How to choose lamps for the ceiling in the bathroom

Conventional appliances are not suitable for bathroom lighting, as this is a room with a high level of moisture, which can be life-threatening. Also, there are no windows in the bathroom, therefore, sunlight does not enter there, so you need to correctly place the lamps so that it is convenient to use all the plumbing devices. In a new finished room, it is important to harmoniously fit electrical appliances in style and color - this will help the consultation of a designer.

What to consider when choosing devices

Pair of surface-mounted lamps on the bathroom ceiling

First of all, it is necessary to choose lamps for the bathroom, taking into account safety requirements and the method of mounting. Usually, electrical wiring is mounted at the stage of rough repair, if there is already a ready-made plan for the placement of devices. But it so happens that the residents do not take this moment into account and the lamps have to be plugged into the outlet. The disadvantage of this method is hanging wires, which can ruin the interior.

Safety

Security index indicated on the luminaire.

Ordinary indoor luminaires differ from those installed in bathrooms in their interior design. They have additional parts that block water and steam from access to bare wires, terminals, a lamp holder - to the entire electrical unit.

There is a rubber gasket (or plug) where the wiring enters the lamp housing. The same is at the junction of the cartridge with the electrical unit. You can navigate whether a lamp is suitable for a bathroom or not according to the accompanying documentation, where the manufacturer indicates the moisture resistance parameters. This is the degree of IP, the index of which starts with the number 24 and ends with 68. In the first case, this is the minimum protection indicator, in the second - the maximum. In addition to moisture protection, there is also a degree of dust protection, but this parameter does not significantly affect the safety of people in the bathroom.

Protection degree table

Splitting by placement method

Wet areas in the bathroom

Of course, devices with the highest degree of protection are more expensive, so they are chosen as the lamp is located close to the water source. For this, the room is conventionally divided into 3 zones:

  1. Located directly above plumbing fixtures - a bath, shower or sink, where the humidity is close to one hundred percent. Here the degree of protection should be maximum.
  2. At a distance of 30 to 60 cm, where splashes from water may fall. Powerful lamps are not used here, and the degree is selected at least 45.
  3. Located more than 60 cm from the end of the second zone. Luminaires with minimum IP protection are suitable for it.

Condensation is dangerous. The area where droplets will collect should be equipped with devices with the highest degree of protection. It is important here whether there is ventilation in the room and how effective it is.

Design

The chosen lighting should be in harmony with the design of the entire room.

The main requirement for bathroom design is that lamps, tiles, bathroom fixtures and furniture are in harmony with each other, creating a coherent whole in perception. If the tiles and furniture are designed in one style, and the lamps in another, the feeling of integrity will not arise, and the look will always dwell on those details that do not fit into the interior.

A designer's mistake may be the selection of lamps that are too simple relative to other style elements, or, on the contrary, too bright or defiant. For interior design, it is better to use the services of professional designers.

How is the illumination of a bathroom calculated

Indoor lighting calculation

The unit for measuring the degree of illumination is lux, abbreviated as lx. - 1 lumen per square meter. SanPin defines the required degree for a bathroom as 50 lux. The space near the washbasin is at least 100 lux. This applies to fluorescent lamps. Incandescent lamps have different requirements: at least 20 lux, near the washbasin - 50 lux.

Lighting calculation is influenced by:

  • number of devices (N);
  • their power (p);
  • room area (S).

According to the formula P = p X S / N, you can determine whether there is enough power if you take the minimum power of 20 watts for "p". If you need more light or there are people with low vision in the room, then "p" is taken at least 30 watts.

When choosing lighting, you need to take into account the type of finish. Light tiles or plaster reflect light better, so you can get by with fewer fixtures or less power. With dark tiles, the opposite is true.

A large number of mirrors or glossy stretch ceilings increase the amount of light.

When installing LED lamps, the calculation is done according to a different scheme. For example, one 100-watt incandescent lamp produces the same light output as several 1200-lumen LEDs.

Types of bathroom fixtures

All lamps in the bathroom can be divided into ceiling, wall, floor lighting.

The main task of all light sources is to efficiently organize the lighting of individual zones. Ceiling models include chandeliers, diode strips, panels, overhead and spotlights.

Ceiling models

Ceiling lamp in the bathroom

Chandeliers are pendant designs that are suitable for rooms with high ceilings and a certain style of furniture. Most often used in classic bathroom designs. In this case, the room should be large enough and spacious so that a lamp of this type does not seem too bulky.

LED strips are used in complex ceilings with several levels to create unusual lighting for the main fixtures. The advantage of the tape is the ability to combine several color shades. Usually located under skirting boards.

The light panel is distinguished by the complexity of the configuration and the combination of various types of lighting fixtures, which allows you to create interesting design solutions. To avoid frequent problems with replacing burned out lamps, you cannot save on their quality, otherwise you will have to dismantle all or part of the structure.

Surface-mounted luminaires are a bracket with several fixtures that can be rotated to illuminate the desired object. Thus, you can highlight the most significant parts of the interior, highlighting their beauty.

The location of spotlights is negotiated in advance, at the stage of rough work. The lamp groups can be switched on individually or all together. To do this, equip a switch, the buttons of which are responsible for each group of devices.

Wall appliances

Wall luminaire - the optimal solution for zone lighting

Wall-mounted lighting devices include sconces and spots (overhead shades). Sconces - several devices of the same type on one bracket. Most often used to illuminate mirrors from the top or sides.

Overhead spots are attached in any convenient way - vertically or horizontally. They are usually installed close to the wall.The plus is that this model takes up little space and is suitable for small rooms with low ceilings.

