Bathroom Lights

Proper lighting is essential in any room of your home, and your bathroom is no exception. Whether you're getting ready for the day ahead or winding down for a relaxing evening, having the right bathroom lighting can make a world of difference.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bathroom lighting. This will include different types of lights, safety considerations when installing lighting in your bathroom, the concept of light zones as well as tips and some advice on how to choose the best bathroom lights for your home.Read more to find out about:Types of Lighting for the bathroomBathroom lighting safetyBathroom lighting zonesLooking for new bathroom light?Types of lighting for the bathroomWhen it comes to bathroom lighting, you are completely spoiled for choice. Each type serves a specific purpose and can contribute to creating the perfect ambiance in your bathroom.Overhead lightsOverhead lights, often in the form of recessed ceiling lights, provide general illumination for the entire bathroom. They distribute light evenly and are ideal for larger bathrooms or those without windows. These lights help eliminate shadows and ensure a well-lit space.Buy Minima Round IP65 Fixed DownlightCeiling lightsCeiling lights are a popular choice for bathrooms. They come in various styles, including flush-mount fixtures and semi-flush mounts. Ceiling lights also provide ample light and can be an attractive focal point in your bathroom's overall design.LED lightsLED lights (which standard from light-emitting diodes) are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for bathroom lighting. They conserve nearly all the energy they generate into light, with a very small amount wasted as heat.LED lights are known for offering bright, clean illumination and can be used to create both task lighting and ambient lighting effects.Vanity lightsVanity lights are commonly installed above or alongside bathroom mirrors. They provide focused illumination for personal grooming tasks like applying makeup or shaving.Vanity lights come in various styles, including sconces, vertical bars and horizontal fixtures. This means they come with the flexibility allowing you to find the perfect match for your bathroom décor.Wall sconcesWall sconces for bathrooms are light fixtures that are mounted on the wall, typically at eye level or slightly above, and designed to provide illumination for your entire bathroom while enhancing the overall design of the space.These fixtures are also an excellent choice for adding both functional and decorative lighting to your bathroom.Bathroom lighting safetyEnsuring safety in the bathroom extends beyond choosing the right fixtures and bulbs. It also involves understanding and implementing proper bathroom light safety measures.From electrical considerations to moisture resistance, a comprehensive understanding of bathroom light safety is essential for a secure and comfortable environment.Are bathroom lights safe?Yes, bathroom lighting is safe if correct installation procedures are followed.The safety of bathroom lights is a common concern for many homeowners. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, which can raise concerns about electrical safety. Obviously, the combination of water and electricity can be fatal in many circumstances. Incorrect installation can lead to potentially deadly electric shocks and also devastating fires.However, rest assured that bathroom lights are designed and manufactured with safety in mind. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards and regulations. In particular, bathroom lights must:§  Be rated in a strict grading system known as Ingress Protection (IP), and§  Only be installed within particular bathroom zones.We will discuss these concepts in further detail below.What are IP ratings?An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two-digit code that represents the level of protection provided by a light fixture against solid objects and liquids. It is also known as an International (or Internal) Protection Mark.The first digit indicates the protection level against the ingress of solid objects, such as dirt or dust.The second digit represents the protection against moisture ingress at different levels of angles and intensities.In the United Kingdom, bathroom lights IP ratings are determined by British Standard BS EN 60529:1992.The first digit – protection from foreign body and particulate ingressFirst digitProtection from foreign body and particular ingress0Also referred to X. No rating for protection against foreign body and particulate ingress.1Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm (i.e. from accidental hand contact with an open palm). No protection from deliberate body contact.2Protection against solid objects larger than 12mm (i.e. accidental finger contact).3Protection against impact form solid objects larger than 2.5mm (i.e. tools and wires)4Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm (i.e. fine tools and wires, but also nails, screws, and other potentially invasive small objects. Would include larger insects.)5Partial protection against dust and other particulates, so ingress will not damage or impede the satisfactory