Sconces belong to the class of spotlights. The design of the lighting fixture follows the shape of the torch holder that was used in the Middle Ages. A traditional and familiar solution is to place sconces in the bedroom or living room - delicate diffused light creates an atmosphere of calm and comfort. However, over time, this type of lighting has found its way into the bathroom. This design solution quickly gained popularity and practically became one of the main commandments when decorating a bathroom.
Sconces have proven to be incredibly stylish and quite practical sources of additional light. The light from the device goes in one direction, which allows you to place accents on design objects or highlight functional areas in the room. In the bathroom, the most common option is to place a sconce above the washbasin near the mirror. Combining several light sources will allow you to avoid purchasing a chandelier or auxiliary lighting.
Principles for choosing a luminaire
Unlike chandeliers and sconces, it is necessary to choose spotlights for the bathroom based on design features and characteristics. Fixed (non-rotating) are attached to the ceiling or in plasterboard structures stably and provide a strictly directed flow of light. Rotating ones allow you to change the direction of the light at will, since this type has a rotating bell.
It is important to study the instructions and pay attention to the markings. The first number shows the level of protection against penetration of various solid particles, the second – the protective degree from moisture. For example, bathroom fixtures marked IP55 are not afraid of moisture.
Various versions of these types are presented by companies from Germany, Italy, Spain or the UK: halogen and standard. Russian manufacturers create models only with traditional incandescent lamps.
The design of both domestic and imported lamps is extensive, while models made in Russia will be much cheaper.
Sconce classifications
Wall lamp designs vary according to the following characteristics:
- stylistics;
- lampshade type;
- fastening method;
- switch shape.
Sconces are produced in all sorts of variations, so choosing a stylistically suitable option is not at all difficult. Matte artificially aged lampshades imitating candles or candelabra will fit perfectly into classic or antique interiors. The high-tech style will be complemented by sconces of a laconic form without unnecessary details. Rustic motifs in the interior are perfectly supported by sconces made of wood and other natural materials.
Lamp lamps are divided into three types: semi-closed, closed and with directional glow. The choice depends on what kind of lighting you would like to provide. A sconce with a closed shade will create soft diffused light, and a half-closed one will create spot light.
The luminaires can be mounted suspended, made using a bracket, or mounted with a lampshade on the wall. For the bathroom, the last option is considered the most suitable.
Lighting fixtures are equipped with wall switches, wired or on a chain. The most aesthetic solution is the first option, but the other two also have the right to life, and they are quite easy to install.
Which lamp is more economical
When choosing, you need to focus not only on the price and model, but also on the type of lamp, since the financial costs of operation depend on this.
Other light sources in the bathroom
The bathroom can be illuminated by more than just various lamps or strips. There is nothing stopping you from lighting this space in an unusual way - for example, using backlit mirrors, decorative lamps or real candles. You can enjoy your time in the bathroom by customizing them to suit your mood (for example, when you relax in aromatic oils) as well as your special care needs.
Mirror lighting not only adds character to the bathroom, but also subtly illuminates it, highlighting the style of the interior.
Remember that every element of the bathroom creates an interior atmosphere - so every pendant lamp, wall light, ceiling light or LED light strip should represent a cohesive style - not only with each other, but also with the style of the entire bathroom. Colors, shapes, shades, as well as ceramic tiles, bathroom textiles and furniture should be combined together. Thanks to carefully planned harmony, mornings in the bathroom will be energizing, and evening baths will allow you to relax.
Summary
- It is ideal if there is sunlight in the bathroom. If there is no window, it is important to use artificial lighting correctly.
- The color of light is of great importance in creating the climate of the bathroom, as well as the impression of its spaciousness and interior design.
- Warm light blends well with most wall colors and fixtures without significantly changing their color.
- In very small bathrooms, a neutral (or even cool) light color will make the room feel larger.
- Spot lighting in the bathroom is necessary in its main functional areas - for example, on the mirror.
- The main light source must be of sufficient power and color to ensure safety and comfort. It should also be harmonious with other lighting points, as well as with all other elements of the bathroom.
- Decorative lighting adds prestige and elegance to bathrooms, beautifying the interior and highlighting the beauty of the ceramic tiles, wood and details that make up the bathroom.
Properly selected lighting is an advantage of the bathroom not only due to the practical use of light bulbs. If we spend a little time searching and collecting alternatives, we can find a model that also turns out to be a fantastic room decoration.
Modern minimalist bathrooms are ideal for light fixtures that are simple but not boring, and for white, feminine and romantic interiors, choose models with more complex decor.
Pay attention not only to the lamp model, but also to the color of the selected lamp. Please indicate the size of the room. According to the standard, to illuminate a bathroom with an area of about 6 m2, we need at least one common light source with a power of 75 W, in the case of a larger area - more than 10 m2, several lighting points with 50 W lamps must be located.
Don't forget to install light sources on separate independent circuits - this will increase the comfort of use and allow you to use the light depending on your needs. When choosing bathroom lighting, pay special attention to the protection class of the lighting. It is best to choose products with a protection rating of IP44 or higher, which indicates that the device is highly resistant to contact with water. The closer you get to the bathtub or shower, the higher the level of protection should be. When planning to install lighting in your shower or bathroom, be sure to choose fixtures with a minimum protection class of IPX7 and voltage up to 12 V.
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LED bulbs
A modern option that provides significant advantages:
- Good degree of lighting.
- Long-term performance capabilities.
