What kind of light can I put in a shower?

When choosing a light for your shower, you’ll want to consider a few key factors to ensure you select the right option. The main things to think about are safety, moisture resistance, brightness, and aesthetics.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be the number one priority when selecting any electrical fixture for a bathroom. Since showers involve water, you’ll want to choose a light designed to be water-resistant and safe to use in wet locations.

Here are some key safety tips for shower lights:

• Opt for a fixture with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This will shut off power if it detects any electric current leakage.
• Only use lights labeled for damp or wet locations.
• Make sure the light is properly wired by a licensed electrician.
• Always turn the light off before getting into the shower.
• Inspect seals around the light routinely to check for any wear or gaps where water could get in.
• Position the light up high, out of the direct stream of water.

Sticking to lights designed for wet areas and having proper GFCI wiring goes a long way in preventing electrical accidents. It’s also smart to shut off the light before showering as an extra precaution.

Moisture Resistance

Since showers create damp, humid environments, you need to select a light fixture that can withstand moisture over time. The light should be designed and rated for use in wet locations.

Here are tips for finding a moisture-resistant shower light:

• Look for terms like “damp location,” “wet location,” or “covered outdoor” on the packaging.
• Choose a fixture made from materials that resist rust and corrosion like aluminum, brass, copper, or stainless steel.
• Avoid non-metallic fixtures which can warp or degrade over time.
• Select a light with a durable finish or powder coating to prevent fading.
• Make sure there is a gasket or seal to prevent water intrusion.
• Avoid lights with exposed bulbs which are more vulnerable to moisture.

Opting for a metallic light rated for wet locations can provide protection from humidity and condenstation for years of reliable performance.

Brightness

Having adequate lighting in your shower is key for safety and function. You’ll want a fixture that provides enough illumination to see clearly while bathing.

Here are some tips for selecting a suitably bright shower light:

• Choose a light with enough wattage and lumens for the size of your shower. As a general rule, aim for at least 100 lumens per square foot.
• Opt for LED lights which provide brighter, more focused light using less energy.
• Go for a light with multiple bulbs ormodules to distribute light evenly throughout the shower.
• Place the fixture centered over the shower area for optimal coverage.
• Add supplementary lighting like recessed cans around the shower if needed.
• Use a frosted lens or diffuser to prevent harsh glaring light.

Test different lights in person to find the right balance of brightness for your space. Placement also affects the light level, so you may need supplemental fixtures.

Aesthetics

Along with function, you’ll want to consider the style of your shower light fixture. Bathrooms are often stylized spaces, so the lighting forms part of the decor.

Tips for selecting a shower light to match your bathroom aesthetic:

• Choose a finish like brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or chrome to coordinate with other fixtures.
• Look for a light style and proportions that complement the room – sleek and contemporary or classic and decorative.
• Pick a fixture that aligns with your overall design scheme – modern, traditional, rustic, etc.
• Opt for simple, clean-lined lights for minimalist bathrooms or ornate ones for traditional decor.
• Use flush mounts or recessed lights for understated style or pendant lights for drama.
• Match metals throughout the bathroom for a cohesive polished look.

Visit lighting showrooms to view different styles and finishes in person. And don’t forget to use dimmers to further fine-tune ambiance.

Types of Lights for Showers

There are several common options when selecting shower lighting. Here is an overview of some popular types of shower lights:

LED Showerheads

LED showerheads have lights integrated into the showerhead fixture. This positions the light directly overhead for illuminating the shower floor.

• Pros: Compact design; provides overhead lighting.
• Cons: Can only accommodate low wattage LEDs; light quality may be harsh.

Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Flush mount fixtures are installed directly into the ceiling over the shower. They offer an understated, minimalist look.

• Pros: Sleek appearance; widely available.
• Cons: Not adjustable; ceiling height affects brightness.

Track Lights

Track lighting offers modular fixtures that can be flexibly positioned and aimed.

• Pros: Adjustable position and illumination angle; create custom lighting designs.
• Cons: Surface mounting limits use in some bathrooms; exposes bulbs to water.

Recessed Can Lights

Recessed cans provide directional lighting. They can be dotted around the shower to spotlight different zones.

• Pros: Focused bright beams; invisible mounted in ceiling.
• Cons: Glare; challenging to change bulb.

Rain Showerheads

Rain showerheads with LEDs create colorful cascades of light in shower. The light shines through the water streams.

