Lighting in a small bathroom. Choosing the optimal lighting for the bathroom Lighting for the bathroom

The main lighting or backlighting in the bathroom must meet a number of requirements. In addition to the fact that lamps must fulfill their functional responsibilities and fit into the general style of the room, they need to be safe, because they will have to work in conditions of high humidity and high temperatures. Let's consider which lamps are best suited for such rooms, how to position the lighting, and whether it is easy to install the lamps yourself in suspended ceilings.

In this article:

Security requirements

Before choosing a lamp appearance or functional features, care must be taken to ensure that it meets safety requirements. A bathroom is a room where the lamp is constantly exposed to water vapor, hot air or even direct streams of water. Not every lighting device is capable of operating in such conditions, and the lighting must be safe.

When choosing a lamp, first of all you need to pay attention to its IP protection level. The encoding contains 3 digits that encrypt the following parameters:

the first digit is the level of protection against solid particles, dust, from 0 to 6;
the second digit is protection from moisture, from 0 to 8, with the value “8” meaning that the device can operate under water;
the third number is impact resistance, from 0 to 10.

Some manufacturers indicate only the first two digits. The main thing you need to worry about when buying a lamp is moisture protection.

The bathroom is divided into 4 zones, depending on humidity.

The first zone is the wettest part of the room. There is a high concentration of water vapor and direct jets of water. Most often this is the space directly above the bathtub or inside the shower stall. Here, for safety reasons, you need to install lighting devices with a power of 12 W and protection from IP674. This degree indicates that the lamp is waterproof and can work under water for some time.
The second zone - the lamps are adjacent to the bathtub or sink. The water vapor concentration is high and water splashes may occur. It is advisable to hang models here that operate at a voltage of 24 W with IP from 452. Such lamps are protected from direct contact with jets of water.
The third zone is at a distance of half a meter from water sources. The concentration of water vapor is lower, and there is virtually no water splashing. It is permissible to use devices marked IP from 242 - they are splash-proof.
The fourth zone is located at a considerable distance from water sources. It is almost dry here, so it is permissible to hang lamps from IP 011 - this is the lowest permissible degree of protection.

Types of lamps

The next parameter that you should decide on when choosing a lamp is the type of light source.

Backlight type

Lighting carries a great stylistic load. It can emphasize the overall atmosphere of the design, but a poorly chosen lamp can undo all the efforts of the designer and spoil the impression of the interior.

This is also true for bathroom lighting. Before choosing a lamp, you need to decide what interior style will be in the room:

minimalism - spot lighting, several small lamps with laconic lampshades, spots, bus systems are suitable; it is worth abandoning the massive chandelier as the only source of light;
Provence - you can use a chandelier with a fabric or plastic lampshade pastel colors, additionally, sconces are hung on the walls, lamps can be decorated with decorative elements;
loft - brick and metal, it is possible to use lamps without lampshades, lamps are often made from old metal and plastic pipes, deliberate rudeness and negligence are welcome;
Scandinavian style - characterized by minimalism and environmental friendliness; lamps with a wooden lampshade are well suited.

Depending on the location, the backlight can be...

Ceiling. This could be a regular chandelier hung on a hook. If the bathroom has suspended ceilings, spotlights are most often used. Typically, ceiling lights serve as main lighting.
Wall-mounted. To illuminate distant corners, use sconces or wall spots. They are often hung on mirrors; lamps mounted on glass are suitable for these purposes. You can hang spots with a motion sensor in wall cabinets, which will turn on when the door is opened.
Bottom. The lower lighting plays a decorative role and functions as night lighting. An LED strip or spot LEDs can be placed along the side of the bathtub, used to illuminate steps, or to zone a room in a combined bathroom.

The options for LED lighting in the bathroom are varied:

tapes - they can be attached to the floor, to the ceiling, and inside the shower stall;
spot LEDs - suitable for suspended ceilings, wall and floor lighting;
spots with directional light flux and beam regulation;
standard chandeliers and sconces that use LEDs as a light source;
colored lighting - multi-colored (pink, blue, greenish) LEDs can create a romantic or mysterious atmosphere in the bathroom and turn ordinary showering into an interesting and relaxing pastime.

Another important parameter when choosing a lamp is the brightness of the luminous flux, which is measured in lumens. If the bathroom is made in light or pastel colors, for example in Provence style, you should not take a light bulb that is too bright. A dark environment, such as a loft, requires brighter lighting. If the room is large and you have a choice - to take one light source, but very bright, or several lamps, but with less brightness, then it is better to choose the second option. A light source that is too bright will irritate your eyes and will still leave dark corners in the room.

Backlight installation

Lighting in the bathroom with your own hands is not very difficult. The main thing is to adhere to safety precautions. The easiest way is to attach the lamp to a regular concrete ceiling - the device is screwed with hardware, which, as a rule, comes complete with the chandelier.

Bathroom lighting with suspended ceiling mounted differently. The wiring must be laid even before the suspended ceiling is installed, and it is necessary to calculate in advance where the spotlights will be located.

The entire mounting diagram looks like this:

A lighting fixture stand is attached to the ceiling, its legs are screwed with hardware.
Then a tread ring is applied.
Next comes the suspended ceiling canvas, in which the hole necessary for the lamp is made.
A thermal insulation ring is applied to the hole in the canvas.
Then the lamp itself is installed.

In the case of suspended ceilings, it is optimal to use spotlights and use LEDs as a light source - they are safe to use, unlike other types of lamps.

