Bathroom Light Fixtures & Fittings

What IP rating do I need for bathroom lights?

IP rating stands for Ingress Protection, and it tells you how well a light fitting is protected against moisture and dust. In a bathroom, this matters more than almost anywhere else in the home, so it's important to get it right. As a minimum, any light fitting in a bathroom should carry an IP44 rating, which means it's protected against water splashing from any direction. For fittings directly over or very close to a bath or shower, you'll need IP65 or higher. If you’re still not sure what that all means, we’ve got you. Have a look at our blog on IP ratings to get clued in.

Which bathroom zone needs which IP rating?

Bathrooms are divided into three zones, each with its own IP rating requirement. Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower itself, and any fitting used here must be rated at least IP67. Zone 1 is the area directly above the bath or shower up to a height of 2.25 metres and requires a minimum of IP65. Zone 2 extends 0.6 metres beyond the edge of the bath or shower and around the basin area, where IP44 is the minimum requirement. Anywhere outside these zones is considered outside the zoned area, and while there's no specific IP requirement here, a fitting with at least IP20 is still recommended as good practice.

Can you put downlights in a bathroom?

Yes, absolutely. Recessed downlights are one of the most popular choices for bathroom ceilings, and they work brilliantly for creating clean, even lighting across the whole room. The key is making sure any downlight you choose carries the right IP rating for the zone it's going into. For most bathroom ceiling installations outside the shower zone, IP44 rated downlights will do the job. For fittings positioned directly over a shower or bath, you'll want IP65 as a minimum. It's also worth checking whether the downlight is suitable for use with an insulated ceiling, as some fittings require clearance above them.

Can I install bathroom lights myself?

Bathroom lighting installation falls under Part P of the Building Regulations in the UK, which means any new lighting circuit or significant electrical work in a bathroom must be carried out by a qualified electrician. That said, like-for-like replacements on an existing fitting can sometimes be done without a qualified electrician, though it's always worth checking if you're unsure. Beyond the legal side of things, getting a professional to install bathroom lighting gives you peace of mind that everything is safely and correctly fitted. If you're planning a full bathroom renovation or adding new circuits, always bring in a qualified electrician.

What type of lighting is best for a bathroom?

The best bathroom lighting combines more than one type of light to cover all the different things you do in the space. A main ceiling light or a set of downlights provides the ambient base layer, brightening the whole room evenly. Task lighting around the mirror is just as important. Bathroom mirror lights are great for tasks such as shaving or cleaning your teeth in the morning. If your bathroom is large enough, wall lights add a third layer of warmth and atmosphere, making the space feel more like a retreat. Warm white light (around 2700K to 3000K) works well in most bathrooms, though slightly cooler tones around the mirror can be helpful for tasks that need accurate colour rendering.

Can I use LED bulbs in bathroom lights?

Yes, and we'd always recommend it. LED bulbs are more energy efficient, last much longer than traditional bulbs, and are available in a wide range of colour temperatures to suit different moods and uses. The important thing to check is that the bulb itself carries a suitable IP rating for the zone it's going into, not just the fitting. In zones 1 and 2, both the fitting and the bulb should meet the relevant IP requirements. Most modern LED bulbs designed for bathroom use will clearly state their IP rating, so it's a quick and easy check before you buy.