Have you ever wondered how to improve the lighting in your bathroom? Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any room, especially in a bathroom where you perform various tasks such as grooming, shaving, applying makeup, and relaxing in a tub. However, not all light bulbs are created equal. Some may be too bright, too dim, too harsh, or too dull for your needs. That’s why smart light bulbs are a great option for your bathroom.
Smart light bulbs are light bulbs that can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant. They offer many benefits such as convenience, customization, energy efficiency, and ambiance. In this blog post, we will discuss the best smart light bulbs for bathrooms and how to choose the right one for your space.
Best Smart Light Bulbs for Bathrooms
There are many smart light bulbs available on the market that can be used to enhance the ambiance of your bathroom. I wanted to show each type of bulb in my recommendation here.
Choosing the right smart bulb for your bathroom will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Consider what features are most important to you and do some research before making a purchase. How did we choose these? It’s all explained below.
Lighting Types Based on Locations in a Bathroom
Before we dive into the specific features of smart light bulbs(If you need more details on What is a Smart Light bulb and its features, here is our post!), let’s first understand the different types of lighting based on locations in a bathroom. Depending on where you place your light fixtures, you can create different effects and moods in your bathroom. Here are some of the common lighting types you can use:
Ceiling Lights in Bathrooms
These are the main sources of general lighting in a bathroom. They provide overall illumination and can be either flush-mounted or recessed. Ceiling lights are ideal for small bathrooms or bathrooms with low ceilings.
Wall Sconce Lights on Bathrooms
These are decorative lights that are mounted on the wall and provide accent lighting. They can be used to highlight certain features or create a cozy atmosphere. Wall sconce lights are perfect for adding some flair and personality to your bathroom.
Bathroom Vanity Lights
These are task lights that are placed above or beside the mirror and provide focused lighting for your vanity area. They help you see clearly when you do your makeup, shaving, flossing, and other activities where more adequate lighting is required. Bathroom vanity lights can be either bar-shaped or individual fixtures.
Chandeliers on Bathrooms
These are elegant lights that hang from the ceiling and provide ambient lighting. They add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your bathroom. Chandeliers are suitable for large bathrooms or bathrooms with high ceilings.
Pendant Lights in Bathrooms
These are similar to chandeliers but smaller and simpler. They hang from the ceiling and provide ambient or accent lighting. They can be used to create a focal point or add some interest to your bathroom. Pendant lights are versatile and can fit any style and theme.
LED Strip Lighting in Bathrooms
These are flexible strips of LED lights that can be attached to any surface and provide accent or mood lighting. They can be used to create various effects such as backlighting, under-cabinet lighting, or cove lighting. LED strip lighting is great for adding some color and drama to your bathroom.
Recessed Lighting in Bathrooms
These are small lights that are installed into the ceiling and provide directional or accent lighting. They can be used to spotlight certain areas or create a subtle glow. Recessed lighting is ideal for modern and minimalist bathrooms.
Mirror Lights in Bathrooms
These are lights that are integrated into the mirror itself and provide task or ambient lighting. They can be either backlit or edge-lit. Mirror lights are convenient and sleek for your bathroom.
Each type of lighting contributes to the overall lighting in a bathroom by creating layers of light that complement each other. By mixing and matching different types of lighting, you can achieve the best results for your bathroom.
There are many options to consider in lighting design for bathrooms. In my opinion, these are the best lamps for the bathrooms with pros and cons. In the end, the choice is yours! You can check the table in details in “Best Smart Light Bulbs for Bathrooms: Tips, Tricks, and Reviews” post.
How Much Light is Needed in a Bathroom?
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of lighting based on locations in a bathroom, let’s talk about how much light is needed in a bathroom. The amount of light you need depends on two factors: the size of your bathroom and the purpose of your lighting.
The size of your bathroom determines how many lumens you need to adequately illuminate it. Lumens are a measure of how much light a bulb produces. The more lumens, the brighter the light. A typical bathroom size ranges from 40 to 100 square feet. For general lighting, a bathroom should have at least 500–600 lumens per 10 square feet to mimic daylight. For task lighting, the task areas should have 700–800 lumens per 10 square feet because they are placed in vanity areas where more adequate lighting is required.
The purpose of your lighting determines what kind of light you need to create the desired effect. There are two main types of lighting: ambiance lighting and task lighting. Ambiance lighting is the general lighting that creates the mood and atmosphere in your bathroom. It should be soft, warm, and relaxing. Task lighting is the specific lighting that helps you perform certain tasks in your bathroom such as grooming, shaving, applying makeup, etc. It should be bright, cool, and clear.
Tips for Adjusting Light Levels Throughout the Day in a Bathroom
Adjusting light levels throughout the day can greatly enhance your experience in your bathroom. Different times and activities require different light levels to suit your needs and preferences. Here are some tips on how to adjust light levels throughout the day in your bathroom:
- In the morning, you may want to have bright and cool lights to wake you up and energize you. You can use ceiling lights, bathroom vanity lights, or mirror lights to provide enough light for your morning routine.
- In the afternoon, you may want to have moderate and warm light to relax and unwind. You can use wall sconce lights, chandeliers, or pendant lights to create a cozy and comfortable ambiance.
