Considering new wall lamps for your bathroom? Here’s what you need to know.
- Søren Rasmussen
- Last updated24. October 2025
There are many ways to design a bathroom, and it’s tempting to focus only on tiles, colours, and fixtures. But in reality, it’s the lighting and the lamps that tie the bathroom together.
The right lighting opens up many possibilities and can completely transform the atmosphere – from cool and practical to warm and inviting. It’s the light that highlights the details, adds depth, and makes the space easier to use in everyday life.
That’s why bathroom lamps are one of the most important elements you can choose. A lamp doesn’t just provide light — it adds personality, balance, and calm. A well-placed wall lamp can offer soft, flattering illumination while supporting the overall bathroom lighting and creating a more harmonious space.
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Søren Rasmussen
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Bathroom lighting – more than just light
Light is one of the most important elements in bathroom design. It influences both the functionality and the atmosphere of the space – from the bright, practical light in the morning to the soft, cozy light that makes evenings feel more relaxed. The right bathroom lighting is therefore not just about seeing yourself clearly when applying makeup or shaving, but about creating a balance between function and atmosphere.
A modern bathroom rarely relies on a single lamp. The best result is achieved by combining several types of bathroom lighting. A ceiling lamp provides an even general light that spreads throughout the room, while recessed or surface-mounted spotlights can be used to highlight specific areas – such as the shower niche or a decorative feature. This creates flexible lighting that works for everyday tasks while also setting a welcoming mood.
Between the practical and the atmospheric, you’ll find the wall lamps. They are often placed by the mirror, where you need clear, directional light. But a bathroom wall lamp does much more than that – it contributes to the overall harmony of the space, creates a stylish expression, and adds warmth and character to your interior.
New bathroom lamp? Here are 3 things to look for
When choosing a new bathroom lamp, there’s more to consider than just the appearance. A bathroom lamp needs to withstand humidity, provide the right light, and fit the style of the room. Here’s an overview of the most important things to keep in mind before selecting your bathroom lighting – so you can achieve the perfect illumination.
1. IP rating – safety in humid environments
A bathroom is a wet area, and therefore it’s essential that the lamp is approved for use in humid environments. This is where the IP rating plays a key role.
The higher the number, the better protection the lamp has against water and dust. If your wall or ceiling lamp will be placed close to the shower area or washbasin, you should choose at least an IP44 rating. This means the lamp is resistant to water splashes – an important factor for both safety and durability.
Placement also matters. The bathroom is divided into zones, where some areas require a higher IP rating than others. If you’re unsure, an electrician can help you choose the right solution to ensure proper and safe installation.
2. Choice of materials – durable and aesthetic solutions
When choosing a bathroom lamp, the material is almost as important as the design. In a space with humidity and temperature fluctuations, it’s crucial to select materials that can withstand the environment.
Lamps made of metal, glass, or powder-coated finishes are great options, as they are both durable and easy to clean.
If you want a warmer and more elegant look, consider a wall lamp with brass details – a material that not only maintains its beautiful appearance but also adds a timeless glow to any bathroom.
3. Light colour and functionality – lighting that suits your needs
The right bathroom lighting isn’t just about brightness – it’s about how it feels. Consider how you use the space throughout the day:
- For precision tasks, a neutral white light (around 3000–4000 kelvin) is ideal.
- For relaxation, a warmer light (around 2700 kelvin) creates a cozier atmosphere.
Many modern bathroom lamps are also dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness as needed. This gives you greater flexibility and lets you create exactly the mood you want – no matter the time of day.
Kelvin (K) indicates the colour temperature of the light – the lower the number, the warmer and more golden the light. The higher the number, the cooler and whiter it appears. A range of around 2700–3000K provides a natural and calming illumination, perfectly suited for the bathroom. You may also want to consider dimmable lighting, so you can easily adjust the intensity – bright light for the morning routine and softer light when you want a relaxed atmosphere.
In short
When choosing bathroom lighting, you should focus on safety, function, and aesthetics. With the right materials, proper IP rating, and suitable colour temperature, you’ll get a bathroom lamp that’s both long-lasting and enhances the overall look of your bathroom.
How to choose wall lamps for the bathroom
When choosing a wall lamp for the bathroom, it’s about much more than design. The right wall lighting can create the perfect balance between function and comfort – while also highlighting the room’s architecture and materials.
Here are a few practical tips to help you choose the best solution for your bathroom.
Placement of wall lamps
The placement of bathroom wall lamps greatly affects how the light is experienced in the space. Around the mirror, it’s important to achieve even, glare-free lighting to avoid shadows on the face.
Dimmable models – everyday flexibility
A wall lamp with a dimmable function allows you to adjust the brightness according to your needs and the time of day.
In the morning, you can use bright white light, while in the evening, you can lower the intensity to create a more cozy atmosphere. This is especially useful in bathrooms, where the space is used for both practical tasks and relaxation.
