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Choosing The Right Wetroom Lighting

Choosing The Right Wetroom Lighting - Wetroom Materials

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11th April 2019
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Post by Wetroom Materials

As we head into the spring and summer months, we look forward to the lighter and brighter nights this time of the year brings with it. But the aim is to simulate this lovely lighting in a UK wet room all year round. Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to designing a wetroom, it’s easy to become preoccupied with bath, shower and tile choices. But to get a beautiful and highly functional wet room, it’s important to think about it right from the beginning of the project. There is so much choice out there, so making sure you choose the right lighting to suit a client’s overall style and need for functionality is key. Spark off your imagination by taking a read of some of the bright ideas below you help you choose the right lighting for your wetroom.

Size Of The Room

Evaluating the size of the room, vs the natural light available is key to choosing the right lighting in a wet room. Naturally, the larger the size of the room, the more lighting it will require. However, how bright the wet room will be is really a personal choice, some prefer a really bright light whereas others will prefer a more ambient feeling. It’s important to gain a good understanding of the overall mood and feel your client likes, and balance this with providing enough light in the room to meet these needs.

Natural Light

When working on installing a wet room, it’s really important to assess the levels of natural light available in the room. More often than not, bathrooms do not get as much access to natural light as other rooms within the room, so getting the lighting right here is key. From a design point of view, you can use mirrors to your advantage by putting them in places which naturally reflect light throughout the space, then use artificial lighting to support.

Focus installing lighting in areas which require extra attention, a great example is within the shower; nobody wants to shower in the dark! By installing lights just above the showering area, you’re able to provide light from a functionality point of view as well as an aesthetic one; lighting flowing down on a shower area has a really beautiful effect. Alternatively, spotlights are brilliant when it comes to highlighting areas which need extra light. This way, the client can choose the areas that they want to be bright, and can also change this later down the line should they want to. Downlighting, on the other hand, is fixed, so if the layout of the wetroom was to change in any way, the lighting would need to also.

Style

Both the functionality and the overall aesthetics of the lighting you choose for a wetroom will be highly dependant on the client’s personal style of wet room. If the client wants to achieve an uber-modern and high tech finish, then there is a range of lighting and smart tech you can propose to them. How about making a splash with installing a shower head with lights? Or allow them to embrace their inner Hollywood with mirror lighting, or through installing bathroom cabinet with lights. A really popular choice in 2019 is to install led strip lighting, this can be suited to any style and personality.

Alternatively, if your client prefers a more classic or vintage style you can suggest lighting that meets their needs from a functionality point of view, with their chosen hardware and accessories to accentuate their personal style.

Wetroom Use & Functionality

Upon deciding what lighting to opt for within a wet room, it’s important to assess how and when the wet room will be used, so that you can make smart choices to accommodate this. For example, if a key area of the wet room is a beautiful bath consider installing mood lighting, or options to create more ambient lighting to create a relaxed and subdued feel in the space. On the other hand, if the shower is key highlight this with the correct lighting such as in the shower head or as a spotlight above. Perhaps you could suggest floor or accent lighting so that when it’s placed under fixtures it not only shows off the furniture but also allows an individual to use the wet room without switching the main light on.

 

We are dedicated to customer care, which is why our staff are on hand to help you with all your wetroom project needs through our CCL wetroom service (Customer Care Line).

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My client bought a range of Wet Room Unislope Systems from our local retailer, Bathworks. We struggled to find anyone to come to site and take responsibility for the waterproofing until we came across Wet Room Materials. They were willing to stand over their tanking system and more than helpful throughout all stages of the installation from site survey and room preparation to installation. A 10 Year no leak fully insured warranty gave me the confidence that we were dealing with a professional organisation. I would highly recommend these guys and will certainly be using them going forward.

Steven Quinlan | Director | Citius Limited

I have honestly found, Wet Room Materials to be an easy and reliable company to work with. Whether it be a one wet room residential project, apartment block or a gym; they ensure there are no installation problems and we don’t have to worry about leaks. They take care of the specification and advising us on correct build ups and preparation. On a recent project we were able to buy their Unislope System p from our bathroom show room retailer and they subsequently came to site to tank out the bathrooms. It was a time sensitive job and The Wet Room lads worked through the evening and into the weekend to ensure we completed the project on time.  I have no hesitation in recommending Wet Room Materials. They are a pleasure to deal with.

