Fixtures for the bathroom: types and choices

The choice of lighting for the bathroom must be approached thoroughly. In such rooms there are often no windows, and therefore it is necessary to provide space with an optimal luminous flux. Consider the key points of using fixtures for bathrooms and help determine their choice.

The conditions of the bathrooms differ from the rest of the dwelling. It is not only dark, but also damp, and often ventilation has not been thought out. Condensation is inevitable, the temperature is constantly changing, leaks from the apartment from above are not excluded. Therefore, fixtures for bathrooms must comply with certain requirements.

The most important requirement is their protection against moisture. Products must be safe to operate. They are distinguished by the tightness of the enclosed type housing, which prevents moisture from entering the contacts. These devices are equipped with special elements that prevent water from entering inside.

These products have a special marking, which indicates the degree of moisture protection. The larger the number, the higher the protection class.

Indicator 3 indicates that the device is protected against splashes falling at an angle. Options with classes 4 and 5 are not afraid of water jets. Products marked 6 are considered the most suitable for use in bathrooms. Well-selected devices do not blink and do not burn out for a long time.

Such products must meet increased safety, practicality and cost-effectiveness requirements. In addition, luminaires must be resistant to deformation and corrosion. The type of light source is also important. The luminous flux should be pleasant to the eyes and sufficient for the volume of a particular room.

Fixtures for bathrooms differ in the type of installation and the type of lamps used. They cannot be mounted directly above open showers or bathtubs.. In the so-called wet areas, low-voltage type options with a degree of protection of at least IP67 can be used. At a distance of 30-60 cm from the borders of wet zones it is allowed to install devices with a protection class of at least IP45. In other areas, the installation of luminaires with moisture protection IP24 and higher is allowed.

The range of bathroom fixtures is diverse. From a wide range of goods for lighting bathrooms, products for ceiling and walls are in great consumer demand. Each type of model has its own characteristics and design differences. In this case, the products may be typical and built-in.

Design features of the models are different. There are modifications stationary or rotary. Products of the first type cannot be regulated, the second have a fixed base with a dynamic external part. If desired, it can be rotated in different directions or in a circle.

The ability to adjust is considered a very useful option for ceiling and wall lighting. You can direct the light flux to any functional area of ​​the bathroom: to the cabinet, dressing table, sink, bathtub, niche with shelves, shower. Such lighting devices are used to accentuate any details of the interior of the bathroom. For example, they can highlight colorful panels on the walls, as well as accessories (flowerpots, floral arrangements, figurines).

The disadvantage of stationary models is directional light. Since it falls to a certain point, for the efficient distribution of light, lighting devices have to be mounted in groups.

Ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures form the basis of central lighting for plumbing fixtures. As a rule, these are lamps with closed moisture-proof shades or spot lights. They are not only practical, but also variable in design and form. This allows you to equip the bathroom with emphasis on the attributes of a particular interior style.

Products are near-surface, suspended or built-in. Each type has its own characteristics. Most often, in the bathrooms of our country there are options for the first or third type. They are located at the highest possible height and are suitable for installation in rooms with low ceilings.

Suspension Models used in spacious bathrooms of country residences adapted for living rooms. Use them in rooms with high ceilings. These models are more decorative, but you can not always call them the safest.. They are fastened in places where moisture will not get on them.

Embedded options are considered ideal. Spot lighting consists of a set of identical small luminaires with directional luminous flux. They are fastened with equal steps along the perimeter of the ceiling so that there are no dark corners in the room. Products consume minimum energy, transforming it into light of a different shade.

An original option for recessed bathroom lighting is LED Strip Light. It is mounted either directly under the tension film or behind the molding of the ceiling duct. Despite the fact that it is resistant to moisture, the border also protects it from water splashes.

Both tape and spotlights can be used as zone ceiling lighting. They can accentuate the area of ​​the mirror, dressing table, mark the boundaries of the bath. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the type of light rays. For example, fluorescent lamps with a cold luminous flux distort the color of the skin, interfering with the correct application of makeup.

Lamps on the wall can be very diverse both in terms of mounting, and in the choice of forms, as well as design. They may be built-in or laid on, large or compact, concise or artsy, modern or with a touch of antiquity. Models are divided into point options and wall sconces.

This type of spot light usually follows the design of the ceiling. At the same time, lighting devices can be mounted not only to the wall, but also to mirrors, and even to shelves with niches. Devices of the near-surface (surface) type are considered simpler in terms of installation and connection. With their help, the zones of washing, changing, a dressing table are highlighted.

