Lighting by room

Bathroom lighting

In a bathroom the light has to be both safe and comfortable: you need even light at the mirror, and luminaires near water must have an adequate ingress protection (IP) rating. Below we explain the bathroom zones, and in the selection we show only luminaires rated IP44 or higher.

Luminaires for this room Lighting calculator
LED mirror 18W 3000K/4000K IP44 – black, dimmable
LED mirror 18W 3000K/4000K IP44 – black, dimmable

Recommended lighting

Light level
200–300 lx
For general light. At the mirror you need more, around 300–500 lx.
Colour temperature
3000–4000 K
At the mirror the light should fall evenly from several sides and cast no shadows on the face. The colour temperature of the mirror and ceiling lights should match.
Moisture protection
IP44+
Near water, at least IP44. In this selection we show only such luminaires.

How to plan the light

  1. General lighting A ceiling luminaire or a group of recessed luminaires lights the whole room. In a bathroom choose luminaires rated IP44 or higher.
  2. Task lighting At the mirror the light should reach the face from both sides or from all around: an LED mirror, or two wall lights either side of the mirror. Light from above alone casts shadows.
  3. Accent lighting A small wall light or light in a niche creates a calm mood and means you need not switch on bright light at night.

Bathroom zones and minimum IP rating

Zone Where it is Minimum IP
Zone 0 Inside the bath or shower tray IP67; supplied only with safe extra-low voltage (SELV)
Zone 1 Above the bath or shower, up to 2.25 m high IP44; for a luminaire the shower sprays directly, choose IP65
Zone 2 Next to zone 1, about 60 cm IP44
Outside the zones The rest of the room No specific requirement, but IP44 is advisable in a damp room

The zone boundaries depend on where the bath or shower is and on any screens, and the requirements are set by the standards in force. Have luminaires in wet zones installed by a qualified electrician.

Luminaires for this room

We show only products rated IP44 or higher. You will find the exact rating in the product specification, and the zone table above will help you choose.

LED mirrors

Built-in lighting at the mirror: even light without shadows.

Whole category: LED Mirrors

Ceiling and recessed luminaires

For general bathroom light; IP44 and higher only.

Whole category: Ceiling Fixtures

Wall luminaires

For light either side of the mirror or for accents; IP44 and higher only.

Whole category: Bathroom Wall Lights

Frequently asked questions

What IP rating does a bathroom luminaire need?

Near water, in zones 1 and 2, at least IP44; in zone 0 (inside the bath or shower) IP67. For a luminaire the shower can spray directly, choose IP65. Outside the zones there is no specific requirement, but IP44 is the safer choice in a damp room.

What does IP44 mean?

The first digit (4) means protection against objects larger than 1 mm, the second (4) against water splashed from any direction. IP44 is not enough for a direct jet of water; that needs IP65.

How do I light a mirror without shadows?

The light should reach the face from both sides or from all around: an LED mirror with built-in lighting, or two wall lights either side of the mirror. A single light above the mirror casts shadows under the brows and chin.

What colour temperature suits a bathroom?

Usually 3000–4000 K. 3000 K is warmer and cosier, 4000 K more neutral and easier for shaving or make-up. The colour of the mirror and ceiling luminaires should not differ.