Armed with a few of these best cleaning products cleaning your home can be easy. You never know: your inner Mrs Hinch might come out, and you might even enjoy it thanks to these top buys. Whether your kitchen tends to get the grubbiest or it’s your bathroom that you spend the most time cleaning, we’re here to tell you exactly what to buy, for excellent results. We’re talking shiny taps, sparkling (and scented) surfaces, shiny floors…

The best part? Each of these cleaning products have been tried, tested and loved by the Ideal Home team. Inside our real, and sometimes very messy, homes. We can report back brilliant things about each product, and there’s everything from bathroom cleaners to the best upholstery cleaner and more, all featured on our list. So, whatever you are searching for you’ll be rest assured to find a recommendation. And whatever you really need to clean will definitely be in safe hands.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Grab your notepad or click straight through to buy these cleaning products online. Better start digging out those marigolds…

The best cleaning products to buy in 2022

1. Stardrops The Pink Stuff

Image credit: Stardrops

Image credit: StardropsIt’s official: The Pink Stuff might just be our favourite ever cleaning product there is. Armed with a tub of this stuff, you can make anything shine from your old but gold toaster to your hob and even your BBQ. This cleaning paste is used (and loved) by the majority of us on the Ideal Home team, and a little goes a long way. Just use it along with a damp sponge or cloth to break down stubborn stains and transform your appliances, plus more. It can even be used on glassware, taps…

“What do I love about The Pink Stuff? Other than the fact it doesn’t smell chemically like other cleaning products, it’s brilliantly versatile and a great all-rounder. If you’re tight on space in your cleaning cupboard, a tub of this paste will go further than you’d expect. Trust us on this one!” – Annie Collyer, Ideal Home’s Shopping Editor

2. Method Antibacterial Spray

Image credit: Method

This stuff from Method not only does a brilliant job at cleaning your surfaces – from the kitchen to the bathroom – but it smells amazing, too. We love the Wild Rhubarb scent and spoiler alert: this fragrance actually lingers! Guests will be sure to notice it, especially over a strong bleach smell, and it kills 99.9% of bacteria. It’s even poured inside a bottle that’s made from recyclable bottles, plus it’s cruelty-free and the formula is plant-based.

“The smell this antibacterial spray leaves behind is dreamy. I love to use it to clean the surfaces in my bedroom, living room and hallway to leave them smelling of a fragrance I would 100% have in candle form.” – Annie Collyer, Ideal Home Shopping Editor

3. Marigold Let It Shine Microfibre Cloth

Image credit: Marigold

Where do we start with these cleaning cloths? For starters: they come in a pack of 4, and they are made of extra-thick microfibre. They are all different colours so that you can dedicate one to your kitchen, another to your bathroom, a third to your bedroom and leave the other for anything miscellaneous. You can use them without any cleaning detergent, too – all they need is water to kill bacteria from your home. There’s no wonder they are highly rated.

“It’s amazing that these only need a bit of water on them in order to kill germs – you don’t actually need a disinfectant. I have a rainbow of these on constant rotation for wiping down my kitchen worktops and cupboards, coffee table and WFH desk. It might sound like a basic thing to say but I wouldn’t be without them. The fact you can throw them in the washing machine also makes me feel less guilty about waste.” – Millie Hurst, Ideal Home News Writer

4. Elbow Grease

Image credit: Elbow Grease

Popular and for good reason, Mrs Hinch’s beloved Elbow Grease is the cleaning spray to use on stubborn dirt. She uses this trusty solution to clean her UPVC windows, but it’s also a powerful degreaser. This means you can spray it in your oven for a sparkling result or even on your BBQ. Plus, it’s suitable for use on fabrics so that you can lift stains with ease. The best part? It leaves behind a lovely lemon scent. Just don’t use it on wood!

5. Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets

Image credit: Earth Breeze

Instead of your usual washing tablets or powder, why not switch it up for something a bit more eco-friendly? Bye bye plastic, hello nice smelling clothes. These Earth Breeze laundry sheets dissolve in hot or cold water, and they arrive in a cardboard box. You can even use them to handwash your clothes. Impressive!

“I just started using the Earth Breeze laundry sheets as I’m trying to cut down on our household single use plastic and I’ve been really impressed so far. Clothes come out clean and smelling fresh. You can buy a pack or sign up for subscription.” – Heather Young, Ideal Home Editor in Chief

Buy now: Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets, £14.99, Shop No Plastic

6. Zoflora Peony Blush

Image credit: Zoflora

You can’t beat a bottle of trusty Zoflora, right? This versatile disinfectant can be used on all types of surfaces, indoors and out, plus it kills bacteria like there’s no tomorrow. And, don’t even get us started on the scent it leaves behind. De-light-ful.

“I have a weird love of cleaning supplies. So I love Zoflora, the peony blush scent is my favourite. It reminds me of one of my favourite Jo Malone candles. I use it for everything from cleaning my floors to the bin. My favourite hack with it, I learnt from my Mum, she told me to put a capful down the kitchen sink or any sinks you don’t use often. It makes your whole house smell amazing. – Becky Knight, Ideal Home News Editor

7. Astonish Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Image credit: Astonish

Get your toilet looking shiny clean in a flash with help from these toilet tabs from Astonish. Aptly named because they do an Astonish(ingly) good job, just take the tablet out of its packaging and throw it in your loo. It’ll foam up and you’ll want to leave it for a few moments to do its magic. Then, come back and give your toilet a brush around and ta-dah! For use along with bleach, obviously, though they’re still pretty great – and handy.

“The Astonish toilet tablets are a bathroom staple in my household. They’re so easy to use and super effective. They also leave your toilet blue and foamy. You can leave yours overnight but I prefer to do this during the day. They’re also great for hard water areas!” – Annie Collyer, Ideal Home Shopping Editor

8. HG Mould Spray

Image credit: HG

Mould spray is a must-have for any damp home. Whether it’s your bathroom, kitchen or bedroom that you have this problem inside, a good spritz of this will kill spores immediately. It’s strong, so you’ll need to open windows and use accordingly, but boy does it work.

“The mould spray I’ve started using after noticing mould on my bathroom walls (painted bathroom on a lower ground floor? Bad idea!). It works within minutes, the mould just completely disappears, and because it’s foam, it doesn’t splash or go everywhere. It is quite strong, so you have to use gloves, but it completely kills mould from tiles, grout, walls.” – Anna Cottrell, Ideal Home Consumer Editor

9. Deft Advanced Window & Glass Cleaner Tuscan Sunlight

Image credit: Deft

Searching for a window and glass cleaner? This one from Lakeland was created to impress. Plus, it even smells nice. It’s eco-friendly and plant-based, too, while it comes housed inside a fully recyclable bottle for guilt-free cleaning. Add this to your cleaning arsenal now, we say.

“I love this stuff. It’s a window cleaner with a really clever bottle design so it gives a continuous mist when you spray it rather than an awkward squirt. I use it on every glass or mirror surface and buff it with a microfibre cloth including my coffee table and it smells incredible again.” – Becky Knight, Ideal Home News Editor

10.  Seventh Generation Cleaning Spray All Purpose Cleaner

Image credit: Seventh Generation

If you’re trying to be a little more eco-friendly (who isn’t) then opt for this all-purpose cleaner from Seventh Generation. A whopping 86% of its ingredients are plant-based, yet it’s still powerful enough to cut through grease and grime. Impressive. It’s also free from bleach, colourants, synthetic fragrances, and VOCs so that you feel safe using it around pets and children. It’s even poured inside a bottle that’s made from recycled plastic, and this bottle is 100% recyclable, too.

