Few bathrooms are fortunate enough to have natural light. But this isn’t a space where dim, mysterious lighting is desirable—your bathroom lighting should be bright yet non-glaring, combining diffuse light with directed illumination. It’s essential to see yourself clearly and naturally in the mirror without distortions.
Even in a compact bathroom of about 55-65 square feet, a ceiling light should be supplemented with wall sconces around the mirror. If your bathroom has niches, ledges, or unique features, ensure they don’t turn into shadowed corners by using additional sconces or perimeter ceiling lighting.
How to Position Bathroom Sconces Properly
The optimal height for placing sconces depends on several factors. If the sconce is above the mirror, adjust based on the mirror’s size. For sconces mounted on either side, position them slightly above the mirror’s midpoint.
It’s also helpful to consider your own height—aim to place lighting at eye level for the best clarity. Standard heights don’t always work for everyone; someone who is 5’3″ may need a different sconce height than someone who is 6’2″.
Many people also factor in the room’s energy and take Feng Shui recommendations into account, especially for mirror placement.
Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Bathroom
Bathroom lights can be either open or recessed. Recessed lighting is often better for small spaces with low ceilings as it’s safer and more compact.
In a spacious bathroom with standard ceilings, a chandelier can serve as a decorative focal point. For a suspended ceiling where light needs to be evenly distributed, recessed lighting is often the best choice, as recommended by buduemo.com.
For sconces with directed lighting, ensure they still provide a soft, natural glow. Choose lights with white or frosted shades for the best effect.
Technical Aspects: Installation, Power, and Safety
With high humidity levels, pairing water with electricity adds risk. Careless selection and installation of bathroom lights are unacceptable. It’s crucial to work with experienced professionals and reliable manufacturers when developing a lighting plan and installing electrical fixtures.
Plastic and glass fixtures are less prone to corrosion and are preferable to metal options.
Water-Resistance Ratings for Bathroom Lights
Not all lights are suited for humid areas. Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, where “0” means no water resistance, and “8” indicates a fixture that can withstand substantial moisture.
Here are some common IP ratings suitable for bathroom use:
- IP1: Resists condensation and vertical water droplets
- IP2: Protected from drops falling up to a 15-degree angle from vertical
- IP3: Resists water up to a 60-degree angle
- IP4: Resistant to water from any direction
- IP5: Can withstand direct water jets
It’s usually unnecessary to go beyond IP4 for a vanity sconce. To determine the optimal rating, bathrooms are divided into zones based on moisture exposure.
Zone 1: The wettest area, which includes the tub or shower area, where humidity reaches up to 100%. Only low-voltage lights (12 volts) with a rating of at least IP67 are suitable here.
Zone 2: Extends up to 7.5 feet from the edge of the tub and is exposed to steam, splashes, and even occasional water sprays. Fixtures here should have 12-24 volts and an IP rating of IP45.
Zone 3: The 24-inch buffer zone beyond Zone 2. No direct water streams are expected here, so IP24 suffices for condensation resistance.
Zone 4: All other bathroom areas. With adequate ventilation, an IP rating of 1 or higher is generally enough.
Lighting Power Calculator
Bathrooms are for self-care, so the lighting should be bright but not glaring. Dark wall finishes require stronger bulbs than lighter designs.
Light power recommendations (in watts per square foot):
- LED bulbs: 0.6 to 0.9 watts
- Incandescent bulbs: 2 to 3 watts
- Halogen bulbs: 2.3 to 2.8 watts
Conclusion: Ready to Convert Your Tub to a Shower?
A bath tub to shower conversion is a practical upgrade that adds both functionality and value to your home. By understanding the technical details and working with a trusted contractor, you can ensure a smooth transition from a tub to a modern, walk-in shower.
If you’re ready to start your project, contact us today to discuss your options, get a quote, and begin transforming your bathroom!