These varieties are easy to maintain and maintain.. They not only illuminate the space, but also zon it, highlighting one or two functional zones of a particular bathroom. Unlike ceiling models-panels, options with floor lamps or spots with adjustment of the angle of inclination of the light flux are often mounted on the walls.

Mounting wall sconces is horizontal and vertical. Install such lighting devices on the sides of the mirror, symmetrically between two mirrors. In addition, they are also placed on adjacent walls, unless it is otherwise possible to highlight individual functional areas.

The number of fixtures on one sconce varies from 1 to 5. In this case, options with a large number of small shades are mounted, as a rule, above the mirror.

Depending on the interior design, it can be supplemented with floor lighting, which happens mobile or embedded. Products of the first type are nothing other than floor lamps, which are installed in relatively dry areas of the bathroom. The built-in lighting of the bathroom is a spotlights mounted in the floor cladding.

Variants of the built-in type are very convenient, they are not afraid of water splashes, they make it possible to accentuate the washing, washing or changing clothes area. Moreover, such lighting is often part of the combined lighting of bathrooms. Such spotlights are embedded flush with the tiles, arranged at the same pitch according to the selected light composition.

Table lamps needed primarily to fill the lack of illumination of dressing tables. As a rule, products of this type are used in large bathrooms, adapted for residential premises. Such lamps are not only functional elements of the interior, but also its decor. Their design is selected taking into account the general concept of lighting the space.

According to the International System of Units (SI), illumination is measured in lux. Their number for a particular room should be at least 200. When calculating, take into account the ratio of lux to lumen (1: 1) or luminous flux incident on 1 square. m area (1 lux = 1lm / m2). To make it easier to understand, you can convert lumens to watts. For example, power:

• a 230 V (42 W) halogen incandescent lamp is 900 lm;
• induction at 40 W - 2800 lm;
• LED 230 V (10 W) - 860 lm;
• LEDs about 60 watts - up to 6000 lm.

The level of illumination of energy-saving lamps is 4-6 watts per 1 sq.m. For halogen it is higher, it is from 10 to 20 W per 1 sq. M, for incandescent lamps it is about 20-30 W per 1 sq. M. When choosing the type of lighting, the color scheme of the room is also taken into account. For example, if it is light, minimal lighting is sufficient.In dark rooms, light should be more intense.

In the bathroom, it is better to use low-voltage devices at 12 V. You need to buy waterproof options for wet rooms. During installation, they must be powered through an RCD or a differential machine. You can take those that are designed for 220 V. In addition to the aesthetic appearance, they do not need the cost of transformers.

The average illumination of bathrooms per 1 m2 is 50 lm. However, this figure can be adjusted depending on the ceiling height in a particular room. For example, if the ceiling height is up to 2.7 m, the illumination is left without adjustment. When it is higher and reaches 3 m, it is multiplied by a ceiling height factor of 1.2.

If the ceiling in the bathroom is high and is about 3.5-4 m, the coefficient indicator reaches 2. The power calculation formula looks like this: bathroom area * lighting rate * additional factor (S m2 x 50 x 1.2).

Choose between incandescent, halogen, energy-saving and LED. The first varieties are now considered obsolete. They consume too much energy and heat up during work. Their main drawback is the fear of moisture: when it gets in, they simply burst.

Halogen lamps consume less electricity, differ in budget cost. Along with this, they are too sensitive to voltage drops. Energy-saving light sources are characterized by low consumption of electric energy. However, they require special disposal conditions.

Of all types of lamps the optimal solution is the choice of LED products. Unlike other modifications, LEDs have a wide range of shades of light output. Depending on the choice of product class, the bathroom can be highlighted not only with standard neutral, warm or cold tones of the light flux. Models with a class of RGB allow you to change the tone of light from dark blue to purple, red, yellow, pink and green.

The light intensity is selected based on the size of the room. Users should be comfortable inside the room. It is undesirable to use lamps with light sources that give out yellowness, or models with too cold radiation.

Among the wide selection of manufacturers of lighting fixtures for bathrooms, it is worth noting several leading brands, whose products are in great consumer demand.

• Arte lamp - An Italian company engaged in the production of lighting products. It supplies products to more than 20 countries of the world; it is distinguished by a strict approach to quality and a wide range of design solutions of manufactured fixtures.

• Eglo - An Austrian brand founded in the 60s of the last century. It supplies the lighting equipment market with a wide range of waterproof luminaires made of high-tech materials. It makes modifications to modern forms and design solutions.

• Marks lojd - leader in the manufacture of lighting fixtures from Sweden. A manufacturer that stands out from competitors by its approach to the design of the manufactured assortment. In his lines there are models for every taste: from concise and simple to the most sophisticated.