Properly selected lighting creates coziness in the room. Here are a few useful tips that will help make your stay in the bathroom more comfortable.

It is better to place the lamps needed to illuminate the mirror not above, but on the sides of the mirror surface. This way the light stream will not distort the image.
With the help of various lamps, you can zone the bathroom: the shower or bath itself, a wash area, a space for changing clothes, storing things, and doing laundry.
If the room is small, you can visually enlarge it by making the interior in light colors and directing wall lighting to opposite walls. You can also visually raise the ceiling by directing the beam of light upward.
It is better to use several small lamps in different parts rooms than one ceiling.
To create a relaxing effect, you can attach a colored piece to the bottom of the bathtub. LED strip.

The choice of lighting fixture must be taken with full responsibility, because lighting can become the highlight of the interior, highlight the advantages of the bathroom and hide design flaws.

Most bathrooms do not have access to sunlight. You have to rely solely on artificial lighting. To ensure optimal luminous flux, you need to choose the right lamps for the bathroom, right?

We will help you find the ideal device for you and plan its location. We'll tell you which option will work flawlessly in difficult operating conditions. We'll tell you how to determine the power of installed lamps and which method of organizing lighting to give preference to.

The tips given in the article are supported by video tutorials and photographic materials from valuable advice And original ideas for bathroom interior design.

The bathroom is an area with extreme operating conditions. In places with constant temperature changes and high humidity, the installation of conventional sockets and lamps is prohibited for safety reasons.

The main parameter for choosing a lighting device is the degree of protection. The corresponding markings are displayed on the housing of electrical products.

Some manufacturers use three-digit markings. The third number is the degree of susceptibility to mechanical damage and shock. The range of values is 0-10. The highest level of protection indicates that if the housing is damaged, the performance characteristics of the electrical appliance are maintained.

The IP value system complies with GOST 14254-96 and IEC60529 standard. The first digit of the abbreviation displays the level of protection of the lamp from dust, the second marker - protection from moisture

The higher the numerical marking, the more reliable the lamp.

Waterproof devices are equipped with additional elements, reducing the risk of water and dust penetration into conductive areas of the device:

rubber seals on the lampshade;
plugs made of sealed material on the supply wire.

The minimum IP value for luminaires in “wet” rooms is IP442, the maximum is IP674. It is permissible to use products with protection above the maximum - increased safety, in any case, is welcome.

The choice of lamp security indicator depends on its location in the bathroom. Based on the level of proximity to direct sources of moisture, the room is divided into three zones

IP index values for each zone:

First zone. The humidity around the bathtub, shower stall and washbasin reaches 100%. Here it is permissible to install low-voltage devices with protection of at least IP67, designed for temporary immersion in water.
Second zone. Within a radius of 30-60 cm from the “wet” zone, there is a high probability of splashes and jets hitting the electrical appliance. It is not advisable to use high-voltage electrical appliances on the site; the protection level of the lamp is not lower than IP45, power is 12-24 V.
Third zone. Relatively safe - 60 cm from the boundaries of the second zone. There is virtually no risk of direct jets. Models with protection against all-round splashes are installed - IP24 and higher.

A space at a distance of 3 m or more relative to the water source is considered safe. It is possible to install lamps with IP01 here.

It is important to take into account the features of the wall and the efficiency of ventilation. If condensation constantly forms on distant walls after taking a hot shower, then they cannot be considered safe. Lamps are selected as for the first and second zones

Variety of lamps of the “maritime elite”

Artificial lighting in a bathroom is conventionally divided into three levels: ceiling, wall and floor. A combination of methods will allow you to get an interesting decorative effect. It is not necessary to use the entire spectrum at the same time. The main thing is to get a full luminous flux for a comfortable stay in the room.

No. 1 - ceiling lighting options

Ceiling lights provide the main lighting for the bathroom. The choice of device depends on the dimensions of the room, the design of the ceiling and the presence of secondary light sources.

No. 2 - work lighting with wall-mounted models

The purpose of wall lamps is room zoning and local lighting. The use of wall “lanterns” is appropriate in spacious rooms with an area of 6 sq.m. or more. In a compact room, you can limit yourself to ceiling lighting.

Popular options for wall-mounted “water” lamps:

surface-mounted illuminators;
spots.

Sconce. The traditional design is one or more lampshades mounted on one bracket.

Wall sconces are presented in any style - from classic to modern. Optimal place installations – paired placement on the sides of the mirror

The compact lamp does not take up much space and is fixed tightly to the wall. It is better to choose models made from moisture-resistant materials: stainless steel in tandem with glass and transparent plastic.

Overhead lamps are universal - they are suitable for vertical and horizontal placement. When choosing, start from the shape of the mirror. The neutral design of the lampshade harmoniously complements modern interiors

Spots. Wall installation allows you to fully realize the purpose of the spots - local lighting.

When choosing a lamp, you need to evaluate the size of the lampshade - after installation it should not be reflected in the mirror. Option No. 1 – correct placement, No. 2 – incorrect

In the second case, the light from the spot will blind your eyes and using the mirror will become uncomfortable. For this zone, you should not choose lamps with colored shades - the lighting will “give” an unnatural complexion and hair color. Optimally – frosted or white glass.

It is worth paying attention to the type of light beam of the wall “lantern”. There are two varieties:

Directional lighting reflectors. Light is supplied at a certain angle. One- or two-way (up/down) vector of light flux is possible. The shape of the body allows the illumination to be concentrated in a specific area.
Diffuse lamps. Such models belong to general lighting lamps, their “action” area is 360°. The light is diffused evenly in the room.

