Which bathroom lighting is the right one? - A guide

Finding the right bathroom lighting: A guide that really helps

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

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

The most common mistake: Why light from above does not work on the mirror

The root of almost all problems is a single light source directly above the head. Whether it's the central ceiling light or a light directly above the mirror - the result is the same. The light falls steeply on your face from above. As a result, your forehead casts a shadow on your eye area, your nose casts a shadow on your mouth and your chin casts a shadow on your neck. You look tired and can't work accurately, whether you're applying make-up or shaving.

The problem is therefore not the brightness, but the direction. 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 key 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 washbasin.
2. Basic lighting: This is your everyday light. It provides 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 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 at the mirror

You must not 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 long, narrow lights that are positioned to Left and right of the mirror at eye level. This "crossfire" of light virtually eliminates any shadows on the face. Luminaires with a milky glass or plastic cover (diffuse light) are ideal so that they do not dazzle.

Good alternatives when space is at a premium:

• Mirror with integrated light: A very clean solution. Make sure you choose a model where the light strips are integrated into the sides, not just the top. Also check the light quality (high CRI value, more on this later).
• A wide luminaire above the mirror: If there is no other option, a luminaire 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 switch this light on when you are cleaning, sorting laundry or entering the room at night. It simply has to provide safe, good orientation.

Recessed or flat surface-mounted spotlights on the ceiling that are suitable for damp rooms are best suited for this. 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 discreet. Make sure that they also illuminate the shower or bathtub area well.

The accent light: how to create a spa atmosphere

Now it's all about coziness. This light is purely there to set the mood and should always be soft, indirect and dimmable.

If you only switch on this light in the evening, wellness mode is activated immediately.

Let's be clear: A word about safety (IP protection classes)

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

Here is a simplified overview:

• Directly in bath/shower (zone 0): Only special low-voltage lights (12V) with protection class IP67 (protection against submersion).
• On the walls above the bath/shower (zone 1): Luminaires with IP65 (protection against water jets) are mandatory here.
• Within a 60 cm radius around the bath/shower (zone 2): Protection class IP44 (protection against splashing water) is sufficient here. This also applies to the typical mirror light above the washbasin.

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

In a nutshell: the do's and don'ts

Conclusion: It's up to you

Good bathroom lighting is not a luxury, but a fundamental improvement in your quality of life. It influences how you start and end your day. 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 is worth every effort.

You not only create a room that functions perfectly, but also a personal retreat that gives you pleasure every day.

About the author: Robin Aebischer

As the 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 emphasize your personality and bring you joy for a long time.