Bathroom Lighting Buying Guide

Ever feel like your bathroom lighting is actively working against you? Maybe it’s too dim when you’re trying to shave, or so harsh it makes you question every life choice while brushing your teeth. The right bathroom lights aren't just about visibility, they're about setting the mood, making your space feel bigger, and ensuring your fixtures are safe in a moisture-heavy environment. Our bathroom lighting buying guide will help you get it right. 

 

Table of contents

• Bathroom zones
• IP ratings explained
• LED bathroom lighting
• Types of bathroom lighting
• The three layers of perfect bathroom lighting
• Light bulb types for bathrooms
• FAQs

 

Bathroom zones: Where you can (and can’t) install lights

Bathroom zones define how close a light is to water and how much protection it needs. The closer to water, the higher the risk, meaning lights must be rated for moisture resistance.

The closer the light is to a bath, shower or basin, the higher the IP rating needs to be, so it’s important to choose fittings that are safe for each area.

• Zone 0: Think of underwater LED strips in a whirlpool tub or inside a built-in shower niche. Any fixture in this zone must be fully waterproof (IP67+) and low voltage (max 12V).
• Zone 1: Zone 1 lighting covers the area directly above a bath or shower up to 2.25m. If you want shower spotlights, they must be at least IP44, but IP65 is safer (especially if water jets hit them directly).
• Zone 2: Includes the perimeter of the bath/shower and around sinks. This area gets occasional splashes, so zone 2 bathroom lights must be IP44 rated or higher. Most bathroom mirror lights, vanity sconces, and wall-mounted fixtures fall into this category.
• Zone 3: Any lights outside these zones can be standard indoor fittings (IP20+), unless you have a wet room where the whole bathroom might be exposed to water jets, in which case go for IP65.

If using mains-powered lights in Zone 1, UK building regulations require RCD (Residual Current Device) protection to prevent electric shocks. If you’re unsure how far water can splash, always choose a higher IP rating.

 

IP ratings explained

Now that we know where lights can be installed, let’s talk about IP ratings (Ingress Protection).

An IP rating tells you how well a light fixture is sealed against water and dust. It’s written as IPXX, where:

• The first number (0 to 6) refers to protection against solid objects (dust, debris)
• The second number (0 to 8) refers to protection against moisture (water splashes, jets, immersion)

Here are some common IP ratings you’ll see when choosing bathroom lighting:

• IP44: Splash-proof (suitable for zone 2 and most vanity lights).
• IP65: Water jet-resistant (recommended for zone 1, e.g. shower ceiling lights, downlights).
• IP67: Fully waterproof (required for zone 0, e.g. LED lights inside a bathtub).
• IP68: Submersion-proof (for extreme conditions; used in pools, spas, etc.).

The closer a light is to water, the higher the IP rating must be. If your light fitting doesn’t have an IP rating, it’s not suitable for bathrooms. If using water jets to clean, treat any area within jet range as zone 1 or 2, and opt for IP65-rated lights.

 

LED bathroom lighting

Traditional halogen and incandescent bulbs are on their way out; the future is LED.

Since 2021, the UK has banned the sale of halogen bulbs. If you’re updating your bathroom, LED is your best bet.

LED lighting is a popular choice for bathrooms because it’s efficient, long-lasting and flexible. Here are a few key benefits:

• Energy-efficient: Uses 75% less energy than halogen bulbs.
• Long lifespan: LEDs last 20,000+ hours (up to 15 years of daily use).
• Stay cool: Unlike halogens, LEDs don’t overheat, making them perfect for steamy bathrooms.
• Smart home compatible: Many LEDs work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and app controls.
• Creative options: Think backlit LED mirrors, dimmable vanity lights, and RGB mood lighting.

