Spot lamps for the bathroom - do-it-yourself selection and installation

Light calculation

The easiest way to solve the indicated problem is to open the SNiP and find out the reference value. According to the standards, one light source is needed to illuminate an area of ​​5 m². Since in most cases the bathroom area is rarely large, it is enough to hang one ceiling chandelier. She will be able to make the room bright.

But any changes in the layout and the use of complex systems for decorating ceilings may require adjustments to the distribution of light flow. In this case, experienced designers always have their own best practices. They advise organizing bright but evenly diffused lighting in the bathroom. It will help emphasize the shine and cleanliness of the interior.

Each zone requires lighting Source mebel-go.ru

More recently, when drawing up projects, calculations of the luminous flux were made taking into account the use of conventional incandescent lamps. Today it is not economical to use them, so the existing standards have been revised. The starting point is not the power of the device (W), but the intensity of the luminous flux (lm). For LEDs this figure is 8 times higher than for incandescent lamps. Experts assure that to illuminate a small bathroom, one LED lamp with a power of 5-6 W and two sconces with the same power are enough. They are most often placed on both sides of the mirror.

Sconces on the sides of the mirror Source sl.aviarydecor.com

It is important to consider both the color of the finish and the presence (or absence) of a natural light source. A bathroom whose walls are completely decorated with light glossy tiles does not need a large number of light bulbs. Dark finishes absorb light. Additional devices can compensate for losses. But for everything to work correctly, it is important to take a responsible approach to their installation.

Dark bathroom finishes require more lighting Source loungemobel.com

Recessed LED ceiling spots

With the advent of suspended ceilings, it became possible to beautifully decorate the bathroom interior using built-in lamps. Such lamps look very aesthetically pleasing, both in suspended ceilings and in slatted or ceilings made of PVC panels. Today, built-in spotlights are available in a variety of design options, and you can easily choose the design that best suits the interior of your bathroom. In order for the lamps to best combine with the bathroom decor, their light temperature should be selected so that it matches the tonal color scheme in the bathroom interior. Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin and corresponds to the following table:

So, for a bathroom in bluish-blue tones, lamps with a natural white color (from 3500 to 5000 K) are suitable. The cool white color of LED lamps (5000-7000 K) will make the interior even colder, and the warm white color (2000-3500 K) can add warmer notes. For a bathroom in sand, chocolate, pink, pastel colors, lamps in the warm range of colors (2000-3500 K) are best suited.

Rules for placing lamps

Experience in decorating small rooms shows that there are nuances that must be taken into account when choosing a place to install lamps.

• The more light sources, the less power each should have.
• If the bathroom is used as a multifunctional room, each area should be illuminated separately. Typically, one lamp is hung directly above the bathing basin or inside the shower stall, the other is where a person changes clothes and stores removed things. Bathroom ceiling lighting is selected taking into account the height of the ceilings. If they are tall, you can afford to hang a plate chandelier. For low ceilings, you should give preference to recessed luminaires or spotlights, which can provide sufficient flow intensity and, if necessary, redirect it in the other direction. The shape and design of the devices is selected taking into account the chosen design style.

Style dictates the choice of lighting fixtures Source dekor.expert

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the service of selection and installation of any electrical appliances or electrical equipment in general. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

• It is important to direct the light flow perpendicular to the reflective surface, then glare will be avoided.
• You cannot hang a lamp directly above a mirror: its light will distort the reflection. If you need to do makeup or shave your face well, it is better to place the light source on the sides of the mirror. Experts advise not to use colored lamps for this, but to choose those that create a flow that is as close in color and intensity as possible to natural daylight.
• Placing an LED strip under the side of the bathtub or under the window sill will help create a “flight effect” and divert attention from the emptiness that forms under the designated objects. This solution does not carry any practical functions, but serves only for decoration. But with its help, an atmosphere of relaxation is formed. Which is very valuable, especially for a person tired of everyday life. You can highlight everything with tape: steps, niches.
• It is beautiful and cozy if the lighting in the bathroom is complemented by lighting of cabinets, shelves, and bedside tables. It is created using built-in lamps that can provide soft, diffused, warm light. It helps make it easier to find the necessary accessories or household chemicals.

