Which bathroom lighting is the right one? – A guide

Finding the right bathroom lighting: A guide that really helps

Honestly, lighting in the bathroom is a science in itself. In the morning you need clear, honest light for your mirror routine. In the evening you want a dimmed, relaxed atmosphere for a bath. And most of the time it fails because of one of the two – or both at the same time. Often it is the lonely ceiling lamp that greets us with harsh shadows on our faces in the morning and destroys any comfort in the evening.

If you are currently planning a bathroom or are simply dissatisfied with your current situation, you have come to the right place. This guide is not a theoretical treatise, but rather a practical guide. We clarify which lamps belong where, why the direction of light on the mirror is crucial and what you need to know about the safety regulations (IP protection classes) in order to avoid expensive and dangerous mistakes.

The most common mistake: Why light from above on the mirror doesn't work

The root of almost all problems is a single light source directly overhead. Whether it's the central ceiling lamp or a light directly above the mirror - the result is the same. The light falls steeply on your face from above. This means that your forehead casts a shadow over your eyes, your nose casts a shadow over your mouth, and your chin casts a shadow over your neck. You look tired and can't possibly work precisely, whether it's putting on makeup or shaving.

So the problem is not the brightness, but the direction. In order to illuminate the face without shadows, the light must come from the front, not from above.

The professional solution: The 3-layer model

Say goodbye to the idea of finding “the one” lamp. Professionals always plan light in several levels or layers that fulfill different tasks. In the bathroom there are three crucial layers that are best switched and dimmed separately.

1. The task light: This is your precision light. It is solely responsible for the area around the mirror and sink.
2. The basic lighting: This is your everyday light. It ensures a safe, general brightness throughout the room.
3. The accent light: This is your mood light. It has no practical function, but creates the desired atmosphere.

If you combine these three levels correctly, you will have the perfect lighting for every situation in the bathroom.

The layers in detail: what you need and where

The task light: For a shadow-free view on the mirror

You can't make any compromises here. There is a golden rule for honest and shadow-free illumination of the face: the light must come from the front, preferably from two sides.

The best solution: vertical lights next to the mirror

This is the gold standard. Two elongated, narrow lights Left and to the right of the mirror at eye level. This "crossfire" of light virtually eliminates any shadow on the face. Lights with a milky glass or plastic cover (diffuse light) are ideal so that they do not dazzle.

Good alternatives if you don't have enough space:

• Mirror with integrated light: A very clean solution. Be sure to choose a model that has the light strips integrated on the sides, not just the top. Also check the light quality (high CRI value, more on that later).
• A wide light above the mirror: If there is no other option, a light above the mirror is okay as long as it is significantly wider than the mirror itself and spreads its light widely.

Basic lighting: The light for everyday life

You turn on this light when you clean, sort laundry or enter the room at night. It simply has to ensure safe, good orientation.

Built-in or flat surface-mounted spots on the ceiling that are suitable for damp rooms are best suited for this purpose. A grid of two to four spots, depending on the size of the room, is usually ideal. They distribute the light evenly and are visually reserved. Make sure that they also illuminate the shower or bathtub area well.

The accent light: How to create a spa atmosphere

Now it's about comfort. This light is purely there for the mood and should always be soft, indirect and dimmable.

If you just turn on this light in the evening, the wellness mode is activated immediately.

In plain language: A word about security (IP protection classes)

Water and electricity meet in the bathroom. That's why there are clear regulations as to which lights can be installed where. This is regulated by the IP protection class. The bathroom is divided into different protection zones.

Here is the simplified overview:

• Directly in the tub/shower (Zone 0): Only special low-voltage lights (12V) with protection class IP67 (Protection against submersion).
• On the walls above the tub/shower (Zone 1): There are lights here IP65 (Protection against water jets) Mandatory.
• In a 60 cm radius around the tub/shower (Zone 2): The protection type is sufficient here IP44 (Protection against splash water). This also applies to the typical mirror light above the sink.

Rule of thumb: With IP44 you are on the safe side for most positions outside of the direct shower and bathtub environment. If in doubt, always ask an electrician!

In a nutshell: The Do's & Don'ts

Conclusion: It's in your hands

Good bathroom lighting is not a luxury, but a fundamental improvement in your quality of life. It affects how you start your day and how you end it. The planning may seem complex at first glance, but if you stick to the simple 3-layer model, put the light in the right place and pay attention to safety aspects, the result will be worth every effort.

Not only do you create a space that functions perfectly, but you also create a personal retreat that brings you joy every day.

About the author: Robin Aebischer

As founder of BUYnBLUE and Lumoir Jewelry I share my passion for unique designs and current trends. My goal is to inspire you and help you find the right designer pieces that underline your personality and give you joy for a long time.