Bathroom lighting guide
How to Light Your Bathroom Like a Professional
Eight practical lighting tips to make your bathroom functional, flattering and mould-free.
Why it matters
Ceiling Downlights Alone Won't Cut It
Generally speaking, ceiling downlights in the bathroom will get the job done – however they're terrible for your beauty and grooming regime. Harsh light from directly above creates dark shadows, blotches and lines across your face, which isn't what you want to see each morning. So how do you create the perfect bathroom lighting? Here are eight tips from our team to help you get it right.
Getting the basics right
Start With the Right Light Source
1. Say Yes to LED
Yes, LEDs are more expensive, but they are superior in every way – from light output, longevity, efficiency and energy costs, to interior finesse. Basically, they are worth every single cent. If you'd like a hand switching your bathroom (or the rest of your home) over to LED lighting, our electricians can help, and our energy efficiency guide has more tips on getting the most out of your home's lighting and appliances.
2. Use Daylight as Much as You Can
There is nothing better than natural light! Especially here in sunny Brisbane, Queensland. Our true selves are represented in daylight, so this is the quality of light you'll want to reproduce in your bathroom. Go for LEDs with daylight-toned globes and show off your best self. Also optimise any windows you have and consider skylights. If a skylight isn't possible, there are faux products available – like solar LED skylight hybrids that also double as an LED downlight at night. They're sleek and beautiful.
Function first
Light the Way You Actually Use the Room
3. Task Lighting
Although downlights from the ceiling will get the job done, they're not mirror- or beauty-friendly. For the best task lighting – think makeup, hair and shaving – you want a pair of wall lights or sconces mounted at eye level on either side of your mirror to provide flawless illumination. Avoid above-mirror lighting! It's not flattering at all, and a very common mistake to make.
4. Use Dimmers
Make sure your lights are on dimmers, so when you first turn them on in the morning your eyes aren't screaming in pain or shock. Also consider some dimmed LED sensor strip lighting that will automatically turn on for those midnight toilet trips, without waking up everyone else.
Layers and controls
Add Atmosphere, Then Make It Easy to Control
5. Decorative, Accent and Ambient Lighting
Of course, you want to show off your stunning bathroom design and add some visual sparkle. If you have a larger space, a single pendant may add that special touch. If you love art in the bathroom, consider some recessed accent lighting to show it off. Ambient light acts as "light filler" – typically your ceiling lights, which fill in the dark spaces.
6. Light Switches
Your light switches can also be stunning and sleek – there are plenty of options. One of our personal favourites is the Clipsal Iconic classic and essence series – basic, clean and cost-effective. We recommend that your light switches and exhaust fan are on separate switches. Hearing that fan turn on every time you wash your hands can get annoying. It's also nice to have your task, accent and general lighting on separate switches so you can control your light flow depending on what you're doing.
Comfort and protection
Don't Forget Heat, Airflow and Finish
7. Heat Lamps and Exhaust Fans
Think about whether you want heat lamps to provide some warmth in your bathroom in winter – they can also help with moisture absorption. Exhaust fans are an absolute must to prevent mould, mildew, structural rot and water damage to your paint and bathroom materials.
8. Reflective Surfaces
The surfaces you choose can affect the quality and tone of your lighting. Shiny surfaces, tiles and mirrors will reflect light and maximise ambience – however, they may also create glare. Some paint colours absorb light better than others. For these finer details, it's worth talking to your lighting specialist for advice; most lighting stores will have one readily available.
Planning a bathroom upgrade
Ready to Get Your Bathroom Lighting Right?
Our licensed electricians can design and install the LED, task, dimmer and exhaust fan setup your bathroom needs.
Further information
References
Looking for more guides like this one? Browse our Information & Advice hub for practical electrical and air conditioning advice, or find out more about our LED lighting service.
Local expert electricians
Need Help Lighting Your Bathroom?
Talk to our licensed and insured electricians about designing a bathroom lighting layout that's flattering, functional and mould-free.