If the goal is to create not only practical, but also spectacular lighting, you can decorate the walls in an interesting way using spotlights, a bright light panel, or LED strip.

Spot “lanterns” are placed in niches and illuminate the glass shelves. The LED strip is placed behind the wall protrusions, emphasizing the volume of the surface

No. 3 - decorative floor lighting

Floor lighting embodies a special atmosphere in the bathroom. This is a secondary, decorative light.

For implementation design idea use different methods:

installation of LED lighting;
installation of spotlights;
creating a glass floor;
use of luminous tiles;
arrangement of self-leveling foundation.

LED backlight. There are many options for decorating with LED strip. The strip is mounted along the baseboard line - the perimeter of the room, and is also used to highlight plumbing fixtures - the sealed tape “runs” along the contour of the bathtub or washbasin.

The main advantage of the method is the possibility of installation after completion of the repair. In contrast with the dark floor, luminous inclusions look impressive.

The LEDs are placed randomly on the cable, and then the wire is installed in the tile joint. The joints are covered with black silicone, while the LEDs remain open. It is important that the “points of light” do not protrude above the tiles

The use of floor spotlights has its own characteristics.

The advantages of lamps include:

resistance to mechanical damage – lampshades are made of durable plastic;
possibility of any arrangement - the distance between the lamps is chosen arbitrarily;
creating beautiful highlights on surrounding objects.

Disadvantages of “points of light”: complexity of installation and connection hidden wiring, the need to periodically replace light bulbs.

An example of successful combination of LED wall lighting with spotlights for ceiling, wall and local mirror lighting into a single tandem

A sophisticated design technique radically changes the appearance of the usual bathroom environment. To install a glass niche, you will have to raise the floor by 10 cm.

This unusual “lamp” is made of tempered laminated glass or triplex; LED strip or linear lamps are suitable for illumination.

Filling the niche: decorative stones, shells, small pebbles, dried flowers, sparkles or beads. Bold decision– glowing aquarium in the floor

Luminescent materials. Alternative traditional ways backlights – finishing materials with a luminous effect. The advantage of the method is independence from electricity. Disadvantages: high cost and inability to turn off such a “lamp”.

To cover the base, a fluorescent self-leveling floor or tile is used. In the first case, you get a light canvas covering the entire floor area; in the second, you can limit the amount of “light” by combining regular tiles with fluorescent ones

Choosing a lamp for a “water” lamp

When thinking about which lamp is best to choose for the bathroom and how ideal it is, it is important to decide on the type of lamp, brightness and optimal tone of lighting.

Criterion #1 - optimal product characteristics

In everyday life, the most popular are traditional incandescent lamps, fluorescent products and LEDs.

Incandescent lamps. Depending on the gas composition inside the cylinder, they are vacuum, krypton and halogen. Lamps with inert gas (krypton) are resistant to power surges, halogen lamps have good light output and last longer.

Characteristics of incandescent lamps: 1 – krypton, 2 – halogen. Lamps with halogen lamps are suitable for installation in a plasterboard niche

Fluorescent lamps. So-called fluorescent lamps have varying degrees of color rendering, which determines the naturalness of the glow.

The main advantages of fluorescent lamps:

low heating temperature;
duration of work;
soft light.

Modern modifications are suitable for connection to a standard lamp socket. Types and markings of lamp bases installed in currently used lighting devices. This information will be useful to a potential buyer.

Disadvantages: operation is accompanied by a slight hum, toxicity, duration of achievement of maximum glow. When operating in a constant “on/off” mode, the lamps quickly burn out

LED products. The high cost of the lamp is justified by low energy consumption, good light output and long-term operation. Additional advantages include: compactness, low heating of the flask, resistance to mechanical stress and power outages.

LEDs – optimal choice for the bathroom. Preference should be given to a product with an aluminum radiator; plastic indicates the low quality of the lamp

Criterion #2 - calculation of glow power

The international standard ISO8995 regulates the level of illumination in bathrooms. The recommended standard is 200 lux (Lx). To characterize the light output of lamps, lumens (Lm) are used, 1 Lux = 1 Lm/sq.m.

For example, the normal illumination of a room of 7 sq.m is 1400 Lux, 10 sq.m - 2000 Lux, respectively. Based on the calculated data, the power and number of lamps are selected.

The degree of light output directly depends on the type and power of the lighting device. For example, at the same power, a fluorescent product produces 7 times more light than an incandescent lamp. You can familiarize yourself with the article, which we recommend that you read.

The table shows that to obtain 1200 Lm required to illuminate a 6 sq.m bathroom, an 11 W LED lamp, equivalent to a 100 W incandescent lamp, is suitable

Criterion #3 - color rendering index and lighting tone

The comfort of light perception depends on how natural the surrounding objects look under artificial lighting. The parameter is expressed by the color rendering coefficient and is indicated on the packaging of the lighting device - Ra or CRI.

The light source CRI=100 provides a realistic display of objects. Natural sunlight has the maximum color rendering index. The lower the Ra value, the more distorted the perception.

The shade of the illuminated object is determined, the unit of measurement is Kelvin (K). White plumbing fixtures may appear yellowish or radiant blue.

