Bathroom & Wet Room Lighting Design Ideas for Interior Designers

Bathroom lighting is often the unsung hero of a wet room renovation project. The focus can often be on the type of wet room kit, drain, tile selections and paint/colour. As important as these factors are, the type of bathroom lighting chosen and its placement will heavily impact the overall appearance and aesthetic of the completed wet room.

In this article, we will cover some of the key elements to consider when designing the lighting of your next wet room project, as well as provide some bathroom lighting ideas to help your projects stand out!

Factors to consider that make your bathroom lighting more impactful

Zoning and layering

Effective bathroom lighting relies on zoning and layers to create an effective balance of lighting and functionality. By separating the room into different areas (Shower, vanity, and general space) you can effectively manage this balance. Layering involves combining ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for shaving/applying make-up, and accent lighting to highlight particular architectural details or features.

Ceiling height and space constraints

Ceiling height and available space play a crucial role in selecting appropriate bathroom lighting. In bathrooms with high ceilings, wall lights, pendant lights, or statement chandeliers can add a dramatic effect, while recessed downlights help evenly distribute light. For lower ceilings, flush-mounted fixtures or integrated LED panels prevent the space from feeling cramped.

Compact bathrooms can benefit from wall-mounted sconces or under-cabinet lighting to maximise functionality without overcrowding the space. Tailoring lighting choices to the dimensions of the bathroom ensures both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Lighting regulation and IP ratings

The final but no less vital consideration to make is to ensure any bathroom lighting that is used fits into lighting safety regulations and guidelines. Always consider the IP (Ingress Protection) ratings of the fixtures and fittings being used to make sure they are suitable. For example, lights installed inside shower enclosures require a minimum rating of IP65, while areas further from direct water contact may only need IP44.

By monitoring and managing compliance with these regulations, you will not only enhance safety but also prevent long-term maintenance issues caused by water damage or electrical hazards.

Types of bathroom lighting and how they can be used effectively

Natural Lighting

Before you begin to plan your choice of bathroom lighting, take the time to look at what natural light you have to work with. Natural lighting is not always considered for bathrooms as they are often the extra rooms with no windows. However, when it is available, it can be a truly great way of creating a relaxing ambiance.

Think of the early morning sun shining into the room, putting an orange/yellow hue across the bathroom’s key features.

One of the key benefits of a wet room is that it can fit into some of the smallest spaces, making them a great option for utilising spare space in the home. This does mean that there isn’t always a source of natural light available, which can be problematic, particularly if you are looking to replicate the effect of natural lighting. One way that you can take advantage of a minimal amount of natural light and maximise its effect is to use strategically placed mirrors to bounce light around the room.

Colour Changing Lights

A growing trend in the world of modern bathrooms is the introduction of colour-changing lights. This could be in the form of LED strip lighting to highlight certain features of the room, such as a freestanding bath, a great way to build the perfect ambience. You can also use bathroom ceiling lights, such as spotlights, to create focus areas for the bathroom. The colours and undertones of the lighting can be used to transform the atmosphere of the room.

The flexibility of colour-changing lights is one of their main appeals, your client could decide to use energy-boosting daylight white lighting to start off their day, helping them to apply their cosmetics and kickstart their productivity. Then, at the end of their day, they can wind down in their luxurious wet room with beautiful blue lighting, helping them to relax and refresh. Colour-changing lights are perfect for clients who prefer a multifunctional wet room.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting should be used to light the room as a whole, and as we’ve discussed above, this could be through-coloured lighting or general lighting that compliments the level of natural light in the room. Bathroom Wall lights and ceiling lights such as chandeliers or pendant lights with a dimmer switch can work to create the right ambiance.

Task lighting

Task lighting is used to provide illumination for specific activities in the vanity/mirror area of the wet room, such as shaving or applying make-up. This could be through bathroom light fittings, spotlights above the shower where ambient lighting isn’t sufficient, or bathroom mirror lights with daylight white lighting to make getting ready a breeze. Task lighting helps to make the bathroom safer and more convenient to use.

Decorative lighting

Finally, decorative lighting is where your expertise comes in! What features within the wet room should be made to stand out with perfectly chosen bathroom lighting? Could it be low-level lighting to show off the beautiful fixtures or fittings, or in-cupboard lighting to highlight their cosmetics collection? How about wall lights or ceiling-mounted bathroom light fixtures around the showering area to make this a stand-out feature? Recessed lighting options are also available to create a more seamless effect.

As you can see, there is a range of creative bathroom lighting effects you can use to complement your client’s new wet or shower room. Whether it is bathroom ceiling lights, mirror lights, wall lights, or illuminated mirrors, many options can be applied to create the perfect finish! If you are designing a new wet room for your client, get in contact today to see how we can help.

*Important update to the NHBS Specifications

Backing surfaces for tiling should;

• Be moisture resistant, where frequent wetting occurs 

When Tiling; 

• Proprietary water-resistant grouting should be used in accordance with the manufacturer 

Grouting should be: 

• As specified in the design including mix and colour 
• Cement-based, epoxy resin or a proprietary product 
• ‘Waterproof in and around shower enclosures and where tiling can be saturated’. 

Gypsum plaster should not be used where; 

• ‘Repeated or persistent wetting may occur’