- Economical power consumption.
There are some disadvantages:
- Installation is carried out via a transformer.
- High price (about 5 times more than other lamp options).
But LED bath lights pay for themselves quite quickly due to energy savings. They are universal because they have different types of cartridges: G5, G9, G14, G4 and standard E27.
Differences between overhead and mortise models
As you can see in the photo, bathroom lamps can be of 3 types:
- mortise;
- semi-mortise;
- overhead.
The first type assumes the presence of an inter-ceiling space where the mount will be located. The choice of model will be influenced by the required ceiling drop size. Since the height of bathrooms can be relatively small, this option is not appropriate everywhere.
And since the light from such lamps is directed strictly downwards, you should not combine such designs with high power devices in order to avoid heat accumulation in the inter-ceiling space.
Semi-mortise models also require a suspended ceiling. But they are distinguished by a more uniform heat distribution. Therefore, it is permissible to use lamps of different wattages here.Overhead models do not require the presence of inter-ceiling space. Therefore, they are considered universal for any type of bathroom, regardless of the size and type of ceiling.
However, when combined with tension structures, it is worth using suspensions for lamps to avoid deformation.
Safety of use
Lamps with lamps of about 12-24 watts are considered safe for household needs; even if shorted, they will not cause much harm. There are certain restrictions for suspended ceilings.
- For fabric no higher than 60 watts
- And no more than 40 watts for PVC incandescent lamps.
- Halogen permissible 25 and 20 watts, respectively.
In addition, it is advisable that the installation be carried out by experienced electricians.
Lighting Design Tips
The first thing you should pay attention to is the area of the room. Lighting a small bath is completely different from a large one. It is not possible to hang a ceiling hanging lamp. It won't be practical. And in a large room one chandelier with several shades cannot be installed. It simply won't be enough to illuminate the bath.
Second rule. Do not buy models made of colored glass, the light in such devices will be distorted. The most popular and optimal option, a closed lampshade, made of transparent material, can be matte and white.
The third tip is to choose lamps that match the style of the bathroom. For example: modern style requires bright light, there should be a lot of it, you can use backlighting of a different color. In the Japanese style, on the contrary, the light should be soothing.
The fourth lighting option is a classic. If the interior of the room fully corresponds to the classic style, attach lamps with laconic shapes without unnecessary elements. Preferably vintage glass, it will create an interesting play on the walls.
Calculation of the required number of lamps
After choosing the type of lamp, you need to decide which lamps on the ceiling in the bathroom will be most optimal. Then it is important to correctly calculate the number of lighting elements. For this, the following is taken into account:
- Presence or absence of windows.
- Room area.
- Ceiling height.
- The need for zoning.
- Purpose of the premises. For bathrooms and living rooms, lamps differ in their characteristics.
For example. With a standard height of 2.80 m, one lamp is needed for every 1.5 - 2 meters. Therefore, for a room of 10 m², 5 - 6 pieces are installed. But it all depends on the presence of a chandelier and other lighting sources. At the same time, lamps on the ceiling in the bathroom can only be located in the washbasin area, and not above the shower stall or the bath itself.
We install sconces with our own hands
Installation of a lighting device includes several successive steps. In this case, the presence of electrical wiring will greatly simplify the task. However, any person with basic knowledge of the operation of electrical appliances and basic skill in using special tools will be able to handle the installation without much effort.
First of all, it is necessary to outline the optimal location of the light source. It is recommended to bring it as close as possible to the hidden wire. Then holes for fastenings are drilled on the finished markings. It's worth being careful here. Next, plastic bases are inserted into the recesses and a bracket with self-tapping screws is attached. During the installation process, it is worth removing the lampshade from the sconce to avoid unintentional damage. The lamp is then connected to the electrical wiring. Finally, the sconce is placed on the bracket and secured with special screws. Installation completed successfully!
All you need to remember is the basic safety rules, which state that before carrying out work on installing electrical appliances, the wiring must be de-energized.
Sconce is an excellent choice of lamp that has not lost its relevance for many centuries! Convenient to use, compact when placed and an original item when organizing a lighting system - all these are wall sconces!
Spotlights in interiors
To make your choice, you can look at photos of lamps in the bathroom. Various options show how you can diversify your design with a variety of lighting sources.
Different layout principles apply:
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- Oval.
- Chaotic arrangement imitating the sky.
- Cross.
- Rectangle.
- Circle.
- Arc.
- Wave and others.
What lamps should you choose for the bathroom?
- Wall-mounted.
- Ceiling.
- LED lighting at foot level, along the edges of niches, along the perimeter of furniture and equipment.
It is important to find the best option, where there are different types of lighting that are in perfect harmony with each other and with the overall design of the bathroom
If you've recently finished decorating your bathroom, make sure the lighting is bright enough to appreciate all the subtleties of the designer's work.
It's nice when guests express sincere admiration for your new stylish set or 3D floor.
Bathroom lighting safety
In conclusion, let us remind you once again about safety. This is such a room that you have to think about it first of all. So:
- When installing lamps, trust the drawing up of the wiring diagram and its assembly only to specialists.
- Use lamps only with a high degree of protection, as discussed above.
- Lamps with metal parts that are not coated with a protective layer are not suitable for the bathroom.
- The power of the shower fixture should not exceed 12W.
- If you use incandescent light bulbs in the bathroom, be sure to cover them with a cap or shade. They get very hot, and if water splashes on an open bulb, it may explode.