A room with a predominance of blue-blue decoration looks good in neutral lighting (4000-5000 K). A bathtub in pink, chocolate and sand tones will become even more comfortable with “warm” lighting with a color temperature range of 2700-3800 K

Glow different temperatures affects people differently. Warm white tone helps to relax, neutral helps to concentrate, cold energizes and invigorates.

An overview and criteria for choosing energy-saving lamps will be provided, which is entirely devoted to this interesting issue.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video describes the main factors for choosing an electrical appliance, the requirements for lamps for rooms with high levels of humidity, and also provides recommendations for zoning space using lighting:

A competent choice of lamp and successful placement of light accents can visually enlarge the enclosed space of the bathroom. Of no small importance in arranging a comfortable and practical room will be the selection of brightness, color rendering and shade of the lamp.

Please leave comments in the block below. Share important guidelines for choosing a waterproof lamp and information that will be useful to site visitors. Ask questions, describe your installation experience, post photos related to the topic of the article.

There is no need to rely on natural light in bathrooms: as a rule, there are no windows. Therefore, the role of artificial lighting and its proper organization in these rooms increases significantly. This problem must be approached with special attention.

The light in the bathroom should not be annoyingly bright, but it should be enough for everything we are used to. cosmetic procedures I didn't have to do it in the dark. In addition, the increased humidity of the room should be taken into account, so the choice of lighting fixtures will have to be approached taking this circumstance into account.

Light plays an important role in the overall perception of a room. Therefore, when solving the issue of lighting in any bathroom, it is necessary to take into account the style in which it is made. For example, a Japanese-style interior needs soft lighting, while chrome and metal will look good in a modern-style bathroom.

A Japanese-style bathroom requires special lighting. The light should flow softly, its sources should not attract excessive attention

The cubic capacity of the room is also of great importance. A large chandelier in a small room with low ceilings will look bulky and awkward.

If you want to decorate this room with an amazing play of color highlights, choose lamp models with stained glass, but make sure that you can turn off this source without losing the overall lighting. It will distort the color you might want in its natural state.

Characteristics of various lamps

You need to choose lamps for the bathroom knowing their main characteristics, disadvantages and advantages. The following types of lamps can be used:

Option #1 – incandescent lamps

These inexpensive lamps are easy to use, light up immediately when turned on, but do not last long, only about 1000 hours. The temperature around them has almost no effect on them. They provide little light, but they heat up very much, which makes it impossible to use them in plastic lampshades and fabric lampshades.

Option #2 – halogen lamps

These are lamps with high luminous efficiency and long term services. When used in spotlights or spots, the aluminum diffuser absorbs the generated heat, so they can be placed in any suspended ceiling. However, 12-volt models require an expensive step-down adapter.

Halogen lamps will last quite a long time, and they can also be multi-colored, which allows you to show your imagination when decorating a room with them.

Option #3 – fluorescent lamps

The advantage of these lamps is that their light is more similar to natural light. Depending on the phosphor in them, it can be cold, warm or daytime. But when the voltage drops, they turn off, their power does not exceed 150 W. and they emit a characteristic crackling sound during operation.

Option #4 – LEDs

With a long service life of more than 50 thousand hours, LEDs consume very little energy. Most often they are used for lighting in the form of a strip or in spotlights as lamps. Their disadvantage is the high price of the LEDs themselves and the equipment they need for effective operation - ventilation system, transformers.

Using a variety of LEDs, you can create truly futuristic interiors that will delight the owner with their originality and fantastic appeal.

What is a security index?

Lighting products are marked with IP indexes with a three-digit digital code. This code will tell a literate consumer a lot about the product he wants to buy.

So here's what these numbers tell us:

First. This is the degree of protection against dirt and dust, increasing from 0 to 6.
Second. This is waterproof from 0 to 8. With protection 8, the product can be immersed in water for a long time.
Third. This is an impact resistance from 0 to 10. Mechanical impact per product is measured in joules. Index 10 corresponds to 20J. With guaranteed shock resistance, the device may receive external damage, but its functionality and electrical safety will not be affected.

Knowing the labeling will help you purchase a product that the consumer is interested in using.

A mechanical shock inflicted on a vandal-proof device with a high degree of protection may result in a scratch or dent, but it will not lose its safe functionality.

Bathroom Humidity Zones

In order to correctly select lighting devices, you need to know what degree of protection they should have, taking into account the operating conditions. The room should be divided into four zones as humidity decreases.

First. This is a space of high humidity: this is where water can flow and steam can concentrate. It is located near the bathtub, as well as inside the shower stall, if there is one. Here it is permissible to use 12 W lamps with a protection index of at least IP 674.
Second. This zone includes the area next to the washbasin and the space immediately adjacent to the bathtub. Water can reach this surface either in the form of steam or by droplets. For the second zone, models marked with an index starting from IP 452, whose power does not exceed 24 W, are preferred.
Third. Already half a meter from the edge of the washbasin and bathtub there is a third zone. A lamp model marked IP 242 can be considered sufficiently protected.
Fourth. The rest of the room can be safely attributed to this fourth zone. If moisture gets here, it is most likely only in the form of steam or condensation. Lamps with a protection index of IP 011 can be used here.

Now that we have mentally divided the space into zones and decided on the degree of protection of the light sources, we can plan where exactly they will be placed.

The location of all areas of the bathroom is clearly visible in this figure. The zoning logic is clearly visible: the further the devices are from the water, the lower the degree of protection they need

Choosing the location of lighting fixtures

When planning the placement of lamps, you need to be guided by the following principles: there should be enough light in the room so as not to strain your eyesight, but it should not hit your eyes and irritate with its intrusiveness. Today, combined lighting at different levels is in fashion.

