Bathroom lighting has two jobs: staying safe in a wet room and giving proper, shadow-free light at the mirror. Those are exactly the two things that usually go wrong. Here is how to plan it properly.
Moisture zones and IP ratings
A bathroom is divided into zones by how much water can reach the fitting. Each zone has a minimum protection rating (IP).
| Zone | Where | Minimum IP |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | inside the bath or shower | IP67, 12 V |
| Zone 1 | above bath/shower up to 2.25 m | IP65 |
| Zone 2 | 0.6 m around bath and basin | IP44 |
| Outside zones | rest of the room | IP20 is enough |
In short: IP65 above the shower and bath, at least IP44 around the basin, and a standard fitting for the rest of the ceiling. When in doubt, go one rating higher — it never hurts.
Mirror lighting — the critical spot
The classic mistake is a single downlight above the mirror. Light falls from above and casts shadows under the eyes, nose and chin — useless for shaving or make-up.
- Best solution: light on both sides of the mirror, roughly at eye level.
- Alternative: an LED strip SOFT, 24VDC, 9.6W/m around or behind the mirror frame for even, shadow-free light.
- Mount the strip in an Profile Siler with a diffuser so no dots show.
- Choose CRI 90+ — otherwise skin tone looks wrong in the mirror.
How much light does a bathroom need?
| Area | Recommended level |
|---|---|
| Bathroom, ambient light | 300–500 lm/m² |
| Mirror area | 400–600 lm/m² |
| Shower area | 300–400 lm/m² |
Example: a 6 m² bathroom × 400 lm/m² = ~2400 lumens of ambient light, plus separate mirror lighting. See lumens and watts.
Which colour temperature works?
Neutral white 3500–4000 K suits a bathroom — bright enough for the morning and natural at the mirror. If the bathroom doubles as a place to unwind, consider dimming or an extra 2700–3000 K layer. See also: how to choose colour temperature.
Why LEDs dim faster in bathrooms
A bathroom is a hard environment for LEDs: humidity, temperature swings and often enclosed fittings where heat cannot escape. Heat is what shortens LED life most — see LED lifespan. Choose a quality fitting with the right IP rating and never put a lamp that is not enclosed-rated into a sealed housing.
Common mistakes
- Only one light above the mirror — shadows on the face.
- Too low an IP rating near the shower or bath.
- 6000 K cold light across the whole room — a clinical feel.
- Low CRI — skin tone and make-up look wrong.
- An LED strip without a profile in a wet room.
Related products
Which IP rating do I need in a bathroom?
IP65 above the shower and bath, at least IP44 around the basin, IP20 elsewhere.
How do I light a mirror without shadows?
Put light on both sides of the mirror, or run an LED strip around the frame.
Which colour temperature suits a bathroom?
Neutral white 3500–4000 K, with a warmer 2700–3000 K layer if you want to unwind there.
How much light does a bathroom need?
300–500 lm/m² ambient and 400–600 lm/m² at the mirror.
Why do LEDs dim faster in a bathroom?
Humidity and heat trapped in enclosed fittings shorten their life.
Read also
-
Lighting layout: how to plan the light in your home
Good lighting is not about the number of fittings but about the right layers and the right spacing. Here is how to plan it…
-
Bedroom lighting: soft and restful light
The bedroom is the one room where the goal is not maximum brightness but calm, soft light. You still need to read and get…
-
Living room lighting: layers and lighting scenes
The living room is the most versatile room in the house: you watch TV, host guests, read and sometimes work there. One fitting cannot…
-
Kitchen lighting: how to plan the light in your kitchen
The kitchen needs more light than any other room in the house. You chop, read recipes and work next to a hot hob here…