Bathroom lighting: what works best?

Bathroom lighting is one of the most important parts of a bathroom. Still, it is often only considered late in the process. Good bathroom lighting not only creates atmosphere, but also provides safety and practical use. Think of good light at the mirror, soft light to relax in the bath and enough lighting for the whole space. In this blog, you will read what to look out for with bathroom lighting, which types of lighting there are and how to make the right choice for your bathroom.

Why good bathroom lighting is so important

The bathroom is a space you use every day. You use it in the morning to get ready for the day and in the evening to relax. That is why good bathroom lighting is essential.

With the right bathroom lighting, you can for example:

See clearly while shaving or applying make up

Make the bathroom look bigger

Create a relaxed atmosphere

Avoid dark corners

A bathroom with only one ceiling light often feels cold and impractical. By combining different types of bathroom lighting, you get a beautiful and functional result.

The three types of bathroom lighting

For a well lit bathroom, it is smart to use three types of bathroom lighting.

  1. Basic lighting

Basic lighting is the main lighting of the bathroom. This is often a ceiling light or several spotlights in the ceiling. This bathroom lighting makes sure the whole room is well lit.

Many people choose built in spotlights. These create a sleek and modern effect. They also spread the light nicely through the whole space.

  1. Mirror lighting

Mirror lighting may be the most important lighting. At the mirror, you want clear visibility without shadows.

The best options are:

LED lighting next to the mirror

Lighting behind the mirror

A mirror with built in lighting

This type of bathroom lighting makes sure your face is lit evenly. That is ideal for things like make up or shaving.

  1. Mood lighting

Besides functional lighting, mood lighting is also important. With atmospheric bathroom lighting, you make the space warmer and calmer.

Examples of mood lighting are:

LED strips under a bathroom cabinet

Lighting in a niche

Soft light near the bath

This lighting gives the bathroom a luxurious look.

LED lighting

Today, most people choose LED lighting. This has several benefits.

LED bathroom lighting:

Lasts a long time

Uses little energy

Gives clear light

Is available in different colours

You can also often dim LED lighting. This way, you can adjust the light to the time of day.

Which light colour in the bathroom?

With lighting, the colour of the light is also important. This is also called light temperature.

The three most used options are:

Warm white light, 2700K to 3000K
This light creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. Ideal for relaxation.

Neutral white light, 3500K to 4000K
This is often the best choice for bathroom lighting. The light is clear and natural.

Cool white light, 5000K or higher
This light is very bright and is used less often in bathrooms.

For mirror lighting, neutral white is usually the best choice. This helps you see colours and details clearly.

Safety with lighting

Because a bathroom is a damp space, bathroom lighting must be safe. Lights in the bathroom therefore have a special IP rating. This shows how well the light is protected against water.

For lighting, people often look at:

IP44 for general lighting

IP65 for lighting near the shower

This way, you know for sure that your lighting can be used safely.

Tips for good bathroom lighting

With a few simple tips, you can greatly improve the lighting in your bathroom.

  1. Combine several light sources
    Use basic lighting, mirror lighting and mood lighting together.
  2. Choose LED lighting
    LED bathroom lighting is energy efficient and lasts a long time.
  3. Make sure there is good light at the mirror
    This is the place where you need the most light.
  4. Think about atmosphere
    With subtle lighting, you create a luxurious look.

Choosing the right bathroom lighting

The perfect lighting depends on the size of the bathroom, the style and how the space is used. A small bathroom often needs different bathroom lighting than a large bathroom with a bath and shower.

By combining different types of bathroom lighting, you create a space that is both practical and atmospheric.

Do you want inspiration for the right lighting or advice for your bathroom? Book an advice meeting. Our specialists are happy to think along with you about the best lighting, layout and style for your dream bathroom.

According to research, lighting plays a major role in the atmosphere of a home. Good lighting can make a space feel warmer, calmer and bigger. You can read more about this on Nieuwbouw Nederland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

The best bathroom lighting combines functional lighting with ambient lighting. Bright lighting around the mirror and washbasin is ideal for daily tasks such as shaving, applying makeup, or getting ready, while soft indirect lighting or dimmable spotlights create a relaxing atmosphere. This way, your bathroom is both practical and comfortable.
Good lighting is especially important in a family bathroom. A combination of bright task lighting and warm ambient lighting creates the right balance. Bright lighting helps with daily routines such as brushing teeth, shaving, or styling hair, while warmer lighting adds a sense of comfort and relaxation during quieter moments.
Yes, a designer helps create clarity and balance throughout the decision making process. There are often many options when it comes to tiles, sanitary ware, colours, lighting, and layout. A designer works with you, narrows down the choices, and ensures that everything comes together as one stylish and practical design.
You can create a spa feeling in your bathroom by using calm colours, minimalist shapes, and soft ambient lighting. Natural materials, warm tones, a spacious walk in shower, built in niches, and keeping visible items to a minimum all help create a calm and luxurious atmosphere. This turns your bathroom into a place where you can truly relax and unwind.
A bathroom feels more luxurious when you work with a calm base, high quality materials, and well planned lighting. Warm neutral colours, large tiles, niches, modern taps, and ambient lighting together create a stylish and relaxing space. By keeping the layout clear and organised, the bathroom also feels more spacious and exclusive.