Bathroom lighting: which IP rating to choose (IP44, IP65) and where to fit it

In a bathroom, you don't choose a light fitting on looks alone: steam and splashes call for specific protection, marked on every product with the IP code. Below you will find what IP44, IP54 and IP65 mean, what each zone around the bath and shower requires, and what to put above the mirror, on the ceiling and in spotlights, with examples from the Tasi Home Studio catalogue. Each product's IP rating is listed on its technical spec sheet.

What do IP44, IP54 and IP65 mean?

The IP code has two digits: the first shows protection against dust and objects, the second protection against water. For bathrooms, you mainly look at the second digit.

A higher IP rating can always be used in place of a lower one: an IP65 spotlight also works above the washbasin, but an IP20 spotlight doesn't work above the shower.

What do the zones around the bath and shower require?

The bathroom is divided into zones according to the distance from water, and each zone has a minimum level of protection. In short:

• Zone 0: inside the bath or shower tray. Only special IPX7 fittings at extra-low voltage, 12 V, are used here.
• Zone 1: above the bath or shower, up to 2.25 m from the floor. Minimum IPX4; for the area hit by the water jet, choose IP65.
• Zone 2: 60 cm around zone 1, including the washbasin if it is close to the shower. Minimum IPX4.
• Outside the zones: there is no strict requirement, but in a steamy bathroom IP44 remains the safe choice.

The exact rules and earthing are governed by electrical installation regulations, so bathroom installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician, who will also check the zones in your bathroom.

Which light should you put above the mirror?

A linear wall light, with warm or neutral light and IP44 or IP54 protection, mounted above the mirror and roughly as wide as it.

The light above the mirror is the one you shave or do your make-up by, so it needs to fall evenly on your face, without shadows. A long wall light with a satin diffuser does this better than a narrow spotlight. A few examples from our catalogue:

• Ideal Lux Riflesso AP D62, white, 62 cm, 14 W integrated LED, 1,750 lm, warm 3000 K light, IP54. Also available in 42 and 82 cm, in white, black or chrome.
• Ideal Lux Make-Up AP D60, 60 cm, integrated LED, 2,200 lm, 3000 K, IP54, with the light directed downwards.
• Ideal Lux Pretty AP D080, integrated LED, 2,200 lm, 3000 K, IP54.
• Ideal Lux Lolly AP1, a small, round wall light with a GX53 bulb of up to 9 W, IP44, ideal for placing one on either side of the mirror.

Other models are in our wall lights collection; check the IP rating on the product spec sheet. For wall lights in other rooms, see our guide wall lights: how to choose.

−24% Ideal LuxRiflesso AP D62 wall lampWhite €108,95€144,95 −24% Ideal LuxMake-Up Sponge AP D60 €91,95€121,95 −24% Ideal LuxPretty AP D080 Patch €95,95€126,95 −24% Ideal LuxLolly AP1 patchTransparent €37,95€49,95

Which ceiling light should you choose for the bathroom?

An enclosed ceiling light with a diffuser, rated at least IP44, to provide the bathroom's general lighting.

• Ideal Lux Ray PL D40, white, 40 cm, integrated LED, 4,550–4,750 lm, with light between 3000 and 4000 K, IP44. For a larger bathroom it also comes in 60 cm, and for a small one in 30 cm.
• Maytoni Hydra C090CL-15W3K, white, 17.6 cm in diameter, aluminium, 15 W LED, 1,320 lm, 3000 K, IP44. Also available in black and matt gold.
• Maytoni Pauline C087CL-GX53, white, small, 8.2 cm, with a GX53 bulb of up to 12 W, IP44, for a small bathroom or a hallway.

All ceiling lights are in our ceiling lights collection. For how to choose between a ceiling light and a chandelier in general, see chandelier or ceiling light.

−24% Ideal LuxRay PL D40 Ceiling LightWhite €202,95€269,95 −25% MaytoniMaytoni Hydra Ceiling LightWhite hydra, white €50,95€67,95 −25% MaytoniMaytoni Pauline Ceiling LightWhite pauline, 1 bulb, white €19,95€26,95

Which spotlights should you put in the bathroom?

Recessed spotlights in the suspended ceiling, IP44 in the rest of the bathroom and IP65 above the shower or bath.

• Maytoni Slim DL088-GU10, round, white, aluminium, with a GU10 bulb of up to 10 W, IP65.
• Maytoni Stark DL083-01-GU10, square, white, with a GU10 bulb of up to 10 W, IP65.
• Maytoni Zoom DL034-01-06W3K, white, small, 6 cm, 6 W LED, 470 lm, 3000 K, IP65.
• Maytoni Okno DL055-12W, white, 12 cm, 12 W LED, IP44, for general lighting, away from the shower.

For spotlights with a GU10 fitting, the bulb is bought separately; choose an LED bulb. You will find how many spotlights you need per square metre in our guide ceiling spotlights: how many to install, and all the models in our recessed spotlights collection.

−25% MaytoniMaytoni Slim downlight spotlightWhite slim, 1 bulb, white €11,95€15,95 −26% MaytoniMaytoni Stark downlight spotlightWhite stark, 1 bulb, white €13,95€18,95 −24% MaytoniMaytoni Zoom downlight spotlightWhite zoom, white €43,95€57,95 −24% MaytoniMaytoni Okno downlight spotlightWhite okno, white €36,95€48,95

Which light colour should you choose for the bathroom?

Warm light, 2700–3000 K, for a calm bathroom in the evening; neutral light, 4000 K, if you want to see colours as accurately as possible in the mirror.

A practical combination: the ceiling light or spotlights for general lighting and a separate wall light above the mirror, on a different switch. That way you only use the bright light when you need it.

What should you not install in the bathroom?

• IP20 fittings in zones 1 and 2: many decorative wall lights and chandeliers are for dry areas only.
• Chandeliers with fabric shades above the bath: steam damages them.
• Sockets and switches next to the shower, outside the rules: ask your electrician.

If you have any doubts about a particular product, send us its link and we'll tell you its IP rating and where it can be installed.