performance of internal components.6Complete protection against dust and other particulates. Vacuum seal tested against continuous airflow.Second digit – protection from moisture ingressSecond digitprotection from moisture ingress0Also referred to X. No rating for protection against moisture ingress.1Protection against vertically falling droplets, such as condensation. Enough protection so no damage is incurred when an item is upright.2Protection against vertically dripping water when enclosure is tilted up to 15° off vertical.3Protection against direct moisture spray at angles up to 60° off vertical.4Protection against splashing water from any direction. Tested for 10 minutes minimum with an oscillating spray (only a limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects).5Protection against low-pressure jets (6.3 mm) of directed water from any angle (only limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects).6Offers protection against powerful jets (with a 12.5 mm nozzle) of directed water from any direction.7Protection against full immersion for up to half an hour at depths between 15 cm and 1 metre (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects).8Protection against extended immersion under higher pressure (i.e. greater depths). Certain parameters of this test will be set and advertised by the product’s manufacturer.May include extra factors such as temperature fluctuations and flow rates, depending on equipment type.9Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs or steam-cleaning procedures. Most often seen in certain road vehicle applications.Bathroom lighting zonesTo ensure safety and proper functionality, bathroom lighting is divided into different zones based on their proximity to water sources. Understanding these light zones and their requirements is crucial when choosing and installing bathroom lights.What is IP zoning?IP zoning refers to the practice of dividing the bathroom into specific areas or zones based on their proximity to water sources.Each zone has specific IP (Ingress Protection) rating requirements to ensure the lights can withstand the conditions present in that area.The zones are zones 0-3, and are explained in further detail below.What IP rating do bathroom lights need to be?Bathroom lights require different IP ratings depending on the zone they are located in.The following zones are outlined in British Standard (BS) 7671, sometimes called the IEE Wiring Regulations. §  Zone 0 – the bathtub and inside the shower. It comes into water with a lot of steam. In Zone 1, an IP67 lighting is the most appropriate lighting, which is a fixture you can submerge under water. This is to ensure you aren’t electrocuted when you bathe.§  Zone 1 - the area directly above the bath or shower, extending up to a height of 2.25 meters from the bathroom floor. In this zone, it is recommended to use fixtures with a minimum IP65 rating for optimal safety. Fixtures with an IP44 rating may also be suitable for this area. Many shower lights are designed with an IP65 rating, making them a secure choice for installation above your showers.§  Zone 2 - the space extending 0.6 meters from the outer edge of the wash basin or bath up to a height of 2.25 meters from the bathroom floor. It is essential here to use light fixtures with a minimum rating of IP44 for enhanced safety. It’s a good idea to consider the area within a 60cm radius from any water source, such as the wash basin, as an extension of zone 2 for precautionary measures.§  Zone 3 (also known as Outside Zones) - refers to the areas in the bathroom that are located outside of zone 0, 1 and 2. In this zone, there is no direct exposure to water jets or splashes. While the risk of water contact is minimal, it’s still a good idea to use light fixtures with a minimum rating of IP20. By opting for an IP20 rated fitting or higher, you can ensure a secure lighting installation in this zone.What wattage is best for the bathroom?When selecting the wattage for your bathroom lights, it's essential to strike a balance between functionality and ambiance. Brighter lights are generally ideal for grooming tasks and ensuring visibility, while softer lights can create a relaxing atmosphere for bathing or unwinding.For general illumination in larger bathrooms, consider using overhead lights or ceiling lights with higher wattage bulbs ranging from 60 to 100 watts. In smaller bathrooms, 40 to 60 watts may be enough.Vanity lights and above-mirror lights should provide enough brightness to eliminate shadows and facilitate grooming activities (like shaving or applying makeup). Opt for bulbs with wattages between 25 and 60 watts, depending on the size of the fixture and the desired level of illumination.How to choose the best lights for the bathroomChoosing the best bathroom lighting for your home involves considering various factors to ensure functionality, style and safety.Buy Roma Bathroom Wall LightsBelow is a step-by-step guide on how to make the right choice.Determine how you want your bathroom to 'feel'Consider the overall aesthetic and mood you want to create in your bathroom. Do you prefer a bright and invigorating space or a soft and relaxing ambiance? Understanding your