The Future Of Bathroom Lighting Design

The last 2 years have seen bathrooms becoming an increasingly important room in the home, seeing the highest levels of investment after the kitchen. Therefore, bathroom interiors have had to step up too, with people now viewing their bathroom more and more as somewhere to relax and unwind.  To create a calming atmosphere, lighting is incredibly important, with ceiling pendants & wall lights combining to provide ambient as well as functional lighting.

Our vintage bathroom wall lights are as practical as they are beautiful, providing a stylish solution for any bathroom interior design. In terms of the regulations, all of our light fittings that are non-IP rated can be used outside of Zone 2. Zone 2 describes the area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor, as well as the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap. An IP rating of at least IP44 is required in this zone. For those looking for installing lights within Zone 1, an IP rating of IP65 lighting is required.

Waterproof lighting for use in Zone 1 is now available in more on-trend styles than ever before, so you no longer need to sacrifice style for safety.  We have recently launched many new designs of IP65 rated lights, which co-ordinate perfectly with our lighting for other rooms of the home.  These include both wall lights, pendants and flush mounted lights so there is now much more choice for the bathroom.

Brooklyn Glass Funnel Wall Light – 7 Inch by Industville (Image supplied by @r2bathrooms) 

I think that in many ways they have, yes.  We have seen a huge increase in pendant lights for both rooms, and it adds a uniqueness to the bathroom especially.  We are also finding that customers like their interior style to carry from room to room, so having consistency in lighting design and colour for both the kitchen and the bathroom is key.

Both rooms are similar in that they benefit from functional task lighting as well as decorative lights, which helps to create a layering effect.  This means the rooms can be brightly illuminated for carrying our practical tasks but different lights can be utilised to create a more calming atmosphere, for example for entertaining in the kitchen or relaxing in the bathtub.

Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Globe Flush Mount - Brass by Industville

This has enabled people to choose something that is more decorative, rather than purely functional.  Gone are the days where you would include only big florescent light; now it’s more about creating a spa-like atmosphere and expressing your unique style through the interior design.

• If opting for wall lights in the bathroom make them symmetrical by placing them either side of a mirror to avoid an uneven glow.
• For those who often use a bathroom for applying makeup or carrying out personal grooming tasks, avoid positioning lighting directly overhead. Instead, it should be fitted over the walkway, so they are illuminated from behind when looking in the mirror.
• Copper or pewter designs are great for creating a relaxed, cosy environment, while glass is ideal for a brighter, luxurious look.
• If you are working with a dark bathroom colour scheme, brass designs work really well the brass really pops out against dark tiles or paint.
• In terms of bulbs, LED vintage bulbs are an excellent choice. With their clean, minimalist style, LED energy-saving bulbs look great in the bathroom. They are as practical as they are decorative and will not need replacing for many years.
• One of the most common mistakes when it comes to bathroom lighting is not providing enough of it. That said, don’t counter this issue with a plethora of fixtures on the ceiling, as this can look busy and overcrowded. Consider combining decorative lighting with LED lighting strips that provide functional light, especially in areas around mirrors.  This will create a design that’s spot on in terms of both the look and the functionality, as well as providing useful layers of light.
• Choose quality fixtures that will last. This is vital for the bathroom which is likely to become humid and therefore dangerous if the wrong lighting is installed.  Select IP65 rated lights for Zone 1, IP44 rated lights for Zone 2.  All of Industville’s lights can be used outside of Zone 2.