Lighting in cabinets is convenient Source www.e-stroymart.kz
If you have a large number of lamps, it is advisable to connect them with separate lines, then you can turn them on separately, and not all at once.

No. 5. What functional areas should be highlighted in the bathroom?

If your bathroom is quite spacious, then you need to select several zones with their own lighting:

• wash area, where, naturally, the washbasin and mirror are located;
• bathing area with bath or shower;
• a free area for changing clothes, folding things or doing laundry.

In addition, pieces of furniture can also be illuminated : shelves, cabinets, bedside tables can have small built-in lamps that provide soft, unobtrusive light that can illuminate the entire contents of the cabinet and make it easier to find the necessary item.

Safety regulations

The operation of sanitary facilities has its own characteristics. There is always high humidity here. According to safety standards, it should not interact with electricity. Therefore, special attention must be paid to compliance with the following rules.

• The electrical wiring diagram must be drawn up and then assembled on site by professional electricians.
• All lighting for the bathroom should be arranged using lighting fixtures that can withstand constant exposure to moisture. Usually this feature is indicated in the technical data sheet of the product in the form of an IP index and two numbers. You can safely purchase models for which this index ranges from IP 44 to IP 67.

Labeling of bathroom fixtures Source eglo-market.ru

This might be interesting!
In the article at the following link, read about modern bathroom design.

• You cannot choose lamps that have metal parts on the body that are not covered with a protective layer that prevents the development of corrosion processes. Usually cheap models are made from such materials. They are unable to withstand moisture for a long time. Their appearance quickly deteriorates, and their further use becomes unsafe.
• The power of devices installed inside the shower stall should not exceed 12 W.
• Lamps should not be installed directly above the bathing bowl.
• There is no place for open incandescent lamps in the described room. If cool drops of water fall on heated glass, it will break. If a person is nearby at this moment, some fragments will injure his body, others will scatter throughout the room. Which can also subsequently cause injuries.

It is prohibited to place incandescent lamps in the bath Source www.eseolight.ru
You cannot install lighting in a small bathroom with exposed wiring. Adapters, tees, and extension cords cannot be used here.

Which provides protection from steam and moisture

The moisture-proof lamp is equipped with additional gaskets and seals that prevent water from getting inside.
You can find out the degree of protection of a lamp by the protection index – IP, which is indicated in the labeling. IP is a two-digit European humidity standard. The first number indicates the degree of protection of the device from the ingress of dust and solids, and the second is responsible for the ingress of moisture.

Dust protection:

• IP – 0: the lamp is not protected from dust;
• IP – 1: the lamp is protected from large particles larger than 5 cm;
• IP – 2: protection against particles larger than 1.2 cm;
• IP – 3: average value that protects the lamp from particles larger than 2.5 mm;
• IP – 4: protection against foreign bodies larger than 1 mm;
• IP – 5 and IP – 6: this is ideal protection against dust; with these values, foreign bodies do not get inside the lamp.

Moisture protection:

• IP – 0: no protection from moisture;
• IP – 1: protection against drops of water and condensation falling from above;
• IP – 2: option for the bathroom, drops do not fall into it at an angle of 15 degrees;
• IP – 3: protection against drops falling at an angle of 60 degrees;
• IP – 4: protection against any splashes;
• IP – 5: protection against drops and jets of water;
• IP – 6: resistance to sea salt water;
• IP – 7: resistance to immersion in water to a depth of 1 m;
• IP – 8: perfect tightness, moisture does not enter even at great depths.

The choice of one or another lamp is determined by the humidity zone in the bathroom.

Appliances best suited for the bathroom

Experts recommend organizing lighting in the bathroom and bathroom using LED lamps. They are suitable for all types of lampshades. When used for a long time, they do not heat up above 80° C, while the body remains cold. This eliminates the possibility of equipment overheating.

