When choosing light bulbs for your bathroom, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you pick the right type. Bathrooms require bulbs that can withstand humidity and moisture, provide sufficient lighting for tasks like shaving and makeup application, and create a relaxing ambiance. The most common types of bulbs used in bathrooms include LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent. Let’s take a closer look at each option to determine the pros and cons for bathroom lighting.
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LED Light Bulbs
LED (light emitting diode) bulbs are one of the best options for bathroom lighting today. LEDs last far longer than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs – usually at least 10,000 to 25,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours for incandescent. They are also much more energy efficient, using around 75% less energy. This makes them cost effective to operate over their long lifespan.
LEDs come in a wide range of color temperatures, from warm white (2700-3000K) to bright white or daylight (5000-6500K). Warm white is recommended for bathrooms as it provides a soft, relaxing glow. Cooler shades like bright white can be harsh in a small space. Dimming capabilities vary by specific bulb, with some LEDs able to dim very low and others only to about 10% brightness.
Importantly, LEDs perform well in damp environments. The epoxy resin covering protects the interior LED and circuitry from moisture. Just choose a bulb rated for bathroom or damp locations. LEDs also reach full brightness immediately with no warm up time.
Pros of LEDs
- Very long lifespan – at least 10,000 hours
- Energy efficient – uses up to 75% less energy than incandescent
- Wide range of color temperatures available
- Bright immediately with no warm up
- Withstands humidity well when rated for damp/bathroom locations
- Good dimming capabilities with some bulbs
Cons of LEDs
- Higher upfront cost
- Cooler color temperatures can be harsh in a small space
- Some bulbs have poor dimming capabilities
CFL Light Bulbs
CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs are another energy efficient option. They use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 6,000 to 15,000 hours. CFLs need to warm up to full brightness after turning on, taking 3-5 minutes to reach maximum illumination. The color temperature choices include soft white (2700K), bright white/cool white (3000-4100K), and daylight (5000-6500K).
Standard CFL bulbs generally should not be used in enclosed bathroom fixtures or those with a solid lens cover. However, there are CFLs made specifically for bathroom vanity lighting in an enclosed fixture. These have an internal safety switch to shut off power if the bulb gets too hot for the space. Check the package to confirm the CFL bulb is rated for damp/bathroom locations.
Pros of CFLs
- Use about 75% less energy than incandescent
- Lower cost than LEDs
- Last 6,000-15,000 hours
- Various color temperatures available
- Special CFLs available for enclosed bathroom fixtures
Cons of CFLs
- Need to warm up to full brightness
- Most standard CFLs can’t be used in enclosed bathroom fixtures
- Contain mercury (recycling required)
- Lifespan affected by frequent on/off cycles
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs have a thin tungsten filament like traditional incandescent bulbs, but also contain halogen gas. This allows the filament to burn hotter, producing more light, while slowing down evaporation that shortens the lifespan. Halogens last about 3 times longer than regular incandescents, or 2,000-4,000 hours. They come in bright white or “daylight” shades of 4100-5000K.
Halogens are more efficient than regular incandescents, producing about 30% more light for the same amount of energy. However, they are still not as efficient as LED or CFL options. Halogens also have very good color accuracy and dimmability. Dimmable halogen bulbs are a common choice for adjustable bathroom lighting. Be sure to choose halogens rated for bathroom or damp locations.
Pros of Halogens
- Last about 3 times longer than incandescents – 2,000-4,000 hours
- More efficient than regular incandescents (but less than LED/CFL)
- Excellent color accuracy and dimmability
- Bright daylight color temperatures available
- Can be used in damp bathrooms when rated correctly
Cons of Halogens
- Less lifespan than LED or CFL options
- Less energy efficient than LED or CFL
- Brightness declines over time
Incandescent Bulbs
Traditional incandescent light bulbs with a tungsten filament are now being phased out in many countries due to their energy inefficiency. They have a shorter lifespan of just 1,000 hours. While inexpensive to buy upfront, their operating costs are higher since they use more electricity. Incandescents also put out more heat.
You can still find incandescent bulbs labeled as “rough service” or with an R in the model number (e.g. BR40). These have some advantages for bathrooms like being more resistant to vibration from slamming doors or ceiling fans.
However, rough service bulbs don’t last much longer than regular incandescents and are still inefficient. Plus, the heat they generate can make a small bathroom uncomfortably warm. They’re best avoided in favor of longer lasting, cooler LEDs or CFLs unless you need the ruggedness for a bathroom with rattling ceiling fans or kids who constantly break bulbs!
Pros of Incandescents
- Inexpensive purchase price
- “Rough service” variety more resistant to vibration/breakage
- Dimmable
- Warm color temperatures available
Cons of Incandescents
- Short lifespan – only 1,000 hours
- Energy inefficient
- Produce a lot of heat
- Frequent bulb replacements needed
Summary of Light Bulb Options for Bathrooms
| Light Bulb Type | Lifespan (hours) | Efficiency | Cost | Good for Enclosed Fixtures? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 10,000-25,000 | Excellent | Moderate | Yes |
| CFL | 6,000-15,000 | Very Good | Low | Specialty CFLs only |
| Halogen | 2,000-4,000 | Good | Low | Yes |
| Incandescent | 1,000 | Poor | Very Low | Yes |
Choosing the Right Bulb Brightness
You’ll also need to consider light bulb brightness, or lumens, when selecting bulbs for your bathroom. Lumens measure the total amount of light a bulb produces, unlike watts which just measure energy consumed. Bulb packaging now clearly shows the lumens rating. Here are some bathroom lighting lumens guidelines:
- For a small powder room, look for 450-800 lumens for adequate illumination.
- For a single sink vanity, 800-1100 lumens.
- Double vanity lights should provide 1600-2200 lumens total.
- Shower lighting can range from 300-600 lumens depending on coverage area.
- A ceiling light for overall ambient lighting should be 2000-3000 lumens.
Also consider the Color Rendering Index (CRI) when choosing bulbs. CRI measures how accurately a light source displays colors compared to natural daylight on a scale of 1-100. Incandescent bulbs have a CRI of 95-100. LEDs and CFLs have come a long way, with some better quality options now also reaching 95+ CRI. Look for the highest CRI LED bulb within your budget so skin tones, makeup colors, and textiles render naturally in the bathroom.
Bathroom Lighting Tips
Here are some other tips for planning your new bathroom lighting:
- Layer lighting for flexibility – overhead, vanity, accent, etc.
- Dimmers allow adjusting light levels for different tasks.
- Install light switches by each entrance to the bathroom.
- Select waterproof fixtures and sealed LED/CFL bulbs above shower/tub areas.
- Light the shower and toilet areas for safe nighttime visits.
- Include cove or other accent lighting for an elegant touch.
- Coordinate fixture finishes for a cohesive look – nickel, bronze, etc.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the right light bulb for your bathroom, LED and CFL bulbs are the most energy efficient, long lasting, and versatile options. Be sure to choose the proper brightness and color temperature to create the perfect ambiance. Consider installing layers of lighting like an overhead ceiling fixture plus task lighting at the vanity and shower. With the right combination of bulbs and fixtures, you can make your bathroom both functional and beautiful.