Spot lighting in the bathroom. Small bathroom design

The brightness of lighting and the configuration of lighting fixtures depend on two factors: personal taste and the size of the bathroom. Someone dreams of spotlights, while someone likes a standard ceiling lamp in the center of the ceiling. In the article, we will consider how to properly organize the lighting in the bathroom.

Proper arrangement of lighting products and the power of the lamps determine the quality of lighting. The standard scheme looks like this - a ceiling lamp and auxiliary ones - wall sconces or spots. It is worth noting that the overhead lighting may well be in a combined form - a ceiling lamp and several spotlights.

How to properly position the lights

It is important to remember here that there is never a lot of light, even if there is a window opening in this room. Ideally, lighting should be three levels:

• overhead lighting- for a small room, it is quite enough to place one medium ceiling lamp, but if the budget and dimensions of such a room allow, then you can arrange a star scattering on the ceiling.
• task lighting- in the working area, near the mirror, you can install two light devices located in parallel in its upper part. A good solution would be lamps on flexible brackets, they allow you to adjust the luminous flux in the right direction, so you can achieve optimal illumination of the face during various hygiene and cosmetic procedures.
• bottom lighting- here it plays more decorative than functional role. You can decorate a room in an original way, made with architectural elements, such as pedestals, steps or niches, using the built-in lighting in the form of multi-colored lanterns or portholes.

Design decoration

• It should be noted right away that you should not select models with a case made of colored glass or plastic, they have such a property as light distortion. Therefore, the most optimal solution would be a closed type shade made of matte white or transparent material.

• The area of ​​​​the room and the height of the ceiling determine the size of the lighting fixture. A low ceiling will not allow you to install a hanging model, in this case, spotlights, wall-ceiling and spotlights will serve as an ideal option. A "sweeping", extravagant chandelier, equipped with three or more shades, is not suitable for a room with a small area.
• The choice should also be based on the stylistic decision of the room. So, for example, a Japanese-style bathroom, where the emphasis is on soft soothing tones, metal lamps of strict forms will look a little ridiculous.
• In a room with an ultra-modern design, lighting fixtures with clear lines in the form of geometric shapes will harmoniously fit in. Here the material can be metal, plastic or chrome.
• The classic implies the presence of lamps with concise forms without additional details and elements. You can opt for models with transparent or stained glass. The last option will create an amazing play of light reflections on the walls of the room.

How to calculate the required power of lamps

The comfort of being indoors largely determines the level of illumination, as it affects vision and the nervous system as a whole. Therefore, there are certain standards that indicate the required number of lumens per square meter of the bathroom.

It should be noted here that when buying such products, more attention is paid to Watts, in other words, the energy consumed. And, nevertheless, it is such an indicator as lumen that determines the brightness of the luminous flux of a particular light bulb.

For bathrooms and toilets, 200 lumens per 1 m² are enough:

• incandescent lamp 25 W ̴ 200 lm; 100 W ̴ 1350 lm;
• halogen lamp (230 V) 42 W ̴ 625 lm; (230 V) 70 W ̴ 1170 lm;
• fluorescent lamp 40 W ̴ 2000 lm; 200 W ̴ 1500 lm;
• LEDs 40-80 W ̴ 6000 lm.

When calculating lumens, one should keep in mind the color of the materials from which the interior decoration is made. If the room is dominated by light shades, then it is necessary to adhere to the minimum indicators, with a dark finish - the maximum.

Protective properties

Usually on the body of lighting products there is an IP marking, followed by two, and sometimes three digits. Each of them carries important information about the protection against dust, moisture and the degree of impact resistance of this product.

• The first number in the range from 0 to 6 determines the degree of protection against dust and solid particles. Where 0 is no protection at all and 6 is full protection.
• The second digit - in the range from 0 to 8 - indicates the level of moisture protection. Where 0 is the absence of any protection, and 8 is full protection, up to the complete immersion of the product under water for a long time.
• The third digit, which is responsible for impact resistance, is in the range from 0 to 10. Here, deformation of the case (crack, dent, chip) is allowed after mechanical impact, measured in Joules. But, nevertheless, the lighting device must not only function, but also meet the requirements of electrical safety, and maintain the existing degree of IP protection. Thus - 0 means no protection, and 10 (20J) - anti-vandal closed lamp.

Summarizing the above information, you can determine the required protection index of the luminaire intended for this room. It must have a minimum degree of protection of IP 442 and a maximum of IP 674.

4 humidity zones

You can determine the optimal degree of protection for a light fixture based on its location in the bathroom. This room is divided into zones that differ in the level of humidity.

• The first zone is in close proximity to the sink, tub and inside the shower. Here it is allowed to install 12 W lighting equipment with marking from IP 674.
• The second zone is the near-ceiling space above the bath bowl, where the light device is exposed to not only drops, but also water flows. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a model with a power of up to 24 W and with an IP rating of 452 or more.
• The third zone is located at least 0.5 m from the edge of the bathtub or washbasin. The lighting device at this point must be protected from drops of water, here you can mount a model marked with IP 242.
• The fourth zone is located at a distance of 3 meters from the bath or sink. Where luminaires are threatened only by steam or condensate. The best solution would be a model with an IP index of 011 or higher.

Types of lamps, their advantages and disadvantages

incandescent lamp

A widely used product of this kind due to its low cost, ease of use and instant ignition when turned on.

