How to choose bathroom fixtures: which one is better and why? Comparative review

Most bathrooms do not have access to sunlight. You have to rely solely on artificial lighting.To ensure optimal luminous flux, you need to choose the right lamps for the bathroom, right?

We will help you find the ideal device for you and plan its location. We'll tell you which option will work flawlessly in difficult operating conditions. We'll tell you how to determine the power of installed lamps and which method of organizing lighting to give preference to.

The tips given in the article are supported by video tutorials and photographic materials with valuable tips and original ideas for decorating a bathroom interior.

Technical requirements for lamps

The bathroom is an area with extreme operating conditions. In places with constant temperature changes and high humidity, the installation of conventional sockets and lamps is prohibited for safety reasons.

The main parameter for choosing a lighting device is the degree of protection. The corresponding markings are displayed on the housing of electrical products.

Some manufacturers use three-digit markings. The third number is the degree of susceptibility to mechanical damage and shock. The range of values ​​is 0-10. The highest level of protection indicates that if the housing is damaged, the performance characteristics of the electrical appliance are maintained.

The IP value system complies with GOST 14254-96 and IEC60529 standard. The first digit of the abbreviation displays the level of protection of the lamp from dust, the second marker - protection from moisture

The higher the numerical marking, the more reliable the lamp.

Waterproof devices are equipped with additional elements that reduce the risk of water and dust penetration into conductive areas of the device:

• rubber seals on the lampshade;
• plugs made of sealed material on the supply wire.

The minimum IP value for luminaires in “wet” rooms is IP442, the maximum is IP674. It is permissible to use products with protection above the maximum - increased safety, in any case, is welcome.

The choice of lamp security indicator depends on its location in the bathroom. Based on the level of proximity to direct sources of moisture, the room is divided into three zones

IP index values ​​for each zone:

1. First zone. The humidity around the bathtub, shower stall and washbasin reaches 100%. Here it is permissible to install low-voltage devices with protection of at least IP67, designed for temporary immersion in water.
2. Second zone. Within a radius of 30-60 cm from the “wet” zone, there is a high probability of splashes and jets hitting the electrical appliance. It is not advisable to use high-voltage electrical appliances on the site; the protection level of the lamp is not lower than IP45, power is 12-24 V.
3. Third zone. Relatively safe - 60 cm from the boundaries of the second zone. There is virtually no risk of direct jets. Models with protection against all-round splashes are installed - IP24 and higher.

A space at a distance of 3 m or more relative to the water source is considered safe.It is possible to install lamps with IP01 here.

It is important to take into account the features of the wall and the efficiency of ventilation. If condensation constantly forms on distant walls after taking a hot shower, then they cannot be considered safe. Lamps are selected as for the first and second zones

Variety of lamps of the “maritime elite”

Artificial lighting in a bathroom is divided into three levels: ceiling, wall and floor. A combination of methods will produce an interesting decorative effect. It is not necessary to use the entire spectrum at the same time. The main thing is to get a full luminous flux for a comfortable stay in the room.

No. 1 - ceiling lighting options

Ceiling lights provide the main lighting for the bathroom. The choice of device depends on the dimensions of the room, the design of the ceiling and the presence of secondary light sources.

Popular top lighting solutions:

• built-in or suspended lampshade;
• LED Strip Light;
• light panel;
• spots;
• spot lighting of a stretch or suspended ceiling.

Traditional chandelier. This option is more suitable for spacious bathrooms with high ceilings. The main advantages of the solution: a diverse range and ease of installation. The determining criterion for choosing a chandelier is whether the device matches the bathroom interior.

A voluminous crystal chandelier looks good in a classic or minimalist style with a limited number of decorative details. Original design – chandelier-candlestick

An alternative to crystal is glass and metal models. Pros: affordable price and various styles of bathroom fixtures. The downside is the appearance of stains and streaks from water.

For a marine-style bathroom, lighting fixtures with decor made from natural materials: wood and fabric ropes are suitable.

