All too often we focus on making the bath the star of any bathroom. But the shower is just as much the hero, and in fact it’s often used more frequently in many homes than the bath. If you are planning a new bathroom, shower lighting ideas should be high on your list to chat through with a qualified electrician, rather than an afterthought.

Start by gathering bathroom lighting ideas and then look at the practicalities – from IP ratings of your chosen lights to recessed or semi-flush fittings.

Shower lighting ideas

Functionality is key when it comes to lighting in the shower, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style,’ explains Natalie Mann, new product development co-ordinator, Iconic Lights. ‘Lighting can create mood and highlight favourite areas. For example placing a light underneath the recessed niche shelving.

Outside of the shower area, there’s plenty of opportunity to bring style and flair to the space, with wall lights positioned either side of the mirror or a striking pendant overhead. For added ambience, install a dimmer switch so you can set the mood.’

1. Lead the eye with spots

Image credit: Future PLC/Jake Fitzjones

Simple spotlights fitted in a walk-in shower enclosure will enhance a spa-like feel, especially if tiling and walls are in calming neutrals. Try painting your ceiling a darker shade. The spots will really pop against a lovely warm brown.

Lighter tiles – like these natural limestone mosaics – will also help make more of a feature of a shower, contrasting with the warmer walls. After all, the actual showering area should be the star of any shower room.

2. Balance spots with a pendant

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Use spots in a shower and a pendant next to your basin. You don’t need to keep to one type of ceiling fitting in a shower room or bathroom. Spots will cast a task beam down on you while you are in the shower. Check the projection of any spotlight before you buy, especially if fitting directly above where your head will be, going for a wider beam if needed. A bathroom pendant idea can add a lovely decorative touch, while still providing light where needed.

Don’t be afraid of mixing finish either. Chrome and brass work fine together if the finish is the kept the same, such as brushed or shine.

3. Light up niches and nooks

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

LED lighting strips and spotlights are a great way of bringing increased light into a small showering space. Ask your electrician to fit to a separate lighting circuit, allowing you to change the mood.

Tile the niche with a hero shower tile idea – shimmering mosaics catch the light adding a touch of luxury. You can also use those expensive tiles you fell in love with – often two-three sheets of mosaics will be enough for most shower niches.

4. Trick the eye with a white spotlight

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

If your shower enclosure has a dividing wall, then make sure there’s a spotlight on both sides of the wall, otherwise your bathroom won’t have enough light.

Sometimes, with joists above, showerheads and extractor fans, you won’t be able to fit a spotlight centrally in a shower enclosure. If this is the case, choose a simple white spotlight that will blend into the ceiling, even if it is off-centre.

5. Go for a bulkhead fitting

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Give your shower a nautical vibe with a bulkhead fitting – you can even choose a design that’s suitable for exterior use. Based on the lighting used for ships, bulkheads love a damp space, making them a great choice for your shower room.

Choose a finish that is different from your brassware, with brass, black, gold, grey and silver all available options. You can also choose round or lozenge shape designs.

6. Turn your shower into a light show

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Use smaller recessed spotlights to define your showering area. Try black ones, fitted either side of your showerhead, providing ample light without being blocked when you shower.

You could choose colour-changing ones – or chromotherapy – which you can adjust via a remote to suit your mood.

7. Create a spa-like experience

Image credit: Victorian Plumbing

Illuminate your shower with a multi-coloured shower head, giving a spectacular effect, perfect for creating a spa-like experience at home.

Keep remaining fixtures and fittings simple – this is one lighting trick that needs space to shine and works best in a walk-in enclosure or wet room.

Buy now: Milam 400mm panoramic LED square shower package, Victorian Plumbing.

8.  Don’t stress over symmetry

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Lighting the ceiling above a shower can be tricky, but most visitors won’t notice that there is an odd number of lights if you can’t get a neat row of two by two for example especially if you keep things simple. Choose the same finish as your shower head and enclosure brackets and you’ll almost trick the eye into thinking there is a second, fourth or sixth spotlight in position.

