How to Select Great Bathroom Light Fixtures

Bathroom light fixtures should have a practical as well as a decorative purpose.

If your bathroom is looking past its best, one simple, affordable way to revive it is to install new light fixtures. By choosing lighting that creates a warm, relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom, you will instantly turn the room into somewhere you want to spend more time in. Don't think that great light fixtures are only available to those with big budgets. Nowadays stylish, modern, interesting fixtures are available at home stores and specialist lighting stores at a fraction of the price of designer pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Interior design magazines
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Read interior design magazines for inspiration. Cut out photographs of bathrooms that are similar to yours in size and style. Look at the light fixtures used.

2. Decide how many light fixtures you need. This will depend on the size of your bathroom. If you have a small room, one or two wall lights and task lighting around the mirror should be sufficient. If you have a very large space to light, split your bathroom into sections and choose light fixtures for each one, such as task lighting around the mirror, spotlights over the bath and shower, and wall lights for decoration and ambience.

3. Write a "wish list" of bathroom light fixtures and take this, along with any pictures of specific products you have cut out of magazines, to a light store. Browse the range of light fixtures available. Remember that bathroom lighting must meet certain safety regulations. Fixtures must have an "Ingress Protection" rating, which relates to the level of moisture protection -- the higher, the better. Check how far away from a water source a light can be installed. Ask a sales assistant for help if necessary.

4. Select the best types of lighting for your bathroom, keeping in mind your budget and existing decor style. If you want a ceiling light, go for a spotlight or shade with a concealed bulb. A pendant isn't suitable for a bathroom because of the exposed bulb. Choose recessed spotlights for your shower or bath area that are waterproofed to protect them from water spray. Choose mood lighting, such as illuminated towel rails or underwater bath lights, to make a style statement in your bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a pull-cord switch for your light fixtures or a wall-mounted switch outside the room. Avoid wall-mounted light switches inside the room if you can because they can get wet and become dangerous.

• Find a qualified electrician to fit your new bathroom light fixtures.

References

• "Ideal Home"; Choose the Right Bathroom Lighting
• "1001 Ideas for Bathrooms: The Ultimate Sourcebook"; Jerri Farris; 2008
• "The Lighting Bible: Ideas for Every Room in Your Home"; Lucy Martin; 2010