Noel Geraghty | Director/Founder | NGS Mechanical Services

In Bright Designs, we understand the importance of specifying a reliable waterproofing system for bathrooms. We have worked on a number of projects with Wet Room Materials over the years and I can honestly say that their waterproofing installation service offers complete peace of mind for us and our clients. The Wet Room Materials Team are there throughout all stages of the project from site survey and specification to installation. More importantly they also give us a 10 year no leak guarantee. I also like the fact that they will handle communication with the client and contractors in terms of delivering a high-quality installation which allows me the head space to focus on other aspects of the build."

Alan Burns | Director/Co-founder | Bright Designs. B Arch, B Sc Arch, MRIAI.

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The Best Bathroom Lighting: Your Complete Guide

In a well-lit bathroom, you probably just switch on your bathroom light and don't think much about it beyond whether the bulb needs replaced. But the truth is, when it comes to interior lighting, your bathroom lighting is actually one of the most important elements in your home. Keying in on the perfect lighting can transform a bathroom without a full renovation and make a small, cramped space feel open and spacious. On the flip side, bad bathroom lighting can ruin even a perfectly remodeled space.

Bathroom lighting doesn't just brighten up your space, but it can also help you transition from day to night peacefully and wake you up in the morning. When you're getting ready for a day at the office or a night on the town, bad lighting can make it impossible to get out of the door. And when you wind down after a long day, harsh lighting can jolt you awake and cause you to stay awake longer.

All of this is to say, bathroom lighting is really, really important and is by far one of the easiest upgrades you can make in your bathroom. Many designers say that bathroom lighting can be one of the most important decisions you can make in your bathroom. From overhead pendants to sconces, there are endless choices and ways to customize your space so the decision can feel overwhelming.

Here's Where To Get The Best Lighting To Brighten Up Your Home

Read on for everything you need to know about acing your bathroom lighting.

Rebecca Rollins

The first step to figuring out the right bathroom lighting for your space is to consider the natural lighting you have available. A bathroom without a window may require a brighter overhead light while one with a large amount of sunlight could get away with just task lighting and accent lighting. Either way, try to layer lighting in your bathroom to create a space that's dimensional and homey.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to electrical lighting in a bathroom is to aim for around 50 lumens per square foot to mimic natural daylight. The exact lumens you need will depend on your square footage, but you want enough lighting to help you get ready in the morning but not so much that you feel blinded when you first wake up.

We recommend you start from the top to the bottom. First, ensure you fill your space with adequate light overhead through ceiling lighting. Then, plan the most important part of your bathroom: your vanity. This is the task lighting that you will use most often and where you will find the most variety. Lastly, consider ambient or additional lighting such as shower or bathtub lights to illuminate nooks and crannies and add a bit of personality and warmth.

If you are struggling to find the perfect lighting combo, here's a rundown of the types you should consider.

Your task lighting is the lighting in your bathroom you will probably notice the most (or at least you'll notice it first). This is focused illumination that is meant to specifically help you get a task done. Task lighting is typically around your vanity. but you can also find it in your shower to help you with tasks such as shaving or conditioning.

Vanity Lighting

Design: Emily Henderson

Photo: Tessa Neustadt

When it comes to picking your vanity lighting, consider first how large your vanity is and how much natural light you already have. A vanity placed right next to a window can get away with something closer to a 45-watt bulb and a fixture that throws a little less light while a double vanity in a room without much natural light should really focus on brighter, more exposed lighting.

Sconces are the most common form of vanity task lighting. For the most light without any unflattering shadows, we recommend two sconces at or right above eye level to the side of your mirror (or, roughly 60 inches off the ground). This allows you to frame your mirror and your face to highlight your reflection perfectly.

The other option is a fixture directly above the mirror, but if you decide to go this way, opt for a fixture with an opaque cover to avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates unflattering shadows. An exposed or directional light bulb can result in shadowing around your eyes or nose that can make it difficult to trust what you see in the mirror.

Your choice will also ultimately depend on the shape and size of your mirror. A round mirror in a small powder room may only have space for a sconce above while a double vanity may have room for multiple eye-level sconces.

Shower Lighting

You may want to plan some recessed lighting for your shower, especially if you have a walk-in shower with a door. Here, you will definitely want to use either a damp-rated or moisture-rated fixture when installing your recessed lighting. Your choice will depend on whether water will directly hit the light or if it will only be exposed to humidity.