Recessed spotlights need a hole cutting into the ceiling. Your electrician will be able to advise on the best position, depending on joists and pipework running above. Ask for a lighting diagram, so you know should you plan any future renovations.

9. Make it dual purpose

Image credit: Big Bathroom Shop

Need more light in your shower room? How about combining storage and light in one? This bathroom shelf rail light from the Big Bathroom Shop has just the right balance for display, light and storage.

Other easy shower room light additions including swapping your mirror for an illuminated one, replacing a blind with window film (or even removing window treatment ideas altogether), and of course, candles.

10.  Light up the floor

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

In a shower room, don’t forget about lighting close to the floor; spots fitted into the tiles at a low level can create a lovely soft atmosphere, while highlighting different bathroom floor tile idea finishes.

Fit low-level lights on a different lighting circuit, so you can turn just these on for a more relaxing shower. You can also fit lights into the floor, which act as uplighters, providing a wash of light up a tiled wall.

How can I illuminate my shower enclosure/area?

‘IP rated spotlights work great in the show area, as they have a more distinct design element and will give you intense lighting in one specific area,’ says Natalie Mann, new product development co-ordinator, Iconic Lights.

Think about how you want your shower lighting to make you feel – is it to relax or revitalise you? Lighting controlled by dimmer, will allow you to have both, while colour changing or showerheads with LEDs fitted, create more of a spa-like experience. If your shower is separated from the rest of your bathroom, for example by a dividing wall, then make sure you’ve planned in lighting in the enclosure too.

Simple, recessed spots are an effective way to make your shower a feature. For IP ratings explained – most shower lights are rated to IP65, which are suitable for zone 1, although IP45 is the minimum rating required within zone 1. If you are looking at lighting inside the bath or shower itself (zone 0), then any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage (max 12v) and rated at least IP67, which is total immersion proof.

Can you put LED lights in a shower?

Short answer, yes, although they need to be waterproof LED lights. These are usually encapsulated in a waterproof (usually IP67) enclosure to ensure the LEDs themselves don’t come into contact with water.

You could choose a single colour, or get creative with colour-changing LEDs, which can be remote controlled or connected to a 2-gang light switch outside the bathroom (one switch would control the main light source, the other the LEDs). Use LEDs in a shower area to illuminate plinths or niches.

The post Shower lighting ideas – 10 ways to turn your shower into a feature appeared first on Ideal Home.

Lighting can make or break any room –  and perhaps none more so than kitchens. Discovering how to plan kitchen lighting will make this aspect of kitchen design a breeze.

Whatever kind of kitchen lighting ideas you’re considering, there are a few universal guidelines to bear in mind. Plus, they can all be adapted to work in any style of kitchen, from ultra-modern to cosy country.

‘A carefully planned lighting scheme will transform a kitchen’s mood, zones and atmosphere depending on the function in the space and the time of day,’ points out Hugh Miller, Co-Founder, H. Miller Bros.

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when planning your new kitchen is the lighting, as electrics and fittings have to be installed at the start of the project, before plastering, decorating and the fitting. It’s an integral part of any scheme and this is your one chance to get it right.

‘Plan the lighting when you’re thinking about the plumbing of your kitchen ideas,’ advises Sally Storey, design director at John Cullen Lighting. ‘As a rule of thumb, allow as much budget for your lighting as you would the flooring. Your choices will depend on the size of the space and whether your room has a high or low ceiling.’

How to plan kitchen lighting

The key to creating a successful lighting scheme lies in layering the effects, so you should try to zone the lighting according to its use – working (task), dining and mood (ambient) and creating the wow factor (feature). It’s important to concentrate on all three and consider dimmable solutions for even more flexibility.

‘This can include overhead under cabinet lighting, wall lighting, ceiling lighting, and task lights that will focus on specific areas of the kitchen and can highlight areas of architectural interest,’ says Graeme Smith, Head of Retail and Commercial design, Life Kitchens.