 

Types of bathroom lighting

The three layers of perfect bathroom lighting

Now that we’ve covered zones, safety ratings, and why LEDs rule, let’s talk about how to best layer your bathroom lighting. A well-lit bathroom should have layered lighting, combining these three types:

• Ambient lighting: This is your main source of bathroom light, helping to brighten the whole room evenly. Good options include flush-mount ceiling lights, LED panels and recessed spotlights, ideally spaced across the ceiling to avoid dark patches. Add a dimmer switch if you want to adjust the brightness throughout the day.
• Task lighting: This gives you focused light for shaving, makeup and skincare. LED vanity lights, backlit mirrors and side-mounted sconces work well around the mirror, especially when placed on both sides rather than above to reduce shadows.
• Accent lighting: This adds atmosphere and highlights key features in your bathroom. LED strip lights, cove lighting and wall-wash lights can be used around a freestanding bath, inside shower niches or under vanity units for a softer, more decorative glow.

Light bulb types for bathrooms

Bathroom light bulbs come in different shapes, fittings and smart options, so it’s worth checking what your light fixture needs before you buy.

• E14 light bulbs: E14 bulbs, also known as small Edison screw bulbs, are commonly found in wall sconces, vanity lights, and decorative fittings. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller fixtures while still providing bright and efficient illumination. Available in warm, cool, and daylight tones, E14 bulbs are a versatile choice for ambient and task lighting in bathrooms.
• E27 light bulbs: E27 bulbs, or standard Edison screw bulbs, are a popular choice for ceiling lights, pendant fixtures, and larger bathroom wall lights. Their wider base allows for higher wattage options, making them a great pick for those who want powerful illumination. Opt for LED E27 bulbs for improved energy efficiency and a longer lifespan.
• G9 light bulbs: G9 bulbs are small, capsule-style halogen or LED bulbs typically used in modern wall lights, pendant fixtures, and decorative bathroom lighting. They offer a crisp, bright output in a compact size, making them perfect for sleek, minimalist designs. LED versions provide the same brightness as halogen but with significantly lower energy consumption.
• GU10 light bulbs: GU10 bulbs are twist-and-lock spotlights, ideal for recessed ceiling lights, track lighting, and directional spotlights. They are perfect for task lighting in bathrooms, particularly around mirrors, showers, and vanity areas. LED GU10 bulbs offer adjustable colour temperatures, making them a smart choice for adaptable bathroom lighting.
• LED light bulbs: LED bulbs are the gold standard for modern bathroom lighting, offering energy efficiency, long lifespans, and low heat output. They are available in various base types, including E14, E27, G9, and GU10, making them compatible with most fixtures. Many LED bulbs also come in dimmable and smart-enabled versions, giving you full control over brightness and colour.
• Smart light bulbs: Smart bulbs bring customisable lighting to your bathroom, allowing you to adjust brightness, colour temperature, and even set schedules through voice commands or an app. Available in WiFi or Bluetooth-enabled models, smart bulbs can transform your bathroom lighting experience with tunable whites, RGB colour options, and motion activation.

 

FAQs

Still have questions about bathroom lighting? These quick answers cover some of the most common things to check, from shower-safe fittings and mirror lighting to choosing the right colour temperature.

 

Can I install a light above my shower?

Yes, but it must be IP44 minimum (IP65 recommended). Shower ceiling lights should be sealed, waterproof LED downlights designed for zone 1 installation.

 

What’s the best lighting for a bathroom mirror?

For shadow-free lighting, use side-mounted LED sconces or a backlit mirror. Avoid overhead lighting, as it creates harsh shadows. Opt for cool white (4000K to 5000K) LEDs for the best grooming visibility.

 

What’s the difference between warm white and cool white lighting?

Warm white lighting, usually around 2700K to 3000K, creates a softer, more relaxing feel that works well for unwinding. Cool white lighting, around 4000K to 5000K, gives a brighter, clearer light that’s better for tasks like shaving or applying makeup. For more flexibility, tunable white LEDs let you adjust the colour temperature to suit different times of day.

 

Final thoughts

The right bathroom lighting should make your space feel brighter, safer and easier to use every day. By choosing the correct IP ratings, using efficient LED bulbs and layering your lighting properly, you can create a bathroom that works beautifully for everything from busy mornings to relaxing evening routines.

Ready to brighten up your bathroom? Browse our full range of bathroom lights to find safe, stylish and practical options for every zone.