Ambient temperature practically does not affect its performance.

The disadvantages include a low level of luminous flux and a short service life, which is only about 1000 hours. In addition, such lamps get very hot, so they can not be used if:

• plastic cover;
• the lampshade has a miniature shape and is made of textiles.

Halogen lamp

• Mainly used in spotlights, it has high luminous efficiency and long service life.
• The aluminum diffuser perfectly copes with thermal radiation, which makes it possible to use lamps in spotlights on false ceilings made of various materials. They are available in 220V and 12V.

Mounting 12-volt lamps has some drawback - they need to install a low-voltage transformer.

Fluorescent lamps

• Favorably differ in the light stream and long term of operation.
• Different types of phosphor are responsible for certain shades of light, such as daylight, warm white, cool natural light, and so on.
• The model in the form of a tube acts as an independent source of illumination.

But such products "react" to a decrease in temperature and voltage, in which case they do not ignite. In addition, they do not differ in silent operation and have a limiting power of up to 150 watts.

Neon lights

• As the manufacturer assures, they will last 100,000 hours, while consuming a small amount of energy.
• Lamps of this type are used in spotlights, and the tape, including color, is used as decorative lighting.

The disadvantages include the high price of both the product itself and the equipment (transformer, ventilation system) for its stable operation.

Types and methods of fastening fixtures

A huge selection of lighting products will allow you to choose the most optimal model that matches the cost, technical parameters and design intent. According to the method of fastening, they can be divided into 3 groups:

• embedded- spotlights, spots can act as the main or additional lighting. Their installation is carried out with the help of ears in the base of the false ceiling, while the interceiling sinus should not be less than 7 cm for a halogen lamp and about 12 cm for an incandescent lamp;
• suspended models- multi-track chandeliers, single-lamp fixtures are mounted directly on the metal hook of the main ceiling. In this case, the dimensions, weight and shape of the lighting device do not matter much. Their main task is decorativeness and high-quality lighting, which depends on the power of the installed lamps;
• invoices- in particular ceiling lamps, suitable for any type of ceiling as a basic or additional light source, if placed on the walls. They are equipped with a metal or plastic base with working holes for mounting, where the installation is carried out with hardware. Such an electrical appliance is produced mainly in the correct form, moreover, it is compact and weighs little.

Wiring in the bathroom

• For bathrooms with high humidity, hidden wiring should be preferred. The cross section of the wire - the reliability of the entire system, is determined as follows: the power values ​​\u200b\u200bof all the lamps installed in the room are added up, the resulting value is divided by 220 V. The end result is the load on the cable, here it is expressed in amperes. It should be noted that a copper wire 1 mm thick can withstand a load of up to 2000 watts.
• Usually, for a copper cable, the cross section should not be less than 2.5 mm², for aluminum - 4 mm². For lighting, a two-core copper wire with a cross section of 1.5 mm² is optimal. It is not recommended to interconnect two cables of different composition and use electrical tape as an insulating material.
• Start the process of replacing the wiring by disconnecting the existing cables in the junction box. Carrying can temporarily serve as a power source for the duration of the work being carried out. Using the indicator, you must make sure that all electrical appliances are de-energized.
• Piecemeal removal of the previous wiring is carried out with a pointed chisel and a hammer or a power tool with a nozzle, this process is very dusty and difficult. If it is not possible to determine where it lies, then it is necessary to use a special device.
• For the installation of a new power line, it is necessary to complete the chasing of the ceiling and walls to the required points where it is planned to install one or another electrical appliance.

• You can lay the cable using corrugations so that the wire does not fall out of the groove; it is fixed every meter with a mixture of alabaster or gypsum. As a fastening material, special clamping devices are also suitable, which are pre-mounted in strobes, and then a corrugation with a cable is inserted into them.
• After completing this step, you should connect the cables in the junction box and check the quality of all connections. If all the work is carried out correctly and there are no short circuits, the strobe is sealed.

Installation of fixtures on the main ceiling

When choosing a model for the main ceiling, it is recommended to give preference to a plafond-plate or a spherical lamp. This device is attached to the concrete floor with hardware, which usually comes with the lamp. If the ceiling is wooden, then the installation is carried out through the working holes using screws of suitable diameter.

• This kind of light products is also installed on the wall, if necessary, you can choose a set consisting of a wall and ceiling lamp in a single design solution.
• Before starting work, the power supply is turned off, then the ends of the cables are stripped and connected to the terminals of the ceiling. When the screws are tightened, the connected wires are clamped.

• Next, the base of the ceiling is attached and the lamp is screwed in. Turn on the power supply to make sure that the lamp turns on without any difficulties (blinks, sparks). After checking, you can mount a decorative cap.

Installation of fixtures on a plasterboard ceiling

Wiring for spotlights in the bathroom is carried out before the installation of the plasterboard. There is no need to ditch the ceiling for electrical wiring, but it is worth noting that it is desirable to place it in a corrugated pipe. The ends of the wires (at least 20 cm) lead to the installation points of all lighting fixtures.

Holes of the required diameter for the fixtures on the sheets can be made both before and after their installation. The location of the fixtures should be carefully calculated so that during installation they do not fall on the metal profile. You can make holes with a drill and a special glass nozzle.