Floor models

Recessed floor lamps

Floor lamps include floor lamps, but they give a dim beam of light, therefore they cannot be used for the entire bathroom - only for one niche. In addition, the installation of a floor lamp requires more space, which is not always possible in a small apartment.

Some models are designed to be built into the floor, most often they are combined with glass tiles or floor panels. This design nuance limits the scope of such devices. In practice, though, this is a very convenient solution to get around obstacles.

Glowing tiles are an economical way to illuminate a bathroom, as they do not depend on electricity. On the other hand, it cannot be turned off, since the materials used for this purpose have a glowing effect.

Luminaires for slatted and stretch ceilings

LED spotlights in slatted ceiling

A stretch ceiling is a film that is located about 3 - 5 cm below the main ceiling.Therefore, it is possible to install spotlights and their varieties in it - built-in, overhead and semi-cut, as well as LED strips and chandeliers, spots and track systems. In terms of fastening reliability, these models do not cause problems. The power of halogen lamps is usually tried to be selected no higher than 30 watts. LED and fluorescent light fit all. When using incandescent lamps, make sure that the distance to the film is at least 30 cm.

When installing pendant lamps, the heated part is located far from the film, so it does not overheat or deform.


There is a wish for the installation of square spotlights for illuminating the bathtub: there should be a platform of a special size for them. This must be agreed upon when purchasing a ceiling and choosing lighting fixtures, otherwise the order will be very expensive.

Features of inline and overhead models

Waterproof lamp Novotech 357601 DRUM

You can choose built-in or surface-mounted luminaires for the ceiling in the bathroom. Which type of installation to choose depends on such factors:

  • ceiling type;
  • repair stage;
  • installation cost.

For built-in models, the electrical unit is completely in drywall or behind the foil. The outer part is flush with the ceiling or protrudes slightly. Such devices visually save space, make it wider and higher. For installation it is necessary to prepare holes of the required size, which are indicated in the instructions. The direction of light is vertical, occasionally there are models that have an adjustable module, capable of turning the lamp.

For overhead appliances, it is not necessary to have a margin of distance between the base ceiling and the suspended one. Also, they do not need special installation preparatory work. Models are available in various shapes, colors and materials, making them versatile.

Which luminaire to choose - built-in or overhead - depends on the method of fixing the ceiling (there may not be enough space to hide the built-in electrical unit), as well as the style of the room.

Rotary and non-rotary devices

Recessed swivel luminaire

By design, point-type lighting devices are rotary and non-rotary. Swivel ones can be directed in any direction, non-swivel ones always shine in one direction, for example, if they are located on the ceiling, then only downward.

Swivel models are most often mounted on special brackets. With their help, you can create any lighting configurations in the apartment. Fixed ones will most likely be mounted in a stretch or plasterboard ceiling.

Varieties of lamps for lamps

LED Spot Light

There are cosmetic procedures in the bathroom, so the lighting, especially near the mirror, should be maximized.This indicator depends on the type of lamps, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. On sale you can find:

  • LED bulbs;
  • luminescent;
  • halogen;
  • incandescent.

LED lamps are considered environmentally friendly as they do not contain harmful volatile metal impurities such as mercury. They give a bright light, so they are needed less to illuminate the room. There are ribbon lamps that can be conveniently positioned on various curves of the wall. The filling of the LED lamp is resistant to voltage drops, therefore it lasts longer. Energy consumption is lower - they save money well during operation. The only negative is that they are expensive.

Fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps give bright light and last twice as long as incandescent lamps. At the same time, they heat up for a long time and fail with frequent voltage drops. They are more toxic, therefore they are used with additional safety measures.

Halogen luminaires are beams of light that are often used in primary lighting. If you use only halogens, there will be partial shade in the room, which is not always convenient for facial care - shaving, peeling. Lamps react strongly to voltage drops, so there must be a stabilizer in the house in order for the lighting fixtures to last longer. In terms of financial investments, this is more expensive.

Conventional incandescent lamps are short-lived, in addition, the body can melt due to overheating and high heat transfer.

Fixtures in the bathroom interior

For some people, taking a bath is a kind of ritual that helps to relax and detach from everyday worries. Therefore, it is important to create lighting that will not be conspicuous. A multi-level lighting system is best suited for this. If full light is needed, turn on all lamps; if not, they are limited to LED strip or light panels.

Also, light bulbs can be installed in furniture - bedside tables, wardrobes where bathing accessories are stored. This will allow you to find the things you need faster. The main requirement is functionality and safety. It is not advisable to overload the bathroom with high power lighting fixtures. For this, economical lamps are selected.

Location of light sources

Thanks to the various combinations of lighting fixtures, you can create any configuration of the main and area light. By selecting different power, it is possible to highlight functionally important areas - a sink, furniture or decorative interior items.

There are lamps on flexible arms that can be rotated and directed in any direction, and there is no need to install several devices instead of one universal one. This will allow you to save on electricity and at the same time be a practical solution.

The nuances of installing lamps in the bathroom

The first step is to determine where the cable needs to be routed and where to bring it out for connection, how many such points should be in the bathroom. Usually, the devices are arranged in a certain order, so the places are marked with a marker.

It is important what type of cable will be used. You cannot save on such details, since damage to poor-quality wires threatens to completely destroy the bathroom finish in order to replace the site. It is recommended to take a solid copper wire. It must be isolated. To do this, use the chasing technique, where a corrugation with several wires is laid.

All materials must be moisture resistant, and the devices are selected according to the IP security system as they move away from water sources.

Installation can be done independently if the landlord has knowledge of electrical engineering. Otherwise, it is better to call the masters - they will do the work faster and better. Licensed firms give a guarantee for their work. In case of any problems, you can contact them with a request to fix the work.

ihousetop.decorexpro.com/en/
Add a comment

Foundation

Ventilation

Heating