• Pros: Unique visual effect; ambient colored lighting.
• Cons: Only provides diffuse light; water flow affects lighting.

Vanity Lighting

While not directly overhead, vanity lighting flanking a shower can add supplementary ambient lighting.

• Pros: Stylish design feature; provides indirect illumination.
• Cons: Not suitable as primary light; requires adequate vanity space.

The ideal solution is often a layered lighting plan that combines several of these fixture types to meet both practical and aesthetic lighting needs.

Lighting Features

Today’s shower lighting offers innovative features that can enrich the bathroom experience. Here are some to look for when selecting fixtures:

• Dimmable: Dimmers allow tuning the light level up or down to set just the right ambiance.
• Motion Sensors: Handy for illuminating the shower automatically when you enter at night.
• Night Lights: Low level LEDs for safe visibility in darkness.
• Thermal Protection: Prevent overheating and electrical issues in hot, humid conditions.
• Timers: Set lights to automatically shut off after a defined duration.
• Color Tuning: Adjustable color temperature from warm white to invigorating daylight.

Smart shower fixtures offer wireless connectivity and app control for ultimate convenience. Look for models with these advanced capabilities for a state-of-the-art bathing experience.

Recommended Light Bulbs

Choosing the right light bulbs is also important for shower lighting. Follow these guidelines:

• Use only bulbs specified by the fixture manufacturer – check wattage limits and shape.
• Opt for LED or compact fluorescent bulbs which produce less heat and are more shatter-resistant than incandescent.
• Choose bulbs with waterproof casings or lenses if exposed.
• Look for bulbs with wet location ratings such as IP65 for water resistance.
• Select bulbs with appropriate color temperature and brightness for the application.
• Buy spares so you always have replacements ready when bulbs eventually burn out.

It’s smart to keep replacement bulbs on hand so you can quickly swap them when needed. And be sure to always shut off power at the breaker before changing any light bulbs.

Installation Tips

Proper installation is vital for shower lights. Here are key tips for getting fixtures mounted safely and correctly:

• Hire an experienced electrician licensed to install bathroom lighting.
• Make sure the circuit has GFCI protection. Test GFCIs monthly.
• Use only wiring rated for damp locations.
• Seal all penetrations into the shower enclosure.
• Mount recessed lights at least 5 inches from shower heads.
• Position adjustable lights so bulbs don’t point directly into eyes.
• Keep instructions handy or take photos for correct re-assembly when changing bulbs.

Taking time to mount lights properly goes a long way in preventing issues down the road. And always turn off breakers when doing any work around electrical fixtures.

Energy Efficient Options

There are many energy saving options available for shower lighting. This helps reduce electricity usage and environmental impact:

• LED lighting consumes up to 80% less power than incandescent.
• Look for ENERGY STAR rated fixtures for proven efficiency.
• Use lamps with CFLs or LEDs instead of traditional bulbs.
• Install timers, motion sensors, or occupancy controls.
• Choose fixtures with low voltage transformers for less wasted energy.
• Use dimmers to lower light levels when possible.
• Program smart lights to turn off automatically when not needed.

Even minor steps like utilizing lower wattage bulbs can make your lighting greener. And smart fixtures with auto-off capabilities prevent lights staying on unnecessarily.

Code Requirements

Local electrical codes include important regulations for shower lighting. These requirements exist to maximize safety in wet areas.

Common electrical code rules include:

• Showers must have GFCI protected circuits.
• Fixtures must be rated for wet or damp locations.
• Wiring and mounting distances from shower heads are defined.
• Light switches must be located away from shower spray.
• Any exposed bulbs or sockets require waterproofing.
• Lights must be properly grounded.
• Cables running below shower enclosures require extra protection.

Building codes also specify minimum recommended light levels for showers. Having adequate illumination reduces slips and falls.

Consult local inspectors during planning to ensure your lighting design meets all electrical and building codes for safety.

Conclusion

Installing suitable lighting in a shower requires carefully considering safety, moisture resistance, brightness, and aesthetics. Choose a quality fixture rated for wet locations that also matches your bathroom’s style. Position the light to avoid direct water contact and supplement with additional lighting as needed for full coverage. And be sure to consult electrical codes and use a licensed electrician for proper installation.

With the right light selected and professionally installed, you can enjoy a shower space that is both functionally and visually illuminated for years to come.