The way bathrooms are used and seen has changed over time. It’s no longer just a space designed for a quick wash. We all spend more time in the bathroom, so want to spend more money on achieving the perfect look. Bathroom lighting is not the place to scrimp!

Having a poor lighting scheme can be really depressing. Get it right and you can bring an entire room to life, making an enriching and positive space. Here we are going to look at the best way to create a well-lit bathroom using products here at Solihull Lighting.

Some important things to consider when it comes to bathroom lighting…

• Don’t leave the lighting till last. Remember that you want to make sure your lighting is in place within the walls before you move on to tiling and decorating the bathroom.
• Consider the space you are lighting. A smaller bathroom will need just one light, whereas a larger room will need at least two, bright lights.
• Understand the regulations involved with bathroom lighting. IP44 is always best because it can withstand the level of moisture in a standard bathroom. According to the regulations you can use these lights anywhere in the bathroom except for the area that is directly over a bath/shower.

Solihull Lighting stock a full range of bathroom lighting from leading designer Astro Lighting, all of which comply with regulations and fit into many different spaces.

General lighting suggestions for the bathroom

Ceiling Lights
A ceiling light fits in the centre of the room and is a simple solution for illuminating the entire bathroom. This type of lighting isn’t as effective if you are wanting to create a level of mood or interest. Some great ceiling lights for the bathroom are on offer from Astro, such as the Denver Globe Ceiling Light for smaller spaces and the Taketa Fix Plus 300 Ceiling Light for a larger bathroom.

Downlights
If you want an alternative to a ceiling light, opt for a downlight. You may only need a few of these, around three or four for a typical sized bathroom. Downlights can be positioned around the edges of the room to get an attractive light wash down the wall. Using downlights will provide very good bathroom lighting but will also add the gentler, sophisticated ambience to the space.

Astro Lighting have the perfect downlights for any size bathroom, including the Enna Recess Switched LED Light and the Tallin 300 Bathroom Wall Light.

Spotlights
If you are on a tighter budget you can always use surface-mounted spotlights. Having a triple spotlight can provide three different points of light in the room that can be moved to suit your needs. This creates a more interesting lighting scene for your bathroom. The Astro Como Triple Round Spotlight is the perfect example of a surface-mounted spotlight. For those on a budget, check out the Polar White Triple Square Spot instead.

Illuminated Mirrors
The mirror over the basin is the equivalent of having a desk in the office. It’s where the hub of the bathroom is, and where the most ‘work’ takes place. There are a lot of different options for illuminated mirrors, but the best solution is one that illuminates you from both sides. This ensures a flattering glow with no shadows. The Astro Livorno Mirrored Bathroom Cabinet will provide this lovely bathroom task lighting.

An illuminated mirror provides a simple two-in-one solution for over the basin. There are a lot of different options to choose from, including horizontal and vertical lighting options. Some clever products also provide a light behind the mirror which illuminates the wall. The Livorno Shaver Bathroom Cabinet from Astro Lighting also provides a handy shaver socket.

Overall, you have to think very carefully about your bathroom lighting. It is an integral part of having a fully functioning bathroom, as well as creating a relaxing space for a bubble bath or steamy shower. If you need any advice on bathroom lighting and the regulations you should follow, get in touch with Solihull Lighting today.