How do you start planning lighting in a kitchen?

Image credit: Rothschild & Bickers

As we’ve said, lighting is one the pieces in your kitchen puzzle which must be planned out sooner rather than later.

‘Get the positioning of the units more or less firmed up before the first fix,’ advises Karan Main, Director, The Main Company. ‘Once this has been completed a loose lighting plan can be done taking things a few things into consideration. These include not standing in your own shadow at the sink and allowing provision for lighting the internal cupboard areas.’

‘Choosing the right lighting is an important consideration when creating an interior scheme,’ agrees Victoria Rothschild, founder, Rothschild & Bickers. ‘Every room has its own unique set of considerations but in a kitchen, lighting is a really important element of its design, and it should be considered early in the design phase. All too often the lighting in a kitchen is an afterthought.’

‘The kitchen is a space used for many different roles,’ continues Victoria. ‘We do more than just cook and eat in our kitchens, it is where we gather, socialise, do homework and other family activities which means this room requires a range of lighting options at different times of day. Lighting needs to be functional but also have the capacity to set the mood as an entertaining space.’

‘There are three basic types of lighting which should be considered in any interior, not just in a kitchen. Working out how and where to use these will help you create a well-considered lighting scheme and a kitchen balanced with usable and atmospheric light.’

What are the main types of lighting and how do they apply in a kitchen?

Image credit: Life Kitchens

With how to plan kitchen lighting – and indeed that for any room – there are three main forms of lighting which should be taken into account. These are task, ambient and accent.

‘Task lighting is the most beneficial form of lighting for any kitchen scheme,’ believes David Amos, Founder, Amos Lighting + Home. ‘This is because it serves the purpose of illuminating a space that you will be using.

‘‘Task lighting is ideally suited to the areas where you need to see clearly,’ says Tom Howley, Design Director, Tom Howley Kitchens. ‘Such as when you’re preparing food or need to read recipes or cooking instructions.’

Ambient, or mood lighting, is the most general lighting scheme. This is used to provide an overall illumination in a space. ‘Spotlights are a popular choice for kitchens, allowing for full room illumination without the clutter of lamps and wires,’ notes Morten Warren, Founder, Zuma.

Finally we have accent, or decorative lighting, used to add visual interest. These can include striking pendants, island strip lights and back-lit worktop designs.

The key to a successful lighting scheme involves layering all these three together. ‘An open plan kitchen usually requires multifunctional uses, from dining, entertaining, relaxing to homework, so these tasks should be reflected in the lighting plan,’ points out Natalie Mann, New Product Development Executive, Iconic Lights. ‘Layering the lighting will allow you to set the tone according to the mood and time of day.’

In line with this, try and make your lighting multi-functional. Dimmer switches for spotlights will help them work whatever the tone or time of day.

Where should lights be placed in a kitchen?

Image credit: Amos Lighting

Possibly the most important question of how to plan kitchen lighting is simply working out where they should be placed. After all, you need to be aware of what not to do when designing a kitchen.

‘When deciding where to place your lighting, the architecture and layout of your kitchen is the first thing to consider and if there is natural light and which direction it comes from,’ advises Victoria from Rothschild & Bickers. ‘Also take in to account the ceiling height and the proportions of the room too. Then work out where you need focused light directed. Once you have this foundation lighting, consider the decorative aspects. Do you want a dramatic chandelier or trio of pendant lights around the island or over the dining area.’

‘When it comes to introducing lighting into a kitchen, it’s all about planning and thinking about where the lights will sit best,’ agrees David from Amos Lighting. ‘Incorporating task lighting such as pendants works particularly well above countertops to highlight a specific area. Alternatively wall lighting ideas are the perfect accompaniment to any compact scheme. You can opt for smaller wall-mounted options that will beautifully direct a warming light on shelving and worktops.’

