Bathroom lighting buying guide

With some help from B&Q, you can create a bathroom lighting scheme that helps with everyday tasks and sets a mood for relaxation and indulgence.

Things to consider before you buy

Take time to consider a few key questions before making your decision. Are you looking for a quick and easy bathroom refresh, or a complete room refit?

The effort and cost involved varies a lot based on the scale of your project. Are you looking to simply replace your existing bathroom lighting and re-use the same fitting? Or is the entire room being re-fitted with lighting as part of a bigger bathroom re-design? In either case, taking measurements will help to give you an idea of your options.

If you are tackling a bathroom re-fit, we recommend selecting your lighting before work begins. That way you'll know if there's any electrical and fitting work that needs to be considered.

Consider your bathroom style and size

Often bathrooms are the smallest room in the house, but this doesn’t have to limit your options. Different types of lighting can be layered together to create harmonious lighting schemes in even the smallest of bathrooms.

Remember, if you don’t have any natural light, your lighting scheme will be solely responsible for illuminating the room room, so be sure that it works for all uses. 

Types of bathroom lighting

There are two ways to light up your bathroom and it's important that they work together. We'll shed some light below on the different types of lighting and how you can co-ordinate them together.

1. Bathroom task lighting. Task lighting will help you to complete your everyday routine, like shaving or applying makeup. Options include recessed downlights, spotlights, cabinet lights and mirror lights.

2. Ambient bathroom lighting. Ambient or mood lighting will help you create the right atmosphere, from get up and go to relaxation. Options include ceiling lights and wall lights.

Recessed downlights

Recessed downlights are built into the ceiling and lie flush against it. They're modern, sleek, and can easily blend into any decor. To dial up the wow-factor, install in any nooks, recesses or alcoves. Downlights are a great choice for a smaller bathroom, they don't take up munch room but can really illuminate the space.

Spotlights

Spotlights feature a single light fitting that can offer one or many bulbs. Choose between two styles – bar (lamps in a linear design) and plate (lamps grouped together often on a round or square base). With a single fitting, spotlights can easily be changed.

Mirror lighting

Combine two bathroom essentials in one with an illuminated mirror. These clever space-savers are wall-mounted mirrors that include either integrated or attached lamps for extra task lighting. Look for mirrors with a de-mist function to ensure beautifully lit, fog-free glass every time.

Cabinet lighting

Light up the space around  your bathroom cabinet with our range of bathroom cabinet lights. Install inside the unit to use as task lighting - making it easier to rummage for toiletries or medicines. Alternatively, fit underneath, or even on the side of the cabinet, to create more ambient lighting.

Ceiling lights

Bathroom ceiling lights come in flush and semi-flush options. With ceiling lights, there's very little space between the light fixing and the ceiling so the full height of the room is used. This makes them a great option for small bathrooms. Look for eye-catching, crystal-cut glass designs to achieve a vintage aesthetic in your bathroom.

Wall lights

For a more decorative option, try bathroom wall lights. They can be hung at eye level, becoming a focal point and stunning feature in your room. Wall lights can also provide a more functional use to your room, such as a shaver light.