• Lighting fixtures with incandescent lamps. First you need to connect the electrical cable to the terminals of the fixtures. To insert the spots into the ceiling hole, you need to press the metal ears to the center. Then - release and the fixture will automatically take its initial position and firmly fix the lamp in place. Now you can screw in the lamp.
• Lamps with halogen lamps. Here, the power wires are also attached to the terminals. Next, the body of the electrical device is installed using spring fasteners. Insert the lamp into the detachable cartridge and fix it with the mounting yoke, which is included in the lamp package. Gloves must be worn when handling halogen lamps.
• Overhead lamps. First of all, the lamp bar is fixed with hardware, then the wires of the power lines are connected to the terminal according to the colors. The wires are carefully removed into the hole, and the decorative case is mounted. If the luminaire has a significant weight, then it is recommended to strengthen the structure at the place of its installation with the help of stiffeners.
• LED bathroom lighting. Preparatory work begins with connecting the tape to the network adapter, observing the polarity. To do this, the wires are inserted into the appropriate sockets and the screws are tightened. It is advisable to extend the tape in small sections by soldering, while the total length of the LED should not exceed 15 m. Before mounting, the surface should be cleaned and degreased. Remove the protective film from the tape and lay it on the surface with light pressure.

Installation of fixtures on a stretch ceiling

All types of lighting fixtures are attached to a rack, which is pre-mounted to the main ceiling, and only then holes for lighting fixtures are made on the finished canvas.

When choosing lamps and lighting fixtures, several nuances should be taken into account:

• the holes are reinforced with special yokes that prevent tearing of the web; if necessary, a heat-insulating ring should also be installed;
• when choosing lighting products, it is recommended that models with an overhead type of fastening become the best option;
• it is necessary to pay attention to the power of the lamps: for incandescent lamps, it should not be more than 40 W, for halogen lamps - 35 W. Energy-saving minions are the perfect solution for stretch ceilings;
• it is not recommended to install chandeliers, the shades of which are a plate;
• the best option would be lamps with an outdoor type of location of minions. But in this case, the aesthetics of the ceiling suffer - the ceiling design will not be able to completely close the insulating ring.

You can use more risky tricks - to implement additional lighting with LED strips on cabinets, bedside tables, around the perimeter of a mirror, shower or bath bowl.

By adjusting the level of saturation of light emission, its direction, and at the same time, using electric lamps that emit different shades of illumination, amazing results can be achieved. Such techniques will help create the necessary mood. Create an invigorating atmosphere and "wake up from sleep", thereby entering a working rut or relieve the fatigue of a busy day.

In general, the light in the bathroom should be both functional and decorative. That is why it is important to install lighting products of different brightness and design.

Examples of photos of bathroom lighting

As a rule, not many people can boast of a spacious bathroom in an apartment. This room is usually modest in size without windows. That is why it is important to perform a finish that visually increases the area. Lighting plays an important role in creating the design in the bathroom. In order to create competent lighting in this room, it is worth considering all the nuances of this process, which we will discuss in this article.

Bathroom lighting features

It would seem that it is difficult to just buy a lamp and hang it in the bathroom. But not everything is so simple, since the room has a lot of differences from other rooms in the house. The main difference is the lack of natural light. To maintain comfortable lighting, it is worth beating the bathroom with sources so that it is comfortable to be in it. One light bulb, even despite the small size of the space, will not save here. Shaving, applying make-up, doing laundry and other procedures that are carried out in the bathroom require bright directional light.

The organization of competent lighting of a small bathroom is a complex process that requires the development of a preliminary project. Now many solutions are offered that radically differ in the arrangement of light zones from the design of those rooms that have large dimensions.

When using the right finish for the bathroom, you get a comfortable room for taking a shower and carrying out all the necessary procedures. A small bathroom in any case always needs a visual increase in space.

Make from a room of 5 square meters. 10 meters room does not work out, but visually you can try to solve this problem. To do this, it is important to create such illumination that not a single area is left in the shade. To do this, you need to choose such lamps that are able to give a sufficient amount of light, but do not blind.

In any case, one lamp will not be enough, so it is better to create spotlights that are located on the ceiling and walls. To do this, there are many options for lamps, among which are halogen, fluorescent, conventional lamps or LED lamps. Typically, bathroom fixtures are classified into the following types:

• Surface shades, which are fixed at a short distance from the wall.
• Lampshades and wall sconces that are mounted on brackets of a special type.
• Suspended structures of various shapes, which are fixed on suspensions.
• Also, a small bathroom can be equipped with small spotlights mounted under the ceiling.

Advice! For a comfortable light supply, it is recommended to install a luminous flux power regulator.

Required number of bathroom fixtures

The required number of fixtures for the bathroom depends on its area. If there is very little space and its area is about 5 square meters. meters, then one light source on the ceiling and several lamps will be enough. But, even in a small bathroom, one should not forget about the additional lighting of the mirror and washbasin area, as this will improve the quality and increase the comfort of using it.

Other factors also affect illumination. This is, for example, the stylistic orientation of the interior. To be more precise, it is the color scheme. If the bathroom is made in light colors, then fewer lamps will be needed, as it will seem better lit.

The height of the fixtures is also important, since the lower they are, the brighter the light they give. The type of lamps used is also important.

Zoning with lights

When creating a plan for a new bathroom on your own, it is worth mentally dividing it into parts in order to choose the best lighting option. The main areas in a small bathroom are:

• Area for taking a shower or bath.
• Sink with mirror.
• Shelves and cabinets.
• Washing machine.

