Good bathroom lighting can be a tricky design feature to nail, but it’s worth getting right - if only to stop your day starting and ending with mortuary-esque strip lighting.
For some reason (likely to do with cost), landlords and building developers love nothing more than installing harsh, blue-tinged lights in the very rooms where we need them to be the most flattering.
But if you own your own place or have explicit permission to upgrade your rental from the landlord, lighting can have the biggest impact in the bathroom, while still giving enough light to see yourself clearly.
What is an IP rating?
As a wet and damp-prone area, one of the key things to look out for is waterproofability, measured in IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This looks at how good a casing is in protecting the electrical element from small particles and water. You don’t have to be a plumber to know that water and open electrical wires are never a good idea.
Simply put: the higher the number, the better the protection.
What is the best IP rating for bathroom lights?
The bare minimum you should be looking at is IP44, which can be used anywhere in the bathroom as long as it is not submerged.
If you’re hoping to install lights inside the shower cubicle, an IP65 light is the best option. It’s also the rating to go for if you’re installing new lighting in the kitchen.
Can I install bathroom lighting myself?
Unless you’re qualified, this is a job best left to professional electricians. Wiring bathrooms can be a tricky business and there are strict regulations that must be met to ensure your lights are working in a safe way.
That’s not to say you can’t shop for your dream fixtures and fittings in the meantime. We’ve rounded up the best lighting looks to offer inspiration and ideas. From wall lights to go beside the mirror to watertight ceiling lights for whole-room illumination, here are the best bathroom lights to splash out on.
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Best wall lights for the bathroom
Heal’s Tubular LED Bathroom Wall Light Gold
Rating: IP44
The design-force is strong with this Lightsabre-esque wall light from Heal’s. The tubular LED look can be installed horizontally or vertically and offers a soft 2.4W glow, making it a great choice for secondary lighting. Gold coloured metal caps on either end stop sprays of water and droplets from getting through.
Buy now £79.00, Heal’s
Dunelm Ripon Bathroom Wall Light Matt Black
Rating: IP44
For those who favour a modern industrial look, this ribbed frosted glass wall light from Dunelm promises to make a no-nonsense statement. The glass and steel look can be dimmed too, allowing you to adjust the mood to your preferred level - perfect if you’re a fan of long, leisurely baths.
Buy now £35.00, Dunelm
Pooky ip44 Swan Neck Wall Fitting
Rating: IP44
Lighting is about more than illumination; it can be a design statement in its own right. Pooky’s wall fixture takes inspiration from the elegance of a swan’s neck, adding curve as well as interest to the design. Top with an arty lampshade, and you’re on your way to lust-worthy hotel bathroom interiors.
Buy now £89.00, Pooky
Laura Ashley Prague Textured Glass Bathroom Wall Light, Clear/Brass
Rating: IP44
You can say a lot about Laura Ashley style, but one thing that it is emphatically not is minimal. It’s all about celebrating decor, be it with a floral print, pleat or shaped glass, like this wall light.
IP44 rated, it’s suitable for jazzing up the bathroom with a pull chain switch to make it easier to operate. The LED light sits on a metal disc to give extra emphasis as well as a gentle diffusion of light.
Buy now £45.00, John Lewis
ASTRO Roma IP44 Bathroom Wall Light in Matt White
Rating: IP44
Want to turn heads but nervous about using bold pops of colour in the bathroom? Try understated style with this IP44-rated wall light that comes with a simple opaque shade to lighten up bathroom mirrors and cabinets. The dimmable light can even be fitted to the front of a mirror when using a mirror adaptor kit.
Buy now £34.29, Dusk Lights
Industville Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch - Brass
Rating: IP65
Outdoor lights are an excellent option for bathrooms as they’re almost guaranteed to be waterproof. Depending on your decorating vision, they can work well for the bathroom too, with larger versions like this dome wall light offering a focal point in otherwise pared-back interiors.
Buy now £139.00, Industville
IKEA KABOMBA LED wall lamp
Rating: IP44
As well as flat packed gems, IKEA has a range of excellent lighting ideas to bring your spaces to life. This dimmable wall lamp with three bulbs is a superb example of bathroom lighting, pushing back shadows so you can shave, tweeze or apply makeup with precision. We think it looks like an updated version of those old Hollywood dressing room mirrors, with the added bonus that these LEDs will not only last a lot longer but they’ll use less energy when they’re on too.
Buy now £65.00, IKEA
Best ceiling lights for the bathroom
John Lewis Marble Glass Semi Flush Bathroom Ceiling Light
Rating: IP44
Marble-look is an easy way to elevate your interiors without actually forking out for the notoriously-pricey stone. John Lewis brings the pattern to its IP44 ceiling light that’s ideal for sophisticated bathroom schemes.
The three arms promise to bring light to every corner of the bathroom, while the polished chrome hardware sits flush against the ceiling, acting as a shield against any potential moisture. Looks as good off as it does switched on. Comes with a five year guarantee.
Buy now £87.50, John Lewis
Pooky Round Roddy IP44 Flush Ceiling Light
Rating: IP44
Give visitors a reason to look up. This stunning gold-coloured ceiling light from Pooky promises to be the centrepiece of any bathroom renovation or uplift. Radiating Art Deco vibes, the decadent-looking design offers a soft diffused illumination across your entire space. We love the brass finish but it comes in a clear and chrome version as well.
Buy now £155.00, Pooky
B&Q Litecraft Cross Black 3 Lamp Bathroom Ceiling Light
Rating: IP44
Even if you like to keep your bathroom on the minimalist side, it's easy to make a feature out of lighting. Especially when it's as chic as this triple-armed look from B&Q. Casting light all over the room (and can be dimmed if you like), the semi-flush ceiling light is an easy way to modernise tired bathrooms.
Also available with brass-coloured hardware.
Buy now £60.00, B&Q
Hilton IP44 Bathroom Ceiling Light in Matt Black & Matt Opal Glass
Rating: IP44
With a matt black glass and opal glass shades, this ceiling light is made to be seen - and complimented. Three slender arms hold the lights in various directions to ensure a rounded glow across the whole room. It will suit contemporary and industrial- look bathrooms more and is rated IP44, making it safe to use in damp environments.
Buy now £134.82, Dusk Lights
