Bathroom

What IP rating do I need for bathroom lighting?

Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower tray): IP67 minimum (submersible). Zone 1 (above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m from floor): IP44 minimum. Zone 2 (60cm outside the zone 1 boundary): IP44 recommended. Outside these zones in a well-ventilated bathroom: standard fittings are generally acceptable, though IP20 minimum is still advised. Always check the product page for the IP rating of any fixture before purchasing for a bathroom application, and confirm zone classifications with a licensed electrician before installation. Our bathroom collection notes IP ratings on each product page.

What colour temperature is best for bathroom mirror lighting?

Neutral white (3000–4000K) is the most accurate for grooming — it provides balanced colour rendering without the yellow-warmth distortion of warm white or the harsh blueness of cool white. If you can only have one colour temperature in the bathroom, 3000K is the best single-source compromise: accurate enough for grooming, warm enough to be flattering. For a layered bathroom scheme — neutral vanity light + warm ambient overhead — the combination provides both accuracy at the mirror and warmth in the surrounding space. This is the standard in high-end hotel bathrooms for good reason.

Where should vanity lights be positioned relative to the mirror?

Side-mounted lights at eye level (approximately 60 inches from floor to fixture centre) on either side of the mirror are the most effective position — they eliminate the under-eye and under-nose shadows that overhead mirror lighting creates. For a Hollywood-style mirror with lights integrated around the perimeter, the surrounding light covers all shadow angles simultaneously. Overhead mirror lighting (above the mirror only) is the most common bathroom lighting mistake — functional but producing the least flattering shadow pattern. Our wall lights collection includes sconces appropriate for vanity-flanking applications.

Can I put a chandelier or pendant above my freestanding bath?

Yes — provided the fixture carries the appropriate IP rating for Zone 1 (IP44 minimum for the area above the bath up to 2.25m from the floor). A compact crystal pendant or small chandelier above a freestanding bath is one of the most effective bathroom atmosphere moves available — it transforms the bath from a functional fixture into a destination. The fixture must be positioned to clear the bather's head by comfortable margin, and must be hardwired by a licensed electrician. Confirm the fixture is IP44+ and the circuit is GFCI/RCD-protected before installation.

How do I match bathroom light fixture finishes to my tapware?

Match the metal finish of the light fixture to the dominant metal in the tapware and fittings. Chrome tapware: chrome or brushed nickel fixtures. Matte black tapware: matte black fixtures. Brushed gold or aged brass tapware: gold or antique brass fixtures. Mixing metal finishes in a bathroom is the most common reason a renovation feels unfinished — even with expensive materials, mismatched metals create visual fragmentation. The light fixture is the most visible piece of hardware at eye height in most bathrooms; getting its finish right relative to the tapware is the highest-impact finish decision you can make in the space.

Can I install bathroom lighting myself?

No — all bathroom electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician. Electrical work in a wet environment (classified as a "special location" under all major electrical standards) requires specific qualifications, must comply with zone requirements, and must be inspected and certified in most jurisdictions. DIY electrical work in a bathroom is both illegal and life-threatening in most countries. Budget for a licensed electrician as a fixed cost for any bathroom lighting project — it is not an optional upgrade.

What's the difference between Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2?

Zone 0 is the inside of the bath or shower — the area in direct contact with water. Only IP67+ (submersible) fixtures can be used here; in practice, this typically means underwater bath lights only. Zone 1 is the area directly above the bath or shower up to 2.25 metres from the floor — where water spray is likely. IP44 minimum required. Zone 2 is the 60cm band outside Zone 1 — where occasional splashing may occur. IP44 strongly recommended. Outside all zones in a well-ventilated bathroom: standard fittings are acceptable, though moisture-resistant is always preferable. Our bathroom collection is curated with these zones in mind.

Can marble light fixtures be used in a bathroom?

Standard marble fixtures from our Marble Lighting collection are designed for dry interior use and are not suitable for Zone 1 or Zone 2 bathroom applications. Natural marble is porous and will absorb moisture in high-humidity environments, leading to surface degradation over time. In the outer zone (Zone 3) of a well-ventilated bathroom — for example, as a decorative accent sconce on a wall far from the shower — a marble fixture can work if the bathroom ventilation is adequate. For any application where moisture is a concern, contact us at support@zenduce.com before purchasing.