LED Strip Light. LED backlighting is presented in the form of LEDs and resistors attached to an adhesive base tape. For “wet” areas of the room, waterproof tapes with an IP65-68 index have been developed.

The IP65 luminous strip is sealed on one side - the insulation covers the outside of the PCB, including the LEDs and contacts.

Benefits of backlight:

• ease of installation - the tape is placed under the ceiling plinth;
• possibility of adjusting lighting intensity;
• variety of glow colors - you can make a smooth transition in a given spectrum.

To create a “tape” ceiling area lighting LED strip with IP65 and IP67 is suitable.

Using LED strip is an excellent solution for ceilings with complex configurations. Illumination emphasizes the versatility of planes and changes the visual perception of space

Light panel. This is not just a separate lamp, but a special ceiling structure consisting of individual elements:

• lamps installed directly on the ceiling;
• decorative plastic or glass panel covering the lamps;
• frame with guides for fixing the panels.

The main advantage is the unlimited choice of design. Using photo printing, you can recreate any picture: the starry sky, the underwater world, a picturesque landscape, etc.

The disadvantage of the light sheet is that to replace a burnt-out lamp, you will need to dismantle part of the panel. If handled carelessly, the fragile part may break

Spots. An overhead “flashlight”, where more than one lamp is installed on one holder.Despite the interesting idea, spots are rarely used for ceiling lighting.

Firstly, the product looks bulky in a bathroom with low ceilings, and secondly, it is problematic to adjust the vector of the light flux.

The main task of spots is to create a directional light “beam”, local illumination of a specific area, for example, a mirror. This “flashlight” is used as additional lighting

Spotlights. This type of electrical appliances indispensable when installing a suspended or “French” ceiling. The arrangement of lamps is thought out in advance, taking into account the zoning of the room and the power of the lamps.

By distributing “points of light” over the entire ceiling area, you can set several switching modes: simultaneously all devices or a group of lamps to illuminate a separate area, for example, a shower or washbasin

Depending on the design features, the following types of spotlights are distinguished:

• built-in;
• semi-mortise;
• invoices;
• sectional.

Tips for choosing light bulbs for installation in spotlights are given here, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with useful information.

Built-in. The devices are used for hidden installation - only the ceiling remains visible. When choosing, be sure to take into account the amount of “depth” and the width of the ceiling space. The minimum length of the “leg” of a recessed lamp is 40 mm.

Some models require a significant reduction in the suspended structure, which is undesirable to do with low ceilings and limited room dimensions.

The light from the recessed lamps is directed vertically downwards and is not scattered across the ceiling surface. It is not advisable to insert powerful lamps into mortise-type spotlights - the hanging structure may overheat

Semi-mortise. The technical “body” of the lamp is located behind the ceiling, and the light bulb is located outside. For installation, the ceiling space is used, however, due to the external lampshade, it is possible to install more powerful lamps.

Invoices. External installation is suitable for most types of ceilings. Surface-mounted lamps are more expensive than recessed models, but have a number of significant advantages:

• there is no need to lower the ceiling level;
• versatility;
• decorative effect of light scattering through the prism of textured glass.

The design of the lamp base is impressive. Mirrored, shiny materials and metals inlaid with stones look impressive on the ceiling surface.

External lamps illuminate the surrounding space - the room itself and the surface of the ceiling. The lamps complement glossy stretch fabrics especially advantageously.

Sectional. This is a kind of hybrid of spots and spotlights. Several lamps are placed in a single decorative plate. As a rule, for each micro-luminaire you can set a lighting vector.

Sectional models, unlike overhead spots on a single holder, do not visually “conceal” the space, but are demanding in terms of placement

No. 2 - work lighting with wall-mounted models

The purpose of wall lamps is room zoning and local lighting. The use of wall “lanterns” is appropriate in spacious rooms with an area of ​​6 sq.m. or more. In a compact room, you can limit yourself to ceiling lighting.