Not all bathrooms may include the listed areas, this is a generalized option. So, in Khrushchev, a washing machine simply does not fit in a small space. But let's consider each zone separately, regardless of whether it is in a particular bathroom or not.

Bath area

Here, fantasy knows no bounds and everything depends only on the desire of the owner, as well as the design of the bath or shower itself and its location. You can highlight this zone by creating lighting around the perimeter of the bath. These light sources should only emit diffused, subdued light, while the main lighting should be bright. To create a light illumination, halogen or LED lamps can be used. In this case, one lamp is mounted on the ceiling.

Advice! It is not necessary to create a backlight with your own hands. Now manufacturers offer bathtubs and cabins with built-in lighting.

If you don’t want to create a too relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom, but on the contrary, you want to focus on functionality, you should equip the bathtub with wall sconces or more powerful light sources. Ceiling lights that can be rotated in the desired direction will also look advantageous.

Sink plot

Each bathroom has a sink with cabinet. As a rule, a mirror is installed above it, which is also important to beat correctly. This zone occupies almost a leading position in terms of importance, so the creation of competent lighting for it is very important. Using LED strips or fluorescent lamps, they create mirror illumination around the perimeter or from several sides. At the same time, it is important to install light sources in such a way as to exclude the creation of glare, for this the light should fall exactly on the face. To install above the mirror and on the sides of it, it is worth using lamps with frosted glass to hide strong brightness.

Accompanying area lighting

With a small number of square meters in the bathroom, furniture and the location of towels and other accessories do not need to be additionally illuminated. But, if it is decided to do this, then small spotlights for shelves and hooks can be used. It would be nice to install a small-sized lamp to be able to control the operation of household appliances in order to exclude the inclusion of the main light.

Important! If the bathroom is combined with a toilet, then one more light zone will need to be added to the listed lighting zones.

It looks interesting in the bathroom imitation of a window with lighting. Also, tiles with a mirror surface can be used to increase the space. Almost everything can be illuminated if desired. It can be niches, the perimeter of the bathroom itself, steps. Now even tiles with built-in LEDs are being made.

Ceiling and floor lighting

In a small bathroom, it is best to mount a glossy stretch ceiling. The ability of such a ceiling to reflect space can be beaten with the right lighting and the location of point light sources around its perimeter or the entire surface. You can create a real starry sky on such a ceiling and the interior of the bathroom will sparkle with new colors.

Some of the fixtures can be mounted even in the floor. This idea will make the bathroom space extraordinarily stylish and modern.

Requirements for lighting installation

Given the certain specificity of such a bathroom space, it should be noted right away that the installation of lighting fixtures is carried out only according to a pre-calculated electrical circuit, the creation of which can only be entrusted to professionals. This is important to ensure maximum safety in the operation of the equipment.

At the same time, the selection, purchase and installation of light sources are also carried out under the clear guidance of a specialist with sufficient experience in this field.

The bathroom is constantly high humidity and there are temperature fluctuations. But water or condensation must not come into contact with electrical connections, as this can cause a short circuit and even electric shock.

For the bathroom, luminaires in waterproof cases with a power of no more than 5 watts are suitable. Only such a light source and its correct installation can guarantee the safety of a person in a backlit bathroom. It is also worth noting that it is important to protect the metal components of fixtures from the adverse effects of corrosion, which is not excluded in the bathroom. Stainless steel parts will help to avoid this.

The most dangerous area in this regard is the bath itself and the sink. It is in order to avoid unpleasant and even tragic events that if you want to create interesting lighting in the bathroom, you should contact qualified craftsmen.

Choosing a place for mounting fixtures

Very carefully you need to choose the location of the light sources in the bathroom with small dimensions. Wall lighting is able to point out all the shortcomings of the room, for example, uneven walls or corners.

If desired, floor lamps can be purchased. They are made like floor lamps on racks of different heights. They can have several light bulbs and differ in style, size, shade of the lampshade itself. Such devices will help to give the bathroom more illumination in case this was not provided for at the stage of the repair and the room turned out to be gloomy. Such floor lamps are distinguished by a wide range of configurations and affordable cost.

There are some criteria that must be taken into account when placing light sources in a small bathroom:

Conclusion

Usually the owners of a small bathroom do not know what to do with it and how to decorate the room properly. We can say that competent lighting is already half the success when creating an interior for a bathroom. As can be seen from the information provided, there are many options for creating such an interior, even in a modest space, that meets modern requirements for functionality and aesthetics.

Despite the relatively small size of standard bathrooms, the planning and implementation of lighting in the bathroom must be extremely responsible. It is still at the repair stage to think over the location of the lighting fixtures in order to immediately connect the electric cable and in the future not to spoil the wall decoration and ceiling. How to optimally plan a lighting system and what factors influence its choice - read on.

Why is proper lighting so important?

Choose beautiful lamps that match the style of bathroom interior- this is not a solution. It is necessary to provide functional lighting for the bathroom - pay attention to the location of light sources, their power and other features.

What problems threaten your bathroom if the lighting system is not equipped correctly?

• No powerful light source nearby mirrors make it uncomfortable or even impossible to carry out many hygiene and cosmetic procedures.

