Bathroom mirror lighting options

Particular attention should be paid to lighting in the bathroom. Here they not only take a shower, but also put themselves in order. Men in the bathroom shave, women often put on makeup. In order for a person to clearly see his reflection in the smallest detail, it is necessary to organize high-quality illumination. This article will tell you how to choose the type of mirror lighting, transforming the room and increasing the comfort of users.

The mirror illumination has both practical and aesthetic functions. Properly chosen lighting can emphasize the style of the interior and even visually expand the bathroom. You just need to choose and install the right lamps.

When choosing, it is worth considering the features of the stop, the size of the room and the dimensions of the mirror itself.... For example, if the accessory is medium in size, a perimeter lighting arrangement is a great solution. In any case, soft diffused lighting that does not irritate the eyes is considered optimal.

Lamps in mirror illumination can be used in several types.

• Neon. They give uniform light and can be installed even in hard-to-reach places. In this case, the lamps do not heat up to more than 40 degrees.

Of the minuses, they can be distinguished. low strength... As soon as one element fails, the neighboring ones also stop burning. Moreover, they not resistant to moisture. Therefore, the use of such lighting in the bathroom should be very careful.

• Luminescent. Provides natural light. They are economical and have a long service life. The disadvantages include slight flickerthat appears when you turn it on. After some time, it stops, but even in a short period it manages to exert some stress on the vision.

• Halogen... They are resistant to moisture, give a bright light, serve for a long time. Disadvantages include strong heating and loss of performance due to small contamination. Typically, such lamps are built into spotlights.

• LED... Such lamps shine perfectly, do not irritate the eyes. Moreover, they have a long service life. The only downside is high price, which, in principle, is justified by the obvious advantages. Today these lamps are the most popular.

• LED strip (LED backlight). Separately, you should highlight the tape, which looks like a flexible glowing strip. It is easy to assemble and has a long service life. However, such products are also worth a lot.

Depending on the location, the backlight can be top, side or circular (along the entire perimeter of the product). Also distinguish external and internal lighting. The built-in illumination is realized by LED lamps, which are built into the reflective element at the production stage.

To soften the luminous flux, matte plates. Such products look very impressive. It feels like the mirror glows by itself for no apparent reason. At the same time, the power of the lamps allows such devices to be very functional.

An additional plus can be called the prevention of fogging of the reflective canvas, because the interior lighting is often accompanied by heating. Of the shortcomings, only the need for careful selection of an accessory... Some manufacturers produce products with bright lamps without scattering light that irritate the eyes.

Closed electrical appliances with acrylic shades can fit snugly against the wall or be attached to the accessory itself. The shape of the devices can be round, cylindrical. Sometimes the lamps are attached to the mirror with metal arcs. In this case, they are sold as a set and are located on top.

These are small lamps in a special frame that protects the bulbs from moisture... Spot devices are usually built into the "visor" of the mirror. Sometimes they are located on the side wall. Spots can be static and rotating. In the second case, you can adjust the luminous flux by directing it in the direction you want.

These are wall pendant lights. More often this lighting option is chosen for the design of classic interiors. The sleek models underline the chosen style, creating an elegant vintage setting. However, today there are also very modern models on sale that fit perfectly into the minimalist concept.

Choosing a sconce for a bathroom, it is important to take into account the characteristics of moisture resistance. The wiring should be hidden. Also, do not take models with a closed bottom. Such devices give light going up. In this case, the illumination of the mirror zone is minimal.

As mentioned earlier, many mirror models are equipped with a built-in LED strip. However, sometimes users themselves design the reflective accessory in this way. It is believed that the best degree of illumination is given by the upper placement of the tape.

For dressing mirrors, large lamps with frosted glass are installed on both sides. In bathrooms, such models are rare, but it still happens.

To obtain optimal brightness for hygiene and beauty treatments, it is necessary to provide a degree of light diffusion of up to 400 lux. The lighting should be uniform, not annoying. To keep the reflection realistic, you need to use neutral lamps. The optimum temperature is from 4000 to 4200 K.

It is also important to remember about high humidity. In order to maintain safety, it is worth purchasing devices and lamps that are suitable for such conditions. Each lamp is marked with an IP index. These are 2 numbers that indicate the degree of protection of the product from dust and moisture. The higher this indicator, the safer the lamp.

The minimum allowable IP ratio is 44, such a lamp will not be afraid of accidental splashes. The maximum possible IP rating is 55. Such devices work even under a water jet. Of course, this is the best option. Also, experts advise choosing 12- and 24-volt products. This will minimize the risk of short circuits.

In order for the mirror illumination to blend harmoniously into the design concept of the room, it is important to take into account the chosen style.

Built-in lighting in a classic interior will look out of place. All furnishings must match the vintage character of the style.... The mirror in a beautiful metal frame is complemented by an external lighting fixture. Finishing of classic interiors usually has warm shades (milky, beige, brown).

The same goes for plumbing. There are no chrome parts in this style. The metal imitates gold or copper. Respectively, both the mirror frame and the lighting fixtures must have the same shade.

As for the shape, it can be a cylindrical lamp in a yellow metal frame with beautiful carvings. You can choose a sconce. There are several options: two single devices, two double (if the mirror is wide) or one lamp with three shades. In the last two versions, the light source is located at the top.