Popular options for wall-mounted “water” lamps:

• sconce;
• surface-mounted illuminators;
• spots.

Sconce. The traditional design is one or more lampshades mounted on one bracket.

Wall sconces are presented in any style - from classic to modern. The optimal installation location is paired placement on the sides of the mirror

Overhead lamps. The compact lamp does not take up much space and is fixed tightly to the wall. It is better to choose models made from moisture-resistant materials: stainless steel in tandem with glass and transparent plastic.

Overhead lamps are universal - they are suitable for vertical and horizontal placement. When choosing, start from the shape of the mirror. The neutral design of the lampshade harmoniously complements modern interiors

Spots. Wall installation allows you to fully realize the purpose of the spots - local lighting.

When choosing a lamp, you need to evaluate the size of the lampshade - after installation it should not be reflected in the mirror. Option No. 1 – correct placement, No. 2 – incorrect

In the second case, the light from the spot will blind your eyes and using the mirror will become uncomfortable. For this zone, you should not choose lamps with colored shades - the lighting will “give” an unnatural complexion and hair color. Optimally – frosted or white glass.

It is worth paying attention to the type of light beam of the wall “lantern”. There are two varieties:

1. Directional lighting reflectors. Light is supplied at a certain angle. One- or two-way (up/down) vector of light flux is possible. The shape of the body allows the illumination to be concentrated in a specific area.
2. Diffuse lamps. Such models belong to general lighting lamps, their “action” area is 360°. The light is diffused evenly in the room.

If the goal is to create not only practical, but also spectacular lighting, you can play up the walls in an interesting way with the help of spotlights, a bright light panel, linear LED lamps or LED strips.

Spot “lanterns” are placed in niches and illuminate the glass shelves. The LED strip is placed behind the wall protrusions, emphasizing the volume of the surface

No. 3 - decorative floor lighting

Floor lighting embodies a special atmosphere in the bathroom. This is a secondary, decorative light.

To implement a design idea, different methods are used:

• installation of LED lighting;
• installation of spotlights;
• creating a glass floor;
• use of luminous tiles;
• arrangement of self-leveling foundation.

LED lights. There are many options for decorating with LED strip. The strip is mounted along the baseboard line - the perimeter of the room, and is also used to highlight plumbing fixtures - the sealed tape “runs” along the contour of the bathtub or washbasin.

The main advantage of the method is the possibility of installation after completion of the repair. In contrast with the dark floor, luminous inclusions look impressive.

The LEDs are placed randomly on the cable, and then the wire is installed in the tile joint. The joints are covered with black silicone, while the LEDs remain exposed. It is important that the “points of light” do not protrude above the tiles

Spotlights. The use of floor spotlights has its own characteristics.

The advantages of lamps include:

• resistance to mechanical damage – lampshades are made of durable plastic;
• possibility of any arrangement - the distance between the lamps is chosen arbitrarily;
• creating beautiful highlights on surrounding objects.

Disadvantages of “points of light”: complexity of installation and installation of hidden wiring, the need to periodically replace light bulbs.

An example of successful combination of LED wall lighting with spotlights for ceiling, wall and local mirror lighting into a single tandem

Glass floor. A sophisticated design technique radically changes the appearance of the usual bathroom environment. To install a glass niche, you will have to raise the floor by 10 cm.

This unusual “lamp” is made of tempered laminated glass or triplex; LED strip or linear lamps are suitable for illumination.

Filling the niche: decorative stones, shells, small pebbles, dried flowers, sparkles or beads. A bold solution - a glowing aquarium in the floor

Luminescent materials. An alternative to traditional lighting methods is finishing materials with a luminous effect. The advantage of the method is independence from electricity. Disadvantages: high cost and inability to turn off such a “lamp”.

