How to plan bathroom lighting? Tips and inspirations

Added: Tuesday, 1/21/2025


Bathroom lighting planning is a task that requires not only an aesthetic sense, but above all technical knowledge. The bathroom is a multifunctional space, where precise light is useful for shaving, make-up, or a relaxing bath. In this article, we will discuss how to design appropriate bathroom lighting step by step, taking into account the principles of functionality, safety, and aesthetics.

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How to apply the 3 principles of lighting in the bathroom?

LUNA mirror with ambient lighting O800 A812401000 When designing bathroom lighting, it’s a good idea to start by understanding three key principles: layering, functionality, and safety.

Rule No. 1: Layered Lighting – The Basis for a Well-Lighted Bathroom

Each bathroom should be divided into light zones. The first layer is general lighting, providing even lighting of the interior. Ceiling lights are most often used here, which can be supplemented with the ability to adjust the light intensity, which allows you to adjust the atmosphere in the bathroom to current needs.

The second layer is zone lighting, focused on key areas such as the mirror or bathtub. Mirror lighting should be even and shadowless – wall lamps placed on both sides of the mirror or LED strips installed behind its edge will work great here.

The final layer is decorative lighting, which gives the bathroom a unique character. You can use pendant lamps or LED spotlights here, creating atmospheric accents.

Rule No. 2: Ensure adequate IP protection

The bathroom is a space with increased humidity, so you should choose lighting fixtures with an appropriate IP protection level (e.g. IP44 for the area around the sink and IP65 around the shower cabin). It is also worth ensuring that light sources are properly protected against accidental contact with water.

Rule No. 3: Functionality and aesthetics

Bathroom lighting should not only meet functional requirements, but also harmoniously complement the interior design. Choosing the right lighting fixtures, such as lighting fixtures , will allow you to combine these two aspects.

The right choice of bathroom lighting per m²

CHIRO GU10 DTO-B 29311 ceiling spotlight Choosing the right light intensity in the bathroom is key to its functionality. The standard amount of light that should be provided is around 200-300 lumens per square meter. In practice, this means that for a 6 m² bathroom, we need lighting with a total luminous flux of at least 1200-1800 lumens.

Light sources with a neutral color (approx. 4000-4500 K) work best in bathrooms. Such lighting is similar to natural daylight, which makes it easier to perform precise activities such as makeup or shaving.

To avoid the effect of "dark zones", it is worth using several light sources distributed evenly throughout the room. Energy-saving LED bulbs, which can be found in the offer of light sources, will work perfectly here.

How to plan ceiling lighting in the bathroom?

  • LED track light TRACKLIGHT SPOT D75 25W/3000K 90RA NFL black LEDV 4058075113565 Central light source : the basic element of ceiling lighting in the bathroom is the central ceiling lamp. It can be a classic fixture or a modern LED ceiling lamp that distributes light evenly throughout the interior.
  • Bathing area and spotlights : Bathing area lighting requires the use of fixtures with a high IP protection level, such as recessed LED spotlights mounted in the ceiling. For greater comfort, it is worth choosing lamps with the ability to adjust the angle of light, which allows you to direct it exactly where it is needed.
  • Lighting in suspended ceilings : suspended ceilings offer a wide range of design options. They can be fitted with LED strips that create subtle light lines or spotlights that are recessed into the ceiling structure. This solution will work particularly well in modern bathrooms, where minimalism and functionality are paramount.

If you are looking for proven solutions, visit our Onninen store website, where you will find bathroom lighting that suits various interior styles and investor requirements.

Well-designed bathroom lighting is a combination of appropriately selected light sources, thoughtful location of fixtures and taking into account technical and aesthetic requirements. Using the above tips, you can create a space that is not only functional, but also eye-friendly and comfortable in everyday use.

Check out the bathroom lighting at the Onninen wholesaler