How to choose the best bathroom mirror lighting?

For a bathroom to be functional, it has to consist of a few basic elements. Essential, of course, are the sanitaryware pieces: a bath, a toilet and a washbasin, but you should also make sure there’s a mirror. Yet none of these will be much use if there’s no lighting that lets you use them comfortably. Bathroom lighting above the mirror is especially important. How do you pick the best option? What should you look for? And above all — is it really a must-have? Here’s our advice!

Bathroom lighting above the mirror — is it a necessity?

Since bathrooms usually don’t have access to natural light, you need to install suitable lighting. Even if there’s a window, it often isn’t enough — especially if it’s far from the mirror. How are you meant to apply your make-up nicely or get a clean shave when the light is too weak? It takes far longer, your eyes get tired, and you can never be sure it turned out the way you wanted. That’s exactly why lighting the bathroom mirror is a necessity.

What to consider when choosing lighting for the bathroom mirror?

The lighting by the mirror needs to meet a few key criteria to be practical. Wondering what to pay special attention to so you won’t regret your decision? We’re happy to help!

Wall light or lamp over the bathroom mirror?

The primary criterion is the type of lighting. Is a lamp over the bathroom mirror a good idea? Not necessarily. It may turn out to give light that’s too weak, with a beam you can’t direct. That will affect how shadows fall on your face, making everyday tasks more difficult.

A bathroom wall light will prove a far better choice. This type of lighting offers a directed beam you can adjust yourself, so it’s ideal for illuminating specific spots — including the mirror above the washbasin. What’s more, its significantly smaller size than a pendant light also speaks in its favour.

Safety first — adequate ingress protection for your lighting

The bathroom is where we take care of our hygiene. Lots of water — and therefore steam — is par for the course in such rooms. It’s worth remembering that not every type of lighting will work in a place like this. You’ll need wall lights with an elevated ingress-protection rating. Which models should you choose? For a bathroom, the best option is units with a rating of at least IP 44. They are resistant to ingress, which ensures safety in the conditions typical of this room. Keep this in mind when choosing bathroom wall lights and they’ll be reliable.

Which wall light for a round mirror, and which for a square one?

It’s worth matching bathroom lighting not only for practicality but also for design. Makers of wall lights care about both quality and great looks that fit many styles. You’ll find plenty of interesting options in our online shop — have a look and see for yourself!

Which wall light over a round mirror, and which over a square one? The shape of the mirror matters a lot when choosing lighting. Contrasts look best: round wall lights with square mirrors, and angular ones with oval mirrors. You can place two on either side of the mirror, or a single one directly above it.

Don’t forget to match the over-mirror lighting to the style of the bathroom. Minimal or highly decorative? In modest white or with rich, gilded finishes? Think about which option will best complement the elements already in the bathroom and the choice will be easier.

All of the above aspects are extremely important when choosing the right lighting for your bathroom. Don’t forget about the installation itself, though — the height of the wall light above the mirror should be closely tailored to your needs. At what height should you hang a wall light over the mirror? A few centimetres above it is enough, around 170 cm from the floor. Just remember to adjust this to your height and that of the rest of the household. Only then will the bathroom be truly functional. Best of luck!