• The inability to control the intensity of lighting will not allow you to fully relax while taking a bath.

• With poor lighting, the bathroom can resemble a public bathroom or a hospital ward.

The bathroom is a rather specific room, where instead of furniture there is an abundance of plumbing. Most finishing materials are waterproof, and these are mostly smooth glossy surfaces (glass, tile, metal). For additional decor, there is often simply no place, and using the right lighting, you can make the room cozy and truly “home”.

Bathroom lighting: types

1. Basic lighting. Most often these are light sources located on the ceiling. If you are a fan of the classics, and your bathroom is not large, you can hang one compact chandelier in the center of the room or a little closer to the door.

Advice! If the bath is separated from the rest of the room by a curtain or screen, there may be a lack of light in the bathing area. In this case, it is recommended to hang two lamp by placing one of them directly above the bathtub.

The most popular is spot lighting, which is perfectly combined with modern suspended ceilings. This solution allows you to evenly illuminate the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

2. Working lighting. Bathroom mirror above the washbasin is a mandatory element, and this area needs to be illuminated with the highest quality. It is desirable that the light falls from both sides, for this, use two lamps located symmetrically just above eye level.

Advice! Convenient fixtures on flexible brackets that allow you to adjust the direction of the light flux.

3. Bottom lighting. Used to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Built-in lamps or LED strips decorate pedestals and niches, bathtub sides, decorative screens and other interior elements

The main task is to find the best option, where all three types of lighting will be present, in perfect harmony with each other and with the overall design of the room.

Bathroom Lighting Safety

To find out how a particular lighting product is suitable for use in the bathroom, you need to find the IP marking on its body and familiarize yourself with the indicator. The first digit of the marking means the level of protection against dust (maximum value 6 - absolute protection), the second - the level of moisture protection (maximum value 8 - allows you to completely immerse the product under water for a long time), the third - the level of impact resistance (maximum value 10 - anti-vandal protection).

Choosing the right luminaires

To decorate the bathroom, you will need lamps of various markings, because some of them will be far from jets and splashes of water, while others will be in close proximity to them. Conventionally, the entire bathroom space can be divided into four zones.

Zone 4. This is a distance of at least 3 m from a bathtub or sink where only condensate or steam can affect the luminaire. Products with IP 011 and higher are suitable here.

Zone 3. The territory of this zone is from 0.5 to 3 m from the edges of the bath or washbasin. Here we mount fixtures with IP 242 and above.

Zone 2. The ceiling and the upper part of the walls above the bath, where not only splashes, but also streams of water sometimes get. Here, choose devices with IP 452 and above with a power of not more than 24 watts.

Zone 1. These are the walls directly next to the washbasin, bathtub and inside the shower cabin. Here, a luminaire with an IP 674 rating of 12 W will be safe.

To determine the size of the fixtures, it is enough to estimate the area of ​​​​the bathroom. Usually, the most compact lamps are chosen for this room, which are located in the plane of the walls or ceiling. However, curly ones look beautiful in the working area. sconce, corresponding to the style of the interior, and in the spacious bathroom you can hang a fairly voluminous chandelier.

Healthy! - varieties, installation principles, color and texture solutions, the pros and cons of glass curtains.

A balanced light scenario in the bathroom guarantees the owners a cozy and comfortable feeling of being in the bathroom

August 23, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior finishing, construction of dachas, garages. The experience of an amateur gardener and horticulturist. He also has experience repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and much more, for which there is not enough time :)

The lighting of the bathroom must be approached responsibly, because here we not only perform hygiene procedures, but also rest, relax after a hard day and just be alone with ourselves. At the same time, it depends on the lighting how comfortable it is to be in the room and how convenient it is to use all the functions of the bathroom, not to mention the visual perception of the interior. Therefore, further I will tell you how to competently implement lighting in the bathroom with your own hands, and what principles should be followed in this case.

Principles of organizing lighting

Before you make lighting in the bathroom, you need to decide on a number of nuances. To do this, in turn, you need to know the principles of its implementation, which are given below:

Below I will tell you in more detail about the principles of organizing lighting in the bathroom, as well as give examples of lighting from professional designers.

Principle 1: the correct location of fixtures

When choosing places for installing lighting devices, do not forget that there is never a lot of light. Therefore, ideally, lighting should have three levels:

• top lighting - as a rule, it is a chandelier that is installed in the center of the ceiling. True, in small rooms it is better to use spot lighting, i. several small shades located on the ceiling evenly or around the perimeter of the room.
  Another modern and original solution is a "star scattering" consisting of many diodes. True, such lighting can only be realized if there is a stretch ceiling;

• working - provides illumination of important areas. For this, sconces and lamps are usually used, which are most often located near the mirror above, as well as near the bath, shower, etc. Working lighting should be bright enough, but at the same time it must be implemented so that it does not dazzle the eyes, especially for devices located near the mirror;
• lower lighting - is more decorative than functional. It is commonly used to decorate pedestals, niches, steps, baseboards and other architectural elements. In this case, the illumination can take the form of portholes, multi-colored lanterns, or even solid ribbons.

Small lamps can be built into furniture - cabinet drawers, shelves, etc. Thanks to this, the interior will look more attractive, besides, you will quickly find the right things.

