The bathroom is the room where lighting is the most technical in the whole house. Between electrical safety standards (mandatory, not optional), moisture zones, contradictory needs (precise mirror lighting in the morning, relaxing bath ambience in the evening) and space constraints, there is a lot to know before installing a light fixture.
This guide covers everything: the regulatory IP zones, the safety rules, the ideal lighting for the mirror, the right colour temperature for make-up, and decorating ideas to turn your bathroom into a little spa.
IP zones in the bathroom: understanding the volumes
The standard (in France, NF C 15-100 (equivalent to NF C 15-100 in France)) divides the bathroom into 4 volumes (zones) based on the distance to the bath or shower. Each zone imposes a minimum IP rating on light fixtures. Ignoring these zones means taking a real electrical risk.
Volume 0 — Inside the bath or shower tray
The most critical location: directly in the water. Only IPX7 (submersible) light fixtures in SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) at 12V are permitted. In practice, a light fixture is almost never installed in this zone.
Volume 1 — Above the bath/shower (up to 2.25 m)
This is the space directly above the water, up to a height of 2.25 m. Light fixtures IPX5 minimum in 12V SELV only. Watertight recessed spotlights are the most common solution.
Volume 2 — 60 cm zone around the bath/shower
The immediate perimeter of the shower or bath, over 60 cm of horizontal distance. IPX4 minimum (protection against water splashes). Most IP44 wall lights are suitable for this zone.
Volume 3 (outside volumes) — The rest of the bathroom
Beyond 60 cm from the bath/shower. The constraints are lighter but a IPX1 minimum rating is recommended (protection against vertical water drops). In practice, most standard light fixtures are suitable, but IP44 models offer additional safety.
In summary: the closer you are to water, the higher the IP rating needs to be. If in doubt, choose an IP44 light fixture — it is suitable for volumes 2 and 3, which cover 90% of the bathroom's surface area.
Safety standards: what you need to know
The IP rating decoded
The IP rating is read as two digits: the first for protection against solids (dust), the second for water.
- IP44 — Protected against solid bodies > 1 mm and water splashes. Sufficient for most locations in the bathroom.
- IP54 — Reinforced protection against dust + water splashes. Ideal for the bathroom and outdoors.
- IP65 — Totally dust-tight + protected against water jets. For open showers and exposed outdoor use.
- IP67 — Temporary immersion. For poolsides and fountains.
Insulation class
In the bathroom, favour Class II light fixtures (double insulation), which do not require earthing. They are identified by the double-square symbol on the fitting.
The SELV transformer
In volumes 0 and 1, the light fixture must operate on Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV), i.e. 12V maximum. The transformer must be placed outside volumes 0, 1 and 2.
Mirror lighting: the key element
80% of what you do in the bathroom is done in front of the mirror: shaving, applying make-up, doing your hair, checking your teeth. Mirror lighting is therefore the most important element in the entire bathroom.
The fundamental rule
Mirror lighting must come from the sides, not from above. A spotlight above the mirror creates shadows under the eyes, nose and chin — exactly what you don't want when applying make-up or shaving.
The ideal setup: two wall lights on either side of the mirror, at eye level (about 160-170 cm from the floor). Lateral light illuminates the face uniformly without creating shadows.
If you only have one light point above
If the setup of your bathroom only allows lighting above the mirror, choose a linear light bar as wide as the mirror (not a concentrated spotlight). The uniform distribution of light reduces shadows. Place it 10-15 cm above the top edge of the mirror.
Backlit mirror
Mirrors with integrated LEDs along the edges are very on-trend and very functional. Backlighting creates a soft halo of light that complements the main lighting and adds a decorative dimension. It is the most aesthetic solution, but it does not replace lateral lighting for precise make-up.
General bathroom lighting
Ceiling light: the base
Every bathroom needs general lighting on the ceiling. Opt for a watertight ceiling light (IP44 minimum) with wide diffusion. Avoid single spotlights that create harsh shadows. A 1500 to 2000 lumen LED ceiling light is suitable for a standard bathroom (6 to 10 m2).
Recessed spotlights
Recessed spotlights offer a pared-back, modern look. Plan for one spot every 1 to 1.5 m2 for uniform lighting. Make sure they are rated IP65 for locations above the shower.