Direction, combining the elegance of the past and the achievements of the present, is gaining popularity every day. Such interiors are graceful, light and at the same time not limited in the choice of shades and furnishing details.

Both cold tones and chrome-plated metal can be present here. The owners of the house decide for themselves which elements will be vintage and which will be modern. Therefore, the illumination of the mirror can be realized in any way. Wall sconces of any design are acceptable, as well as flat lamps and built-in lighting.

Maximum conciseness and functionality - these are the basic principles of these styles.... In such interiors, LED-backlit mirrors are usually present. It can be located as you like.

Some people prefer products with a luminous frame effect. Others like models with one or two stripes that illuminate the space. Backlit options are interesting. Such products seem to float in the air, emitting a mystical glow.

Especially for women are created mirror canvases with magnification. In such models, a small area of ​​the canvas enlarges the image several times, allowing you to do face cleansing, complex makeup and other procedures. Some people express the minimalist concept in a different way. A mirror without a frame is mounted on the wall. On the sides or on top, there is a lamp in the form of a tube, circle or rectangle in a chrome frame.

It is relative free style. Those people who prefer it usually choose bathroom headsets that come with a mirror with a shelf or even an attached cabinet. Such models are usually illuminated by spot devices built into the visor. Some products have fixed or movable fixtures on metal supports. And, of course, there are also LED variants. It all depends on the taste of the home owners.

Separately, it should be said about decorative lighting. Glowing flowers, butterflies, patterns and other designs look very beautiful. However, it should be understood that such lighting serves only an aesthetic function. She cannot fully illuminate the area near the mirror.

If the backlight is not included in the kit for the reflective element, the user purchases and mounts it himself. In this case it is also important to consider the size of the accessory. Massive sconces along the edges of a small mirror sheet (45 cm or less) will look ridiculous, and a modest lamp will not be able to fully illuminate the area next to a large piece of furniture (for example, 80x80 cm).

Although the side lighting is less bright than the overhead lighting, experts consider the best option to place lighting devices on the sides of the mirror sheet. The fact is that the light falling from above focuses attention on the imperfections in the appearance of the one who looks in the mirror, and sometimes even visually aggravates them. If you place the light at the bottom, the reflection will have deep shadows. If you hang the sconce on one side of the accessory, the person in it will see one side of the face less clearly than the other.

The best option is symmetrical lighting on both sides. In this case, it is better to maintain a height of about 1.5-2 meters from the floor. So the luminous flux will go simultaneously from above and from the sides. The result is good, uniform illumination that is pleasing to the eye. Also, experts recommend keeping a distance of at least 60-70 cm between the devices. The same indicator is considered optimal in relation to water sources.

A luminaire with a conventional bulb is mounted as follows:

• turn off the electricity;
• markings are made on the wall;
• using a drill or punch, drill holes in the surface;
• the cable is connected to the terminals;
• metal "ears" are pressed to the center;
• attach the mount to the correct position and fix;
• screw in a light bulb.

If used halogen lamp, the power wires and terminals are also involved. The body is mounted with springs. The lamp is inserted into the holder and fixed with a yoke. The latter should be included in the kit. It is important to remember that such lamps can only be operated with gloves..

If the device is laid on, the strip is first mounted. For this, hardware is used. After that, the cable is connected to the terminals (by color). Then the wiring is carefully tucked into the hole. The body of the device is superimposed and fixed. If the luminaire is heavy, it is additionally reinforced with stiffeners.

Concerning led strip, first connect it to the network adapter. It is important not to forget about polarity here. Then the wires are installed in the sockets and fixed with screws. The surface must be prepared. It is cleaned and degreased in advance. If the tape is not long enough, it is guided in small pieces, soldering them together.

When laying the wiring in the bathroom, it is important to follow some rules.

• The junction box must be placed outside the room. In extreme cases, moisture-proof terminal blocks are used. In this case, the twists are qualitatively insulated.
• The grounding of electrical appliances is mandatory in such conditions. This even applies to LED strips.
• An RCD must be installed. This device protects the system by cutting off the electricity when there is a risk of a short circuit.
• The general power supply circuit is divided into several parts. At the same time, each mini-system must be protected with a circuit breaker.
• It is recommended to use a low-current power supply system... 12 V is sufficient.

Combining the two types of backlighting is an unusual solution. The round mirror is like the sun that glows around the edges. At the same time, the futuristic design side wall sconces complement the luminous flux, making the wash area light and stylish.

The classic interior is decorated with a mirror sheet in an elegant wooden frame. Lighting is realized by installing a large luminaire above the accessory. The color of the metal is perfectly matched. Due to this, the device does not stand out against the general background, but harmoniously blends into the atmosphere.

Simplicity and charm are embodied in a snow-white laconic interior. Three-arm lighting devices look original, but unobtrusive.

A mirror with a built-in LED strip around the perimeter is one of the most popular options today.... A win-win laconic solution suitable for any modern interior.

An unusual embodiment of minimalism - a mixer mounted in a frameless mirror. The shell, made in the shape of a circle, is "supported" by sconces of the same shape. The correct arrangement of the fixtures gives a sufficient amount of light, and the originality of the idea makes the bathroom unique.

For information on how to make a backlit mirror with your own hands, see the next video.