Hi Interior’s Enthusiast,

Happy Saturday! Once again it’s been a rather full on couple of weeks (I feel like a broken record). We are getting close to install on one of our client projects which always has it’s challenges, whilst also meeting so many wonderful people through consultations and E-Design bookings. So thank you for keeping me so busy!

I had a few much needed days off at Easter and am now in the thick of fine tuning some beautiful dressing room and bathroom joinery for another of our clients. I can’t wait for you to see the results later in the summer.

It was really exciting to launch my partnership with Corston last week (or maybe the week before), it’s a huge milestone for me and I’m so grateful that many of you commented and liked the post - thank you so much for all your support!

Now then, bathroom lighting is a topic that comes up more than any other during my consultations, so let’s dive in and hopefully give you the essentials to design your bathroom properly.

Bathroom Lighting Design

Do you really need those downlights?

The answer, is probably not. I know I bang on about this but of all places to avoid unnecessary spots, arguably the bathroom is the most important. You don’t want to be lying in the bath trying to relax only to find you have a light shining right in your eyes.

Where should you place lighting instead?

I’m so glad you asked…

Instead of ceiling downlights, consider a balance of these three light placements:

1. Central pendant or flush mount

2. Wall lights either side of your vanity mirror

3. Tiny (shower rated) niche spotlights

By using the above types of lighting, you do away with the need for any additional spotlights or downlights to light your general space. If you have a fully enclosed shower (especially one with half walls or solid enclosures), you’ll possibly need a downlight in here but that really is the only exception!

Can you put any type of lights in a bathroom?

No, remember to always look for IP rated lights for your bathrooms. Many lighting companies are extending their selection of IP rated lighting to include more fun and decorative lighting for you to use in your bathroom. For a very handy guide in which IP rating you need for which area, see the diagram and notes below.

Zone 0: Is the area inside a bath or shower tray. Lights here must have a rating ofIP67and be a maximum of 12 volts.  

Zone 1: Extends directly above the bath to a height of 225cm measured from the floor. It also includes the inside of a shower cubicle (but excluding the tray). These lights must be ratedIP65or higher.  

Zone 2: Is inside a 60cm perimeter of the bath or shower (and still to a height of 225cm from the floor). It also includes the area around your sink, but specifically within a 60cm range of the tap. Lights in this zone need to be ratedIP44or higher. 

Zone 3: Is anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2. These areas are also known as ‘outside zones’. You don’t need to worry about the IP rating here.

(Credit: Corston)

So, where should you buy these lights from?

I’ve shortlisted a small selection of my favourite bathroom lights below, simply click on each image to be taken directly to the light. Many of these options come in nickel, chrome, brass and bronze so you’ll never be short of options for various bathroom designs.

(Contains affiliate links)

Remember, if you need more help with lighting in your home, you can always book a consultation with me where we can go through each room with a fine tooth comb and design the lighting specifically for your space.

Last week marked the end of my 30 interior design tips in 30 days, under £30. What did you think of it? It was quite the labour of love and I’m rather glad to be having a tiny social media break. By the time this newsletter goes out I may well be back posting again, but in the meantime do go and check that series out.

If you’re someone who prefers watching things on YouTube, I’ve also been adding as many videos as I can on there so please do go and subscribe to my channel. Hint hint, I may be posting more regularly on there soon…

Have a great weekend!