Find the Best Lighting in a Shower
Recessed bathroom shower lights are often preferred due to their sleek look. If you have a low ceiling, these might be the best option. With higher ceilings, other options like pendant or surface-mounted lights can work. Water-rated wall sconces might also be a good option for vanity.
Baffle Trim Recessed Light
This shower recessed light provides a modern and sleek look. This light is installed into the ceiling with a trim that covers the edges of the cutout. Baffle trim lighting offers a comfortable experience due to its minimal glare. The trim consists of a curved or angled element that reduces the glare. But installation may be challenging since you have to ensure correct alignment and spacing.
Open Trim Recessed Light
Open trim recessed light offers a clean and classic look. Without a baffle, the entire light fixture is exposed. This is why it may cause glare if the light is placed directly above the showerhead. They’re easier to install compared to baffle trim lights.
Reflector Trim Recessed Light
Reflector trim lights over even light distribution across your bathroom. This reduces shadows and dark spots throughout the space. It has a reflective surface behind the bulb, which allows the light to bounce and lead to distribution. But you might not be able to adjust the direction of the light. Installation should be done carefully to ensure correct alignment.
Gimbal Trim Recessed Light
This bathroom shower light allows you to adjust its direction to focus light on where you need it. Gimbal trims can be used to highlight certain areas of the shower with their swivel mechanism. Due to their adjustable feature, they might be more complex to install.
Surface-Mount Shower Light
Surface-mounted lights may be the easiest to install due to their simple and straightforward design. Make sure there is enough space in your bathroom to accommodate this lighting option. A high ceiling is preferable to avoid splashes of water or safety hazards. This is also a cost-effective choice compared to the other bathroom shower light options. Since it doesn’t blend with the ceiling, it might not offer an integrated look.
Key Considerations
When you select a bathroom shower light, keep some factors in mind that help you make the right choice. Since this area is often exposed to moisture and water, the lighting in a shower needs to have certain features.
Safety and Compliance
- It’s important to check whether the lighting fixture you choose is UL certified. This is a safety mark that ensures the fixture has been tested and meets safety standards. This will assure you that the product can be used in a wet environment and won’t cause an electrical shock or fire.
- Make sure that the fixture has GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. This also prevents electric shocks in wet conditions.
- The lighting fixture you use should be designed for use in wet locations to withstand moisture.
Style and Brightness
Choose a fixture based on the space in your bathroom and the aesthetics of your space. There are a number of bathroom shower lighting options available, ranging from recessed to surface-mounted fixtures. You can make your choice depending on your preferences and the look you desire for your bathroom. A dimmer switch helps you adjust the light intensity based on the ambiance you want to create.
Bathroom spaces can often be dark due to the lack of windows or the enclosed space. It’s essential that the lighting you choose can provide adequate brightness. This is to ensure safety and comfort while avoiding any mishaps. A brightness of at least 100 lumens per square foot is necessary. LED-bulbs tend to be an efficient and durable option for bathroom shower lights.
Ease of Installation
Recessed lighting in a shower requires more effort to install but offers a clean and seamless look. Comparatively, surface-mounted fixtures are easier to install, and you may be able to do it yourself.
Make sure to turn off the power from the breaker panel that controls the circuit supplying power to that particular shower fixture.
Features to Look For
Additional features like adjustable mounting and dimmers can make the fixture more beneficial.
- An adjustable mounting allows you to position the light’s placement and direction. This allows for flexibility to accommodate unique layouts and specific lighting requirements.
- A built-in dimmer switch allows you to control the intensity of the light fixture. You can choose to increase or decrease the brightness based on your needs. This also reduces energy consumption.