Lighting options for the bathroom mirror

Lighting in the bathroom should be given special attention. Here they not only take a shower, but also put themselves in order. Men in the bathroom shave, women often apply makeup. In order for a person to clearly see their reflection in the smallest details, it is necessary to organize high-quality illumination. This article will tell you how to choose the type of mirror lighting, transforming the room and increasing the comfort of users.

The mirror illumination performs both practical and aesthetic functions. Properly selected lighting can emphasize the style of the interior and even visually expand the bathroom. It is only necessary to choose and install the lamps.

When choosing, it is worth considering the features of the stop, the size of the room and the dimensions of the mirror itself. For example, if the accessory is medium in size, arranging the illumination around the perimeter is an excellent solution. In any case, soft diffused lighting, which does not irritate the eyes, is considered optimal.

Lamps in mirror lighting can be used in several ways.

• Neon They give uniform light, can be installed even in hard-to-reach places. In this case, the lamps do not heat up to more than 40 degrees.

Of the minuses, we can distinguish them low strength. As soon as one element fails, the neighboring ones also stop burning. In addition, they unstable to humidity. Therefore, use such lighting in the bathroom should be very careful.

• Luminescent. Give natural light. They are economical and have a long service life. The minuses include slight flickerthat appears when you turn it on. After some time, it stops, but even in a short period of time manages to exert some strain on vision.

• Halogen. Resistant to moisture, give a bright light, serve for a long time. The disadvantages include strong heating and loss of performance due to small contaminants. Typically, such lamps are built into point devices.

• LED. Such lamps shine beautifully, do not irritate the eyes. Moreover, they have a long service life. The downside is only high price, which in principle is justified by obvious advantages. To date, such lamps are the most popular.

• LED strip (LED backlight). Separately, you should highlight the tape, which looks like a flexible luminous strip. It is easy to install, it serves for a long time. However, such products are also worth a lot.

Depending on the location, the backlight can be top, side or circular (around the entire perimeter of the product). Also emit external and internal illumination. Built-in illumination is realized by LED lamps, which are built into the reflective element at the production stage.

To soften the luminous flux used matte records. Such products look very impressive. It seems that the mirror shines on its own for no apparent reason. At the same time, the power of the lamps allows such devices to be very functional.

An additional plus is the prevention of fogging of the reflective sheet, because the internal lighting is often accompanied by heating. Of the shortcomings can only be distinguished the need for careful selection of accessory. Some manufacturers produce products with bright lamps without diffusing light, irritating to the eyes.

Closed appliances with acrylic shades can fit snugly against the wall or mount on the accessory itself. The shape of the devices can be round, cylindrical. Sometimes fixtures are attached to the mirror with metal arcs. In this case, they are sold in the kit and are located on top.

These are small lamps in a special frame that protects the lamps from moisture. Point devices are usually built into the "peak" of the mirror. Sometimes they are located on the side wall. The spots can be static and rotary. In the second case, you can adjust the luminous flux by directing it in the direction you need.

These are wall pendant lights. More often this lighting option is chosen for the design of classic interiors. Graceful models accentuate the chosen style, creating an elegant vintage setting. However, today there are also very modern models on sale that fit perfectly into the minimalist concept.

Choosing a sconce for the bathroom, it is important to consider the characteristics of moisture resistance. The wiring should be hidden. Also, do not take models with a closed lower part. Such devices give light going up. In this case, the illumination of the mirror zone is minimal.

As mentioned earlier, many mirror models are equipped with an integrated LED strip. However, sometimes users themselves design a reflective accessory in this way. It is considered that the best degree of illumination gives the upper placement of the tape.

For make-up mirrors, large lamps with frosted glass are installed on both sides. In the bathrooms, such models are rare, but still it happens.

To obtain optimum brightness for hygienic and cosmetic procedures, it is necessary to ensure a degree of diffusion of light up to 400 lux. Lighting should be uniform, not annoying. To maintain the reflection realism, it is necessary to take lamps of a neutral color. The optimum temperature is from 4000 to 4200 K.

It is important to remember about high humidity. In order to maintain safety, it is worthwhile to purchase devices and lamps suitable for such conditions. Each lamp indicates the IP index. These are 2 numbers that indicate the degree of protection of the product from dust and moisture. The higher this indicator, the safer the lamp.

The minimum allowable IP ratio is 44, such a lamp will not be afraid of accidental splashes. The maximum possible IP score is 55. Such devices work even under a water stream. Of course, this is the best option. Also, experts advise choosing 12- and 24-volt products. This will minimize the risk of short circuit.

In order for the mirror illumination to harmoniously blend into the concept of the design of the room, it is important to take into account the chosen style.

The built-in lighting in the classic interior will look out of place. All decor should match the vintage character of the style.. The mirror in a beautiful metal frame is complemented by an external lighting fixture. Finishing classic interiors usually has warm colors (milky, beige, brown).

The same goes for plumbing. There are no chrome parts in this style. Metal imitates gold or copper. Respectively, both the mirror frame and the lighting fixtures should have the same shade.

As for the form, it can be a cylindrical lamp in a frame of yellow metal with beautiful carved patterns. You can choose a sconce. There are several options: two single devices, two double (if the mirror is wide) or one lamp with three shades. In the last two options, the light source is located on top.

