)
Lighting design for the bathroom
Shadow-free light for shaving and applying make-up, bright light for showering or relaxing light for taking a bath: With well thought-out lighting design in the bathroom, you are ideally prepared for any everyday situation. But a modern bathroom goes far beyond the functional aspect - it is not just a utility room, but a personal wellness zone.
Why is lighting design in the bathroom so important? The bathroom places special demands on lighting: humidity, changing times of day and versatile use. Without targeted lighting design, an impractical or uncomfortable room is quickly created. The right balance of function, safety and design helps us to start the day refreshed in the morning and end the day relaxed in the evening.
Basics & Planning
for the bathroom lighting conceptGood planning starts early on in the construction or renovation phase. Determine in good time where power outlets, light switches and power points should be sensibly positioned. It helps to realise that the bathroom is divided into different protection areas with regard to the approved lighting:
:format(jpeg) "IP protection plan")
You can't put every light in the bathroom. The bathroom is a humid room. For this reason, there are also clear requirements for the lights used in the private sector. The bathroom is categorised into protection zones 0 to 3, which are important for lighting design. They specify which lights and IP codes are permitted in the areas.
- Zone 0: inside the shower or bathtub, only low-voltage lights (up to 12V) with at least IPX7 protection (protected against submersion in water) are permitted.
- Zone 1: up to 2.25 meters vertically above the bathtub or shower, only low-voltage lights (up to 12V) with a minimum protection rating of IPX5 (jet water protection) are allowed.
- Zone 2: within 60 cm of Zone 1, only fixtures with at least IPX4 protection (splash-proof) can be installed.
Additional safety rules:
- Transformers must not be used in protection areas 0 and 1.
- Power points and switches must not be placed in protection zones 0, 1 and 2.
If you have any questions, our customer service will be happy to help you.
The three types of light in the bathroom
Basic, zone and mood lightingWhen planning lighting in the bathroom, you should create a balanced mix of the three types of light: ambient lighting, zone lighting and mood lighting. This is the only way to create a feel-good atmosphere, safety and aesthetic balance in the bathroom. Get to know the three types of light in the bathroom:
)
Basic lighting in the bathroom is usually provided by recessed spotlights or ceiling lights and ensures even illumination of the room. This light is absolutely essential for most activities such as showering, bathing, but also for simple orientation in the room. For the basic lighting in the bathroom you need approx. 150 lumens/m².
)
Area-specific lighting is mainly used at the mirror in the bathroom. There are special mirror lights and alternatively wall lights or furniture lights for this purpose. As zone lighting often shines 400-800 lumens brightly, the corresponding lights have diffusers that make the light appear soft and glare-free even close to the face.
)
Modern bathroom lighting uses indirect and decorative light to create a feel-good bathroom ambience. Indirect lighting in the bathroom can be realised using LED strips with the appropriate IP code behind mirrors, in niches or under furniture. For ultimate flexibility, opt for colour-changing LED strips.
Light quality & effect
To the selection of the best bathroom lampsThe choice of lights and bulbs in the bathroom should always take into account the colour temperature of the light source. The colour temperature describes the effect produced by the white light. The CRI value of the light source must also be taken into account: The CRI/colour rendering index describes the natural appearance of colours in the respective light source. In the bathroom, the CRI value is particularly important for mirror light, for example to apply make-up under lighting conditions that correspond to natural daylight. From a CRI>=90 one speaks of very good colour rendering.
Warm white light colour (<3,300 Kelvin)
Warm white is a relaxing light for the bathroom. It is perceived as slightly reddish-yellow in colour, which radiates warmth and cosiness. If it is used in the evening, the light can also promote the quality of the sleep phase. In the morning, on the other hand, daylight white light can be more helpful to start the day full of energy. Daylight, on the other hand, should not be used in the evening, as this can disrupt the sleep-wake rhythm.
The best light colour for the mirror is cool white light with around 4,000 Kelvin, as it has a neutral effect and provides good visibility for applying make-up or shaving. Ideally, the light can be conveniently switched to warm white if a little more cosiness is required. Lights with a CCT function usually enable this with the help of an integrated touch dimmer or switch on the frame of the light.
The assumption that daylight white light is particularly bright or "natural" is not true. In the bathroom in particular, it is usually perceived as garish and uncomfortable. One exception is smart bathroom lighting, which switches to daylight white light in the morning to support the body's biorhythm and activate it for the day.
What are the most common mistakes in bathroom lighting design? One of the most common mistakes in bathroom lighting design is to plan only one ceiling light and not to create a balanced mix of the three types of light. Another common mistake is not planning mirror lighting for shaving, applying make-up and daily grooming. The wrong light colours are also often used, which quickly makes the bathroom uncomfortable. Under no circumstances should lights with inadequate protection against moisture be selected. The electrician will help with the proper installation of your bathroom lighting.