Quite a variety of lighting fixtures, from very small to quite massive chandeliers, can be mounted on the ceiling: it all depends on the size of the room

To understand what we are talking about, let’s consider each of the lighting levels separately:

Ceiling or top. The light source in this case is fixed to the ceiling or directly below it. IN small rooms It is customary to make do with a single lamp, which is mounted above the door or in the central part of the ceiling.

A spacious room can be decorated with several point light sources.

Working. The mirror, shelves with cosmetics and detergents, and the washbasin should be illuminated. On both sides of the mirror you can install a lamp on flexible brackets to change the light intensity depending on your needs. Lighting from below or an LED strip can be used, which is placed both around the mirror and under the washbasin.

Preference should be given to a soft and diffused light flux.

Lower. The use of this level for small rooms is irrelevant. In other cases, the devices are located 40 cm from the floor surface, on the floor itself and under interior elements. You can equip single-color or multi-colored lighting for bathtubs, steps and podiums.

It’s difficult to call downlighting a necessity: rather, it is decorative in nature and is used as interior decoration.

Combined lighting allows you to create not only comfort in the room that we often use, but also a certain mood. It can be romantic, pacifying or invigorating: depending on our desires.

The work area should be well lit so that the visitor can carry out all the necessary cosmetic procedures without straining his eyesight

Methods of mounting lamps

When choosing suitable lamps, focus not only on the designer’s intentions and the cost of the product, but also on their technical parameters.

Based on the method of fastening, they are divided into the following groups:

Built-in. Spots and spotlights are mounted in a suspended ceiling using special lugs. For incandescent lamps the ceiling gap is 12 cm, and for halogen lamps it is approximately 7 cm.
Hanging. For such models, you need a metal hook that is well secured to the main ceiling. As a rule, they are very decorative.
Invoices. These are compact and lightweight devices that most often have correct form. For example, ceiling lamps. They are equipped with a base with special holes for installation using hardware.

Lamps can be very different, but their elegance does not depend on size, so even a small bathroom can be illuminated and decorated at the same time.

Installation of electrical wiring in the bathroom

In order to clearly understand the sequence of actions, you need to draw a lighting plan in which you indicate the location of each of the lighting fixtures.

In conditions of high humidity, it is necessary to use hidden wiring.

Stage #1 – calculate the lighting power

One of the characteristics of the luminous flux is its brightness. It is measured in lumens. Brightness depends on the type of lamp used and its power. The standard illumination for a bath should not be lower than 50 lumens (lm) per square meter. Source of information – SNiP 23-05-95.

A bright and light room needs less lighting, especially if you also take into account the light fluxes that will be reflected from the walls

By multiplying the standard value by the area of the room in square meters, we find out the need for lumens for the bathroom. Then you should decide on the type of light bulbs to be used. There is a relationship between the brightness indicator and the energy consumption of different light bulbs.

Indicators by type of lamps:

Incandescent 25 W – 200 lm;
LEDs in the 40-80 W range have about 6000 lm;
Halogen at 42 W – 625 lm, and at 70 W – 1170 lm;
Luminescent 40 W – 2000 lm.

To determine the wattage required to light an entire room, divide the total number of lumens by the number of lumens produced by the watt of the light bulb you need. Next, you can clear out the need for lamps.

Stage #2 – select the cross-section and type of wires

For the system to be reliable, you need to correctly calculate the load on the network and the required wire cross-section. To do this, we sum up the power of all the lamps that will be used in the room, add to them the devices that are in the room and require electricity: washing machine, hair dryer, etc. We divide the result by 220. This way we get the load on the cable in amperes.

Aluminum or copper wires can be used for wiring, but one type of wire cannot be twisted with another.

Now you can select a cable with a cross-section suitable for the resulting load. For our type of premises, we need an aluminum cable with a cross-section exceeding 4 mm², but it is better to use copper cable with a cross-section over 2.5 mm². Cables of different materials cannot be connected.

Stage #3 – installation work

The wiring should be hidden under the plaster, and the junction box should be installed in another room. Do not forget about the need to ground each device and lamp. It is also recommended to install a residual current device (RCD), which will prevent undesirable consequences in the event of a short circuit. Before we start installation work check that the network is de-energized.

When laying cables, keep in mind that each of them must supply power to a specific system: separately to light sources and to electrical appliances. Each wire should be equipped with a circuit breaker. It is better to hide the wires themselves in corrugation. To ensure that the corrugated cable is securely fastened in the groove, each meter of it is secured with a small amount of plaster. The corrugated cable can also be placed in clamps secured in grooves. Electrical tape cannot be used as an insulator.

Corrugation has a whole list of amazing useful properties, but the most important thing in in this case is its protection, extending the service life of the wiring

The cable connects to distribution box, after which you need to make sure that all connections work properly. If all is well, you can seal the grooves.

When the wiring is already laid, you can install the lamps. If there are low-voltage lamps in the network, you will also need a power supply, which should also be taken to another room.

How to install lamps correctly?

When installing lamps in different types of ceilings, there are some features that should be taken into account. We'll talk about them.

Models for main ceiling

Ball-shaped lamps and dish lamps are what is chosen for the main ceiling. To attach to concrete ceiling use the hardware supplied with the device. When attached to wooden ceiling Suitable screws are used to secure the product through special working holes.