From there, you will want to consider the look and feel of your shower to pick the recessed lighting for your shower. The bulb itself comes in a variety of styles including frosted, albalite, and opal.

When deciding how much lighting you need in your shower, consider adding at least one overhead light in a single shower and two in a double. Some owners even add task lighting in the shower niche to illuminate your bath products.

LeClair Decor

Ambient lighting is considered your standard, general light that illuminates the entire space. This is typically done through a ceiling light, but any light that brightens the general space and allows you to move around the room freely and safely is considered ambient lighting. In general, your ambient light should cast light equally to all four corners of your bathroom.

Consider the square footage of your bathroom as you decide what kind of ambient lighting you want. Try an online calculator to figure out how many lumens you need for your bathroom based on your square footage and fill it in with ambient lighting.

Ceiling Lighting

The most common bathroom ambient lighting is ceiling lighting. But what kind of ceiling lighting is best for your space? From pendant lights to flush mount to recessed, it can be a puzzle to figure out what light style is best for your space.

Recessed Lighting

A modern or larger bathroom may do best with a handful of can or recessed lights to cast away any shadows in the corners and brighten up the space. A general guide for recessed lighting is to divide the ceiling height by two to decide how much to space each light apart. So, for example, an eight-foot ceiling should have recessed lights spaced four feet apart.

Flush Mount Lighting

If you're a renter or you just moved into a new construction, you may have a single flush mount light overhead instead. A cheap flush mount light fixture is one of the worst bathroom decor mistakes you can make. Instead, swap it out for a drum flush mount or a schoolhouse-inspired future with exposed lighting.

Pendant Lighting

While we wouldn't recommend a decorative pendant or chandelier as your only source of light, adding one can be a great way to create a focal point in a larger bathroom and upgrade your space without a lot of effort.

Design: Emily Henderson

Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The final type of lighting that it's important to consider in your bathroom is the accent lighting. It's there to add a certain feel to your bathroom or highlight a specific corner or cove in your space. It won't light up your entire room, but it can help create a mood and is a great opportunity to be a little more experimental with your picks.

This is a great opportunity to showcase an architectural feature such as an archway or a built-in cabinet using a sconce or downlighting. Install your accent lighting in a place that highlights the most flattering details of an object (for example, in a darker corner to illuminate floor to ceiling tile). In a larger bathroom with space for side tables, a small lamp can add a lot of warmth and add a temporary source of light that can be easily moved around as you redecorate.

Sure, picking out beautiful fixtures is one part of the puzzle, but there are a lot of other details that you can't forget when it comes to creating that Instagrammable bathroom. As an example, picking out the wrong bulb for your fixture can make a modern sconce feel dated and out of place. And what about dimmer switches? Here's what you should know about all of the nitty, gritty details.

Bathroom Dimmers

If you've never considered a dimmer in your bathroom before, now is the chance to fix that. A dimmer switch connected to your overhead light is a must if you're renovating your space. Not only can a dimmer switch save on energy bills, but it can help you take your bathroom from morning to evening. It can be difficult to find the perfect lighting for a bright summer morning and a dreary winter evening, so a dimmer switch can be a great solution.

Keeping a dimmed a light on overnight can also function as a grownup nightlight so you aren't blinded by harsh bulbs in the middle of the night.

How to Pick Light Bulbs

While your exact light bulbs may differ based on your final bathroom fixture choices, a good rule of thumb is to consider warmer light in the bathroom. Look for bulbs that mimic natural light and avoid those that feel clinical or overly cold and harsh.

Here's a quick rundown of the types of bulbs you may encounter while outfitting your bathroom:

Pure Salt Interiors

The color of your bulb is also very important, especially when you're getting ready in the morning. Look for bulbs with a color temperature of 2700K and a Color Rendering Index of 90 or higher. This will ensure you're not stuck with unflattering light or a stark, overly cold feeling in your bathroom.

Now that you've mapped out the types of lighting you need, it's time for the fun part. If you're renovating a space, you will have endless options when it comes to bathroom lighting fixtures. Consider the light fixtures as the icing on top of your bathroom decor's cake. Since you probably don't have a lot of art in the bathroom, your lighting fixtures act as a way to pull tile and fixtures together and create a seamless look.