You can use LED lamps for installation in suspended ceiling systems. The film will not turn yellow or deteriorate over time. There are lamps on sale, the models of which are created without the use of glass. Their choice ensures that there is no risk of explosion when moisture enters. The described devices easily survive voltage surges in the electrical wiring network. Therefore, they last longer than incandescent lamps. LED lamps have high efficiency, which has allowed manufacturers to reduce the size of lighting fixtures. Even the smallest LEDs shine brightly, making it easy to save space without sacrificing light intensity. Which is very important when installing lighting in a small bath.

LED lamps for the bathroom Source eglo.com

LED decorative lighting

In addition to general overhead lighting, decorative lighting is increasingly being used today to give the room an absolutely fantastic look and create an amazing atmosphere.

As a rule, LED decorative lighting is made from tapes of different colors that are widely available today. The connection of such tapes is carried out through a special power supply, observing the polarity - plus to plus, minus to minus. In this case, the power supply is connected directly to an alternating current network with a voltage of 220 volts.

A schematic diagram of connecting an LED strip to a 220 volt AC network is shown below:

If you need to make sure that the brightness of the LED strip can be adjusted, you should use a special regulator called a dimmer. The dimmer is connected to the power supply and the LED strip is already connected to it.

You can watch a video on how to connect an LED strip to the controller and power supply below:

Types and types of lamps

Manufacturers offer a huge range of lighting products. It will be much easier to choose the right one if you do it after the decoration of the room has been completely completed, all the plumbing equipment and furniture have been installed, and decorative accessories have been hung.

All lamps that can be used to illuminate a toilet and bathroom are divided into three large groups.

Built-in models are the most popular and practical. They are usually mounted in suspended ceiling systems. They are simply inserted into pre-cut holes and secured in them using special latches. The body heats up slightly, so the finishing elements do not heat up. This feature of recessed luminaires allows you to choose lamp models with minimal recess.

Recessed oval luminaire Source ru.paulmann-light.ru

This might be interesting!
In the article at the following link, read about the design of a modern kitchen.

Overhead models are the second most popular lighting fixtures. Their design consists of two parts: a thin base made of metal, and a lampshade made of translucent plastic. Such a device weighs almost nothing. It is attached to the concrete, to the ceiling with self-tapping screws. It's inexpensive. When turned on, it creates an even, diffused light that is soft and does not hurt the eyes.

Overhead model with a metal body and a matte lampshade Source conrad.fr

Suspended models (single-arm or multi-arm lamps). Their main advantage is the variety of execution forms. The design can be very different. And all because everything is used to make them: metal, glass, and plastic. Complex designs require reliable attachment to the base.

Strict pendant lamps above the sink Source softwaremonster.info

The choice of something specific is usually dictated by the style of bathroom design. It is important to take into account the characteristics of the base on which the equipment is mounted.

No. 6. Mirror and washbasin lighting

The mirror needs to be illuminated so that the reflection in it is as natural as possible, without unnecessary shadows and does not distort the colors. In this case, it is better to refuse lamps under the mirror, as well as colored lighting, which will create unnecessary color spots on your reflection. It is better if the light is as soft as possible , so the lampshades can be matte or white. The best option is to place light sources on the sides or along the perimeter of the mirror. Lamps can be used of absolutely any type, but it is better that the resulting light is as close as possible to natural daylight.

Installation

The material of the ceiling covering in most cases becomes the determining criterion for choosing a lamp. If there is no overlay trim and the ceiling is a painted concrete slab, an overlay model in the form of a plate with a matte shade is best suited. The lighting in a small bathroom will be quite intense if the lighting device is designed for two LED bulbs with a power of 7 W each. It is installed as follows:

1. Using a drill or hammer drill, holes are made in the concrete for self-tapping screws.
2. The metal base of the lamp is applied to them and screwed to the base with self-tapping screws.
3. The electricity in the house is completely switched off using an automatic machine.
4. The electrical wire is connected to the lampshade.
5. Light bulbs are screwed in.
6. The lampshade snaps into place.
7. The electricity is turned on and the operation of the device is checked.