Even for small room you can choose a spectacular lamp for the main ceiling, and if you find a pair for it on the wall, it will be doubly wonderful

The sequence of work is simple: the power supply is turned off, the ends of the cable are stripped and connected to the terminals of the device, the clamp is fixed, the base is attached to the ceiling or wall, the light bulb is screwed in, the quality of the connection is checked, after which the decorative lampshade is fixed.

If the ceiling is plasterboard

The installation of gypsum boards in the bathroom is preceded by wiring for spotlights. It is advisable to use corrugated protection for wires. The ends of the wires leading to the holes for the lamps should not be less than 20 cm. The holes themselves are cut using a drill with a glass attachment. If holes are made before installing the sheet, you need to make sure that the lamp does not fall on the metal profile.

Spots for incandescent lamps are easy to install: the ends of the cable are secured to the terminals of the device, the ears of the spot are pressed to its center, and the spot is inserted into the hole in which it is automatically fixed. Installation of a lamp with halogen lamps also begins with connecting the cable to the terminals, then the device body is installed using spring fasteners, and the lamp is fixed in it with a special yoke included in the kit.

Working with electricity is always not only a responsible, but also a dangerous task. Never neglect safety rules

When working with surface-mounted lamps, first the strip is fixed with hardware, and then the supply wires are connected to the terminal. All wires are put into the hole, after which the housing is mounted. A heavy lamp should be secured with stiffening ribs. LED strips are connected to the network adapter. It is extended by soldering small sections, but not more than 15 meters. Before installation, degrease the surface, remove the protective film and lay the tape with light pressure.

Working with suspended ceilings

To fix lighting fixtures in a room with a suspended ceiling, you need to pre-mount a stand to the main ceiling and make holes in the finished canvas. These holes can be reinforced and protected with special yokes or thermal insulation rings.

This is a schematic view of the rather labor-intensive process of fixing the lamp in the case where a suspended ceiling is used in the bathroom

Pay attention to the power, which should not exceed 40 W for incandescent lamps, and 35 W for halogen lamps. It is best to use energy saving minions. Try to combine the safety of the ceiling and its aesthetic perception.

We hope that the information received will help you in organizing the correct lighting in your bathroom. Additionally, we suggest watching the video:

If you have small apartment Khrushchev series, in which there is a very small sanitary room, do not despair. You can always find a way out, choose an interesting design to bring harmony and comfort to your home. Lighting for a small bathroom is increasingly attracting the attention of designers, since this room should be brighter than other rooms. Among the principles of proper lighting in a small bathroom is the use of a three-level system: lighting on the walls, ceiling, and floor. With this option you can create optimal lighting in a small bathroom.

Design secrets

With the correct placement of spotlights, the effect is amazing. In addition to the classic ceiling chandelier, you can install halogen lamps in the floor, around the bathtub, and along the perimeter of the shower stall. To give the bathroom a romantic atmosphere, you can use mirror lighting.

An interesting lighting option for a small bathroom is presented in the video

Bathroom ceiling light

For lighting in a small bathroom, one ceiling lamp is enough.

Advice ! Depending on the chosen design option, you can use open or closed lamps.

For suspended ceilings, built-in options are preferable; for a regular ceiling, open models are preferable. Since there is not enough natural light in the bathroom, you can solve the problem using a spotlight with an adjustable angle of rotation.

How to properly light a bathroom mirror

Zoning is used in any room, including the bathroom. You can make the space around the mirror a separate functional area. If there is a podium or niche in a small bathroom, designers recommend lighting them as much as possible.

Advice ! Interesting solution There will be placement of spotlights on both sides of the mirror. They will provide high-quality lighting, but will not dazzle the eyes.

How to highlight a bath with light

For complete relaxation In the process of taking a bath, it must be separated from furniture and plumbing items. Some manufacturers offer bathtub models with independent lighting. Among the disadvantages of this choice is the high cost of production.

Furniture lighting

When thinking about lighting a small bathroom, you can organize furniture lighting. For example, halogen lamps can be installed inside a cabinet. When you open it, you can easily find all the necessary items.

Floor lighting

An interesting solution would be floor lighting in a small bathroom. Sealed and durable lamps with a power not exceeding 5 W are suitable for the bathroom. This type of lighting source is suitable for rooms with high humidity. To give the floor an unusual lighting effect, you can use colored light bulbs.

With properly thought-out lighting in the bathroom, you can visually expand the space and make a small room look elegant and spacious.

An interesting lighting option in the bathroom is a false window with decorative lighting. In bright light, a good option would be to decorate the bathroom with ceramic or mirror tiles. If spotlights are chosen correctly, they will not only serve as a source of light, but will also help create a variety of visual illusions that hide or highlight the highlights of the interior.

Attention ! In pursuit of wealth and beauty of the interior, we must not forget about safety. Take care to ground the lighting fixtures and avoid direct contact with water.

If desired, you can additionally install special switches in the bathroom to regulate the light power. In the morning you can use maximum power light, while completely “waking up”. After a hard day at work, when you want to relax and unwind in a warm bath, the lighting is reduced to a minimum.

Zoning options

The ideal option is to organize an independent lighting source in each area of the bathroom. A similar rule is also suitable for small Khrushchev buildings. Let's analyze some popular methods of zoning such small bathrooms. Spotlights can be installed above all plumbing fixtures. The desired object is isolated using a directed light beam; its source can be located in different places. An interesting solution for bathroom design is the use of two-position spotlights to illuminate different areas in the bathroom. It is advisable to use diffused soft light to make the bathroom feel comfortable and cozy. Designers recommend using a lampshade made of frosted glass. A white lampshade that does not distort natural shades is also suitable for these purposes.