“I’ve switched from my usual kitchen spray to this as it’s kinder to the environment. I’d say I have to scrub a little bit harder at any dried-on food spills with this cleaner but to me it’s worth it as unlike most kitchen cleaners it doesn’t contain any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that impact the air quality inside your home, or the water quality when it gets rinsed down the sink. It’s also noticeably more pleasant to use, without the strong chemical smell that can hit you in the back of the throat when you spray and used to make me cough.” – Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home Decor Editor

11. Ecover All Purpose Cleaner Lemongrass & Ginger

Image credit: Ecover

We’re all big fans of Ecover products over at Ideal Home, but there are a few that we really love. This all-purpose cleaner being one, mostly because it smells so good. Use it for mopping your floors, disinfecting your drains or even for general household use. It even has an easy-pouring spout to reduce spillages and to make your life easier.

“I’m a big fan of this one for when I’m mopping my floors. It’s not too harsh so I don’t worry about sensitive skin, it’s great for bathroom tiles too.” – Millie Fender, Ideal Home Ecommerce Editor

12. Astonish Premium Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Image credit: Astonish

Sofa stain? Carpet spill? This powerful formula can rid your upholstery of pretty much any stain, from coffee to red wine (yes! you read that right). A very handy cleaning product to have under your cupboard just in case, plus it doesn’t even smell bad considering its nature. Use it on curtains, sofas, carpets, bedding, clothes and more.

“I use this upholstery cleaner all of the time, mostly becausee I am mega clumsy and spill everything. It really can rid light fabrics (and dark) from stubborn stains. I’ve used it on red wine on a grey fabric sofa, fake tan on white sheets and on other miscellaneous mishaps. There always has to be a bottle of this stuff under my sink…or else!” – Annie Collyer, Ideal Home Deputy Ecommerce Editor

13. Viakal Limescale Remover Spray

Image credit: Viakal

Live in a hard water area? Hate cleaning the marks off your taps, shower screen and everywhere else that suffers? Us too. We’re here to introduce you to Viakal’s Limescale Remover Spray. It’ll leave your bathroom shining (especially your taps!), plus it aims to prevent the return of limescale. Just spray it on, leave it for five minutes and rinse it off. Easy stuff.

“This stuff smells awful but nothing will get rid of limescale on a shower door or in a kitchen sink quite like it. Living in London the hard water is a constant struggle so this is a bathroom cleaning essential for me.” – Becky Knight, Ideal Home News Editor

14. Marigold Cleaning Me Softly Scourer

Image credit: Marigold

Name a better scourer you’ve used to (gently) scrub your kitchen from top to bottom. We’ll wait. This one from Marigold is brilliant for spoiled pans, almost-ruined pots and for cleaning an oven that’s riddled with burnt-on food. Two come in a pack, too!

“I really like the Marigold Cleaning Me Softly Scourer for washing up oven trays and dishes I’ve used for making mac & cheese or lasagnes. I also use it for scrubbing the hob and it doesn’t leave any scratches. I’ve had mine since March and it still works just fine.” – Millie Hurst, Ideal Home News Writer

15. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Tablets All in 1

Image credit: Seventh Generation

A grand total of 24 dishwasher tablets come included in this box, which by the way, is cardboard. These all-in-1 tables will leave your glasses shining and your environmental impact lower. They are powered by plants and minerals and made with 85% mineral and plant-based ingredients. No need to remove the packaging as this is 100% soluble so that you’re left with little to no waste.

“I also use the Seventh Generation dishwasher tablets which are the best I’ve found. They always dissolve properly and don’t leave granules/liquid in the washer compartment like a lot of well-known brands I’ve previously tried and they leave dishes perfectly clean and without any chemical-smelling residue like a lot of other types. And as EU Ecolabel certified dishwasher tablets are also free from fragrances, colourants and has no chlorine bleach.” – Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home Decor Editor