Installation diagram of a surface-mounted lamp Source lampaekb.ru

This might be interesting!
In the article at the following link, read about all the shades of beige in the interior.

It will be more difficult to attach lighting equipment to a plasterboard base. If multi-level light is installed in the bathroom, the design of the room will only benefit from this. But realizing such an idea is not so easy. First, a lighting design plan is drawn up, then according to it, the location of the light bulbs is marked. Double-insulated wires are led to it; they are laid along a metal profile, with the help of which a frame is formed for installing drywall.

The wires are secured with ties. Before installation, holes are drilled on a sheet of plasterboard for ceiling lights of the required diameter. After attaching the sheet, wires are threaded through them, which are then stripped and connected to the terminals of the lampshade. At the final stage, a light bulb is inserted into the lamp. The lighting of the toilet is done in the same way if plasterboard is used as a ceiling finish.

Lighting zoning

Highlighting areas with light can dramatically change the appearance of a small bathroom. Most often, the mirror area is highlighted, installing lamps that allow you to brightly illuminate the face for applying makeup in the morning or for evening dressing before bed. The overhead light may not be so bright, allowing you to create a difference in light levels that is pleasing to the eye. You can also use local lighting for plumbing fixtures and furniture.

Video description

The video clearly demonstrates the stages of installing a spotlight:

It is even more difficult to install lamps on a stretch ceiling film. Carrying out such a procedure requires professional skills and the ability to make accurate calculations. Without going into details, the installation of lighting equipment is carried out as follows:

1. First, the frame of the lighting fixture is attached to the concrete base.
2. Then the suspended ceiling is installed.
3. Afterwards, holes are formed in the film.
4. It is connected to the frame of the device using special insulating rings (they prevent possible rupture of the film).
5. At the final stage, the light bulbs are inserted into the frame.

Installation diagram of the device on a suspended ceiling Source sense-life.com

Note!
To ensure that the canvas lasts longer and does not turn yellow when heated by lighting fixtures, you need to choose LEDs with a base for lighting the bathroom. They do not heat up, which means that the film next to them will not lose its physical properties.

In conclusion

Bathroom lighting is a detail that performs several functions at once, and therefore the approach to organizing lighting requires taking into account a variety of factors: the type and power of the lighting fixture, location, safety, design, etc. With all this, it is important not to forget about safety precautions both at the stage of repair work and in the future. Remember that thanks to lighting you can create not only a comfortable, but also a cozy space.

Tags:Bathroom, Lighting systems

Briefly about the main thing

Even in a small bathroom, lighting must be properly organized. First of all, specialists carry out calculations that show the number and power of installed lamps.

Since the bathroom is a room with high humidity, safety requirements must be taken into account.

Not all lighting fixtures are suitable for the bathroom - in addition to brightness and safety, you need to choose lamps depending on the ceiling finish.

Ratings 0
Read later

Why should you use LED lamps?

Compared to other artificial lighting sources, LED lamps deserve the highest rating. Their superiority when organizing lighting in the bathroom is in the following points:

1. LED lamps are completely interchangeable with all known types of light bulbs, as they are manufactured for all types of sockets. Taking into account this fact, switching to LED lighting in a bathroom that has already undergone a major renovation will not be difficult.
2. The temperature of the body of a high-quality LED light bulb does not exceed 80°C, and the body of the lamp itself with such a lamp remains cold or barely warm. As a result, overheating and subsequent yellowing of the ceiling sheet are eliminated. You don’t have to be afraid to use any type of spotlights.
3. In addition to the usual standard voltage of 220 V, light sources are commercially available that are designed for a voltage of 12 V (safe for lighting rooms with high humidity).
4. LED lamps can be produced without the use of glass and, unlike incandescent and halogen lamps, do not explode when switched on at high voltage.
5. Based on personal taste and the color of the interior trim, you can choose LED lamps with the most suitable shade of white light.
6. The high efficiency of light sources based on LEDs has made it possible to reduce the size of LED lamps and luminaires. Compact and at the same time bright lamps not only emphasize style, but also save space, which is important for small bathrooms.