Direction, combining the elegance of the past and the achievement of the present, is gaining popularity every day. Such interiors are elegant, light and at the same time not limited in the choice of shades and details of the decor.

Cold tones and chromed metal can be present here. The owners of the house themselves decide which elements in the interior will be vintage and which will be modern. Therefore, mirror lighting can be implemented in any way. Acceptable and sconces of any design, and flat lights, and built-in lighting.

Maximum conciseness and functionality - these are the basic principles of these styles. In such interiors, mirrors with LED-backlight are usually present. It can be located as you like.

Some people prefer products with the effect of a luminous frame. Others like models with one or two strips illuminating the space. The backlit options are interesting. Such products seem to soar in the air, emitting a mystical glow.

Especially for women are created mirror cloths with magnification. In such models, a small section of the canvas enlarges the image several times, allowing you to do face cleaning, complex makeup and other procedures. Some express the minimalist concept in a different way. A mirror without a frame is mounted on the wall. A lamp in the form of a tube, circle or rectangle in a chrome frame is placed on the sides or top.

It is relative free style. Those people who prefer it usually choose bathroom headsets that come with a mirror with a shelf or even with an attached cabinet. Such models are usually illuminated by point instruments built into the visor. Some products have stationary or moving lights on metal poles. Well, of course, there are LED options. It all depends on the taste of the owners of the house.

We should also say about decorative lighting. Luminous flowers, butterflies, patterns and other drawings look very beautiful. However, it should be understood that such a backlight performs only an aesthetic function. It cannot fully illuminate the area near the mirror.

If the backlight is not included with the reflective element, the user purchases and mounts it on their own. In this case it is important to consider the size of the accessory. Massive sconces at the edges of a small mirror canvas (45 cm or less) will look ridiculous, and a modest lamp will not be able to fully illuminate the area next to a large element of the situation (for example, 80x80 cm).

Despite the fact that the side lighting is less bright than the top, experts consider placement of lighting devices on each side of a mirror cloth as the best option. The fact is that the light falling from above focuses on the imperfections in the appearance of the one who looks in the mirror, and sometimes even visually exacerbates them. If you place the lamp below, there will be deep shadows on the reflection. If you hang a sconce on one side of the accessory, a person will see one side of the face less clearly than the other.

The best option is a symmetrical backlight located on both sides. In this case, it is better to observe a height from the floor of about 1.5-2 meters. So the luminous flux will go simultaneously from above and from the sides. As a result, you get a good uniform illumination, pleasant to the eyes. Also, experts recommend observing a distance of at least 60-70 cm between the devices. The same indicator is considered optimal relative to water sources.

A luminaire with a conventional light bulb is mounted as follows:

• turn off the electricity;
• markings are made on the wall;
• using a drill or punch, drill holes in the surface;
• the cable is connected to the terminals;
• metal "ears" are pressed to the center;
• attach to the correct position and fix;
• screw in the light bulb.

If used halogen lamp, power wires and terminals are also involved. The case is mounted by springs. The lamp is inserted into the cartridge and fixed with a yoke. The latter should be included. It is important to remember that with such lamps you can only work with gloves on..

If the appliance is a consignment note, the bracket is first mounted. To do this, use hardware. After that, the cable is connected to the terminals (by color). Then the wiring is carefully removed into the hole. The device body is superimposed and fixed. If the lamp is heavy, it is additionally reinforced with stiffeners.

Concerning led strip, first it is attached to the network adapter. It is important not to forget about polarity. Then the wires are installed in the sockets and fixed with screws. The surface must be prepared. It is pre-cleaned and degreased. If the tape is not long enough, it is instructed in small pieces, soldering them together.

When wiring in the bathroom, it is important to follow some rules.

• The junction box must be removed from the premises. In extreme cases, moisture-proof terminal blocks are used. At the same time, the strands are qualitatively isolated.
• Grounding electrical appliances in such conditions is necessary. This applies even to LED strips.
• Be sure to put an RCD. This device protects the system by shutting off electricity when there is a risk of short circuit.
• The general electrical supply circuit is divided into several parts. In addition, each mini-system must be protected by a circuit breaker.
• We recommend using a low-current power supply system.. An indicator of 12 V is quite enough.

Combining two types of backlighting is an unusual solution. The round mirror is like the sun that shines around the edges. At the same time, the side sconces of a futuristic design complement the luminous flux, making the wash area light and stylish.

The classic interior is decorated with a mirror canvas in an elegant wooden frame. Lighting is realized by installing a large lamp over the accessory. The color of the metal is perfectly matched. Due to this, the device does not stand out against the general background, but harmoniously merges into the environment.

Simplicity and charm are embodied in a snow-white laconic interior. Three-arm lighting devices look original, but unobtrusively.

A mirror with a built-in LED strip around the perimeter is one of the most popular options today. A win-win laconic solution suitable for any modern interior.

An unusual embodiment of minimalism is a faucet mounted in a mirror without a frame. A sink made in the shape of a circle is "supported" by a sconce of a similar shape. The correct arrangement of devices gives a sufficient amount of light, and the originality of the idea makes the bathroom unique.

See how to make a do-it-yourself mirror with your own hands in the next video.