What are the rules of good lighting in a bathroom?

Question

I am renovating my bathroom and doing most of the work myself apart from the electrics as I am not qualified and a tad scarred...My electrician is lovely but has strange ideas.
He tells me that 4 downlights are okay for a 6 sq meter ceiling. I am dubious - would at least double that.
What are the thumb rules?
Is there a book/website explaining how many lights would be best?
How would it be best to place them?
So may questions...
Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Depends on your taste, and the effect that you want, if you want it bright then I would suggest 6 lights in 6²m, but again that depends on type of lights, ceiling height and layout of bathroom. 6x 50 watt low voltage would be ok if there is a loft above, but I would add a light over a mirror to that as well. Don't forget to use the correct luminaires for the bathroom Zones.

Answer 2

keep background light low level eg a central globe, or two wall uplighters. a high light level will flatten everything out & look dull. one 11W or 2x 7W bulbs will be ample. They also last longer than spots, especially the 250V halogen types.

Another consideration is downlights often require gaps into the ceiling void which can lead to uncomfortable draughts when you are wet.

put task lighting where required, eg over a mirror. A downlighter will cause odd shadows when shaving or doing makeup, putting in contact lenses etc.
put curtesy lights (like a fridge light) in cupboards.

some people suggest a very tight spotlight on the toilet bowl to improve men's aim :)

Make the most of natural light where possible, eg light pipes

You do not need to see much in a shower or a bath, low light is generally more romantic. consider a candle shelf.

if you want something a bit trendy think about led lights (as sold for decking) on the floor or in the bath.

save money & Co2 by using low energy bulbs & not blinding yourself on the nighttime trip when you are half asleep.

Answer 3

My kitchen is 6m x 4m and i have 5 flush fitting downlights which were until recently fitted with 50 watt halogen bulbs , this i found to bright so i have now fitted them with 35 watt bulbs and I'm very happy with the result .

This is with a cream tiled floor and cream walls so light is reflected around the room very well so your chosen decor dictates what lights to use , if your bathroom is to be essentially white then 4 lights should be fine but if you have chosen a darker colour then the lights should be doubled .

PS you don't want to get out of the bath with a headache because the lights are too bright .

Answer 4

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Answer 5

you need good lighting around your sink and mirror, but then some nice mood lighting. down lights are ok...what about some soft colour changing lights above the bath. We have those my boyfriend being an electrician and its real nice

Answer 6

the rules for general lighting design for washroom is 2 watts per sqft. as quoted from ies.

Answer 7

to be honest i think that in the bathroom less is more i hardly Eva have a bath (I shower everyday) but when i do i favour sof lighting with candles

Answer 8

Your bathroom, Your rules.

Answer 9

its all in thee electrician's guide
of the 16th edition of the
wiring regulation's
BS 767 edition 7
you can get it from your
local library

Answer 10

All i can say is have enough to be able to see what you're doing. Not enough that you can see the cellulite!