Much more than a practical room, the bathroom is also a place of relaxation, where every detail matters, especially lighting. How to choose the right bathroom light fixture? What are the different options to have a space that is both aesthetic and functional?
Discover our decor tips to help you choose your bathroom light fixture.
Why is lighting essential in a bathroom?
Lighting is an essential element in all rooms of the house, but it is particularly crucial for creating a pleasant atmosphere in a bathroom. Indeed, lights that are too white or poorly positioned can make your experience in this room very uncomfortable.
Bathroom lighting: 3 important points
- It helps create a pleasant atmosphere.
- It provides targeted lighting, especially for daily care such as makeup or shaving.
- It adds a decorative dimension and enhances the volumes.
What types of light fixtures should you prioritize?
When I rethink an interior, I like to combine different light sources. And this rule also applies in a bathroom. Depending on the volumes and brightness of the room, there are different types of lighting for the bathroom.
This can be a mix of recessed spots (flush with the ceiling) or surface-mounted spots (which protrude from the ceiling); wall sconces or ceiling lights. There are also very nice models of bathroom mirror lamps.
You will also need to consider the electrical standards. Since the bathroom is a humid room, it is essential to choose your light fixtures based on their protection rating (IP). This rating consists of two digits: the first indicates the level of protection against dust while the second concerns the product’s waterproofing.
Thus, an IP44 rating is ideal for areas close to splashes (such as around the sink, for example). An IP65 for protection against water jets and an IP67 against immersion for 30 minutes.
My decorator’s advice: in terms of bulbs, prioritize the “daylight” temperature (5500K to 6500K). It is perfect for a natural color rendering, which is essential in front of a mirror.
Bathroom light fixture: my selection
Are you renovating your bathroom and looking for light fixtures? Discover my selection.
Bathroom sconces
Wall sconces are ideal for adding a decorative dimension to your room. They can be installed on either side of the mirror, or on any wall to provide an additional light source.
My decorator’s advice: if the ceiling height allows, I love to layer two wall sconces vertically.
Applique murale Gove 3
Paulmann
Applique murale Ono
Hay
Applique murale Art Déco
Globen Lighting
Applique Liila Muuse
Nuura
Applique Versailles
Astro
Applique Triplex
Zangra
Bathroom ceiling lights
Bathroom ceiling lights can be essential allies for successful lighting. In LED version, they provide uniform light while saving energy.
My decorator’s advice: I particularly like very minimalist models, which are both functional and discreet. But a slightly more elaborate bathroom ceiling light can also add character. It all depends on your room!
Plafonnier Torrano
Globen lighting
Plafonnier Oja
Nordlux
Plafonnier Focus Mini laiton
Light Point
Plafonnier Tobo
DCW
Plafonnier Wesley
Corep
Plafonnier Mashiko
Astro
Bathroom spots
Recessed spots are perfect for discreetly illuminating a bathroom. Placed in the ceiling or integrated directly into furniture, they provide targeted and powerful light, ideal for small rooms or specific areas like the shower.
My decorator’s advice: prioritize adjustable spots to adjust the lighting according to your needs, and choose a bathroom spot with an IP65 rating in areas exposed to water.
Featured image: light fixtures in a bathroom designed by Ola Jachymiak.