• Massive - Belgian manufacturer of lighting fixtures for various fields of use. It produces lighting fixtures for luxurious interior compositions and models for classic bathrooms of typical city apartments. Its lines include not only sconces and spots, but also luxurious waterproof chandeliers.

• IKEA - A well-known manufacturer with a worldwide reputation who supplies lighting devices in various design and stylistic solutions to the market. It is characterized by the optimal ratio of price and quality, has a wide range of customers of different statuses.

The choice of fixtures for the bathroom depends on various factors. If the ceilings are low, it is better to choose compact overhead or built-in designs. At the same time, they look at the style of the interior: the best options for lighting the ceiling will be light panels, spotlights and tape. Walls can be decorated with compact spots by placing them above the mirror. For spacious bathrooms with high ceilings, suspended fixtures are acceptable.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the presence of rubber seals at the junction of the ceiling with the base of the device. In addition, you need to look if there are damp plugs at the entrance to the housing. It is important to pay attention to Passport products, where it is indicated that the lamp belongs to waterproof models.

When choosing one or another option, the size, design, shape and purpose of the product are taken into account. Lamps are not only functional, but also decorative elements of the interior. They should fit into the style of a particular room, consistent with its status. You need to buy models with a water resistance class of at least 4-5. In addition, the dustproof index must also be considered.

The dimensions of the fixtures are selected based on the parameters of the bathrooms themselves. For example, spotlights and spots, compact plafond panels are appropriate for small rooms. Sconces in small rooms also choose compact ones.

The location and number of fixtures in the bathroom depends on various factors. These include:

• dimensions of a particular room;
• bathroom ceiling height;
• the presence of partitions or protrusions;
• the need for visual expansion of space;
• the need to highlight individual functional areas;
• maintaining the unity of interior styling.

The simplest is the organization of lighting a small bathroom without partitions and wall ledges. As a rule, one central lamp or several spotlights located with equal pitch is enough here. At the same time, moisture-resistant lighting devices can be built-in or overhead. If necessary, ceiling lighting is enhanced by auxiliary lighting in the wash area (above the mirror or on both sides).

For example, for an area of ​​4-5 square meters you need to buy one ceiling lamp. It is necessary to purchase a product with the ability to install at least two lamps.

Small rooms require compact models with optimum power. Chandeliers do not buy such rooms: if they can also be used in large bathrooms, adapted for living rooms, then in bathrooms with low ceilings and a lack of usable area, they are completely out of place. Here we need models with a diameter of about 30 cm.

If additional illumination is necessary, buy wall lighting. It can be overhead models, sconces or spots. They are installed at a height of at least 2 m from the floor. According to generally accepted requirements, their light should not hit the eyes. Side illumination mirrors are mounted at a height of 1.6 m.

As for floor decorative lighting, its power usually does not exceed 5 watts. Separate fixtures can be mounted in the floor of shower cabins, around the bathtub and even in the tile joints of the floor covering. This allows you to create a special atmosphere in the bathroom that promotes relaxation.

In rooms with partitions, it is somewhat more difficult to place lamps. For example, in combined bathrooms with the presence of partitions, there is a need for lighting of each individual functional area. In this case, the degree of illumination intensity may vary. Usually, the most illuminated spot in this case is the mirror area. This will simplify the application of makeup, shaving and creating hairstyles.

As for decorative lighting, it should not be too bright. Under this type of lighting is meant the designation of any element of the interior (niches, shelves, cupboards, bathtubs, panels). You can simulate a window by decorating part of one of the walls with a waterproof lightbox. Such lighting devices have a flat surface on which the thematic image is applied.

Optionally, you can decorate the wall with a light panel with a picture of a window, a view of the sea, city landscapes. If you like to accentuate the space with light stripes, you can choose them. In addition, the auxiliary illumination may differ in the color of the light output.

We offer 10 examples of a harmonious solution in the organization of lighting for bathrooms:

• the choice of lighting for the washbasin in a modern design;

• a combination of ceiling and wall lights in the combined bathroom;

• overhead lighting fixtures in the interior of an ethnic bathroom;

• a combination of spherical and ribbon-shaped ceiling lights;

• the choice of hanging type lighting to accentuate the wash zone;

• decorating the space with hidden LED strip-type illumination;

• lighting of the wash zone, selected taking into account the peculiarities of the plasterboard ceiling design;

• the design of the wash zone with horizontal lamps located above the mirror;

• installation of lighting under the stretch film, creating the effect of twinkling stars;

• choice of lighting in the form of balls on suspensions, suitable for the interior in neutral colors.

On how to choose a lamp in the bathroom, see further.