High humidity in the bathroom imposes restrictions on the use of electrical devices. At least, high demands are made on protection against moisture, which cannot be ignored in organizing a lighting system. But also do not exclude the special aesthetic data of the bathroom. Properly organized lighting in the bathroom can emphasize the value of design decisions, the advantages of decorative finishes and even the elegance of plumbing equipment.
Features of the organization of light in the bathroom
Unlike other rooms in the house, the bathroom presents many dangers for electrical appliances. Therefore, a high degree of protection should be the main condition for the lighting device. In this regard, it is worth noting the importance of the IP isolation class. The IP40-44 index, for example, indicates that the structure is reliably protected from the ingress of large foreign bodies under the housing. This also applies to the pollution and dusting of the electrical filling. Insulation at the IP54-56 level indicates that the device is also characterized by high impact resistance, that is, it will not be easy to damage due to physical influences. In turn, the lighting in the bathroom should be guided by a class of protection IP65, which also provides isolation from direct splashes of water. This type of construction prevents the risk of shorting and corrosion of metal parts. This is the first thing to keep in mind when organizing lighting in rooms with a high level of humidity.
Lighting Levels
Despite the requirements for the protection of lighting devices, the configuration of the placement of sources does not impose strict restrictions. The same zones are used as in other rooms. Conventionally, lighting in the bathroom can be divided into three levels - lower (floor), working and ceiling. As for the floor, the direct integration of lighting devices into the surface of the flooring is rare. For this, special types of spotlights are used, but in practice, such options rarely turn out to be practical and functional. Usually the lower level is associated with the installation of sources on the walls with a distance from the floor of the order of 30-40 cm.
The middle and upper levels are the most responsible. In the first case, the so-called workspace at the mirror level is used. Both functional and decorative lighting are realized here . Usually fluorescent lamps are used, but not too bright - with placement without shadows and highlights. As for the ceiling lighting in the bathroom, it will be the main one. Both recessed luminaires and small chandeliers with appropriate housings are suitable. In this part, much will depend on the characteristics of the ceiling surface and its structural design.
Light Options
The requirements for the saturation of the light supply determine both the characteristics of the lamp and the method of its placement. In any case, the basis of the complex will be ceiling lighting. This is the widest part of the lighting system, in which devices of various designs can be used. Even background lighting or the so-called floodlight is also organized at the upper level. But unlike the previous version, these flows can also act as a zoning tool, highlighting individual functional areas of the room. Directional lighting in the bathroom is even more specific, thanks to which individual interior parts, details and objects stand out.
Recommendations for lighting a small bathroom
In a small space, it is not recommended to use appliances with large bodies, lush chandeliers and groups with a large number of spotlights. Do not exaggerate the power indicators so that the light does not blind your eyes. But excessive minimalism will be inappropriate. Balanced lighting with a rational distribution of sources will help to make a small bathroom visually larger in area, while eliminating the feeling of cramped space. All zones and sections of the room should be involved, but with compact devices. It is precisely in organizing the lighting of a small bathroom that the accurate dispersion of flows plays a large role. Usually, a scheme of several wall and ceiling lights is used, covering approximately the same service areas. Also, the brightness of these devices should correspond to average indicators without pronounced contrast.
Varieties of lighting designs
The installation method and configuration of placement in the general lighting system depends on the device’s housing. Today in the bathroom they often use overhead, suspended and built-in models. Overhead lights represent a classic but optimized design. These are small-sized devices that can be installed on walls and ceilings without performing special gating. Pendant lights also belong to traditional lighting technology and are single lamps with socles and multi-track chandeliers. They can provide both light decorative and full scattered radiation - this is determined by the parameters of the room and the requirements for the light supply system. Built-in models are perhaps the most modern way of lighting. The bathroom ceiling in this case will act as the optimal bearing surface for this type of appliance. Compact in size fixtures are literally built into a hanging niche, providing an aesthetic effect and fulfilling the practical function of lighting.