Incorporate lighting into your kitchen storage ideas, too. ‘Consider the ‘warm glow’ areas where glazed cupboard lights can be left on to shine through glasses stacked on glass shelves to create an atmosphere while dining in the kitchen,’ suggests Karan from The Main Company. ‘Plinth lighting is also popular, using tiny, subtle disks of light emanating across the floor. Also carefully consider the lighting over kitchen islands, as this often becomes the main preparation space and good lighting is essential.’

‘Under cabinet lighting good to boost light levels where it’s needed, must be concealed, no dots visible,’ recommends Piero De Marchis, Director, Detail Lighting. ‘Ideally dimmable as these have second function as calming night-time lighting, if there is no switch then a sensor with variable time setting may be a compromise.’

How do you work out how many lights you need?

Image credit: H. Miller Bros

How long is a piece of string? The number of lights needed in your kitchen scheme varies on a number of things, so no answer fits across the board.

‘It depends on the structure and layout of the kitchen as well as the amount of natural light within the space,’ agrees Hugh from H. Miller Bros.

How long should pendant lights be?

Image credit: Tom Howley

Pendant lighting is extremely popular in kitchens, especially for kitchen island lighting ideas. And there are good reasons why.

‘We always recommend having a beautiful pendant as the centrepiece in a kitchen,’ says Ian Cameron, Creative Director, Cameron Design House. ‘Helping to zone the kitchen, the soft glow emitted from the striking centrepiece distinguishes a different area in the kitchen. This clearly defines a space made for socialising and eating.’

As desirable as they are, you do want to be sure you’ve got the right length. After all, you want it to be a useful light source without getting in the way. ‘Pendants should hang 12-20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling,’ advises Tom Howley. ‘For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches. For example, for a 9-foot ceiling, the pendant should hang 15-23 inches below. Sets of three work really well together and ensure that the full length of the island can be illuminated.’

‘You don’t want pendant lighting to hang too low,’ explains Tom. ‘You need to ensure adequate clearance above taps, or for clearance purposes if you use your island for dining. It’s also important if you use pendant lighting as task lighting to make sure it’s at a practical height so that you can use the space efficiently without banging into it.’ If you have a stunning view from a window or you enjoy social gatherings in your kitchen, make sure pendant lighting doesn’t hang so low that it blocks any views. You don’t want to spend your dinner party talking to an attractive lampshade!’

Finally, if you’re using more than one pendant, ensure you space them thoughtfully. ‘Keep the pendants an equal distance apart from each other to promote a sense of symmetry,’ says Tom. ‘Also, keep each end pendant about 6 inches inside the edge of the island.’

How far apart should downlight be placed?

Image credit: Zuma

As with pendants, downlights and spotlights should have their positions carefully considered.

‘Downlights are a great choice for small kitchen lighting ideas and those with very low ceiling lighting as they offer such versatility and variability as to where they can be placed,’ says David from Amos Lighting. ‘When fitting the lights, it’s always recommended to divide your ceiling height by 2 to allow you the space needed between each downlight.’

How bright should kitchen lights be?

Image credit: Detail Lighting

Ideally your kitchen lighting scheme should be flexible and allow you to include both brighter and dimmer options. A layered lighting scheme should allow you to have as bright or moody a space as desired – and in all the right places.

‘Demanding versatility, a kitchen often plays host to cooking space, entertaining hub, home office and living room,’ points out Morten from Zuma. ‘Your lighting should be able to change accordingly, rather than simply being on, off or occasionally dimmed.’

‘LED lighting is a popular choice with clients at the moment,’ notes Graeme from Life Kitchens. ‘They not only provide ample illumination for busy task areas, but they also aesthetically enhance the space. They’re also an energy efficient option and are much more long-lasting than standard bulbs. LED lighting is versatile and subtle. It allows for a streamlined design through your kitchen and bringing worktops and cabinets to life.’

What IP rating do I need for a kitchen light?

Image credit: Future PLC/Chris Snook

It’s not just bathrooms where your light sources and water have the potential of meeting. ‘IP rated lighting isn’t necessary,’ explains Natalie from Iconic Lights. ‘However it can be preferable to use IP20 rated lighting in the kitchen as they have increased protection from dust, dirt and condensation.