16. E-cloth General Purpose Cleaning Cloths

Image credit: E-cloth

“Well, the e-cloths, in my opinion are the best options for every type of cleaning – I have one in the kitchen, one in the bathroom, and keep one for dusting. They’re by far the most sustainable option (no more plastic bottles or sprays), they’re easy to wash in the washing machine, and the original ones are antibacterial, which is great for making sure the kitchen surfaces are safe after use.” – Anna Cottrell, Ideal Home Consumer Editor

17.  Seep Sponge with Loofah Scourer

Image credit: Seep

The trusty Seep Sponge from Bower Collective is 100% plastic-free and also 100% compostable. Use it for cleaning dishes or surfaces around the home, and there’s the advantage that this cleaning sponge is long-lasting. Complete your plastic-free or eco-friendly cleaning collection with these sponges.

“I made the swap from non-biodegradeable plastic sponges and scourers to these. Made from natural materials cellulose wood pulp (for the sponge) and raw loofah fibre (for the top scourer) they can be home composted where they break down into harmless organic waste. Toxin-free and not harmful to humans or ecosystems, they don’t release microplastics into the environment or end up in landfill. They do require a little more elbow grease compared to a plastic sponge and scourer as their texture isn’t as rough, but for me it’s worth it. They also dry really quickly and maintain their white colour for a long time so are much more pleasant to have sitting by the sink.” – Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home Decor Editor

Buy now: Seep Sponge with Loofah Scourer, £9.50, Bower Collective

18. Stardrops Vinegar Spray

Image credit: Stardrops

There’s no other stain remover you’ll want to use than this Stardrops spray if you are searching for something natural. This vinegar spray can break down stains and smells with ease, whilst being a powerful antibacterial cleaner. It’s multi-purpose and can be used to clean drains and more, too. It takes a while to get past the smell but it’s worth it in the end.

“Vinegar is having its moment in the cleaning industry, and I am completely behind this trend. Having two pets, I always use vinegar to clean areas that my pets spend the most time, just because it’s safer for them (and their paws). It admittedly stinks and as a vinegar hater, it’s powerful. But, we move. I also pour some inside my washing machine when putting on a white wash and it makes my bedding and clothes look brand new.”– Annie Collyer, Ideal Home Deputy Ecommerce Editor

19. Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray

Image credit: Puressentiel

There’s no doubt in our minds that this is the best air freshener you’ll ever use. Just one spray will banish odours and leave behind a lingering fresh scent, that’s made up of 41 essential oils. It’s mighty powerful and a bottle should last you for a long time. Plus, it’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It’s also suitable for asthma sufferers.

“This is the only air freshener I will ever use because it doesn’t clog the air. One spray in a room is more than enough to make a difference, and although it’s pricey it’s completely worth it. It destroys odours pretty much instantly.” – Annie Collyer, Ideal Home Deputy Ecommerce Editor

20. Zoflora Linen Fresh Aerosol Mist

Image credit: Zoflora

Zoflora have released a disinfectant mist, to make cleaning your home a lot easier – and for killing 99.9% of bacteria with ease. It comes in a range of their signature scents, but fresh linen might just be our favourite. The best part about it? It doesn’t drench your upholstery or surfaces when using, thanks to the fact it’s a mist as opposed to a spray.

“I love the Zolfora disinfectant spray, the aerosol one. It’s great for misting over light switches and the toilet flush. I’ve been using it at the end of my cleaning sessions to zap any areas I might have missed. It dries in 30 seconds and smells great” – Becky Knight, Ideal Home News Editor

21. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Lavender

Image credit: Mrs. Meyers

This popular US brand is making its mark in the UK cleaning market, and we’re highly impressed by their products. This all-purpose cleaning spray is great for use on all surfaces in your home, and it leaves behind a delightful scent. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, plus the bottle is made using at least 70% recycled plastics.

