High humidity in the bathroom limits the use of electrical devices. At least, there are high requirements for protection against moisture, which cannot be ignored in the organization of the lighting system. But also do not exclude the special aesthetic data of the bathroom. The right lighting in the bathroom can highlight the value of design solutions, the benefits of decorative finishes, and even the elegance of sanitary ware.
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 index IP40-44, for example, indicates that the constructionreliably protected from the ingress of large foreign bodies under the body. This also applies to pollution and dusting of the electrical stuffing. Insulation at the level of IP54-56 indicates that the device is also highly impact resistant, that is, it will not be easily damaged due to physical influences. In turn, lighting in the bathroom should be oriented to the IP65 protection class, which also provides for isolation from direct splashes of water. Designs of this type prevent the risk of short circuits and corrosion of metal parts. This is the first thing to keep in mind when organizing lighting in rooms with high levels of humidity.
Lighting system 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, the lighting in the bathroom can be divided into three levels - the lower (floor), working and ceiling. As for the floor, the direct integration of lighting fixtures into the flooring surface is rare. To do this, use special types of spotlights, but in practice, such options are rarely practical and functional. Usually the lower level is associated with the installation of sources on the walls with a distance of about 30-40 cm from the floor.
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 is implemented here. Usually fluorescent lamps are used, but not too bright - withplacement 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 design.
Light options
The requirements for the saturation of the light supply determine both the characteristics of the luminaire and the way it is placed. In any case, the basis of the complex will be ceiling lighting. This is the widest part of the lighting system in terms of coverage, in which devices of various designs can be used. Uniform background lighting or the so-called flood light is also organized on the upper level. But unlike the previous version, these flows can also act as a means of zoning, highlighting individual functional areas of the room. Even more precise is the directional lighting in the bathroom, thanks to which individual interior parts, details and objects stand out.
Lighting tips for a small bathroom
In a small space, it is not recommended to use appliances with large cases, lush chandeliers and groups with a large number of spotlights. Do not exaggerate the power figures so that the light does not blind the eyes. But excessive minimalism will be inappropriate. To make a small bathroom visually larger in size and at the same time eliminate the feeling of cramped space, balanced lighting with a rational distribution of sources will help. All zones and sections of the room should be involved, but with compact devices. It is in organizing the lighting of a small bathroom that a well-balanced dispersion of flows plays an important role. Usually, a scheme of several wall and ceiling lamps is used, covering approximately the same service areas. Also, the brightness of these devices should correspond to the average without pronounced contrast.
Varieties of lamp designs
The way of installation and configuration of placement in the general lighting system depends on the structure of the device case. Today, in the bathroom, overhead, suspended and built-in models are more often used. Surface-mounted luminaires represent a classic yet streamlined design. These are small-sized devices that can be installed on walls and ceilings without performing special chasing. Pendant lamps also belong to traditional lighting technology and are single lamps with plinths and multi-track chandeliers. They can provide both light decorative and full-fledged diffused radiation - this is determined by the parameters of the room and the requirements for the light supply system. Embedded models are perhaps the most modern way of lighting. The ceiling of the bathroom in this case will act as the optimal bearing surface for this type of appliance. Compact in size, the luminaires are literally built into a pendant niche, providing an aesthetic effect and performing a practical lighting function.
Varieties of lamps forbathroom lighting
In this room, you can use almost all modern types of light sources. More often, LED and halogen lamps are used, less often - lamps with incandescent filaments and fluorescent models. The simplest and most affordable option is an incandescent lamp. This is the light source least protected from moisture, therefore, in its choice, special attention should be paid to the insulation of the case. This deficiency is compensated by natural and eye-pleasing 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 durability 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 fixture that is characterized by long life, aesthetic appeal and balanced light output.
Choosing fixtures based on performance
Both 12 V and 220 V devices can be used in the bathroom. The first option is more likely to be used in organizing LED lighting for a small room. But this will requireinclusion of voltage adapters in the power supply network. It is also advisable to use low-voltage 12 V devices 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 models for 10-36 W, and the upper range is represented by 60-watt lamps. The amount of dispersion and brightness will be provided to a greater extent by the number of sources, and not by their performance. Regarding the saturation of the radiation, typical lighting in the bathroom is arranged depending on the type of lamp. The most modest return of the luminous flux 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. A total of 5 main bulbs may be required.
Implementation of LED backlight
Basic lighting can be arranged using LED spotlights integrated into the ceiling. Decorative lighting is done in other ways. As a rule, these are tape devices with diodes that allow you to create a contour frame for specific parts in the room. Spot lighting in the bathroom with suspended ceiling structures also makes it possible to create unusual decorative solutions. By means of LED strips, you can form a variety of compositions, further hiding the diodes with plastic or metal profiles.
Using the "light-mirror" combination
This is not just one of the directions for decorating a bathroom, but alsoa good way to visually enlarge it. So, oval, elongated and square shapes of mirror surfaces, provided that the lighting is correct, create the illusion of additional volume due to the reflection of objects. Usually this idea is implemented by low-voltage devices or LED strips framing the surface of the mirror. You can also 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 soft and uniform dispersion on 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 consider the layout of electrical wires. Often there are limitations in this part, due to which correction of the parameters of the lighting system may be required in the future. Experts recommend using hidden wiring based on copper fibers 1 mm thick. Such a cable with a cross section of 2.5 mm can withstand about 2000 watts. Aluminum wires can also be used if you plan to install powerful appliances. Special attention deserves the lighting in the stretch ceiling in the bathroom, communications for which must be removed even before the installation of the structure. Holes are made in the canvas through which the spotlight is connected to the previously mounted cartridge. On the walls, chasing may also be required. In the created channels, new power lines are laid to future installation points.
Conclusion
There are a lot of options for organizing lighting in the bathroom. The most efficient, productive and visually attractive lighting in the bathroom with a stretch ceiling, based on built-in spot LEDs, is considered. The advantages of this configuration lie not only in the high degree of brightness and saturation of the radiation, but also in the design of the fixtures themselves. These are compact, and sometimes quite miniature devices that are hidden in the ceiling 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. Ceiling lamps, spots, chandeliers and other lighting fixtures can be used as cases. Remember that you need to create lighting in the bathroom correctly.