‘We recommend that lighting they are at least 60cm away from a water source, so not hanging over the sink,’ advises Victoria from Rothschild & Bickers. ‘We usually recommend not to hang lights over the hob area as well. This is as they can get greasy and the heat can affect them.’

What is the current trend for kitchen lighting?

Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki

Just as with the rest of the home – trends come into play with kitchen lighting. At the moment, there are a few key kitchen trends for lighting. These include organic shapes and materials, as well as bolder colour choices.

‘We have seen an increase in natural textures throughout every area of the home, including the kitchen,’ notes Natalie from Iconic Lights. ‘This trend is all about utilising organic materials, and embracing their unperfect textures and forms.’

‘Soft, sculptural, organic shapes are very popular at the moment,’ agrees Victoria from  Rothschild & Bickers. ‘This is alongside optic and diamond glass finishes which diffuse light to create an elegant and inviting look. We’ve also noticed a real shift towards our elegant hand-blown glass pendants over kitchen islands and dining tables. And we are seeing much more colour being used, with bolder jewel-like tones used to create visual statement.

The post How to plan kitchen lighting – the complete expert guide appeared first on Ideal Home.

If you aren’t blessed with space in your bathroom, there are things you can do to make it appear bigger. The most important thing is light whether it’s natural light or artificial, followed by good storage, so everything has a place and the bathroom doesn’t feel cramped or messy. There are lots of budget small bathroom ideas that can help create the illusion of space without spending a fortune.

If you are looking for budget small bathroom ideas, consider buying budget sanitaryware, re-using something you already have, such as a vintage chest as a vanity unit, or looking for clearance items, lots of bathroom and tile companies do this, so you can often pick up designer pieces at a bargain price.

Budget small bathroom ideas

There are also visual tricks you can use to make a small bathroom feel bigger – using mirrors is an obvious one, or having horizontal tiling to make a bathroom seem wider, or vertical to make it seem taller.

1. Choose inexpensive fittings

Image credit: B&Q

Sanitaryware does pretty much the same job no matter how much you spend on it, so if you are on a budget, check out DIY retailers for inexpensive toilets, basins and baths. Factor these in early when planning your small bathroom layout.

This stylish, rounded square shaped Cooke & Lewis Santoro WC and basin only costs £235 from B&Q. However, it pays to spend more on good quality brassware and toilet flush systems to prevent problems later on.

2. Consider compact storage

Image credit: IKEA

If you have a small bathroom, storage is so important to avoid it looking untidy. This compact bathroom has it covered – budget small bathroom ideas include a slimline vanity unit with storage beneath, a triple wall unit with mirrors and storage behind, a tall slim cupboard for cleaning products and towels and if that wasn’t enough, a trolley for any extra toiletries.

It’s also been given a mini-makeover with a deep band of red paint on the white tiles which is picked up in the door and frame, trolley and accessories.

Buy now: Ehnet bathroom cabinet, Godmorgon Mirror Cabinet, £215, IKEA 

3. Paint the walls

Image credit: Crown

Painting the walls a different colour is one of the best budget small bathroom ideas. Changing the colour will give the room a whole new look, whether you want something calming or bold. Make sure to choose paint that is designed for wet areas such as this Bathroom Paint, £25 for 2.5l from Crown which has built-in anti-mould technology and will therefore stay looking good for longer.

This soothing colour is Powdered Clay.  The column radiator has been painted in the same shade. A small sized basin like this is ideal for a small bathroom too and adds a contemporary design element.

4. Re-use an old cabinet

Image credit: Tile Giant

Jump on the upcycling trend and use an existing piece of furniture, often vintage, as a vanity unit. If you have a small chest of drawers like this one, it can easily be repurposed to create a stylish addition to the bathroom. A hole is drilled in the top for the waste and a hole at the back for the plumbing. It also has the added benefit of having storage for towels in the drawers beneath. Modern small bathroom tile ideas create a stylish backdrop and a vintage mirror is the ideal finishing touch.