“This cleaning spray is a step in the right direction for anyone who is aiming to be kinder to the environment this year. It smells incredible and it’s scented with essential oils. Although it says it’s lavender, I think it’s more herby overall. I love using it on my kitchen worktops and I always have people comment when I use it.” – Annie Collyer, Ideal Home Deputy Ecommerce Editor

22. Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Cleanser Additive

Image credit: Dettol

Use this laundry detergent to sanitise your clothes at low temperatures so as to save on energy. To be used along with your regular detergent, two capfuls can banish odours and you can use it on anything from clothes to bedding and towels. It leaves behind a fresh cotton fragrance, and it even removes allergens from your clothing.

“I like to add a cap of this when washing undies and sweaty gym gear. It is particularly handy in winter when I am drying inside and things take a little longer to air – it is sure to prevent any nasty niffs and leave your clothing sanitised. The smell is fresh but doesn’t compete with your regular detergent. Just pour a little into the powder drawer with each wash. I also use it to give my machine a disinfect from time to time if I have run out of washing machine cleaner.” – Lindsey Davis, Editor in Chief, Homes Ecommerce at Ideal Home

23. Viakal Bathroom 3-in-1 Bathroom Cleaner Spray

Image credit: Viakal

Clean your bathroom and rid your sink, taps and more from limescale with ease, with help from this spray from Viakal. It even kills 99.9% of bathroom bacteria at the same time. It’s powerful, so rest assured it doesn’t require a lot of elbow grease. You can use it on your tiles, taps and more, for a decent clean and impressive shine.

“We all know a bit of vinegar is great for limescale, but I have black taps and live in a hardwater area and trusty vinegar was not cutting it. A quick spray of this after each shower and a quick rinse does the job a treat. And I leave it on a little longer for stubborn limescale. It also eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, so it is a great all purpose bathroom spray for everything from your shower screen, to your tiles to your loo.” – Lindsey Davis, Editor in Chief, Homes Ecommerce at Ideal Home

24. Purdy & Figg Counter Clean Mixed Starter Kit Surface Cleaning Sprays

Image credit: Purdy & Figg

Looking for a little luxury? This starter kit from Purdy & Figg is where to start. Simply enough, you mix one of the solutions with water in the ‘Bottle for Life’ and then start cleaning. This makes for less waste, plus the cleaning solutions are 100% natural, organic and made from essential oils.

“They smell nothing like a traditional cleaner, they’re quite luxurious aromatherapy style scents. I was surprised how efficient it was at cleaning my kitchen with just a couple of sprays and the counters smell like I’ve had an expensive candle burning in there afterwards.” – Becky Knight, Ideal Home News Editor

Buy now: Purdy & Figg Starter Kit, £29.99, Amazon

25. Fabulosa Multi-Purpose Anti-Bacterial Disinfectant

Image credit: Fabulosa

Similar to Zoflora’s disinfectant spray, although this one is vegan and cruelty-free and it doesn’t come out as a mist. You can use it to clean pretty much any surface inside your home, and it leaves behind a lovely scent. There are 5 fragrances to choose from, and it’s pretty great at banishing odours.

“This hospital disinfectant is proven to kill, Coronavirus, E. coli, S.aureus, Listeria, Campylobacter, MRSA, Salmonella, Influenza Type A H1N1. I don’t know what some of those are either, but they sound nasty and knowing a quick spritz of this gets rid of them is why I buy multipacks of this spray again and again. It smells amazing, it is vegan certified and cruelty-free and leaves no nasty residues. Use it to wipe down surfaces, or spray and leave to dry on door handles, and other high contact surfaces around the home.” – Lindsey Davis, Editor in Chief, Homes Ecommerce at Ideal Home

The post 25 of the best cleaning products, tried and tested appeared first on Ideal Home.

Bathroom lighting ideas can have a massive impact and should be planned early to ensure all key fittings are illuminated properly. In areas where lighting fixtures might come into contact with water, such as the bathroom, you’ll need to look at IP ratings. IP stands for Ingress Protection, meaning that the more susceptible to water penetration light fittings are, then the higher the ‘IP’ rating they are required to have.