Varieties of lamps for lighting a bathroom
In this room, you can use almost all modern types of light sources. More often they use LED and halogen lamps, less often - lamps with incandescent filaments and luminescent models. The simplest and most affordable option is an incandescent lamp. This is the least protected from moisture source of light, therefore, in its choice it is worth paying special attention to the insulation of the housing. This deficiency is compensated by natural and pleasant to the eye light. Luminescent devices are good for their high performance, so their use is justified in large rooms. But the inexpressive design qualities of such models and low environmental safety are undesirable factors that reduce the popularity of such lamps.
Halogen lighting in the bathroom is realized by spots, which have high strength and optimal brightness. Therefore, halogens are often used in equipping ceiling lighting groups. The most attractive option in terms of operating parameters is the LED. It is a small-sized device, which is characterized by a high service life, aesthetic appeal and balanced light emission.
Selection of luminaires by performance
In the bathroom, appliances can be used both on 12 V and 220 V. The first option, rather, will be used in the organization of LED-backlight for a small area. But this will require the inclusion of voltage adapters in the mains. It is also advisable to use low-voltage devices at 12 V in areas of high humidity. In terms of power, too, there is no special departure from the general rules. The lowest level is represented by 10-36 W models, and the upper range is 60-watt lamps. The scattering volume and brightness will to a greater extent be provided by the number of sources, rather than their performance. Regarding the saturation of radiation, typical lighting in the bathroom is arranged depending on the type of lamp. The most modest light output from incandescent lamps is about 20-25 lm. Luminescent in this indicator reach 100 lm. For a room with an area of 6-8 square meters, an average of 500 lm is required. In total, 5 main lamps may be required.
LED backlight implementation
Basic lighting can be arranged with LED spotlights integrated in the ceiling. Decorative lighting is performed in other ways. As a rule, these are tape devices with diodes that allow you to create a contour frame of specific details in the room. Spot lighting in the bathroom with suspended ceiling structures also makes it possible to create unusual decorative solutions. Through LED strips, a variety of compositions can be formed, subsequently hiding the diodes with plastic or metal profiles.
The use of the combination of light-mirror
This is not just one of the areas of decorating the bathroom, but also a good way to visually enlarge it. So, oval, elongated and square shapes of mirror surfaces, provided that they are properly illuminated, create the illusion of additional volume due to reflection of objects. Usually this idea is implemented by low-voltage devices or LED strips framing the surface of the mirror. It is possible to organize side lighting of the mirror in the bathroom with the help of wall lamps provided with shades in size. The main thing is to provide a soft and uniform dispersion over the mirror surface.
Wiring Requirements
In addition to the choice of methods and solutions for the optimal organization of lighting in the bathroom, it is important to initially think about the layout of the electrical wires. Often in this part there are limitations, due to which in the future it may be necessary to adjust the parameters of the lighting system. Experts recommend using covert wiring based on 1 mm thick copper fibers. Such a cable with a cross section of 2.5 mm can withstand about 2000 watts. Aluminum wires can also be used if it is planned to install powerful devices. Of particular note is the lighting in the suspended ceiling in the bathroom, communications for which should be displayed before the installation of the structure. Holes are made in the canvas through which the spotlight is connected to a previously mounted cartridge. On the walls, gating may also be required. In the created channels, new power lines to future installation points are held.
Conclusion
There are a lot of options for organizing lighting in the bathroom . The most effective, productive and outwardly attractive is considered lighting in the bathroom with a stretch ceiling, based on recessed spot LEDs. The advantages of this configuration are not only a high degree of brightness and saturation of the radiation, but also in the design of the lamps themselves. These are compact, and sometimes quite tiny devices that hide in a subceiling niche and practically do not go beyond the surface level. As for traditional incandescent lamps and halogen lamps, they should be used in large bathrooms. As buildings, you can use shades, spots, chandeliers and other lighting devices. Remember that you need to create lighting in the bathroom competently.