To cover the base, a fluorescent self-leveling floor or tile is used. In the first case, you get a light canvas covering the entire floor area; in the second, you can limit the amount of “light” by combining regular tiles with fluorescent ones

Choosing a lamp for a “water” lamp

Thinking about which lamp is best to choose for the bathroom and how ideally organize lighting, it is important to decide on the type of lamp, brightness and optimal tone of lighting.

Criterion #1 - optimal product characteristics

In everyday life, the most popular are traditional incandescent lamps, fluorescent products and LEDs.

Incandescent lamps. Depending on the gas composition inside the cylinder, they are vacuum, krypton and halogen. Lamps with inert gas (krypton) are resistant to power surges, halogen lamps have good light output and last longer.

Characteristics of incandescent lamps: 1 – krypton, 2 – halogen. Lamps with halogen lamps are suitable for installation in a plasterboard niche

Fluorescent lamps. So-called fluorescent lamps have varying degrees of color rendering, which determines the naturalness of the glow.

The main advantages of fluorescent lamps:

• low heating temperature;
• duration of work;
• soft light.

Modern modifications are suitable for connection to a standard lamp socket. Types and markings of lamp bases installed in currently used lighting devices, listed here. This information will be useful to a potential buyer.

Disadvantages: operation is accompanied by a slight hum, toxicity, duration of achievement of maximum glow. When operating in a constant “on/off” mode, the lamps quickly burn out

LED products. The high cost of the lamp is justified by low energy consumption, good light output and long-term operation. Additional advantages include: compactness, low heating of the flask, resistance to mechanical stress and power outages.

LEDs are the best choice for the bathroom. Preference should be given to a product with an aluminum radiator; plastic indicates the low quality of the lamp

Criterion #2 - calculation of glow power

The international standard ISO8995 regulates the level of illumination in bathrooms. The recommended standard is 200 lux (Lx).To characterize the light output of lamps, lumens (Lm) are used, 1 Lux = 1 Lm/sq.m.

For example, the normal illumination of a room of 7 sq.m is 1400 Lux, 10 sq.m - 2000 Lux, respectively. Based on the calculated data, the power and number of lamps are selected.

The degree of light output directly depends on the type and power of the lighting device. For example, at the same power, a fluorescent product produces 7 times more light than an incandescent lamp. WITH characteristics of LED lamps will familiarize you with the article, which we recommend that you read.

The table shows that to obtain 1200 Lm required to illuminate a 6 sq.m bathroom, an 11 W LED lamp, equivalent to a 100 W incandescent lamp, is suitable

Criterion #3 - color rendering index and lighting tone

The comfort of light perception depends on how natural the surrounding objects look under artificial lighting. The parameter is expressed by the color rendering coefficient and is indicated on the packaging of the lighting device - Ra or CRI.

The light source CRI=100 provides a realistic display of objects. Natural sunlight has the maximum color rendering index. The lower the Ra value, the more distorted the perception.

The color rendering index of LEDs is in the range of 80-89. You should not choose lamps with a lower indicator, especially for mirror illumination

The shade of the illuminated object is determined color temperature, unit of measurement – ​​Kelvin (K). White plumbing fixtures may appear yellowish or radiant blue.

When choosing a color, you should proceed from the prevailing tones in the interior and personal preferences.

A room with a predominance of blue-blue decoration looks good in neutral lighting (4000-5000 K). A bathtub in pink, chocolate and sand tones will become even more comfortable with “warm” lighting with a color temperature range of 2700-3800 K

Light of different temperatures affects people differently. A warm white tone helps you relax, a neutral tone helps you concentrate, and a cool white tone energizes and invigorates.

Will introduce you to an overview and criteria for choosing energy-saving lamps next article, entirely devoted to this interesting issue.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video describes the main factors for choosing an electrical appliance, the requirements for lamps for rooms with high levels of humidity, and also provides recommendations for zoning space using lighting:

A competent choice of lamp and successful placement of light accents can visually enlarge the enclosed space of the bathroom. Of no small importance in arranging a comfortable and practical room will be the selection of brightness, color rendering and shade of the lamp.

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