In a bathroom that's already been renovated, but just needs a little lighting help, look to your existing fixtures. Pull in themes from your vanity or shower tile to ensure your lighting feels connected and purposeful. We recommend sticking to similar finishes throughout your fixtures to create a cohesive look, but you can also pick a palette and mix and match materials like marble or gold that play well together.

11 Affordable Medicine Cabinets for Every Style and Space

nuances of choosing fixtures for the bathroom and toilet

In all our apartments and houses there are rooms in which the atmosphere in terms of the degree of air humidity almost always exceeds the norm. Therefore, when lighting equipment for such premises, the main task is to ensure the safety of the operation of lighting devices in conditions of high humidity.

Electricity strikes instantly, so it is necessary to eliminate the risks of such damage as much as possible. This can only be done by competent installation of lighting in such premises and the right choice of lamps, which must be resistant to moisture and airtight. Today we will talk about such lamps, their protection classes, application options and selection rules.

But first, let's define what rooms are considered wet. Dry rooms include all rooms in which the humidity level does not exceed 60%. If the humidity in the room even slightly goes beyond this value, it is already referred to as objects of high humidity. All rooms in this category are divided into three types:

Simply damp include kitchens, manufacturing plants, heated basements, pumping stations, and so on. Their moisture level can range from 60 to 70.5%. In such rooms, condensate on the walls or steam does not appear constantly, in a small volume.

Unheated basements and cellars, as well as a number of production workshops, are also classified as damp, the air humidity in them exceeds 75%, and this level persists for a long time.

The last type of wet rooms are especially damp. These include greenhouses and greenhouses, since the level of humidity in them is close to 100%. The main sign of especially damp rooms is the presence of permanent moisture condensate on the walls, as well as on the surface of the floor and ceiling.

Of course, it is impossible to install simple lamps in rooms with high humidity. Waterproof models are needed here. The main feature of any fixtures that are intended for installation in rooms where the level of humidity exceeds the norm is the presence of special internal structural components. Depending on which protection class they belong to, such components prevent water from entering the luminaire and preventing direct contact of moisture with the lamp and with electronic contents and conductors. Such design features contribute to a significant increase in the duration of the service life and prevent the occurrence of dangerous moments, including a short circuit, breakdown only to ground, and various fires.

Lighting devices for wet rooms are distinguished by a number of important features, namely:

Remember that the mere presence of an airtight bulb in a light fixture is not a sign that it is suitable for installation in a room with high humidity. At the junction of the plafond with the body of the device, designed for operation in wet facilities, a sealing gasket made of elastic rubber is mandatory. And the product passport or a label placed on the package must contain information about the value of the IP index.

Varieties of moisture resistant lamps

All lighting devices intended for use in wet areas are qualified according to three key features:


Bathroom wall and ceiling lamp Aqua 1x60W E27 230V metal painted silver

Depending on the method of installation, lighting fixtures are found in three constructive types - built-in, overhead or suspended. Design features largely determine the object of application. On this basis, moisture-resistant lamps are divided into:

According to the type of light source, moisture-resistant lamps are divided into:

The quality of illumination of objects with high humidity depends both on the number of luminaires used and on the place of their installation. Therefore, when arranging the lighting of such premises, such important factors as the illuminated area, ceiling height, the need for zoning, and the presence of partitions at the facility are taken into account. In addition, lighting fixtures must match the style concept of the interior of the room.

Security requirements

Increased requirements are imposed on the protection of lighting devices intended for installation in rooms with high humidity from moisture and dust. The marking of such lamps necessarily contains 2 important characteristics: IP-index and an indication of compliance with a certain humidity zone. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Protection indices

The level of dust and moisture protection is indicated by the IP index, followed by two digits, for example, 65. The first digit six corresponds to the dust protection class, 2 indicates what protection class the device has from water.

Dust ratings


Moisture levels


Wet areas

To simplify the task of choosing a moisture-resistant lamp, a classification of degrees of protection was created for areas of premises with high humidity. The humidity zone index on the packaging or in the luminaire passport sets the limits in which the luminaire can be used:

Luminaires with an index less than IP23 are designed to be placed close to wet areas, but still not inside them.

Many modern models of moisture-resistant lamps are marked with three numbers, the last of which indicates the degree of impact resistance of the device. This indicator is not of great importance if during the future operation it is not planned to systematically expose the light device to intense mechanical stress.