Buy now: Alexa hex tiles £47.57 per m2, Tile Giant 

5. Use inexpensive wallpaper

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Brittain

Make a statement with a wall of inexpensive bathroom wallpaper idea, it’s so much cheaper, and easier, than tiling and if you choose a pretty pattern like this, it will create a focal point in a small bathroom. It’s also a great budget small bathroom idea.

If you love a bath but are tight on space, there are smaller sized baths available too, 1200 x 700 is the smallest. So measure your space to factor in a smaller, cheaper bath – rather than go without.

6. Make the most of the space

Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme

If your bathroom is narrow, choose small size pieces such as this compact, back-to-the-wall-mounted loo. Having wall mounted taps means they don’t take up space on the countertop or bath surround.

Large-format tiles are great for small bathrooms as there are less lines which makes the space look bigger than it really is. You can add interest and character cheaply to a small bathroom with inexpensive items such as houseplants or framed pieces of wall art.

7. Use mirrors to make the space feel bigger

Image credit: Future PLC/Alasdair MacIntosh

Look at your space and work out how you can go as big as possible for a bathroom mirror idea. This could be above a basin, or elsewhere in the bathroom. Consider a whole wall of mirror – it will definitely make the room look bigger, especially if it’s opposite a window as it will bounce natural light around the room.

However, if it’s not opposite a window, think about what the mirror will be reflecting, you really want to see something beautiful like bathroom tiles, wallpaper or house plants.

8. Choose statement lighting

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

At one time, good, inexpensive small bathroom lighting ideas were hard to find but that has changed dramatically in recent years and bringing your lighting up to date could make all the difference to the look of your bathroom. Check out IKEA and Victorian Plumbing for cool, affordable designs. All IP44 rated for safety.

‘Lighting improvements go a long way towards transforming the overall look of a small bathroom.’ Says Rikki Fothergill of Big Bathroom Shop. ‘Choosing a bathroom mirror with LED lighting around the edge is a good light source to complement overhead lighting is great for applying make up or shaving. They are especially useful at night when you don’t want to put the main light on.’

9. Rethink the tiling

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

When thinking about how much does it cost to tile a bathroom, be clever with how you use tiles. Limit the area you use tiles on, to bring down the tile spend. Save statement tiles for inside a shower or a small splashback behind the basin. Here, low-cost square white tiles are given a lift with a border of yellow metro tiles.

Instead of standard square tiles, consider tiling the walls (or a main feature wall) with narrow tiles that are laid in vertically. That will give the illusion of the room seeming taller than it really is as it draws the eye upwards.

10. Paint the floor

Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Bolton

If you live in an old house and have original floorboards, think about painting them for a low-cost bathroom flooring idea. There are plenty of floor paints on the market which come in a wide variety of colours. You could paint in one colour  light colours are great for reflecting light and making the space feel bigger.

In a small bathroom you can be a bit more adventurous by painting your own chequerboard effect – very fashionable at the moment – stripes, or even geo-pattern stencils. This is a great way to paint to give floors an on-trend look without a designer price tag.

How do you update a small bathroom on a budget?

‘Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective way to give your bathroom a quick update and inject some personality into the space.’ Says Josh Barber, Buyer at Flooring Superstore. ‘In bathrooms, people are often drawn to different patterns, contrasting colours and unusual layouts. For example, our vinyl Imperia Dorchester Tiles are a simple way to create a modern, eye-catching look and thanks to their slip resistance, it’s a suitable floor for a bathroom.’

What is the average cost of a small bathroom?

‘Installing a new bathroom (including materials) will cost between £1,500 – £7,500, with the average price being £4,500′ says Mike Fairman of Checkatrade. When planning your new bathroom installation, it can often be broken down into different elements. Having a bath and shower will be more expensive than just having one or the other. Equally, if you only plan to install or replace parts of a bathroom that will keep the cost down.

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