Principle 2: Harmonious lighting design

When choosing the design of lighting fixtures, you need to consider the following rules:

• the size of the central light source and its design determines the height of the ceilings and the area of ​​​​the room. For example, if the walls are low, you should not use a hanging chandelier. But spotlights and spots will be a great solution;

• When choosing a lighting design, be guided by the style of the interior of the room. If the room is decorated in a modern style, for example, hi-tech or, then metal lamps of simple and strict forms will look great. If the interior is classic, give preference to chandeliers and sconces;
• if the bath area is large enough, it is better to use a central light source with several lamps that provide uniform diffused lighting;
• if the room is decorated brightly, then the lamps should also be noticeable so that they serve as an accent and decoration of the room even in daylight. If the interior contains a minimum of decorative elements, it is better to use inconspicuous lighting fixtures, for example, built-in ones.

Refuse to use lamps with a body made of plastic or colored glass, as such models greatly distort the light. It is better to give preference to lamps with white frosted glass.

Principle 3: Optimal Lighting Power

The comfort of staying in the bathroom largely depends on the level of lighting, as it affects vision and the nervous system in general. But what kind of lighting should be in the bathroom to ensure the most comfortable conditions? In fact, everything is very simple.

As you know, the power of light is measured in lumens. So here it is there are certain norms for the number of lumens for a bathroom - this is ~ 200 lm per square meter.

True, lamp manufacturers most often indicate the power consumption of devices, and not the power of light. However, knowing it, you can find out the power of the luminous flux from the table below:

When calculating the lighting power, also consider the colors of the finishes and the type of materials. If the room is decorated in bright colors and has a lot of glossy surfaces and mirrors, then the lighting level can be left within 200 lm per square meter or even a little less. If the finish is dark, this figure can be slightly increased, for example, up to 250 lm.

Principle 4: Security

Bathroom and toilet lighting should be safe. This is perhaps the most important requirement for him. Therefore, when choosing lighting devices, it is necessary to pay attention to the index, which is deciphered as follows:

• the first digit indicates the protection of the device against the ingress of dust and other small particles. No protection is indicated by the number 0, and full protection is indicated by 6.
• the second digit is responsible for the level of moisture protection. Complete water resistance is indicated by the number 8. In this case, the device can even be immersed under water for a long time. The absence of moisture shields, respectively, is indicated by the number 0 - such devices cannot be used in the bathroom.
• the third digit indicates the impact resistance of the product and can vary from 0 to 10. It should be noted that at the maximum value of this indicator, dents, chips or cracks are allowed after a mechanical impact of 20J, however, the device must still continue to work and even meet the requirements electrical and fire safety.

I must say that sometimes manufacturers do not indicate impact resistance, in which case the index contains two numbers - the level of dust protection and protection against moisture.

Switches and sockets should be located outside the bathroom. The wiring must be hidden and protected from moisture. It is better to entrust the connection of all devices to specialists so that it is also carried out in compliance with all norms.

Thus, bathroom luminaire must be protected from negative external factors at least IP 442. In this case, of course, one should take into account the operating conditions of the device, which depend on the zone of its location.

For example, fixtures near the bathtub and sink, as well as inside the shower cabin, should use the most protected fixtures, i.e. with a marking of at least IP 674. Moreover, they must operate under a voltage of no more than 12V.

Ceiling lighting for the same areas can be provided with fixtures marked IP 452 or higher. If the device is located at a distance of half a meter from the edge of the sink or bathtub, then its marking can be even lower up to IP 242, i.e. only protection against drops of water should be present.

In cases where the bathroom is large enough and you will install fixtures at a distance of at least 3 m or more from the bathtub and sink, you can use models marked IP 011.

Of course, when choosing lighting fixtures, price plays an important role. So that you can navigate the cost of these products, the table shows the prices for some common models of lamps:

Principle 5: optimal lamp type

Currently, there are quite a few different types of lamps, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we will briefly review them below, which will surely help you make a choice:

Types of lamps	Peculiarities
incandescent lamp	Popularly known as "Ilyich's light bulb". It has a low level of luminous flux and is short-lived, however, despite this, it is most popular due to its low cost.
Halogen lamps	As a rule, they are used in spots. They have a much higher light output than incandescent lamps, and also heat up less and last longer. There are 220 and 12 V lamps on sale, the latter require additional installation of a transformer.
Fluorescent lamps	They have a powerful luminous flux and at the same time are distinguished by a long service life. The disadvantages include susceptibility to voltage drops in the network.
Neon lights	According to manufacturers, LEDs will last you at least 100,000 hours. At the same time, they consume a minimum of electricity. Usually they are used in spotlights. In addition, there are tapes used as decorative lighting. In particular, they can be used to make luminous ceiling and floor plinths that look beautiful and modern in the interior.

When choosing the type of lamp, you should take into account the features of the lamp. For example, incandescent lamps, which get very hot during operation, are not suitable for plastic appliances.

Conclusion

Competently and beautifully arrange lighting in the bathroom is easier than it might seem at first glance. And for this it is not necessary to be a professional designer. The main thing is to adhere to the above recommendations, and, of course, take into account individual wishes.

For more information, see the video in this article. If you have any questions regarding the organization of lighting, ask them in the comments, and I will be happy to answer you.

The choice of lighting devices is determined not only by the room, but also by the personal tastes of the owners. Some prefer plafonds of standard shapes, located in the center, while others prefer spotlights. Consider how to organize the lighting in the bathroom so that it helps create the right atmosphere.

