Bathrooms Lights go luxe

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE STATEMENT LIGHTING TO ADD LUSTRE AND LUXE TO THE BATHROOM

When it’s time for a bathroom update, our first thoughts are often to switch over the vanity or splurge on new feature tiling, yet rarely do we consider that decorative lighting can be equally as transformative. But, with the latest looks in lighting providing drama as well as function, the bathroom is a great place to start your next design adventure – just be sure to adhere to wet area installation regulations. Turn the page to find out how (and shop the best looks). >

lighting trends

“We’re seeing a trend towards simple, clean lines, with materials such as stone, brass and timber high on wish lists,” says design services manager Amy Harper-Pell of Special Lights. “Another trend is to contrast minimalist bathroom design with bright-coloured, oversized or crystal lighting, which commands attention.” In considering style, size and placement, be mindful of elements such as cupboard doors and head height, and check how the finish will cope in a wet environment, adds Amy. Also look to wall lights, which can illuminate joinery and tiles. “Back-lit mirrors, under-shelf LEDS and wall-mounted pendants are a wonderful way to enhance the sense of depth in a space, while wall sconces and uplighters will ‘push’ light upwards, offering near shadowless light,” says product specialist Denise Hammond of Beacon Lighting.

“BATHROOM LIGHTING needs to be BRIGHT BUT NOT GLARING, ACCURATE AND FLATTERING” ~ DENISE HAMMOND, BEACON LIGHTING

style direction

To tackle the daunting quantity of light fittings on offer in the marketplace, interior designer Jenefer Gordon of Eat Bathe Live suggests drawing your design cues from the surrounding bathroom finishes. “Look to your tiles, the colour of your tapware and joinery material, as this will help direct you towards complementary styles and materials,” she says. In a Hamptons-style bathroom with a marble benchtop, classic subway tiles and an ornate vanity, Jenefer suggests you select a traditional light with a glass finish to match tapware. “If you’re creating a relaxed, day spa feel with natural stone and timber surfaces, organic shapes are a great fit,” she says. Also opt for natural materials such as rattan. Adds Amy HarperPell: “We recommend that people choose not only a style they love, but fixtures which create dramatic lighting effects.” >

scheme success

It’s important to understand the different types of lighting that are needed in the bathroom and the role they play. “A good scheme is layered,” says Denise Hammond of Beacon Lighting. “Task lighting is generally located around the vanity for shaving and applying make-up. General lighting illuminates the room for showering, bathing and cleaning, while ambient lighting enhances the overall mood of the room.”

switches & bulbs

Savvy switches, dimmers and the best bulbs can achieve myriad effects. “Group general lights on one switch, use another to control feature lighting and allocate a third switch for low lights, which are great when relaxing in the tub,” says Amy Harper-Pell of Special Lights. Jenefer Gordon of Eat Bathe Live recommends opting for bulbs with a light colour temperature between 3000k-4000k, and a high CRI (Colour Rendering Index) between 85-90. “A CRI close to 100 will give you the most accurate colour representation,” she says.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

In an environment in which both steam and moisture can build up, not all light fittings are bathroom friendly. Regulations govern how fittings, switches and outlets are placed in relation to water and fixtures. “For the purpose of wiring regulations, bathrooms are divided into three zones,” explains Denise of Beacon Lighting. Each zone requires a different Ingress Protection (IP) rating that classifies the degree of protection against the elements, including dust and water. “When unsure about the suitability or approved placement of a light fitting, check with a licensed electrician who’ll be able to advise you on safety and compliance,” advises Denise. Consider keeping an above-bath pendant purely decorative – fit a bulb to make it real but don’t connect to power.

Flipsides ‘Triple’ pendant light in Brushed Brass (above), $1375, Volker Haug. ‘Soho’ pendant light in Copper, $95, Life Interiors. ‘Aksel’ 6 light CTC in Brass/Clear (above), $395, Beacon Lighting. ‘Jolly’ pendant light in Eucalypt, $1070, Cult Design. Mercator ‘Beverly’ pendant light (above), $99, Temple & Webster. Stockists, page 194 Add ‘wow’ with a sculptural fitting such as the ones in this Jessica Helgerson Interior Design bathroom (below). Recreate the look with the ‘Parlour Disc’ pendant from Lights Lights Lights.

Chandeliers (left) are a great way to glam up a space. For similar, try By Rydèns ‘Random Pendant’ in Brass from Royal Design.

Sconces (above left & below right) offer a stylish option for task lighting – one on either side of the vanity is ideal. A clear-glass pendant creates a chic match to a grey-white scheme (above right).

‘Only U’ light in Bronzed Brass, $1512.50, Volker Haug. Stockists, page 194

Observatory Lighting glass cloche filament wall light (below), $149, Temple & Webster.

‘Santiso 1’ wall bracket light in Brushed Brass/ Amber (right), $199, Beacon Lighting.

‘Norwest’ wall sconce in Solid Brass (above), $199, Beacon Lighting.

‘Intro’ light in Stainless Steel (left), $749, Special Lights.