desired atmosphere will help guide your lighting choices.Assess the size and layout of your bathroomTake into account how big or small your bathroom is, as well as the placement of fixtures such as mirrors, sinks and showers. This will help you determine the number of lights needed and their placement for optimal illumination.Consider the style and designBathroom lights come in a wide range of styles, from sleek and modern to traditional and decorative. Choose fixtures that complement the overall design theme of your bathroom and enhance its aesthetic appeal. You can read more about how lighting impacts interior design here.Astro Lighting offers a wide range of high-quality and stylish light fittings for the bathroom, with a large range of IP44 bathroom wall and ceiling lights that can be safely mounted.Ensure proper IP ratingAs discussed earlier, consider the IP rating requirements for each light zone in your bathroom. Ensure that the fixtures you choose have the appropriate IP rating to withstand the moisture and dampness present in those areas.Select the right bulb typeConsider energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs, which provide longevity and cost savings over time. LED lights also offer versatility in terms of colour, temperature and dimmability, allowing you to customise the lighting to suit your preferences.Seek professional guidanceWhen trying to find the perfect lighting for your bathroom, it can help to work with a professional like an interior designer or architect. However, it’s important to also work with a registered electrician when it comes to wiring and installation as there are a lot of potential safety hazards when fitting lighting in a space like the bathroom that is exposed to water.Looking for new bathroom lights?Proper bathroom lighting is crucial for creating a functional, safe and inviting space.Buy Mallon LED Bronze Bathroom LightBy understanding the different types of bathroom lights, the concept of light zones and the importance of IP ratings, you can make informed decisions when choosing the right fixtures for your home. We hope the advice in this article has been of some assistance.If you're in search of high-quality bathroom lights, look no further. Here at Sparks Direct, you'll find a wide selection of stylish and functional lighting fixtures suitable for every bathroom style and budget.Browse our collection of bathroom lights today and transform your bathroom into the well-lit and inviting space you’ve been dreaming of!

The ever-helpful Apartment Therapy recently published a short, slightly intimate treatise on practical lighting. Highlighted are four common household areas that often need more light - and which are often overlooked in the overall renovation of a house's design or renovation. But these are the spots which, if properly lit, enhance the experience of daily life immeasurably. The one thing the post lacks is recommendations for good lights and links to, say, an independent British retailer - which we are glad to provide for our UK readers today. We've pulled quotes from Apartment Therapy, but the whole thing is worth a read, especially the comments thread, which as usual contains more than a few nuggets of wisdom.THE ENTRY (OR "LANDING STRIP") It's the first place your guests see when they enter your home, and the spot where you probably need the best organization as you dart out the door (hopefully with your easily accessible keys and phone). A warm light here sets a welcoming tone and makes your daily exit all the easier. The first room in the house - usually a hallway, but we remember a time we lived in a small flat with a room almost as big as the living room - is particularly tricky to light. You need to toe the line between functionality (being able to find everything on the way out) and atmosphere (welcoming you, your family, and/or your guests). Although your interior design tastes might differ, we think wall lights to complement the general light coming from the ceiling are a good all-around solution. You can go the recessed route or the surface route - both will look and feel great. The header image of this post comes from Apartment Therapy and features a pair of Parma 210 Uplight/Downlights, which are plaster and can thus be painted to match the hallway! Closets Sometimes it's the smallest spaces that need the best lighting. A good light in the closet will make even an undersized one more efficient.If you've ever rummaged around a closet or a wardrobe for an hour looking for that one mobile phone charger or that lucky sock, you'll understand this grievance. Luckily, we have a range of small, but powerful, wardrobe lights that transform a storage space.Buy Wardrobe Lights at Sparks Better yet, we can make that closet lighting efficient: instead of a manual switch, why not install a "push-to-break" surface contact that will turn out the light when the door is closed? Or if the closet door might be blown open by a draught, a discreet motion sensor will activate the lights when someone enters the closet. Under-Kitchen Shelving Save yourself the squint wrinkles and install a few under-shelf/cabinet lights. When I remember to turn mine on, I slice like a pro. Plus, turning