Ambient lighting
To turn your bathroom into a spa in the evening, add ambient lighting: an LED strip behind the mirror or under the vanity unit, a rechargeable lamp set on a ledge. A dimmer is essential: full light in the morning, dimmed light for a relaxing bath.
Colour temperature: the make-up question
The bathroom is the only room where colour temperature has a truly practical and measurable impact (beyond ambience). Why? Because this is where you prepare yourself to face daylight.
For make-up: neutral white (4000K)
Neutral white (4000K) is the standard recommended by professional make-up artists. It is close enough to daylight to see the true colours of your skin, your eyeshadows and your foundation. Make-up applied under warm white (2700K) will look too dark in daylight.
For a relaxing bath: warm white (2700K)
In the evening, for a relaxing bath, warm white is ideal. Hence the value of having two circuits (or a dimmer + variable temperature): neutral white in the morning in front of the mirror, warm white in the evening for the bath.
CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
In the bathroom, the CRI is crucial. Aim for a CRI of 90 or more (CRI 90+). A low CRI distorts colours — your complexion looks grey, lipsticks all look the same. Quality LEDs offer a CRI of > 90 without any significant extra cost.
Tips for a small bathroom
The majority of French bathrooms are under 6 m2. Here is how to optimise the lighting of a small space:
- Large mirror + side lighting — The mirror visually enlarges, the side lighting distributes light uniformly. A guaranteed spatial effect.
- Flush ceiling light (fitted against the ceiling) — No hanging pendant light eating into height. An ultra-flat ceiling light is imperceptible.
- Light colours + white light — Light surfaces reflect light and enlarge the space. Neutral white reinforces this effect.
- Lighting beneath the vanity unit — An LED strip under the unit creates a floating effect and eliminates the shadow on the floor. The room looks more airy.
- No shadow zones — In a small space, each shadow reduces the perceived surface area. Multiply the sources for uniform lighting.
Our bathroom selection
Two light fixtures suited to the specific constraints of the bathroom.
Felora — The suitable ceiling light
Ultra-flat flush ceiling light with a protection rating suited to the bathroom. Wide, uniform diffusion that eliminates shadows. Slim format that takes up no ceiling height — ideal for small bathrooms.
- Flush ceiling light
- Ultra-flat
- Wide diffusion
- Integrated LED
- 2-year warranty
Kilora — The mirror wall light
A wall light designed for lateral mirror illumination. Placed on either side at eye level, it eliminates facial shadows for precise make-up and shaving. A pared-back design that fits into any bathroom.
- Wall light
- Side lighting
- Integrated LED
- Pared-back design
- 2-year warranty
Frequently asked questions about bathroom lighting
Can you put any light fixture in a bathroom?
No. The standards impose minimum IP protection ratings according to the distance from the bath or shower. In volume 2 (60 cm around the shower), IP44 minimum is required. Beyond that, the constraints are lighter but a moisture-resistant IP rating is recommended.
What colour temperature for applying make-up?
Neutral white (4000K) with a CRI of 90+ is the recommended standard. It faithfully reproduces the colours of skin and cosmetics. Make-up applied under warm white will be too dark in daylight.
How many lumens for a bathroom?
Count on approximately 300 lux at floor level, i.e. 1500 to 2000 lumens for a bathroom of 5 to 7 m2. For the mirror, add an extra 400 to 600 lumens (wall lights or mirror light bar). In the evening, a dimmer lets you drop down to 30% for a spa ambience.
Is lighting above the mirror sufficient?
It is less ideal than lateral lighting as it creates shadows under the eyes and nose. If this is your only option, choose a light bar as wide as the mirror (not a single spotlight) and place it 10-15 cm above the top edge of the mirror.
A well-lit bathroom, a transformed daily routine
Bathroom lighting is not a detail. It is the difference between a botched face of make-up and a perfect one, between a stressful bath under a strip light and a relaxing bath in soft light, between a cramped room and a luminous space.
Respect the IP standards (it is compulsory and it is for your safety), invest in good mirror lighting and add a dimmer to switch from "preparation" mode to "relaxation" mode. Your bathroom will thank you.
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