Upgrade your Bathroom with LED Lights
Types of LED Bathroom Lighting
Go through the section below to learn about the types of LED bathroom lights you need for both practical and aesthetic purposes:
1. Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting or general lighting is necessary for the even distribution of light throughout your bathroom space. Also, it is the primary source of illumination that sets the overall mood with soft and diffused light. As a matter of fact, ambient lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal of a place and supports other layers of lighting. The commonly used LED lighting fixtures for ambient lighting are:
Flush or Semi-flush Lights: These lights are suitable for bathrooms with lower ceilings to get a subtle lighting effect. Also, it will not take up too much visual space in your bathroom.
Recessed Lights: LED recessed lights or downlights give a minimalistic interior design to the bathroom. These are installed in the ceiling 120cm to 180cm apart for an even distribution.
LED Panel Lights: You will find these lights in square, rectangular, or circular shape for a uniform glow in your bathroom. This long-lasting fixture comes with a frosted diffuser that spreads luminance across the whole space.
2. Task Lighting
Task lighting is essential for practical grooming works in the bathroom, like shaving, skincare, etc. So, you need focused and brighter lighting with adequate illumination. The commonly used LED lighting fixtures for task lighting are:
LED Vanity Lights: Use the LED vanity lights around the mirror as task lights in your bathroom.
LED Wall Sconces: Place the wall sconces on either side of the mirror. Also, make sure it is 150cm from the floor so that it remains at your eye level.
3. Accent Lighting
If you want to highlight specific areas in your bathroom, use the accent lighting technique. For example, use them to illuminate the architectural details and decorative elements to create an inviting atmosphere in the bathroom. The commonly used LED lighting fixtures for accent lighting are:
COB LED Strips: Use LED strips under the bathroom vanity, along the edges of the ceiling, and behind the mirror to get accent lighting.
Wall Sconces: Place the wall sconces on the side of the bathroom mirror, near the bathtub, shower area, or other focal points of your bathroom.
Spotlights: Spotlights are excellent for niche highlighting. You can use them to focus textured walls, decorative items, shelves or artworks in your bathroom.
4. Decorative Lighting
Adding elegance and aesthetics to the interior of the bathroom is the purpose of using decorative LED lights. Choose the decorative LED lighting fixtures that complement the theme of your bathroom. The commonly used LED lighting fixtures for decorative lighting are:
Chandeliers: Hanging a chandelier above the bathtub or open space of the bathroom adds a touch of elegance.
Pendant Lights: Install a pendant light above the vanity or at the side of the vanity in your bathroom to create a classic style.
Why Choose COB LED Lights for Bathrooms?
Longer Lifespan
LED lights usually last for a longer period compared to traditional lights. For example, these lights have an average lifespan of 25,000- 50,000 hours. Comparatively, incandescent bulbs only last for 1000 hours, and compact fluorescent bulbs last for 8000-15,000 hours. So, you will need fewer replacements of LED lights over the years and there will be minimum maintenance costs.
Energy Saving Feature
If you are struggling with huge electricity bills regularly, consider replacing your traditional incandescent bathroom lights with LED lights.
These lights consume less energy than other lighting options. For example, LED lights consume 6-8 watts, whereas incandescent bulbs use 60 watts. So, for the same level of luminance, you can save up to 85% energy using LED lights. As a result, your electricity bill will be reduced as well.
Maximum Safety
LED lights ensure maximum safety and eco-friendliness because they are free of toxic elements like mercury. So, you do not need to worry about the health risks if you use them.
In addition, LEDs run at lower voltage, like 12V - 24V. That is why there is a lower chance of electrical accidents. Also, these lights create less hazardous waste when they are disposed of in nature.
Moisture-resistant Designs
You need a safe lighting option in the humid environment of your bathroom, and LED light is the best choice for you. Furthermore, the moisture-resistant designs of LED lights offer adequate and secure lighting amidst the water splashes in the bathrooms.
Versatile Style and Function
You can easily customize your bathroom lighting with LED lights. You will find numerous designs, shapes, sizes, and colours of the LED lights. So, be creative in your own way with these options to create a sophisticated lighting area in the bathroom.
Instant Illumination
If you want flicker-free instant Illumination in your bathroom, LED light is your go-to. It does not need any warm-up time after turning the switch on. In this way, you will be able to enjoy a cozy and consistent lighting experience.
