the edge of open shelves. If necessary, objects mounted on the wall are illuminated (hanger, heated towel rail).

Decorative illumination of a niche in the bathroom wall

Original countertop with integrated lighting

The installation locations of water meters must be clearly visible in the main or additional lighting.

All protruding edges and edges should be clearly visible, and the highlight in this will play a decisive role.

Floor and ceiling lighting

Very beautiful floor lamp with color-changing backlight. They, as well as spotlights at a level of 5-15 cm above the floor, bring some mystery, hinting at large pools, the sea and its secrets.

The backlighting of the bathtub looks stylish with spotlights mounted in the floor covering

True, we need a specialist consultation - how appropriate is it to place the backlight at the floor level (or even lower) in this house or apartment. With the slightest doubt about the safety of such a project, it is better to consider other options.

The design of the ceiling is directly related to the possibility of placing lighting fixtures. Plain stretch monophonic, soldered stretch ceilings and two-level ceilings provide many unusual effects that can be achieved with the help of lighting.

Spot lighting creates soft light in the bathroom

Decorative lighting

She may be:

in shape and structure:

• pitting;
• linear
• diffuse - half-hidden, for example, by the edge of a two-level ceiling;

To create an atmosphere of relaxation, underfloor lighting, realized with the help of lamps or LED strips, embedded in the floor, steps, ledges or niches, is perfectly suitable

by color:

• color monophonic;
• color changing;
• with flickering and winking modes, like in Christmas lights.

Decorative lighting will add originality and exclusivity to the bathroom interior

Mirror and washbasin lighting

Depends on the overall style and design of the bathroom:

1. Curly lights on both sides of the mirror.
2. Illumination around the perimeter, including the edges of the shelves and the lower boundary of the sink.
3. Sometimes a large wall lamp in the center above the mirror and sink is quite enough.

To make the mirror evenly lit, use two wall lights located symmetrically slightly above eye level

Tinted, matte shades and the use of energy-saving lamps are recommended. The light intensity is easiest to choose empirically.

Sometimes a mirror is illuminated not from the side, but from above, hanging lights with two or more shades

For a container with lenses and care products for them, it is advisable to highlight a separate shelf or niche.

Looks original mirror with built-in backlight

What lamps should I choose for the bathroom

1. Wall mounted.
2. Ceiling.
3. LED-lighting at the level of the feet, along the edges of niches, around the perimeter of furniture and appliances.

It is important to find the best option, where there are different types of lighting, perfectly harmonizing with each other and with the overall design of the bathroom

If you have recently finished decorating the bathroom, ensure that the lighting brightness is sufficient so that you can appreciate all the subtleties of the designer.

It is nice when guests express their sincere admiration for your new stylish headset or 3D floor.

Video: stylish bathroom lighting ideas

Photo ideas for bathroom lighting