What Are the Bathroom Lighting Zones?
To choose the lights with the correct IP rating, it would be helpful for you to know what the bathroom lighting zones are.
Zone 0 – Refers to areas submerged in water, such as the floor of your shower. For this zone, you will need at least IP67.
Zone 1 – It is the area near a water source, e.g., directly above a shower. Here, an IP67 is recommended as well, but IP65 would also be enough.
Zone 2 – Indicates the perimeters of Zone 1, for which you will need IP44 rated lighting, which is the most common rating for bathroom lights.
Zone 3 – There will be no water used, but considering the humidity of the whole room, you should opt for at least IP20 rated lights.
What to Consider While Choosing Downlights?
The abundance of LED downlights available on the market can be overwhelming, so we have prepared a shortlist of things to consider while choosing your LED Downlights.
Brightness. The brightness of a bulb is measured in lumens (lm), and it tells you how strong (or weak) a light is. It can make or break the lighting of your whole room, so make sure you’re set on the effect you’re aiming for.
Beam Angle. Beam angle tells you how wide the light beam is. So, for focal points, get a narrower beam and use a broader beam for accent lighting.
Colour Temperature. Light comes in a variety of colour temperatures. Warm whites are better for creating a calming, relaxing atmosphere but aren’t perfect for performing any tasks. On the other hand, cool whites and natural whites are brighter and more evident, making them ideal for work but a bit tiring for relaxing.
Style. The bezel is the only part visible in a downlight, and since it doesn’t influence the overall quality and performance of your lights, it only has to please you and fit your style. Make sure to choose something that will go well with your bathroom decor. White bezels are the most universal and most frequently chosen.
Fire-rated. All lights are carefully tested, but not all are fire-rated, which means that they meet all the fire safety standards.
Where Should Downlights Be Placed in a Bathroom?
The positioning of your bathroom downlights is crucial for achieving the most pleasing and functional effect. The first and the most important thing you need to remember is safety measures. If your lights differ when it comes to IP rating, make sure you put the right lights in the correct zones. Another thing to consider is how you will be using your bathroom downlights. Knowing this will allow you to choose the proper brightness, temperature, and beam angle. For example, a mirror where you put your makeup on or shave your facial hair is an important focal point that should be well-lit.
How Many Downlights Do You Need in a Bathroom?
Of course, the final number will depend on the size of your bathroom and the desired effect. But considering that your bathroom has three zones, three downlights are an absolute minimum. Downlights are versatile enough for you to experiment – you can either create some focal points in a room or light it up entirely. It’s crucial to determine all focal points to ensure that you have the proper lighting whenever you need it. If you have some doubts, remember that it’s always better to have more lights than end up with too little. You can always use a dimmer switch to regulate its usage.
