What to choose lighting for the bathroom

The ingress protection plays a major role

Most people have the abbreviation "IP" in the context of a unique number assigned to any device communicating via the Internet Protocol. But this is not relevant when choosing lighting for the bathroom. Here we are interested in ingress protection. Specifically, against unwanted ingress of water, dust or other foreign bodies.

The abbreviation IP is then accompanied by a double number for each light, the first number indicating the degree of protection against dangerous contact and the ingress of foreign objects, while the second against the ingress of water.

We won't bore you with a long theory. Just to give you an idea:

• The maximum degree of protection against dangerous touch and foreign object intrusion is 6, which means resistance to touch by any instrument and complete resistance to dust intrusion.
• The maximum degree of protection against water ingress is 8, which indicates a light designed for permanent immersion in water.

The minimum degree of protection is of course 0 in both cases - this means that the light is completely unprotected against the aforementioned threats.

What is the degree of protection of crystal chandeliers?

Our crystal chandeliers have a protection rating of IP21. This means that they are sufficiently protected against:

• electric shock from dangerous finger contact,
• penetration by small objects,
• vertically falling water drops of 1 + 0.55 mm per minute.
  
  

Which bathrooms are crystal chandeliers suitable for?

Crystal chandeliers are not primarily intended for bathrooms, although many of our customers put them there. Sometimes this doesn't matter at all. Sometimes, unfortunately, we have to advise them not to carry out their intention.

This depends on the size of the bathroom, the level of ventilation and the intended placement of the chandelier within the room. Crystal chandeliers of any type and style can only be placed in a large and well-ventilated bathroom. Obviously not directly above the bath, shower or basin.

However, for smaller bathrooms with low ceilings and insufficient ventilation, we recommend lighting with a minimum protection rating of IP44, as well as over the bath, shower or washbasin.

So much for a suitable lighting source for the bathroom. Now all that remains is to choose the right light quality.

Suitable light temperature for the bathroom

When entering the bathroom every morning, we are regularly in for a slight shock. Not so much from the reflection in the mirror, but rather in the moment immediately following the lighting. And that's just as well. Thanks to the harsh light, we wake up immediately and are able to function again. Plus, we need to see ourselves clearly for hygiene. That's why we recommend bathroom lights in around 3000-4000 K.

This value represents an imaginary happy medium, where the light will not distort the colour of your skin, but at the same time create a feeling of cosiness and contentment when you take a bath.

But an integral part of maximum comfort is also the appropriate lighting intensity.

The right light intensity for the bathroom

The recommended lighting intensity in the bathroom is around 150 lx. It also depends on the colour of the tiles you use. Lighter surfaces reflect light much better than dark ones, where it is better to choose slightly more intense lighting.

We are here for you

Already know how to light your bathroom, but still looking for inspiration for lighting other rooms? Find out how to choose lighting for your kitchen, living room or bedroom. Need advice on something else? Contact us. We will be happy to help you.