When you are considering bathroom design, how much thought do you put into the lighting? It might not be an exaggeration to say that the lighting in your bathroom can be 'make or break' in terms of the look, feel and functionality of the space.

In this guide, we offer some top tips on how to create the best bathroom lighting, starting with an explanation of IP ratings - read on!

What are IP ratings?

You may have noticed two digits when studying the label of lighting products - IPXX. What do they mean? We are about to tell you!

IP stands for Ingress Protection and refers to the level of protection which a lighting product - such as a range of indoor and outdoor lights - has from external influences. These influences are split up into two categories - Solids and Water. That is why there are two digits next to the 'IP' - the first is for Solids, and the second is for Water.

The numbers for Solids range from 0, which represents zero protection, through to 6, which means that the light is entirely dust tight. When it comes to Water, again, 0 refers to zero protection, and the highest rating of 8 is for lights which are proven to be watertight for long periods.

Time to get smart!

Now for some advice. There have been some remarkable technological breakthroughs over the recent years in the area of smart technology. Where bathrooms are concerned, this extends to intelligent lighting which can automatically switch off at a given time, and sensitive light which can switch on and off independently, based on the presence of somebody in a certain bathroom space. Not only can this smart lighting make your bathroom experience smoother, it can also save you a pretty penny on energy bills.

Spot on!

A key thing to remember is the importance of making sure all of the working areas in your bathroom - such as around the shower and bath, are well lit. This is for the obvious purpose of making sure your bathroom activities are not impeded by poor lighting, but that doesn't mean that you can't light up these well-used spaces via your ceiling. Spotlights are a neat way of placing ceiling lighting precisely where you need it, while still offering a degree of subtlety. But as we will see, sometimes dedicated lighting is needed for certain areas.

Mirror mirror, on the wall

If there is one part of your bathroom for which general lighting alone might not suffice, then it might be your bathroom mirrors. Whether we are putting on makeup, washing or shaving, it is essential that we can see properly. That's where LED bathroom mirrors comes in, giving you the opportunity to take your lighting wherever your mirror is placed. It means you can retain your uniform ceiling lighting, safe in the knowledge that your basin area is well lit. The beauty of the latest illuminated bathroom mirrors is that they use infrared motion sensors for easy operation, without using your wet hands.

Tempted to add an LED bathroom mirror to your space?

Light Mirrors offer a full 10 year warranty and free UK delivery. Call us today on 01395 331645.