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When it comes to designing a home, a special approach needs to be made to tackle the bathroom. The reason is simple. Unlike other rooms, there is a greater pressure to meet safety regulations and a desired room style. What this means is that often, with safety rated lighting essential, the selection of bathroom lights seems to be limited. However, that is not to say that dull and uninspiring models are all that are available. The fact is that the regulations that affect the lighting of a bathroom are specific, but not in the same way as outdoor lighting, for example, which has to contend with adverse weather conditions. There is a vast range of spot lights and other styles available that can amply handle the moisture in bathrooms, while still matching the interior decor. Smooth domed ceiling lights are amongst the favourites for bathroom designers. The reason is quite clearly the discretion that these lights have, with many contemporary designs preferring a minimalist touch. As a ceiling light, their light tends to fill the room without any sense of source, in almost the same way that the sun would naturally fill a room. However, they are equally effective when used on walls, though this is not the primary position. A perfect example of this type of light is the Acid bathroom ceiling light. Its convex glass disc is frosted to maximise the softness of the light, and is ringed with a slimline matt chrome finish to add further elegance to the fitting. Of course, as with any electrical fitting in a bathroom, it is IP21 rated, making it suitable 60cm or more away from a bath or shower. Any closer could create a short or a fire hazard. These lights are typically small in diameter and it is advisable to use more than one in the bathroom, though precisely how many will depend on the size of the room itself. Placing four in a square, each roughly half way between the wall and the centre of the ceiling, is generally considered ideal, but as many as six can be used if the room is large. Despite the obvious attraction of the ceiling light, it cannot be placed very close to a shower or bath, which creates a problem when it comes to actually using those facilities. However, there are options open to those who wish to place lights above them. For any electrical fitting for such purposes, an IP65 safety rating is required, which means it is capable to resisting direct jets of water, albeit low powered jets, as well as dust and other potentially damaging ingressions. In terms of design, the range is filled with varying options that can cater for any particular decor theme. For the urban contemporary look, a chrome spotlight is highly popular and can offer an impressive effect when placed above the shower. Even more impressive is if it is adjustable, allowing the home owner to direct light to any specific area, and thereby affect the use of light and shadow, helping to create a mood. If a more elegant look is desired, then a square glass covered spotlight is a popular choice. In this case, instead of an adjustable rotary light, the bulb is set inside the recess but is protected by a thick, square glass plate, often frosted to minimise glare. The plate is screwed securely over the light, which is sealed to protect against splashes or water jets and also dust, meaning it meets with the IP65 rating requirement. The effect, of course, is to create a lighter, airier feeling in the room, making it ideal of smaller bathrooms where making the most of a limited amount of space is preferred. Designing a bathroom has its own challenges, with so many safety issues to meet compared to a living room, the kitchen or even the external influences that outdoor lighting has to cope with. Safety is, of course, number one and the dangers of having electrical features within a bathroom are clear. That is why it is always best to invest the task of installing bathroom lights to a professional. However, the need to measure up to regulations does not mean that style must be abandoned. From recessed lights to adjustable spot lights, there is a model to suit any design that a home owner may wish to apply to a bathroom. Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Litecraft, one of the leading retailers of indoor and outdoor lighting products in the UK. Litecraft products have been featured in TV shows such as 60 Minute Makeover and Channel 4, so you know you are getting nothing but the highest quality lighting products. Browse for lighting products such as bathroom lights, spot lights and more in the comfort of your home, or in any of their 10 showrooms across the country.
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