Basic lighting rules

It seems that the selection of lighting fixtures is not such a difficult matter. But the bathroom is different from the rest, if only because the natural light inside is almost completely absent. One light bulb is not enough to ensure proper comfort. It is necessary to make intense light, general or local.

The modern market offers many solutions in this direction. You need to choose what is ideal for a particular room. For example, small and spacious areas require different proportions, both in intensity and in the placement of light sources.

Security questions

This requirement can be attributed, perhaps, to the most important. When choosing lighting fixtures, you need to carefully study the index with the marking. Their decryption will be as follows:

• The first digit indicates how dustproof the device is. If there is no protection, then it costs 0. Full protection is indicated as 6, this is an important indicator.

• The second digit is for the level of moisture protection. If it costs 8, the moisture resistance is complete. This means that the device will withstand even if it is lowered directly into the water for a long time. But appliances with the number 0 are not suitable for bathrooms at all.

• The third digit is the impact resistance value. This indicator can be from 0 to 10. If the value is maximum, then the formation of dents, chips and cracks after mechanical impacts with a force of up to 20 J is acceptable. Some manufacturers refuse to indicate impact resistance, then the index will have only two digits.

IP 442 is the optimal level that provides protection against negative factors. The location area and operating conditions must always be taken into account. The marking must be at least IP 674 in the case of fixtures inside the showers, next to the washbasins. IP 452 - marking suitable for ceiling areas in the same rooms.

LED luminaire IP 442

Types of lamps and selection criteria

The quality of lighting depends not only on the proper arrangement of fixtures, but also on the power of the lamps. Usually one suitable main device is chosen, which is supplemented by several auxiliary ones. This model is also suitable for suspended ceiling coverings.

Top lighting in the bathroom does not exclude the possibility of using combinations. For example, a regular ceiling lamp, complemented by spotlights.

Depending on certain factors, there are several types of lamps:

• According to the purpose of application. Here we are talking about additional decorative lighting, or general, working, main. In each case, the location of the devices is selected separately.

• Type of lamps. Metal halide, LED, fluorescent, incandescent, halogen lamps can be distinguished.

• By location. The presence of protrusions above the surface allows us to talk about working with types of closed or open devices.

• Based on work areas. Lamps are above the bathroom or in cabinets, near mirrors or doors.

Different types of bathroom fixtures

It is advisable to calculate the load from the mains in the bathroom at the planning stage. It is recommended to install a separate machine on the branch due to the presence of high humidity. Then the network will receive additional protection against short circuits, and fewer problems arise during its organization.

incandescent lamp

Simple operation along with affordable prices have made such products very popular. When turned on, the light bulb immediately lights up, which makes it especially functional. Product performance is practically independent of ambient temperature.

But there are also a number of disadvantages. For example, a low level of luminous flux, along with a short service life of only 100 hours. The light bulbs get very hot, and therefore, under some circumstances, their use becomes impossible.

It is not allowed to install an incandescent lamp in a lamp with a small lampshade, with a variety of shades made of plastic or textile-based products.

It is undesirable to put an incandescent lamp in such a lamp.

Halogen varieties

Such lamps are more often used in so-called spots. The main advantages are long service life, high light output. It is supposed to use an aluminum diffuser, for which thermal radiation will not become a problem, due to which it is possible to use it in spotlights, regardless of what surface they are mounted on.

The power of such lamps is in the range of 12-50 watts. In the first case, additional installation of a low-voltage transformer will be required.

Why are luminescent types good?

The luminous flux and service life are even longer than previous models. It is supposed to use different types of phosphor, which are responsible for creating different shades. For example, with such products, the light can be cold natural, warm white, daylight, and so on.

Models in the form of tubes can be used as independent light sources. This design has a drawback only in the sense that it actively reacts with a decrease in temperature and pressure, after which the product ceases to ignite. The operation of light bulbs is by no means silent. The presence of limiting power up to 150 watts is characteristic.

LED backlight

Manufacturers say that LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours in total, while they are a small amount of energy, whose consumption is active. Most often, lamps of this variety complement spotlights located on an area of ​​​​1 square meter and are used to create special lighting strips. Even thin glass will not suffer from them.

Calculation of the optimal power indicator

The level of illumination largely determines how comfortable it will be in a particular room. After all, this indicator can even affect not only our nervous system, but also vision. Therefore, the relevant standards were created, which indicate how many lumens should be used per square meter. This will allow you to understand which models illuminate the premises.

But when buying, many pay more attention to the energy consumed, which is measured in Watts. The brightness of light under specific circumstances is determined precisely by lumens. It depends on how the interior of the bathroom will look like.

200 lumens per square will be enough for most bathrooms:

• With LEDs of 40-80 W, 6 thousand lumens are needed.
• 40 W fluorescent lamps require 2000 lm, 200 W - only 1500.
• Halogen lamps at 230 volts and 42 watts assume 625 lm. If the power is 70 W, then 1500 lm will need to be applied. Keep this in mind during renovations.
• In the case of conventional incandescent lamps, 200 lm is enough. At 100 watts, 1350 lumens are needed.

The right places to install fixtures

Light streams are always not enough. Therefore, the ideal option is recognized when the entire system has three levels:

• Upper level - ceiling lighting in the bathroom. Usually they mean a chandelier, which is mounted in the middle of the ceiling. But, if the room is small, it is recommended to give preference to point options. For example, in the form of several small shades evenly spaced on the ceiling, or along a common perimeter.

