Make it work for you
PENDANT LIGHTING Want a more striking bathroom pendant? Here’s all you need to know about the practical side of pretty lighting for a bathroom…
Once a big no-no safety-wise, low-slung pendants, funky shades and glitzy chandeliers now come in bathroom-friendly designs. But don’t get carried away by good looks alone, as bathroom lighting is heavily regulated – with good reason! Q How can I ensure the design I like is safe?
Swot up on IP ratings – IP stands for Ingress Protection, and shows how well protected from water a light fitting is. The bathroom is split into zones, with each zone determining the required IP rating for your light fitting (Google ‘Ip-rated zones’ for a diagram). Q Can I hang a pendant above my bath or shower? This is zone 1, so unless the flex is very short, you will need a fitting with a minimum of IP65. If you have very high ceilings, you may find your pendant sits outside all zones, which in theory means you can use any fitting. However, steam could still be an issue, so most designers and installers recommend an IP44 fitting. Q Could I use antique lighting in my bathroom?
It depends on the age and type of your fitting. According to the English Lamp Company, around 60 per cent of antique lighting can be converted for bathroom use. An IP44 lamp holder will need to be fitted and, in some cases, a new earth wire soldered on. Work should always be carried out by an electrician.
Q Is there a way to make standard lights safe?
Hector Finch’s Osh lamp is a specially sealed splash-proof bulb that can make regular light fittings safe to use in zones 1, 2 and 3 of your bathroom. The base cap fits a standard light shade ring so will work with most pendants and chandeliers.
Q What materials should I choose? Select designs made from moisture-resistant materials like chrome, lacquered brass and nickel. Fabric shades are prone to mildew. Glass and lacquered metals work well.
“You start and end each day in the bathroom so it is essential that the lighting is carefully controllable” positioned and