High Durability
Due to the high durability of LED lights, they are resistant to inconsistent temperature, shock, and vibrations. That is why you can use these lights in the moisture-rich atmosphere of your bathroom.
Less Prone to Overheating
LED lights emit less heat as they use lower temperatures to operate. So, this lighting option is free of accidental fire hazards compared to conventional lights.
Key Areas of LED Lighting In Bathroom
Let’s find out where you should focus to fix the LED lights in your bathroom.
Key areas of LED lighting in your bathroom
1. Ceiling
Being a critical area of the bathroom, the ceiling requires your extra attention to ensure a well-lit bathroom. So, consider ambient, task, or accent lighting for the ceiling depending on its size. For example, some popular options for ceiling design are dimmable LED downlights, spotlights, flush-mount lights, etc. You can adjust their light levels according to your preference. Besides, cove lighting with LED strips works excellent for large bathrooms.
2. Mirror
The bathroom mirror is a key spot that needs proper illumination without any glare or harsh shadow. For this purpose, use integrated LED strip lights for task lighting, backlights for decoration, or
night lights under the mirror for a well-lit sink area. In addition, you can install LED batten lights above the mirror and vanity-style lights on the corners of the mirror to get illumination from all angles.
3. Cabinet
You can attach LED strip lights in front of the cabinet door and inside the cabinet for comfortable daily use. However, under-cabinet lighting is the most popular option. For larger cabinets with multiple racks, use LED puck lights. As a matter of fact, it will help you arrange your toiletries in the cabinets.
4. Shower Area
Ensure soft and cozy lighting in your shower area for proper visibility and safety purposes. So, use waterproof LED lights with a high IP rating (IP65 or above) in this area. Also, you can install recessed LED downlights in the shower ceiling to get focused illumination in this region.
5. Bathroom Walls
Use LED wall lights near the vanity or along the walls to get a warm ambiance. Apart from that, accent lighting will highlight particular areas in your bathroom with an aesthetic touch.
Factors You Need to Consider for LED Bathroom Lighting
Colour Temperature
You have to skim through the wide spectrum of colour temperatures (unit- Kelvin) to select the tone of light in your bathroom. Think of the finish of your fixtures, bathroom wall colour, cabinet colour, and bathroom decor while selecting the colour temperature of lights.
Warm Light 2700K- 3000K Creates a relaxing and cozy ambiance.
Neutral White 3100K- 4500K Provides clear light without too much glare.
Cool White 4600K- 6500K Suitable for grooming activities like shaving or applying makeup.
What Is the Ideal Colour Temperature of Bathroom Lights?
Use LED lights with a CCT range between 2700K and 3000K to get a yellowish glow and cozy ambiance. On the other hand, you need task lights with a CCT of 3500K- 4000K for routine tasks. It emits a whiter light, similar to natural daylight. Finally, a lower CCT range gives a classy look with warmer
tones, and a higher CCT range creates a sharper and cooler tone.
Also, choose the CCT range based on the bathroom location.
For example:
Residential Bathroom = 2700K - 3000K
Hospital Bathroom = 3500K - 4100K
Hotel Bathroom = 3000K - 4000K
IP Rating and Bathroom Zones
Ingress protection or IP rating refers to the protection against solid and liquid ingress. A higher IP rating means more extensive protection. However depending on water contact, the IP rating requirements vary for different bathroom zones.
The below shows suitable IP ratings for specific bathroom zones as directed in IEE Wiring Regulations:
Zone 0 = Inside the bath or shower, IP67+ (Min. IP67)
Zone 1 = Above the shower, up to 2.25m from the floor, IP44 – IP65
Zone 2 = 0.6m outside the bath perimeter & up to 2.25m height. Also, a 60cm radius around sinks, IP44+
Zone 3 = The rest of the bathroom, IP22 – IP65
Size Of the Bathroom
Consider the size of your bathroom before planning the layout of LED lighting there. Avoid using bulk fixtures like chandeliers or large pendant lights in small bathrooms. In this case, flush or semi-flushed lights work best to save up space. However, if you have a large bathroom, you can layer up with multiple fixture types.
Proper bathroom lighting is essential for both functionality and aesthetics. By understanding the different types of LED lighting and their applications, you can create a well-lit, inviting space.