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Bathrooms - Choosing the lighting |
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Back to index page Bathroom Lighting Safety European safety regulations are deservedly rigorous, stating that fittings for bathrooms must be completely encased to avoid possible shorting and electric shocks. Don't ever be tempted to use a conventional light fitting not for bathroom use. Any light switches must be located outside the bathroom or else have a pull cord inside. Natural Daylight To maximise natural daylight, take down any unnecessary blinds, fussy curtains etc. If you're worried about being overlooked, a cheap solution is to frost your window - either at a glaziers or by using a frosting effect spray from DIY stores. Dimmer Switches If you only have a harsh central light operated by a pull cord, one of the easiest things you can do is get an electrician to get rid of the pull cord and fit a dimmable switch just outside the bathroom door instead. The dimmer will create instant ambience Change any fittings for frosted ones - you will immediately get a lovely diffused light. Ceiling Sportlights Stud the ceiling with several low-voltage spotlights or downlighters, which wash the walls with light.Downlighters cast pools of light onto the surface below and are great for water and glass. Get your builder to put in a false ceiling to hide all the wiring Fit the downlights with a dimmer. Mirror Lights If you have to go to the bathroom in the night, you don't want to be blinded by the light Fit a row of lightbulbs - dressing room style - round your mirror. They give a good, even light from all sides. If that look's not your style, fit diffused wall-lights either side. If you put a single strip light above the mirror, you'll end up with shadows below your nose and above your mouth. If the light is too soft, it might be flattering to your skin but you won't be able to see enough to get your make up right, and if it's too bright, you'll have a ghostly pallor. Different Switches Make all the lights work from different switches so you can alter the mood e.g. for shaving you could have the lights round the mirror on and a wall-light, but when you're in the bath, just the wall-light dimmed right down with added candles Wall Lights If you have a period bathroom, you can fit shades that to a wall-mounted fitting, but make sure the shade has been approved for bathroom use Make sure you can still see in the shower when the door of the cubicle is shut - try fitting a pressure-mounted waterproof light inside the door Lights specifically designed for underwater use, such as fibre optics can look fantastic |
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