Articles /
January 27, 2025
As the UK’s number one installer of mobility bathrooms, we know lighting is a key factor in creating a safe and accessible space. Choosing the right lighting and correctly placing it requires careful consideration to reduce hazards in a high-risk area of the house and provide more independence to people with mobility issues. In this complete guide, we discuss everything you need to know about illuminating the bathroom safely and affordably.
The Risks of Poor Bathroom Lighting
Home lighting is not typically designed to benefit people with visual or mobility impairments, particularly in older homes. This can cause significant issues for elderly and disabled people in potentially high-risk areas like bathrooms, especially for those with mobility issues.Â
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The potential risks of poor lighting in the bathroom include:
- Shadows, Dark Spots and Glare: Poor or uneven lighting can create shadows, dark spots, and glare, making it difficult to see clearly and navigate safely.
- Variable Light Intensity Levels: Significant differences in lighting intensity between areas can strain the eyes and increase the likelihood of accidents when transitioning between rooms.
- Increased Risk from Slippery Surfaces: Wet or polished floors significantly increase the risk of slips and falls, particularly in poorly lit areas.
- Sharp Edges: Bathroom fixtures with exposed edges, such as countertops or shelving, can cause injuries if not easily visible.
- Fitted Glass Fixtures: Glass doors or panels can be difficult to spot in low light, posing a risk of collisions or breakages.
Understanding the risks of poor lighting can help you efficiently re-design your bathroom. Let’s discuss how light combined with the bathroom’s chosen colour scheme can create a safer environment.
Colour and Illumination
Lighting and the choice of colour schemes should help users differentiate between floors, walls, and utilities. Colour is vital in aiding individuals with visual impairments and mobility issues because it enhances contrast, improves visibility, and creates a clearer sense of spatial orientation. For instance, tiles should contrast the walls, and the wall colour should differ from the floor and sink.Â
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Bathroom lighting should distinguish corners, walls and areas used for specific tasks. To do this, you’ll need two main types of lighting in a mobility bathroom.
- General Lighting: Overhead fixtures or recessed lights are ideal for overall lighting. Opt for bulbs with warm or neutral tones (2,700–3,500 Kelvin) to help prevent eye strain and improve visibility without being overly harsh.
- Activity Lighting: Place bulbs for specific tasks, such as lights in the shower and around reflective areas like mirrors. You can use fixtures with frosted covers or diffusers to disperse light evenly and prevent direct exposure to the bulb.Â
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It can take a lot of consideration to ensure everything is clear and the room is easy to navigate without causing glare or shadows. Proper placement assures key areas are well-lit, making the space safer and more comfortable for those with visual impairments or mobility challenges.
Safety Light Placement in Bathrooms
As we’ve mentioned, where you place the lights for general illumination and for performing bathroom tasks is essential. We’ve highlighted what kind of lighting to use and where to put them in more detail below:
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- Vanity Areas: When discussing safety lights for bathroom vanity, you can place bulbs on the sides of the mirror, above it, or even behind, to ensure clear lighting without reflective glares.Â
- General Illumination: Use overhead lights that distribute light evenly across the room, ensuring no area is left poorly lit.
- Shower and Bath Zones: Waterproof lights with an appropriate IP rating (IP44 or higher) should be installed to provide clear visibility while maintaining safety in wet areas.
- Pathways and Edges: Highlight pathways and edges with low-level lighting or LED strips to make navigation easier, particularly for those with reduced vision.
The size of your bathroom and its layout will determine the most favourable lighting arrangement. That’s why it’s best to consult the professionals at Age Care Bathrooms for the best bathroom light ideas. We can offer a free quote and 3D rendering of the finished product to ensure your bathroom is safe and stylish.Â
Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
Using modern light fixtures like LEDs is best because they offer more visibility compared to traditional filament bulbs. They are also more energy efficient, so you will save on utility bills. Here are some advantages of LED lighting — and some useful add-ons.Â
LED lighting
- Energy Efficiency: LED lights consume significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs.
- Long Lifespan: LEDs last up to 25,000 hours, reducing replacement costs.
- Cool Operation: They emit minimal heat, making them safer for enclosed spaces.
- Customisation: LEDs are available in various colour temperatures, making them ideal for accessible bathrooms.
Motion-sensor lights
- Convenience and Safety: Automatically activate when someone enters the bathroom, reducing the need for switches.
- Energy Savings: Turns off automatically when the bathroom is unused to avoid accidental expenditure.
- Dimmer Switches: Adjust brightness levels for different tasks while conserving energy.
Easy-to-Reach Switches for Accessible Bathrooms
If light switches are preferred, their placement is as crucial as the lights. Ensuring that switches are easy to locate and operate for individuals with mobility challenges can significantly increase safety and convenience.
- Lower Height: Install light switches 90–120 cm from the floor to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users and people with limited reach.
- Proximity to Entry Points: Place switches near the bathroom entrance for easy access upon entry and exit.
- Illuminated Switches: Opt for switches with built-in lights to make them visible in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of fumbling in the dark.
- Large, Easy-to-Press Switches: For easy use, use rocker switches or touch-sensitive panels instead of traditional small toggle switches.
Bathroom Lights and IP Ratings: What You Need to Know
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are essential when selecting bathroom lighting, as they indicate protection against solids and water. Using the correct IP-rated lights ensures safety, reduces electrical hazards, prevents water damage, extends fixture lifespan, and meets UK building regulations.
 Here’s a quick guide to the IP ratings you need to ensure safety in different areas of your bathroom.Â
1. Zone 0 (Inside the Bath or Shower):
- IP67 or higher: Fully waterproof and safe for submersion.
2. Zone 1 (Above the Bath or Shower):
- IP44 or higher: Resists direct water splashes.
3. Zone 2 (Around Sinks and Edges of Zone 1):
- IP44 or higher: Safe for occasional splashes.
4. Outside Zones (Dry Areas):
- IP20 or higher: Suitable for areas unlikely to encounter water.
Make Sure Your Mobility Bathroom Has Correct Lighting
Good lighting is key to making your bathroom safe and easy to use. By considering things like IP ratings, reducing glare, and adding the right lights for specific tasks, you can create a space that works for you. At Age Care Bathrooms, we’re here to help. We’ll recommend and install the perfect lighting solutions for your bathroom, ensuring it’s comfortable and easy to navigate.
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Age Care Bathrooms can recommend and install lighting for your space. Get in touch with us for tailored advice and a free quote for your bathroom!