Inspiration & ideas
Bathroom lighting creatively realisedA modern illuminated bathroom combines several light sources. Ceiling lights and downlights provide bright general lighting, while mirror and cabinet lights ensure optimal visibility for daily grooming routines. In the bathroom, place lights on the ceiling, next to the mirror or as indirect lighting for cosy accents. Beyond functionality, creative bathroom lighting offers endless possibilities to personalise and enhance the ambience of the space, There are also other options for individualising the bathroom lighting.
We would like to point out that lights must be installed by an electrician.
)
Daily grooming routines like applying makeup, shaving, and brushing the teeth require the right lighting. Mirror lights are essential to ensure perfect visibility and even illumination. Modern bathroom lighting ideas often feature LED fixtures with translucent diffusers made of plastic or opal glass. This ensures that the light does not dazzle and therefore provides the best visual comfort for bathroom routines.
)
Bathroom ceiling lights create bright, general lighting, ensuring even illumination from the shower to the washbasin. As the main ceiling light is typically switched on whenever the bathroom is in use, it’s worth opting for either fixtures with built-in LEDs or replaceable LED bulbs. This saves energy and costs.
)
Downlights offer a stylish and modern way to illuminate the bathroom. Smaller bathrooms appear larger with recessed lights, as they are embedded directly into the architecture and therefore do not take up any space. The inside of the bathtub or shower can also be illuminated, but care must be taken to select IP-protected lights.
)
Furniture lights are a good alternative to mirror lighting for easily retrofitting bathroom cabinets with light. Furniture lights provide pleasant area lighting that can be used for daily washing and care routines. Fitted with built-in LEDs, these lights are super slim and lightweight, making them suitable to install on almost any cabinet.
)
Bathroom mirrors with integrated LED technology are extremely practical and decorative. Modern features like multicolour and CCT functions allow you to adjust the lighting to suit any mood and purpose. For ultimate versatility, opt for an illuminated mirror combined with a makeup case — the perfect companion for your personal wellness retreat.
)
A pendant light is an alternative with eye-catching qualities for the area around the washbasin. It also comes into its own in the relaxation area next to the bath in a larger spa bath. From simple models made of metal or glass to eye-catching designs, there are numerous options to stylishly emphasise the bathroom furnishings. Of course, the light should be mounted so that it does not hang in the way.
Practical tips & the future of bathroom lighting
Modern trends in bathroom lighting rely on smart control, minimalist designs and sustainable LED bulbs for an intelligent bathroom lighting concept.
:format(jpeg) "smart home")
Start your day with energising daylight white and unwind in the evening with a relaxing warm glow — lights featuring a built-in CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) function allow you to switch between bright daylight white and cosy warm white at the touch of a b Smart lighting solutions offer maximum flexibility and many convenient features, One alternative is smart light sources, which offer numerous options for customising the lighting ambience, including lighting routines that automatically accompany us from dawn to dusk - from power lighting in the morning to spa mode in the evening. from morning to night.
)
LED technology is state-of-the-art in any modern bathroom lighting concept. LEDs save energy and costs because they produce more brightness (lumens) with fewer watts. Compared to traditional light bulbs, LEDs save 90 % energy, which is reflected in the electricity bill within a very short time. The bulbs need to be replaced less frequently or not at all and, thanks to their switching resilience, frequent switching on and off of the LED makes little difference. Due to their durability, frequent switching on and off has little impact on the LED bulb's lifespan. Additionally, LEDs do not contain mercury, making them a safe and more sustainable choice. You can choose between built-in LEDs and replaceable LED bulbs. Motion detectors or presence detectors also increase efficiency.
)
For showers and baths, make sure you have the right IP code and protected lights to ensure safety and optimum illumination. Showers and bathtubs are classified as protection zone 0 in the bathroom lighting regulations and must only be fitted with lights that have a minimum IP rating of IP67. These fixtures are designed to withstand temporary immersion in water. Lights installed directly above the bath or shower (in protection zone 1) must be at least water-resistant to splashing. This means that they require a minimum IP rating of IP65. Please ensure that the installation of bathroom lights in the shower, as in other areas, is always carried out by an electrician.
Basics & Planning
for the bathroom lighting conceptProfessional bathroom lighting design transforms your bathroom into a room full of function, safety and a feel-good atmosphere. Whether classic, modern or luxurious - the right lighting concept makes all the difference.
Overview of the most important tips
- Plan early
- Combining ambient, functional and mood lighting
- Observe IP codes
- Use flexible & smart controls
 "IP protection classes")
 "What is Lumen?")
 "Light colour simply explained")
 "Indirect lighting")
 "Retrofitting smart lighting control")
 "Symbols on the packaging")