A mirror is an essential element of any bathroom. Regardless of whether there is a window in the room or not, it's worth ensuring proper lighting. There are many interesting solutions available today - one of the more intriguing ideas is built-in LED lights in the mirror frame.
In this article, we will discuss the general principles of lighting, present the most popular solutions, and explain how bathroom mirror lighting can affect the appearance of the room.
The most important rules for bathroom lighting
Bathroom lighting is as important as fixtures or ceramics. It affects not only the functionality of the room but also the atmosphere and comfort. When considering how to light the bathroom, it's important to ask yourself how many and what types of light points you will need.
You can choose:
- general lighting – this is usually a ceiling lamp designed to evenly light up the entire bathroom space, ensuring comfort during daily grooming tasks;
- task lighting – sometimes referred to as accent lighting. These are usually light sources placed in close proximity to the mirror and washbasin. The task of such lamps is to evenly illuminate the face, which is essential during makeup application, shaving, or hairstyling;
- decorative lighting – often, these are LED strips used to highlight selected elements of the bathroom. This type of lighting is used to create a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation.
The most faithful representation of colors and details is provided by sunlight. The ideal bathroom is one with a large window facing south. However, in many cases, these rooms are windowless, so there's no opportunity to let in more natural light. What solutions should one consider in such cases? A good idea might be mirrors equipped with additional lighting.
On mexen.pl you will find various models of mirrors - 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?
As you consider how to light a bathroom mirror, it's worth also thinking about the overall lighting of this room. When choosing lamps and fixtures for the bathroom, special attention should be given to safety. Due to the high humidity of this room, it's best to choose light fixtures with increased tightness. Water getting into the electrical installation can lead, at best, to a short circuit and damage to the lamp, and at worst - even to electric shock.
An important aspect that cannot be overlooked when planning the lighting for a bathroom mirror is the color of light emitted by bathroom lamps. Neutral light mimicking daylight performs best - it ensures that reflections appear realistic. By choosing the right color of light, you can also influence the atmosphere in the room.
It's also worth paying attention to ensure that bathroom lighting has adjustable intensity. This makes it easier to customize the lighting to the individual needs of the bathroom users.
Mirror lighting in the bathroom
Proper lighting of the mirror surface allows attention to every detail during makeup application, shaving, and many other tasks. To ensure sufficient light, you need to take care not only of the appropriate wattage of the lamps but also of their proper installation.
The height at which you install the lighting depends on the type of light you choose. For example, sconces placed on either side of the mirror should be mounted at eye level. Pleasant light at the right intensity facilitates grooming tasks.
The lighting should also be tailored to the size and shape of the mirror. The most popular mirrors in bathrooms are round or rectangular - so this aspect should also be taken into consideration when choosing a new lamp for the bathroom.
How to choose lighting according to the shape and size of the mirror?
As we have mentioned, when planning the lighting for a bathroom mirror, it should be matched to the shape and size of the mirror. Thus:
- round mirrors – round mirrors and models of irregular shapes look great with built-in lighting in the frame, providing even light. Another good solution is lamps placed around the mirror that highlight its shape;
- rectangular mirrors – for rectangular mirrors, the ideal solution is lighting placed on both sides. This arrangement of lamps will ensure even illumination of the face and minimize shadow formation on it.
In the case of truly large mirrors, it may be worth considering lighting placed on the sides of the bathroom mirror. A sconce is an excellent idea that can also serve as a unique decoration for the bathroom.
For a wide mirror, it is advisable to supplement side lighting with an additional lamp located just above the surface. For lighting a small mirror, a lamp placed directly above it, providing uniform light in a gentle color, will be ideal.
Popular ideas for bathroom lighting
The way to light a bathroom largely depends on its size. Hanging lamps are a very popular solution in large bathrooms, serving as the main light source along with additional points often installed near the bathroom mirror. If sunlight comes into the bathroom, it's worth using it - in this light, the skin looks more natural, which can help avoid many mistakes during makeup application.
What if there is no window in your bathroom? Among the most commonly chosen types of lighting are sconces, which are wall lamps placed at eye level on both sides of the mirror. This arrangement guarantees proper illumination of the face. LED sconces with adjustable light output are becoming increasingly popular.
An intriguing way to illuminate both the mirror and the bathroom simultaneously is mirrors that feature built-in LED strips. Depending on the chosen model, they can replace a classic frame and thus illuminate the surface or serve as an additional unconventional decoration for a modern bathroom.
LED mirrors – an original solution for your bathroom
A bathroom mirror must be illuminated; hence, models with a built-in lamp can be a very good choice. They are popular because they offer many advantages:
- precise lighting: LED lamps are concentrated light sources distributed evenly around the mirror area. This type of lighting eliminates shadows, making daily facial care easier;
- space-saving: lamps embedded in glass save space by eliminating the need for installing additional lighting near the mirror. This is an ideal solution for small bathrooms;
- modern design: lighting installed in a bathroom mirror represents a modern approach to bathroom illumination. You can choose a square, rectangular, or round LED mirror;
- mood-adjustable lighting: mirror lighting with LED strips can be conveniently adjusted - illuminate the bathroom mirror using strong light or reduce its intensity if needed;
- ease of cleaning: LED mirrors are cleaned in the same way as mirrors without built-in lighting. An undeniable advantage of this solution is also that there are no additional elements near the mirror that would require regular cleaning;
- safety: LED mirrors are safe and eco-friendly, and their low energy consumption and minimal heat generation ensure adequate lighting and user comfort.
How to light a mirror in a bathroom – summary
Regardless of whether you have a small round mirror in your bathroom or a rectangular surface occupying a large part of the wall, it's worth considering proper lighting. Mirrors with LED lighting are a practical and stylish solution that can significantly enhance not only functionality but also the aesthetics of the bathroom.
The LED strip embedded in the mirror emits even light, which allows for good illumination of the entire face. Neutral color ensures a maximally natural appearance - this is particularly useful when applying makeup.
Consider the following parameters:
- color temperature: the ideal temperature for mirror lighting is about 4000 K to 5500 K - it provides neutral light similar to daylight;
- light intensity: it should range from 500 to 1000 lux - ensuring sufficient visibility without dazzling;
- color rendering index (CRI): if colors are to be perceived naturally, the CRI value should be at least 85.
One must also remember that the lighting should be tailored to individual needs and preferences, and it should harmoniously complement the overall style of the bathroom.