• Lighting in the bathroom for work areas. Assumes the provision of illumination for areas of paramount importance. Here, sconces are usually used along with lamps, they are often placed near mirrors, sinks and showers. To illuminate the working parts of the space, the brightness of the light is important.

• Bottom lighting in the bathroom. There are more decorative elements than functional ones. Designs are needed to decorate any part of the room. Illumination is used in various types, but more often LED.

Types of lamps and methods of their fastening

The widest range of lighting equipment is presented on the market, which allows everyone to choose the ideal option that is suitable in a particular case. Design intent, technical parameters and installation method - this is what you should rely on when choosing.

The fastening method allows us to distinguish three types of construction:

• Embedded. These are the so-called "spots", spotlights. In a small bathroom, they easily serve as the main or additional lighting. Installation involves the use of special ears, carried out at the base of suspended ceilings. The main thing is that the interceiling sinus does not exceed 12 centimeters in the case of incandescent lamps, and 7 centimeters for halogen lamps.

• Suspended. It is assumed that multi-track chandeliers or single-lamp lamps are suspended directly on a metal hook in the ceiling. It is necessary to correctly select only the power of the main lamps so that the light fluxes do not irritate.

• Overhead. Many ceiling lights are like this. They are suitable for any surface that serves as a base in a particular room. They can be made the main or additional light source. Designs are supplied with tips made of metal or plastic. Installation is carried out using hardware. Devices are most often produced with the preservation of the correct forms, which is easy to see in the photo.

On the video: tips for choosing bathroom fixtures.

Types of lighting

Lighting is divided into main, working, lower or additional, as already mentioned above. Any lighting devices can be used: chandelier, wall sconces, spotlights and pendant lights, overhead models. The most popular option is the point type of structures. Especially when additional comfort needs to be provided in the bathing area.

A convenient option for lighting in the bathroom - lamps with flexible brackets. They are better protected from mechanical damage.

Lighting Options

Lighting elements in the bathroom must be properly positioned. The classic ceiling chandelier is easily complemented by halogen spotlights, it is acceptable to use decorative lighting around the bathtub, along the perimeter of the room.

small bath

Modern design techniques for a small bathroom are based on the fact that it is worth choosing the right color for the walls, equipment and decorative elements. The main thing is to ensure that the shadows inside the room practically disappear. The light should be bright, but not blinding.

Single lamps are used, but they do not allow even distribution of energy throughout the room. It is better to use several structures located on the ceiling or walls correctly. There are different options for bathroom lighting, photos will help you choose the right one.

Related article: LED lighting in the interior of the apartment: pros and cons (types of devices)

LED lighting is the best option for water procedures in the morning or in the evening. Different types of LED strip allow you to realize any design ideas. The space of the bathroom will visually increase if you place a lot of mirrors around the work area.

Decorative lighting

Sometimes you can make it so that the light alone will create a unique atmosphere. There are many options for decorative lighting, which will be not only beautiful, but also practical.

ceiling lighting

Light shades of finishing materials are not the only option. You can use a glossy ceiling of other colors, but so that its surface is mirrored. Then the right solution is lighting equipment, which seems to protrude somewhat above the ceiling surface.

As an addition, you can make the ceiling a kind of "starry sky", strewn with a lot of LED spot elements.

Floor lighting

Floor lighting allows you to create an atmosphere that is more conducive to relaxation. Pedestals along with bathtub sides are often decorated with LED strips and spotlights. The latter are often built into decorative screens, niches, under the bathroom, as well as in skirting board cases.

mirror lighting

The issue of lighting a mirror in the bathroom is one of the most relevant. A great option is to install lighting elements around the object or use built-in models mounted around the perimeter. LED equipment, fluorescent lamps are the best choice under such circumstances. The main thing is to make sure that the mirror does not have a blinding effect and additional glare, they will only interfere.

The correct light from the mirror should fall on the face, but evenly. On the sides, as well as above the mirror surfaces, sconces are mounted under a lampshade or lamps with frosted glass.

Bath lighting

The bath itself can also be illuminated. To do this, most often they install two lamps, one of which is directly above the bathroom. The LED strip around the perimeter of the bath will be the best solution if there is a lack of light during water procedures. Colored LED lighting will allow you to use additional healing effects.

Zoning with light

With the help of zoning, you can select certain zones in the room. In the case of the bathroom, this approach involves lighting work areas, for example, near the mirror, sink, cabinets, etc. LED lighting types in bathrooms in the area of ​​hooks and shelves have an attractive appearance. Such illumination is quite enough for normal functioning and use of space.

Layered lighting

The bathroom is just one of the rooms where you can often observe some tiering. The same thing happens in the toilet. Any lighting element located at a distance of 180 centimeters or more from the floor is considered the top level. There can be several light sources here, or one can be used. For the realization of fantasy and ideas, you do not need to choose one, there are no restrictions.

The middle level is about the same as the human eye. It is important to illuminate the area where the mirrors are located. It all depends on what manipulations are carried out most often.

The lower level is no more than 10 centimeters from the floor level. In this case, we are more often talking about various types of decorative lighting. The best options are LED strips or spotlights.

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Light design in the bathroom (70 photos)