How To Choose Bathroom Lighting [And Some Brilliant Pendant and Wall Light Pairings!]
When choosing lighting for your bathroom, think outside what is traditionally presented to you as ‘bathroom lighting’. Most online bathroom companies will have an atrocious selection of lighting, and my advice would be don’t even bother looking there. Seriously, just don’t waste your time.
You need to check with your builder / bathroom installer / electrician about regulations for lighting in bathrooms, but generally speaking if your lights are 60cms or more above the basin/s you don’t need to have an IP rated fitting. If it’s closer than 60cms you need an IP44 rated fitting. If it’s going right above the bath, it either needs to be 2.25m or higher from the floor, or be IP65 rated. Outside those zones your fittings don’t ‘have’ to be IP rated, thought it’s ‘suggested’ they are at least IP20.
ANYWAY, my point is, don’t just look at what is immediately obvious and, well, ‘bathroomy’. Although the choices for bathroom lights are definitely improving, generally speaking lights designed for bathrooms are not your design friend.
Tip: Don’t forget you if you do need IP rated fittings to look at outdoor lighting too, which is almost always cheaper!
The style of your bathroom should tie in with the style of the rest of your home, and lighting is even more important in the bathroom than anywhere else. Well, it’s at least on par with the kitchen.
Depending on the size of your room, you might want spots, a pendant light or flush ceiling fitting, and wall lights. I would avoid having one wall light above the mirror if at all possible as this is not flattering lighting and terrible for doing your makeup. If you can, go for one either side of the mirror instead. And if you have a double vanity and enough width, go for three lights and two mirrors, or one long mirror with a light either side.
I’ve been asked loads about both pendant lights and wall lights, so I’ve hunted down a selection of current favourites and paired them up, but there is certainly a lot of crossover, so feel free to mix and match as you please…
I’ve had a long time crush on Arturo Alvarez stainless steel mesh lighting. A stunning example of elegantly whimsical lighting, and even more beautiful in the flesh. This Nevo pendant would be incredible in a bathroom, or any room for that matter! It’s a real statement, so pair it with simple wall lights like the classic Flos Mini Glo-Ball Mirror Wall Lights.
Nevo Pendant by Arturo Alvarez - Heal’s + Flos Mini Glo-Ball Mirror Wall Light - Heal’s
A design classic by Muuto, the Fluid pendant gives off a lovely warm glow and is rather appropriately inspired by a resting drop of water. With this beautifully quiet and simple design you can either match its quietness with a simple wall light (like the glo-ball above ), or go to town with something more flamboyant. I’d go for the later and pair it with these Alberto wall lights that I’m still *slightly* obsessed with by Visual Comfort. Totally going to use these somewhere, someday!
Muuto Fluid Pendant - Scandium + Visual Comfort Wall Light - Lux Deco
I was always going to include the combination in my bathroom which I obviously adore. Again, quiet and simple paired with slightly more decorative, is always a winning combination. The stunning Drop Three pendant is also inspired by water, and the unglazed bone china mixed with the alabaster wall lights is just a match made in lighting heaven. I love that the wall lights have a vintage feel to them.
Drop Three Pendant - Original BTC + Visual Comfort Clayton Alabaster Wall Light - The Light Source
If you have a low ceiling and/or a small room, you will probably need to go with a flush ceiling light. I’m completely in love with this one - another Visual Comfort beauty (yes I am a massive fan). Again, I love its vintage feel. It’s quite dinky, so do check the dimensions work in your room so it doesn’t get lost. Because it’s not a big fitting, you could go either way again with a match for this one. Meet its energy with an equally decorative wall light, or go super simple, but I love it matched with the Edgemere (rated IP20) wall lights. A gorgeous combination with a bit of an old Hollywood feel!
Visual Comfort Quincy Acrylic Flush Mount - The Light Source + Visual Comfort Edgemere Wall Light - The Light Source
Only a *tad* in love with the Piccolo Palermo chandelier from Pure White Lines. It would look stunning in a bathroom if you have a big enough space. Whilst the pink is a real star, it also comes in the quieter clear, and amber, or very dramatic smoked, which are all equally divine. Check out vintage options too on Etsy and Vinterior. Pair it with a simple wall light like these brilliant ribbed ceramic ones from Dyke and Dean which have loads of glass covers to choose from. I love the mushroom one, but they’re all fab!
Piccolo Palermo Pink Chandelier - Pure White Lines + Ribbed Ceramic Wall Lamp - Dyke & Dean
Love love love Soho Home lighting, they can do no wrong. The Allis chandelier is yet another brilliant vintage inspired offering that I’ve loved for a long time. I’ve matched it with another really simple wall fitting from Dyke & Dean to let it really take centre stage.
Allis Chandelier - Soho Home + Brick Wall Light - Dyke & Dean (rated IP43)
I could go on and on and on. There is SO much amazing lighting to be had, it’s one of my favourite things to look at. You can have so much fun with lighting in general, but especially where it’s still not necessarily expected like in the bathroom!
Things to avoid: I’d steer clear of anything with a fabric or paper shades, and generally make sure that your ventilation is good enough for whatever you choose to survive happily. Triple check dimensions and suitability before purchasing, you don’t want your dream wall lights to be way too big or way too small when they finally arrive. Likewise with a pendant fitting - will it work if you have a ceiling rose, is the drop adjustable, and does it work with the room dimensions and ceiling height? It’s absolutely worth annoying your electrician with a billion questions rather than making a potentially very expensive mistake.
I’d also avoid anything that would cast strange shadows (like rattan fittings), while this might look great when off, and not be bothersome in a bedroom or living room, I personally don’t think you want those shadows in a bathroom. Think clear warm diffused light (always on dimmers if possible!), and really think about how the lights next to your mirrors will serve you. Okay the light from the Alberto wall lights might not actually be that practical for mirror lighting in a bathroom, but we can’t always be practical now can we?
And finally, I’m not an electrician, so don’t take my word for it, check with your electrician before making any bathroom lighting purchases!
P.S Did I mention to have fun?