Types of fixtures by mounting method

According to the installation technology in a wet room, lamps are divided into three types: built-in, overhead and suspended. The first can be safely embedded into any surface, whether it be a ceiling, walls or floor. It can also be furniture or elements of decor and other interior design.

Recessed luminaires come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their installation is simplified by the fact that the case is usually equipped with special brackets.

Surface-mounted luminaires are mounted on walls and ceilings. They are used when the surface does not allow creating a cavity in it to accommodate the built-in device. There are standard and decorative modifications of this type of lighting fixtures.

Hanging lamps are less common in wet rooms, since for their installation it is necessary to equip suspensions or hooks, as well as special fasteners if the device is not mounted on the ceiling, but mounted on the wall. In addition, their use is preferable provided that the ceiling height in the room is sufficient, which is not always the case in our bathrooms, baths and other wet rooms.

The best manufacturers of moisture resistant lamps

Among the modern companies that supply moisture-resistant lamps to the market, some have proven themselves from the best side due to high quality and excellent product design. Below we list five brands whose lamps are in high demand.

Downlight Lug

The company produces mainly impact-resistant lighting fixtures with a high level of dust and moisture protection, designed for installation in bathrooms. The model range is distinguished by a variety of shapes, designs, colors and power. The devices are equipped with both diode and lamp light sources.

Massive

The rich product line of this company includes a variety of spectacular fixtures designed for baths and pools, saunas and showers, bathrooms and hamams. Priority is given to economical, safe and reliable ice technologies.

Eglo

The company manufactures moisture-resistant wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted luminaires designed to illuminate rooms with high humidity. Buyers of such products are captivated by the spectacular and original design, in which every detail is thought out, as well as the high quality and durability of lighting fixtures.

Arte Lamp

The company produces high-quality halogen and led lamps, which are designed specifically for operation in high humidity conditions. Lighting devices of this manufacturer are offered to customers in ceiling, wall or combined versions. In addition to high quality, the products of this brand are characterized by a high aesthetic component.


Wall and ceiling lamp for bathroom ARTE LAMP Aqua-bollal 1x40W G9IP44 antique bronze/white

Kanlux

The main advantage of moisture-resistant luminaires of this line is the optimal ratio of a relatively low price, excellent quality and high dust and moisture protection. The company offers a variety of models - sconces and chandeliers, LEDs and lamps.


Recessed lamp KANLUX Qules 1х35W GU10 IP44 white


Wet room fixture IP65 - LED lighting

Lamp for wet rooms PLI-09-1700LM-15V-AC12V- IP 65 L

PLI-10LM-DC298 B- B- B- -L

PLI-09-1500lm-15W-AC36V- IP 65-L

The LED luminaire is designed for outdoor and indoor lighting with high humidity IP 65. The luminaire is powered by reduced voltage 12, 24 or 36 Volts AC . The most frequent application: under a canopy in the open air, lighting at auto enterprises in inspection pits; lighting of damp basements, lighting of premises with high humidity, at car washes, in swimming pools, in vegetable stores. The luminaire is mounted on the ceiling or wall, using 2 self-tapping screws or screws in two mounting holes Ø 4. 5 mm. Low-voltage wet room luminaire is designed for installation directly on any surface, including normally combustible materials. Electrical connection - two-pole terminal block, wires with a core cross section of not more than 2.5 sq. mm. For disassembly (mounting) of the luminaire, a HEX3 hex socket bit is required. The main advantage of this luminaire is: compact size, high degree of safety, low voltage 24V, high reliability and sealed IP65, anti-vandal aluminum housing. The case is covered with weather-resistant powder enamel. Matte white diffuser made of durable polycarbonate. Huge service life - more than 20 years.

Made in the Russian Federation. Warranty - 5 years!

Luminaire price (go to price page)

Buy wet room luminaire (issue invoice)

Specifications.

Permissible AC supply voltage range Permissible DC supply voltage range

for AC12 V 11 - 15 V

for AC24 V 21 - 28 V

for AC36 V 32 - 42 V

for DC24 V 22 - 30 V

for DC12 V 11 - 15 V

Active power input

10-15W

Luminous flux

1000-1700 lm

Correlated color temperature

4000 - 5700 K

Radiation pattern width (0.

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