There are three key zones to keep in mind when selecting lamps and fixtures for your bathroom:

• Zone 0, is inside the bath or floor of the shower. Any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage and be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof.
• Zone 1, is the area above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. A minimum rating of IP45 is required, but it is generally accepted that IP65 is to be used.
• Zone 2, is the area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. In addition it is good practice to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.

For any bathroom area outside these zones, an IP rating isn’t a requirement, although a minimum IP44 rating is still advised.

Bathroom Lighting ideas

As a room where we spend our time either refreshing or relaxing, the right lighting is key to create the correct ambience for either. Aim for sufficient task lighting in the shower and vanity areas, plus ambient lighting around the bath and in alcoves and niches.

The latest smart lighting controls allow pre-programmed settings. Look out for wireless lighting controls, which is installed without cables and can oversee thermostats, security and audio, if desired.

1. Layer lighting throughout the bathroom

Image credit: Mermaid Panels

The best lighting schemes rely on light coming from several different sources to create a relaxed and rounded scheme, but one that is functional too. Try to include the three main types of light – which are ambient, task and accent lighting.

Start with recessed spotlights mounted into the ceiling to provide general background lighting. Neat and unobtrusive, they give a uniform level of ambient light and a wide spread so you can manoeuvre the bathroom safely and easily.

After ambient lighting, think about task lighting and specific areas that need to be illuminated so that you can see what you are doing, such as around the mirror or in the shower.

Finally, use accent lighting to highlight decorative features such as shelves, artwork or greenery. Accent lighting helps set the mood in a bathroom and will add depth and interest.

2. Focus lighting around the mirror

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

A well-lit bathroom mirror is essential so you can see what you’re doing properly, whether putting on make-up, brushing teeth or shaving.

Avoid placing ceiling lighting directly above and in front of the mirror which can create glare and cast unflattering shadows. If your mirror is centred above the sink, position light fittings on either side of the mirror at eye level and as close to your face as possible, which will give a more flattering, even glow.

Mimic the effect of natural light at a bathroom mirror, by opting for bulbs that offer clear, bright light that won’t appear yellow or dull.

3. Create symmetry in a twin bathroom

Image credit: Davey Lighting

Ensure that there is adequate lighting at twin basins and vanity units by installing extra wall lights, either side of each mirror, to cover the full width of the area. Neat column wall lights won’t protrude into the space too much and will cast light evenly up and down the face.

Alternatively, if you have a very wide bathroom mirror with no breaks in between, opt for a pair of column lights positioned horizontally above the mirror, or one single bar-style fitting running the full width of the mirror.

4. Enjoy all the mod cons with an all-in-one mirror

Image credit: Victorian Plumbing

Instead of installing separate light fittings to illuminate the mirror area, opt for a mirror with built-in lighting. Incorporating lighting into the mirror ensures even distribution of light around the mirror and it will cast a subtler glow than harsh overhead lighting.

Make your mirror state-of-the-art, by choosing a design with other intuitive features. This one includes colour temperature changing LED illumination so you can alter the mood at a touch, plus Bluetooth connectivity so you can play your favourite bath time tunes through its integrated speakers. A heated pad helps keep the glass steam-free too.

5. Make night time visits easier

Image credit: Lighting Styles

Navigating the bathroom in the middle of the night can be tricky when you’re trying not to wake up the rest of the family. Skirt the issue by installing motion-sensitive lights that have a passive infrared sensor that turns them on automatically when you enter the bathroom. That way you won’t be left fumbling around for the switch whenever you visit the bathroom after dark.

6. Enjoy leisurely soaks after dark

Image credit: Future PLC/Tamra Cave

Instead of surrounding the bath tub with candles – which can be a fire hazard if you’re not super-careful – set the mood at night-time with discreet accent lighting to illuminate the bath area instead.

Aside from casting a cosy glow after dark, adding lighting around the tub area will give extra illumination for bathing and is essential in larger bathrooms, where overhead lighting might not be sufficient. Concealed LED strip lighting set into a recess or running along a shelf is discreet and easy to install. Just remember to keep IP ratings in mind when choosing lighting for the bath or shower area.