Dimmable bathroom lamps therefore give you greater flexibility and the freedom to adapt the lighting to any situation.
Design and materials – part of the interior
From minimalist shapes to models with warm details in brass or matte black. Choose a lamp design that complements your overall interior, so the lighting becomes an integrated part of the style.
If you prefer a classic and timeless look, a wall lamp made of metal or glass can create an elegant contrast to tiles and mirror surfaces. If you want more character, consider lamps with softer shapes or a warm finish that adds personality to your bathroom.
Make your bathroom personal with the right lighting
Although the bathroom is often seen as a functional space, it’s also a place where light can create calm and personality. The right lighting can transform a neutral bathroom into a peaceful and inviting retreat – and this is where bathroom lighting truly shows its strength.
A well-placed bathroom lamp can change the entire feel of the room. While ceiling lamps provide general illumination, wall lamps can add depth, warmth, and character. Light from the walls highlights surfaces, mirrors, and materials in a way that makes the bathroom feel more vibrant and sensory.
Create atmosphere with contrasts and materials
When choosing lighting, it’s not just about brightness – it’s also about how the light interacts with the room’s colours and materials. Warm tones like brass add an elegant touch and pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood or stone. If you prefer a more modern look, a wall lamp in black or brushed metal can create a striking contrast against light tiles and mirror surfaces.
By combining different lamps and materials, you can create your own style – from classic and calm to modern and graphic. The most important thing is that the lighting supports the feeling you want to create in your bathroom.
Function and aesthetics in harmony
The best bathroom lighting combines function and aesthetics. With the right wall lamps, you get lighting that not only makes it easy to see but also creates a sense of calm in the room. Dimmable models allow you to adjust the light as needed – so you can always shift from bright task lighting to soft, relaxing illumination.
In this way, a bathroom lamp becomes more than just a practical necessity – it becomes an integrated part of your interior. It gives you the freedom to shape the light and create exactly the atmosphere that fits your everyday life.
Summary: Find the lamps that suit you
Choosing the right lamp is about much more than finding a beautiful design. It’s the interaction between light, practicality, and atmosphere that makes the difference. Here are the key points:
- Combine multiple light sources
A good lighting environment comes from a combination of ceiling lamps, spotlights, and wall lamps. This way, you get both functional general lighting and softer light that creates calm and balance. - Place wall lamps correctly
Install a lamp on each side of the mirror for natural, even lighting without shadows. This provides both practical illumination and a more harmonious look. - Check the IP rating
Choose bathroom lamps with at least IP44 to ensure safety in humid environments. This extends the lamp’s lifespan and ensures it performs optimally in wet areas. - Choose durable materials
Materials like metal and glass withstand humidity and maintain their appearance over time – while also adding style and character to the room. - Consider light colour
Use cooler light (3000–4000K) for precise tasks and warmer light (around 2700K) to create a relaxing atmosphere. Dimmable models give you the flexibility to switch between the two. - Make lighting part of the interior
With bathroom wall lamps, you can combine function and aesthetics – and create a personal expression that perfectly suits your bathroom.
Frequently asked questions
When choosing wall lamps for the bathroom, you should always check the IP rating. It indicates how well the lamp is protected against water and moisture.
For areas close to the shower or washbasin, a minimum of IP44 is recommended, as it protects against water splashes. In other areas of the bathroom, a lower IP value is often sufficient, but it’s always best to follow the guidelines for the different bathroom zones.
The placement of bathroom wall lamps has a big impact on how the light is experienced in the room. The classic and most functional solution is to mount a wall lamp on each side of the mirror, approximately at eye level.
If you have a wide or double mirror, you can instead choose a long wall lamp placed above it. This provides even, elegant lighting that spreads uniformly across the surface. In smaller bathrooms, a single wall lamp with a wide light angle or integrated mirror lighting can also be a great solution, as it optimises space while still offering comfortable, functional illumination.
That depends on where the lamp will be placed. In areas close to water – such as near the shower, bathtub, or washbasin – you should always choose bathroom wall lamps with an approved IP rating.
If the lamp is to be placed in the dry part of the room, for example farther away from the bath or sink, you can in some cases use a regular wall lamp, as long as it’s not exposed to direct moisture. The most important thing is to consider the bathroom’s zones so you can choose the right solution for the specific placement.
The best bathroom lighting is a combination of bright and warm light.
For mirror lighting, a neutral white light (3000–4000 kelvin) is ideal, as it renders colours naturally and makes it easier to see details. For a more atmospheric light – for instance during bath time – you can choose warmer tones around 2700 kelvin or dimmable wall lamps that offer flexibility in everyday use.
Materials that can withstand moisture are a must in the bathroom. Lamps made of metal, glass, or powder-coated finishes are great choices, as they are both durable and easy to maintain.
