How Many Downlights Do I Need in a Bathroom?
Installing the finishing touches in your newly renovated bathroom, you step back to admire the transformation. The once dim and shadowy space is now bright and inviting, with each downlight perfectly positioned to evenly illuminate your everyday routine.
These ceiling lights are a great lighting choice for bathrooms, but how many downlights are needed in a bathroom to achieve the perfect balance?
Discover the ideal number of downlights for your bathroom and create a space that’s both practical and beautifully lit.
How many downlights do I need in a bathroom?
There is no standard answer to the question of how many downlights you need in your bathroom as it depends on the size and layout of the space. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have one downlight for every square metre of floor space.
You can also follow these guidelines for an accurate estimate of how many downlights you’ll need to sufficiently illuminate your bathroom:
- Calculate the square footage of your space by multiplying its width by its depth.
- Multiply the square footage by 1.5 for an approximation of the total wattage required to light the space.
- Choose the downlights you want to use in your bathroom and identify their individual wattage. Then, divide the total wattage you just calculated by the wattage of the downlights to work out how many light bulbs are required.
Bear in mind that the beam angle of your downlights will also affect the overall illumination of your bathroom. Wider beam angles spread light more evenly across the space, so you’ll likely need less of them to sufficiently light up the room. Narrower angles create a more concise, focused beam of light for specific areas, which means more of them will be needed to light the space.
Image courtesy of @final_family_home
Other things to consider when installing bathroom downlights
As well as considering how many downlights you need in your bathroom, you’ll also need to think about:
- Lighting placement: Make sure your downlights are roughly 1.5 to 2 feet away from walls, with a space of 3 to 4 feet between each light. You should also avoid placing downlights directly above mirrors, instead placing one on either side of the mirror to evenly distribute the light across your face.
- Lighting angle: If you’re using tilted downlights, ensure they’re angled towards the mirror. This will help reflect the light onto your face, making it easier for you to apply makeup or shave.
What type of downlights should I use in the bathroom?
You’ll need to choose downlights that are suitably IP rated so they can be placed within the wettest areas of your bathroom, such as above the shower. IP65 rated downlights are the most suitable option for bathrooms as they offer a high level of protection against water.
High CRI downlights are ideal for bathrooms as they provide the truest representation of colour and offer greater clarity for tasks such as shaving or applying makeup. They’re especially great for bathrooms with no natural light as they closely mimic natural daylight.
“Lighting plays a huge part in creating a relaxing bathroom. Think about layering softer light sources like wall lights or subtle recessed lighting around mirrors and baths. Choose warm white bulbs and add a dimmer – being able to gently lower the lights instantly transforms the space into somewhere you can properly switch off and unwind.”
Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Lighting Expert and Co-Founder
You might also consider making your bathroom downlights dimmable to give you greater control over your lighting setup. Doing this will enable you to switch between bright, precision lighting for getting ready in the morning and soft, dim lighting in the evening to create a relaxing ambience for long soaks in the bath. Just don’t forget to install a compatible dimmer switch to ensure they function as they should. Some downlights will even allow you to adjust the bulb colour temperature so you can switch from a cool, white colour in the morning to a warm, orangey colour in the evening.
Please note: We recommend installing light switches outside the bathroom itself as they may not be safe for bathroom use.
Create the perfect relaxing ambience with our range of bathroom lighting
At Dowsing & Reynolds, we have a wide range of bathroom lighting options designed to add a touch of luxury to your daily routine.
Image courtesy of @two_bears_at_no.96
While downlights are an excellent choice for bathrooms, we also offer a gorgeous selection of bulkhead lights, beautifully blending style and functionality. Not only are these lights robust and water-resistant, but they also have a rustic feel that makes them especially perfect for vintage or industrial-inspired interiors.
Position one on either side of your mirror to provide the illumination you need, and add plants for a spa-like feel.