these on and turning off the overhead lights creates a nice ambiance.Task lights in the kitchen are some of our favorite things. Not just atmospheric but also incredibly useful - not to mention very helpful when slicing vegetables! This pyramid cupboard light is stylish in silver and fulfills whatever task light needs you have. Cooking in a tiny kitchen? That's no problem - we have one for corners, too. Bathrooms Ideally, you should use a mix of diffused lights. I like halogen for vanity lights and incandescent for overhead. The light should be soft enough to be flattering, but not so dim that you can't apply makeup easily. We should mention that bathroom lights need to be considered carefully: electrical items for use in wet rooms are IP-rated against water ingress, and there are 3 different zones in the bathroom depending on how much water they will come in contact with. Our bathroom lighting section has a great deal of information, coupled with some very attractive and stylish lights. Do you think Apartment Therapy missed anything? Are there other areas at home in which darkness can drive you mad?Buy Bathroom Lights at Sparks

This guide is inspired from the Astro Guide to Bathroom Lighting and will be developed further in other articles. Today we are talking about the best way to plan our bathroom lights - plan in time, and consider how will you use the space! Also, you need to know the regulations for using the light fittings in the bathroom. The status of bathrooms has changed over time and it is no longer "a small white space designed for a quick wash". We are all spending more time in the bathroom and correspondingly more money on achieving a quality finish. So why scrimp on the lighting? Most bathrooms are built to last ten to twenty years, so it is well worth investing the same degree of planning and quality in the lighting particularly as it is by far the most emotionally influential element. Remember: Never underestimate how depressing a poor lighting scheme can make you feel. Conversely, get it right and you bring the room to life and make it an enriching, positive space. Planning Your Bathroom Lighting Plan It In Time - Early! After deciding where the basin, toilet, bath, and shower are to be positioned, lighting should be next on the list. That way you can run all the cabling and bury it in the walls before you start tiling and decorating. Consider How Will You Use the Space in the BathroomThis will determine how many lighting ‘scenes’ you need to create: A small cloakroom may need just one lighting scene, whereas a larger room with a bath enables you to have at least two: "bright" for speedy stops, and "soft and low" for slow, relaxing soaks. To create the different scenes, you can plan on at least two wall switches. These can now be legally positioned inside the bathroom as long as they are an appropriate distance from wet areas, but the simplest and most popular solution is to position the switches outside adjacent to the door.Understand the Regulations in the Bathroom The IP44 rating (sometimes written as IPX4) simply means that the light fitting is "splash-proof" and therefore will withstand the typical level of moisture found in a domestic bathroom(read more about the bathroom IP rating explained and the IP rating in the bathrooms). On our website you can find a large collection of bathroom lights - many of them from Astro Lighting - at the Bathroom Mirrors, the Bathroom Ceiling Lights, and the Bathroom Wall Lights section - so you’ll find plenty to choose from. According to the recent bathroom wiring regulations, you can use IP44 rated lights anywhere in a bathroom, apart from inside the bath itself. Here you will need a higher level of protection - IP65, ("Jet-proof", like the new FIN328 ceiling bulkhead) and this is the rating generally considered to be safer for lights fitted inside a shower cubicle. Top Tip for Planning Your Bathroom Lighting: Even small rooms with one lighting scene will benefit from a dimmer switch. This inexpensive measure ensures night time trips to the loo or early morning starts are only as bright as you want them to be. Lights that can be dimmed include mains or low-voltage halogen, or any "standard" filament-type bulbs. LEDs, fluorescent or compact-fluorescent bulbs usually can’t (this includes most illuminated mirrors). Keep an eye on our blog for the next section of this Bathroom lighting guide from Astro Lighting - the Types of Lighting You Can have in a Bathroom. If you are interested to purchase bathroom lights, check out the Bathroom Lights section on our website.Buy Bathroom Lights at Sparks

