The right bathroom ceiling light is one that's safe for its position, gives enough light to see clearly, and suits the size of the room. In practice, that means checking three things in order: the IP rating, the style of fitting, and the colour of the light.
What IP rating does a bathroom ceiling light need?
Start here, because it decides which lights you can use. Bathrooms are split into zones based on how close a fitting is to water:
- Zone 1 is the area directly above the bath or shower tray, up to 2.25m from the floor. Most electricians will specify IP65 here, which is fully protected against water jets.
- Zone 2 reaches 0.6m out from the edge of the bath or shower. IP44, which protects against splashes from any direction, is the usual minimum.
- Outside the zones, IP44 is still a sensible choice in a bathroom because of steam and condensation.
Most Pebble Grey ceiling lights are IP44, and our downlights are IP65. Your electrician will confirm the right rating for your layout. Our guide to bathroom zones and IP ratings explains the zones in more detail.
Flush, semi-flush, spotlights or downlights?
- Flush ceiling lights sit tight to the ceiling. They're the best choice for low ceilings and compact bathrooms.
- Semi-flush lights drop slightly below the ceiling and suit taller rooms, where they add a little more presence.
- Spotlights on a bar or plate can be angled, so you can aim light at the basin, the bath or a feature wall.
- Downlights are recessed into the ceiling for a clean, minimal look and even light across the room.
How many ceiling lights does a bathroom need?
A small bathroom or cloakroom can often be lit well by one good central light. Larger bathrooms usually look better with several downlights, or a bar of spotlights, spread across the ceiling so there are no dark corners. Whatever the size, add separate light at the mirror. Ceiling light alone casts shadows on the face, which is why an illuminated mirror or wall lights either side make shaving and make-up much easier.
Warm white or cool white?
- Warm white (2700 to 3000K): soft and relaxing, good for evening baths.
- Natural (about 4000K): neutral, close to daylight.
- Cool white (5000 to 6500K): crisp and clear, best for shaving and make-up.
Around half of our ceiling lights are colour-adjustable (CCT), so you can switch between settings rather than choose one for good. Read more in warm white vs cool white.
Should bathroom ceiling lights be dimmable?
Dimming is worth having if the bathroom is used for relaxing as well as getting ready. Check that the light is marked as dimmable and that the dimmer switch is compatible with LED lighting. A mismatched dimmer is a common cause of flicker.
What are fire rated downlights?
Cutting a hole in a ceiling for a downlight can reduce the ceiling's fire resistance. Fire rated downlights are designed to help maintain it, which matters where there's a room above the bathroom. All Pebble Grey downlights are fire rated.
Who should fit a bathroom ceiling light?
Always use a qualified electrician. Bathroom lighting connects to the mains in a room full of water, and our guarantee requires professional installation.
What guarantee comes with Pebble Grey lighting?
All Pebble Grey lighting comes with a 12-month guarantee as standard, which you can extend to 5 years free by registering within 30 days of purchase.
Shop the range: Ceiling lighting · Downlights · Spotlights · Wall lighting