Attention ! Cold spectrum fluorescent lamps are not suitable for illuminating the mirror, as they will distort the image.

The spectrum of the lamps should be similar to the spectrum of natural light. The lamps can be attached directly to the wall using glue or self-tapping screws.

Wall lamps for the bathroom are divided into:

on near-surface lampshades fixed on minimum distance from the wall;
wall sconces, the lampshade of which is attached to a special bracket.
suspended structures made in the form of bowls of various shapes, mounted on special hangers.

For a small bathroom, small pendant lamps attached to the ceiling are suitable. Among the new fashion trends- use of spotlights of original shape.

Advice ! If you divide the wiring into several buttons, you can change the light intensity.

Choosing a place to install lamps

The choice of installation location of the lamp in the bathroom must be careful, since such lighting will demonstrate all the smallest imperfections of the walls in this room.

If desired, you can also purchase floor lighting fixtures for this room. They are structures that are installed on racks of different heights. Such floor lamps can have one or several light bulbs that differ in shape, size, and color of the lampshade. Such devices help to modernize lighting in a small bathroom, for example, in Khrushchev-era apartments, without wasting time on installation. Among the advantages of floor lamps, we note: reasonable cost, variety of models. If you buy a tall floor lamp, you can use it for lighting certain areas, for example, baths. Before you begin installation various types lamps in this room, it is advisable to develop finished project. Having spent time on its manufacture, you will be able to take into account all the nuances and calculate the total power of the luminous flux that you will ultimately receive.

Conclusion

Owners of city apartments dream that all the premises will be beautiful, cozy, and comfortable to live in. Considering that a person spends most of the daylight hours at work, it is very important to properly organize the lighting in your apartment so that in the evening it is cozy and calm, you can fully relax from a difficult day, and tune in to new work feats. A special place The entire apartment has a bathroom. This is where you want to relax, get rid of worries, enjoy warm water. The correct placement of bath accessories will only give half the desired effect.

For complete harmony in this small room, you need to think about the lighting of all objects. Not all apartment owners can independently choose the optimal lighting option; they are always ready to help professional designers. Without theoretical knowledge in the field of electricity and practical skills in installing lighting fixtures, it will be difficult to cope with the task flawlessly. They will take into account all the unevenness and defects of the walls, ceiling, floor, and select lighting options that will visually expand the walls of the bathroom. When implementing a project chosen by a professional, the high humidity of the room and the location of numerous accessories will be taken into account so that the result is not only beautiful, but also safe for the inhabitants of the apartment.

The bathroom is a place not only for hygiene procedures, but also for relaxation after hard working days. Here we bathe, do laundry, clean ourselves up, and can also take a bath, relax and gain new strength. Therefore, proper lighting in such a room is no less important than in others. For many years it was represented by only one lamp, often a lampshade with an incandescent lamp, hanging on the ceiling or above the door. But nowadays there is a wide variety of lighting methods, even for such a specific room as a bathroom, to make life more comfortable. First, let's talk about how to make lighting in the bathroom safe.

Safety rules for organizing lighting in the bathroom

The bathroom has a microclimate with high humidity, which must be taken into account when installing electrical wiring and lighting yourself.

You also need to make sure that the lighting is as close as possible to natural daylight, that makeup is applied correctly and that hygiene procedures are carried out conveniently. Certain rules must be followed:

To correctly calculate the bathroom lighting scheme, for this you can resort to the help of professionals. After all, alterations can be expensive later, take away extra time and effort.
Do not place open sockets, tees in the bathroom, and extension cords should not be used here either. It is best to choose special moisture-proof sockets, also high degree electrical appliances should have protection.
It is best to install electrical wiring in a hidden way. If the cable is laid open, then it must be protected using corrugation or a plastic tube.
All wiring in the bathroom must be grounded.
You need to choose only lamps that tolerate moisture well. At the same time, their metal parts must have anti-corrosion protection.
The power of lighting devices should be small, no more than 12 watts.
For the safety of swimmers, it is important to properly place the lamps in the room. Do not hang sconces directly above the bathtub to avoid contact of water with the hot lampshade to prevent the light bulb from bursting. You should also beware of open incandescent light bulbs in a damp room - if the light bulb breaks, its scattered fragments can cause significant harm.
All unprotected sockets and electrical appliances must be located at a sufficient distance from the water, at least 2.5 meters.
There are four humidity zones in the bathroom - in the immediate vicinity of the bathtub, sink or shower; space above the bathroom ceiling; half a meter from the edge of the bathtub or washbasin; at a distance of 2.5-3 meters from the bathtub and sink, where only condensation reaches. Depending on the humidity zone, it is necessary to choose a lighting device of a more or less high level of protection, according to their existing classification.

Number and location of lamps in the bathroom

Even when planning renovation work, you should consider the number of lighting fixtures in the bathroom. These days there are different options lighting, which will allow you to make a choice based on your own preferences, availability of finances and design ideas. You can choose open or built-in lamps, but you should pay attention to the size of the room and the height of the ceilings. After all, the closer the lamps are to a person, the brighter they illuminate all the necessary objects.

Sconce in the bathroom

If the bathroom is small, you can limit yourself to one central light source on the ceiling - a chandelier with several shades, one closed shade, sconce or directional lamp.

