A mirror is an essential element in every bathroom. Whether there is a window in the room or not, it is worth ensuring proper lighting. Nowadays, there are many interesting solutions - one of the more intriguing ideas is to have LED lamps built into the mirror’s frame.
In today's article, we will discuss the general rules concerning lighting, present the most popular solutions, and explain how bathroom mirror lighting can affect the appearance of the room.
Key rules for bathroom lighting
Lighting in the bathroom is as important as the fittings or ceramics. It affects not only the functionality of the space but also the atmosphere and comfort. When thinking about how to light the bathroom, it's worth asking yourself how many and what kind of light points you will need.
You can choose from:
- general lighting – usually a ceiling lamp designed to evenly light up the entire bathroom space, providing comfort during daily grooming activities;
- task lighting – sometimes called task lighting. These are usually light sources placed in the immediate vicinity of the mirror and sink. The purpose of the lamps positioned this way is to evenly light the face, essential for applying make-up, shaving facial hair, or arranging a hairstyle;
- decorative lighting – often LED strips used to highlight chosen bathroom elements. This type of light is used to bring a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation into the bathroom.
The most faithful representation of colors and details is provided by sunlight. The ideal bathroom is one with a large south-facing window. However, in many cases, these rooms are windowless, meaning they don’t have windows that let in more natural light. What solutions are worth considering then? Bathroom mirrors fitted with additional lighting might be a good idea.
At mexen.pl, you will find various mirror models - including those equipped with LED bulbs. Choose the shape and size of the product - change the face of your bathroom quickly and easily.
What to remember when choosing bathroom mirror lighting?
When considering how to light a bathroom mirror, it's worth also thinking about the overall lighting in this room. When selecting lamps and lights for the bathroom, particular attention should be paid to safety. Due to the high humidity of this room, it's advisable to choose lighting fixtures with increased waterproofing. Water entering the electrical installation could, at best, cause a short circuit and ruin the lamp and, at worst, lead to electric shock.
An important aspect not to be forgotten when planning the method of lighting a bathroom mirror is the color of the light emitted by bathroom lamps. Neutral light resembling daylight works best - it will ensure the reflection looks credible. By choosing the right light color, you can also influence the atmosphere in the room.
It is also worth ensuring that the bathroom lighting has adjustable intensity. This makes it easier to adapt the lighting to the individual needs of the bathroom users.
Lighting the bathroom mirror
Properly lighting the mirror surface allows attention to every detail while preparing makeup, shaving, and other activities. To ensure sufficient light, care must be taken not only with the power of the lamps but also with their proper installation.
The height of the lighting is important and depends on the type of light chosen. For example, sconces placed on either side of the mirror should be mounted roughly at eye level. Pleasant light with the right intensity makes grooming easier.
The lighting should also match the mirror's size and shape. The most popular in bathrooms are round or rectangular mirrors - this aspect should be considered when choosing a new bathroom lamp.
How to match lighting to the shape and size of the mirror?
As we have mentioned, when planning the lighting of a bathroom mirror, it must be matched to the mirror's shape and size. So:
- round mirrors – round mirrors and models with irregular shapes look great with lighting built into the frame, giving even light. Similarly, lamps placed around the mirror enhance its shape;
- rectangular mirrors – for rectangular mirrors, lighting on both sides is ideal. Such placement of lamps will ensure even face lighting and minimize shadow formation.
If the issue is the size it is worth considering lighting placed at the sides of a bathroom mirror. A sconce is an excellent idea, which can also become an unusual bathroom decoration.
If the mirror is wide, it may be worth complementing the side lighting with an additional lamp located just above the surface. For a small mirror, a lamp placed directly above it, providing even light with an eye-friendly color, works well.
Popular bathroom lighting ideas
The method of lighting the bathroom largely depends on its size. Hanging lamps, the main source of light, and additional points often installed close to the bathroom mirror, are very popular solutions in large bathing salons. If there's natural light entering the bathroom, it's worth using it - skin looks more natural in this light, helping to avoid many mistakes, e.g., when applying makeup.
What if your bathroom doesn't have a window? Among the most popular choices are sconces, that is, wall lamps placed at eye level on either side of the mirror. This arrangement of lamps ensures adequate face lighting. LED sconces are growing in popularity thanks to adjustable lighting power.
An interesting way to light both the mirror and bathroom simultaneously is to use mirrors where the light source is LED strips embedded in the glass. Depending on the chosen model, they can replace the classic frame and light the surface, or become an additional unconventional decoration of a modern bathroom.
LED mirror – an original solution for your bathroom
A bathroom mirror must be lit, so models with a built-in lamp may be a very good choice. They are popular purchases because they have many advantages:
- precise lighting: LED lamps are a concentrated light source evenly distributed around the mirror area. This lighting method eliminates shadows, making daily facial grooming easier;
- space saving: lamps embedded in glass help save space by removing the need to install additional lighting near the mirror. This is an ideal solution for small bathrooms;
- modern design: lighting mounted in a bathroom mirror gives a modern approach to bathroom lighting. You have the option to choose a square, rectangular, or round LED mirror;
- mood lighting: lighting with LED strips in the mirror can be conveniently adjusted - illuminate the bathroom mirror with strong light or reduce its intensity if needed;
- ease of cleaning: LED mirrors are washed just like mirrors without lighting. An unquestionable advantage is that there are no additional elements around the mirror that require regular cleaning;
- safety: LED mirrors are safe and eco-friendly, their low energy consumption, and minimal heat production ensure proper lighting and comfort of use.
How to light a bathroom mirror – summary
Whether you have a small round mirror or a rectangular pane occupying a large part of the wall, it's worth considering proper lighting. LED-lit mirrors are a practical and stylish solution that can significantly improve not only functionality but also the aesthetics of a bathroom.
LED strips embedded in the mirror emit uniform light, providing good illumination for the entire face. A neutral color guarantees a maximally natural appearance – this is particularly useful when applying makeup.
It's important to take into account the following parameters:
- color temperature: the ideal temperature for mirror lighting is around 4000 K to 5500 K - providing neutral light close to daylight;
- light intensity: should range from 500 to 1000 lux - ensuring sufficient visibility without glare;
- color rendering index (CRI): if colors are to be perceived naturally, the CRI value should be at least 85.
Let's not forget that lighting should be tailored to individual needs and preferences, and also harmoniously fit the style in which the entire bathroom is arranged.