We owe our visitors and customers an apology - the recent regulations have modified the "IP rating in the bathrooms – bathroom IP zoning" and the "IP zoning in the bathrooms – IP rating".It is a simple change - the renouncing/eliminating of zone three, since it is irrelevant when it comes to light fittings and other electrical devices in the bathroom or shower. Zone 3 has been removed under the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations BS7671. To illustrate the IP zoning regulations there's the classical bathroom area divided up into areas or "ZONES" which are classified using the numbers 0, 1, and 2(no longer a zone 3). The luminaires are assigned an "IP RATING"(which can be seen in the description of the light fittings on our website) which indicates how much protection they provide against ingress of water and other particles. Each zone has a minimum IP requirement that must be met if a fitting is to be installed in this area. The source for this picture and details: the Aurora Lighting Information on the IP Zoning in the Bathrooms. IP Zoning in the Bathrooms - the IP Rating and Zones IP Zoning - Zone 0 - Inside the bath or shower. Any fittings used here must be SELV (max. 12V) and have a minimum rating of IPX7 (protected against immersion in water). If there's the likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a minimum of IPX5 is required for the light fittings or electrical devices. IP Zoning - Zone 1 - Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IPX4 is required. If there's a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a minimum of IPX5 is required for the light fittings or electrical devices. IP Zoning - Zone 2 - This is the area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower if over 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IPX4 is required. The same as in zone 1 - If there's the likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a minimum of IPX5 is required for the light fittings or electrical devices. IP Zoning - Anywhere outside zones 0, 1, and 2 - this is where water jets are not to be used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply. IP not essential - IP rating is not required. In zones 1 and 2, SELV or 240V luminaires may be used(remember to respect the IP rating required). As for the final circuits, they all require 30mA RCD protection. Please Note: The above information is intended as a guide only - if you want to find out more detailed information on the IP rating and the IP Zoning in the Bathrooms, please refer to the IEE Wiring Regulations(BS 7671:2001 section 601).Buy Bathroom Lights at Sparks

At times in the morning what can be more frustrating than your commute to work is getting ready to go to work and getting the kids ready for school! By the time you get around to having a wash the place probably looks as if dynamite exploded there – yet you don't have time to make it look respectable because it's likely you will miss your train to work! Although we can’t offer a solution to keeping your bathroom clean - other than getting everyone to clean up after themselves - we can offer some great tips on how to make your bathroom look a pleasant and inviting room to all guests and family members in your household. The Bathroom Lighting – Especially now that the summer is here, you should try your best to let in as much natural light in to your bathroom as possible. Not only does it look great, but it can save you money on your bills if you do not have to constantly flick the light switch every time you enter the bathroom. Also, look into having big double-glazed windows installed (If possible) and make sure the blinds are always drawn back (making sure you have frosted glass installed first!). For the evening, it is also important to get the right bathroom lights installed in your bathroom. One of the best ways to mimic natural daylight is to take out the central light fitting and replace it with halogen spot bathroom lights. Other great lighting options are mirror lights and spotlights. The Bathroom Flooring – Obviously the bathroom can be a dangerous place at times, and it is necessary to take all precautionary measures where possible. One cheap and easy way to stop yourself from slipping and falling in the shower is to get a mat for the bathroom. Other ways include underfloor heating, which is an economical way to heat up your bathroom, and it’s great for drying the floor when it is wet. This heating works great with wooden, laminate and concrete flooring. Select a focal point – This step here is to give your bathroom a bit of character and impress any guests who use your bathroom. This can be anything in your bathroom that you are willing to invest a little more money, and it can be anything, such as your sink, bath tub, a mirror, a shower head... it’s up to you really. The Bathroom Tiling – This is only a personal opinion, but I think most of you would agree that tiled walls in a bathroom looks a great deal better than any other form of wall decoration. Firstly they are easy to maintain and keep clean, they are a cost effective choice and they are very durable and easy to repair. The Bathroom Storage – Finally, the last thing to remember is to make your bathroom as spacious as possible, especially if you have a small bathroom, as you do not want to feel cramped and stressed out in it. This will include all items you would typically use, such as your toothbrush, towels, cosmetic products, etc. Look for all possible places to store such items, and if you feel like you're struggling with this, then do some research in to an alternative design you could implement to help free up some space. This is a brilliant article with some Top Tips for the Perfect Bathroom - at least Five Tips for improving the Bathroom at home.Buy Bathroom Lights at Sparks