But still, one source may not be enough, so experts recommend installing additional lighting working area– places near the washbasin and mirror.

Considering the importance of convenience when applying makeup and shaving, such lighting will allow these processes to be performed more efficiently.

If the bathroom is large enough, then you can highlight and highlight each zone separately - a wash area (sink and mirror), a bathing area (bathtub or shower), a free area (for example, for laundry). In a spacious room you can install several ceiling lamps- About six is enough. When choosing several lighting objects, their size and power may be less than if there is one central one.

Depending on their location, lamps are divided into types:

Ceiling lights: This is a traditional type of lighting needed in every bathroom. They provide the main light, indicate the exit, and are often the only source of light in the room.
Wall-mounted: used to illuminate functional areas of the bathroom, giving the room greater convenience and sometimes a special aesthetic effect.
Floor: are optional, have more of a decorative function. They give an unusual effect, sophistication, and visually expand the space of a small bathroom. It will be especially interesting to use multi-colored light bulbs. The power of such lamps is about 5 Watts, and you should definitely take care of good protection from moisture.

A new trend in bathroom lighting is the use of spot lighting. It can be performed using different types of lamps and performs the function of illuminating a specific area for a specific need. The lamps can be rotated to illuminate the object needed at the moment.

Let us highlight the following features of the location of light sources in the bathroom:

The light should be uniform and correctly distributed; we must not forget about the different functional areas of the bathroom.
It is better to direct lighting fixtures not perpendicular to reflective surfaces, but at a certain angle to them.
When lighting a mirror, you should hang lamps on the sides of it, or side lamps in combination with the top ones. This will allow you to achieve the effect of light reflection and the absence of shadows on the face and any unnecessary distortions.
It is better to connect different lamps with separate lines, so that, if necessary, you can turn on either bright or dim light.
You can also illuminate furniture, especially the contents of cabinets and shelves, in order to find needed items in such dimly lit places.
Separately, you can highlight and highlight a bathtub or shower stall, although this has more of a decorative function. It would also be useful to illuminate the measuring instruments; lamps with low power will be sufficient.

Types of bathroom fixtures

Today, there are several types of lamps that can be used when lighting a bathroom:

Incandescent lamps.
Halogen lamps.
LED backlight.

An incandescent lamp is a popular product, widely known and used in everyday life due to its availability, low price and instant ignition. It does not depend on the ambient temperature, works silently, but still has some disadvantages. It has a relatively short lifespan - rated to last around 1000 hours - and gets very hot. It is not recommended to use it together with plastic lampshades or fabric lampshades.

Halogen lamp - has excellent light output, copes well with thermal radiation, will last a long time, can be used in spot lighting on suspended ceilings. They have a power of 220 V and 12 V. But they require the installation of a low-voltage transformer, and also consume quite a lot of electricity.

Fluorescent lamps - characterized by a wide variety of shades of light, designed for long time work. But they can react to the surrounding temperature and voltage, and simply not ignite. They also operate with more noise than other lamps and have a power of no more than 150 watts.

LED lighting – characterized by low energy consumption and long service life, used for spot lighting of rooms. The only disadvantage is its high price - both for lamps and related equipment.

Using any type of these lamps you can create correct lighting in the bathroom.

To avoid light distortion in the bathroom, you should choose a closed lampshade made of matte white or transparent material.

Cold spectrum fluorescent lamps are also not suitable, as they can distort what we see. You need to focus on the spectrum of natural light, especially considering that in most bathrooms the lighting is predominantly artificial due to their distance from windows facing the street.

Stained glass lampshades will create interesting light reflections on the walls, which will add zest to the room.

Suitable lighting power

The level of illumination in a sanitary room affects the comfort of the residents there. Therefore, there are standards for the number of lumens per square meter of a room, that is, for the brightness of the light flow of each light bulb.

For sanitary premises, 200 lumens per square meter is sufficient. At the same time, we must not forget about the decoration of the walls of the room: the darker the tone of the decoration, the more light will be needed for comfortable lighting.

Incandescent lamps with a power of 25 to 100 watts have a brightness of 200 to 1350 lumens.
Halogen lamps will provide brightness from 625 to 1170 lumens.
Fluorescent lamps will provide 1500 to 2000 lumens.
– the brightest, up to 6000 lumens, and they can be selected to suit any need due to the many configurations of such lighting.

Decorative lighting in the bathroom

If space allows, you can let your imagination run wild and add decorative lighting to the main one. It will add a special atmosphere to the bathroom and can create an intimate atmosphere. Now you can highlight whatever your heart desires - the floor, windows, niches, steps, the perimeter near the bathtub. There is even lighting built into the bathtub, but this is one of the expensive projects. You can install an LED strip around the perimeter of the floor and ceiling, which will create a unique effect. Ceiling lighting with a starry sky effect, installed in addition to one central lamp, will look amazing. You can make your own lanterns from shiny tin cans by making holes in the cans and placing a candle inside. They can be transferred to different places, thus playing with lighting.

The main thing here is a sense of harmony, style, taste and imagination, then all ideas can be implemented with the best result. Or you can contact specialists who will develop a suitable individual project for the bathroom, will hide all the shortcomings and emphasize the advantages, based on any area of the room.

So, organizing lighting in the bathroom is a rather interesting task and has different alternatives. It is worth paying attention to it in order to achieve best effect and the greatest comfort in such a room necessary for life.