7. Illuminate sink-side surfaces

Image credit: Mermaid Panels

Layering lighting throughout the bathroom will enhance the overall mood and provide extra useful illumination in key areas. Installing concealed lights above and below a mirrored cabinet will create a soft ambient glow for putting make-up on, but also come in handy for lighting the area around the basin too.

In a sink-side area like this, lights will need to be splashproof, which requires a minimum IP44 rating. Consider flexible LED strip lighting that simply sticks to the underside of a cabinet or a concealed under-counter strip light that is easily attached.

8. Light the way in with low-level lighting

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Create dramatic effects by installing floor-level bathroom lighting ideas. Positioned underneath a wall-hung cabinet lighting can create a ‘floating’ effect or can be set up to wash light across the floor and show off the surface of decorative tiles.

Low-level PIR lighting that comes on automatically as you enter, provides ideal lighting for night-time visits to the bathroom. You can navigate the bathroom without having to switch on the main lights, plus it isn’t as harsh on the eyes, which makes it easier to get back to sleep afterwards.

9. Splash out on extra lighting in the shower

Image credit: Shower Wall

Shower cubicles and walk-in showers will generally need some form of additional lighting to supplement the main lighting source. This could be ceiling spots or indirect lighting set into the walls lower down.

When it comes to overhead shower lighting, recessed lights are best, but they must be designed for use in wet and damp environments. Recessed lights sit flush to the ceiling which ensures damp does not build up and attract mould and they are easy to wipe over and keep clean.

Safety is key in a shower area, with the ceiling height dictating what grade of lighting is safe. Generally speaking, IP65 rating lights are suitable, but your electrician will be able to advise.

10. Be safe with bathroom pendant lights

Image credit: Garden Trading

Chandeliers and pendant lights can be used in bathrooms as long as they are not positioned close to water sources (and out of the designated zones). However, generally speaking, lighting with an IP44 rating is always advised in bathrooms.

A pendant light with an IP44 rating, like this one, is splashproof (though not fully waterproof) so can be safely fitted in a bathroom provided it is 60cm outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor.

11. Opt for multifunctional bathroom lighting

Image credit: Big Bathroom Shop

Provide extra lighting in darker areas of the bathroom with clever multifunctional fixtures and fittings. This neat LED wall light has a toughened glass shelf on top that will hold essential toiletries, plus an integral rail below, that has moveable hooks for hanging towels and robes.

12. Look to different light sources

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

With the correct lighting, your room can take on different looks throughout the day, night and seasons. In most rooms, you’ll likely need several types of lighting, as one central light source won’t do every job. This is easily achieved through light layering, where you make use of different types of light sources in each room to suit your needs.

Don’t overlook wall lights – downlighters especially have become very popular, with an array of different styles, and are perfect for adding interest and ambience to a focal wall.

13. Incorporate hidden lighting

Image credit: Future PLC/ Douglas Gibb

Bathroom lighting has to work on many levels. Think about how you will use the bathroom at different times of day. You want your bathroom to be bright and functional in the mornings, especially around the mirror area, but you also want to be able to wind down in the evenings with a nice relaxing bath.

Fairly bright lights pointing in all directions make this a bathing space that is perfect for relaxing soaks with no danger of dazzling beams. Reccessed walls are great for hiding spotlights and LEDs.

14. Set the scene with wall lights

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter

Lighting is crucial in a bathroom so always ensure that it is sufficient, particularly over the basin area for makeup and grooming. Something that I find very useful is to fit low-level lighting on a sensor for use in the middle of the night, when you want to avoid the harsh glare of main lights.

15. Take lifestyle into consideration

Image credit: Oliver Gordon

To help you choose the right bathroom lighting, think about who is going to be using the space. If it’s a children’s bathroom, you might want motion-sensitive lighting that switches on and off by itself. If it’s going to be used by adults, you may want mood lighting or a dimmer, and several different circuits – perhaps a low-level light in the shower, floor lighting, overhead lighting and lights around the mirror.

16. Amp up ambient lighting on shelving

Image credit: Future PLC/ Tamra Cave

Combat a windowless bathroom with lots of ambient light. Subtle led strip lighting attached to the mains looks sophisticated running under a mirrored cupboard for a clean, streamlined look, while a pair of wall lights either side will strike a classic note.

What is good lighting for a bathroom?

Essentially good lighting for a bathroom is lighting that serves all purposes. Because we use bathrooms everyday, at all times of the day, the right bathroom lighting idea will ensure you have sufficient light at all times – whether showering or relaxing in the tub.

When planning the lighting for your bathroom, remember that you want it to work equally well at all times of the day and throughout the year, whether it’s dark winter mornings or sunny summer evenings.

Choose task lighting, such as overhead spotlights in the shower and around sink units to add maximum coverage. Wall lights and mirror surrounds can welcome focused directional light when using the vanity. Add ambient lighting around the bath and in alcoves and niches, dimmers or adjustable lighting is key for being able to control the amount of light throughout the day.

Modern smart lighting controls allow pre-programmed settings to make life easier. Try wireless lighting controls, which are installed without cables – a safety consideration to take into account.

Should bathroom lights hang over mirror?

Bathroom lights over and around mirrors are key for providing focused task lighting when using the mirrors. Whether choosing wall-mounted lights around or above the mirror or incorporating lighting as part of the mirror, as many modern designs will do, illuminating mirrors is key to a well-functioning bathroom space.

Will you be using these bathroom lighting ideas to illuminate your scheme?

The post Bathroom lighting ideas – 16 ways to brighten your bathroom appeared first on Ideal Home.

It’s never too early to start sprucing up our outdoor spaces ready for warmer weather. According to gardening experts, there is an ideal date for snapping up a deal on the very best garden furniture and accessories.

With search around garden furniture up by 400%, there’s a very real chance of that dreamy set of sunloungers selling out if we dither for too long.

Image credit: Cox & Cox

It’s not news that there has been a high demand for garden furniture over the last two years. Our enthusiasm for gardening and outdoor living room ideas has however meant many of us have been left on waiting lists for the perfect garden set, or missed out entirely (looking at you, Aldi egg chair…)

The date to buy garden furniture

To help you avoid summer-time stress, Ryan Schwarze, garden furniture expert at Luxury Rattan, has revealed the best time to place an order. He says the exact date to buy garden furniture is February 7th.

Buying the best sunloungers on this day will help to ‘avoid the mad rush that starts during spring.’ February 7th – just over two weeks away – is when the outdoor furniture company begins to see demand increase.

Image credit: Rust Collections

‘Securing your furniture on this date means you’ll usually be able to get exactly what you want. Instead of opting for what’s left and it allows for plenty of time for delivery ahead of peak dates,’ says Ryan.

With your garden furniture ordered, you can then start thinking about accessories, from outdoor rugs and cushions to fire pits and pizza ovens. While waiting for new furniture to arrive, there’s plenty of garden maintenance to tick off.

February is a great time to start prepping your patio and potting up some summer-blooming plants. Look up easy garden ideas to revamp tired outdoor spaces – there are lots of ways to do so even when you’ve not got lots of time or money to spend.

Image credit: Go Modern Furniture

The prospect of sunny days is definitely keeping us going through winter, and it seems we’re not the only ones. According to Moda Furnishings, the search level for ‘garden furniture’ shot up by 400% over the last couple of weeks.

Purchasing outdoor furniture and accessories out of season will mean you can nab items at a reduced price, with many companies clearing last year’s stock. You’ll also get quicker deliveries with items having a shorter lead time this time of year.

The post This is the exact date to buy garden furniture as search for outdoor items rockets appeared first on Ideal Home.