- In the evening, you may want to have dim and soft light to prepare for bed and sleep. You can use LED strip lighting, recessed lighting, or mirror lights to create a subtle and soothing glow.
Specific Features to Look for When Choosing a Smart Light Bulb for Bathroom
When choosing a smart light bulb for your bathroom, there are some specific features that you should look for to make the most of your smart lighting system. These features include:
Compatibility
You should choose a smart light bulb that is compatible with your smart home system and platform. For example, if you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, you should choose a smart light bulb that works with them. This way, you can control your smart light bulb with your voice or through an app on your device. You can check out our smart home integration with the smart light bulb page for more information about smart home platforms, and assistants.
Voice Control
Voice control is one of the main benefits of smart light bulbs. It allows you to adjust your light settings without touching any switches or buttons. You can simply say commands such as “Alexa, turn on the bathroom lights”, “Hey Google, dim the bathroom lights”, or “Siri, change the bathroom lights to blue”.
To see our selection of the Best Smart Light Bulbs for Alexa with No Hub Required, check this out!
Dimming
Dimming is another important feature of smart light bulbs. It allows you to change the brightness of your light according to your needs and preferences. You can dim your light from 0% to 100% using your voice, app, or remote control.
Scheduling
Scheduling is a useful feature of smart light bulbs that lets you set timers for your light to turn on or off automatically. You can schedule your light to turn on in the morning, turn off at night, or turn on and off at specific times throughout the day. This way, you can save energy and create routines for your bathroom.
Color Changing
Color changing is a fun feature of smart light bulbs that lets you change the color of your light from a range of millions of colors. You can choose any color that suits your mood, theme, or occasion. You can also create scenes and effects with different colors and patterns.
How Humidity Affects Light Bulbs and Light Fixtures in Bathroom?
Another factor that affects the lighting in your bathroom is the humidity level. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, which can vary depending on the steam from showers, baths, sinks, and other sources of water. High humidity can harm your light bulbs and light fixtures in several ways:
- It can cause condensation to form on the surface of your light bulbs and light fixtures, which can reduce their brightness and clarity, as well as increase the risk of corrosion, rust, and short circuits.
- It can affect the temperature and pressure inside your light bulbs and light fixtures, which can affect their performance and durability. For example, high humidity can cause the gas inside your light bulbs and light fixtures to expand or contract, which can alter their brightness and color.
- It can create a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth, which can grow on the surface or inside of your light bulbs and light fixtures, causing discoloration, odor, damage, and health hazards.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right bulb for your bathroom that can withstand high humidity levels. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Choose the right type of bulb
Different types of bulbs have different levels of resistance to humidity. For example, LED bulbs are more durable and energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, which are more prone to condensation and corrosion. Halogen bulbs are more bright and clear than fluorescent bulbs, which are more sensitive to temperature and pressure changes.
Choose the right wattage of bulb
The wattage of the bulb determines how much heat it generates. The more heat a bulb generates, the more it can evaporate moisture and prevent condensation. However, too much heat can also cause overheating and fire hazards. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a bulb with a low to medium wattage for your bathroom.
Choose the right certification for the bulb
The certification of the bulb indicates how well it meets certain standards and requirements for safety and performance. For example, UL certifications and ETL listings provide a list of product certifications that determine whether a particular product may be used in specific applications. For your bathroom, you should choose a bulb that has a damp or wet rating, which means it can operate safely in humid or wet conditions.
For more information, you can always check out our “How To Choose The Best Smart Light Bulb?” post.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying Smart Light Bulbs for Bathroom
There are other factors to consider when buying smart light bulbs for your bathroom besides the specific features mentioned above. These factors include:
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when buying smart light bulbs because they are more expensive than regular light bulbs. However, they are also more durable and energy-efficient than regular light bulbs, so they can save you money in the long run. The price of smart light bulbs varies depending on the brand, type, size, and features of the bulb. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 per bulb.
Brand Reputation
Brand reputation is another factor to consider when buying smart light bulbs because it reflects the quality and reliability of the product. You should choose a brand that has a good reputation in the market and has positive reviews and ratings from customers. Some of the popular brands of smart light bulbs are Philips Hue, LIFX, TP-Link Kasa, Sengled, Govee, and GE Cync.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a factor that affects both your wallet and the environment. You should choose a smart light bulb that has a high energy efficiency rating and consumes less power than regular light bulbs. Smart light bulbs typically use LED technology which is more energy-efficient than incandescent or fluorescent technology. You can check the wattage and lumens of the bulb to compare its energy efficiency.
Warranty
Warranty is a factor that protects you from any defects or malfunctions of the product. You should choose a smart light bulb that has a long warranty period and covers any issues that may arise with the product. The warranty period of smart light bulbs varies depending on the brand and model of the bulb. You can expect to get anywhere from 1 year to 5 years of warranty. But mostly it stands on 2 years of limited warranty.
User Reviews and Ratings
User reviews and ratings are a factor that gives you an insight into the performance and satisfaction of other customers who have used the product. It would help if you read user reviews and ratings before buying a smart light bulb to get an idea of its pros and cons, features, quality, durability, compatibility, ease of use, customer service, etc. You can find user reviews and ratings on online platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, etc.
FAQ on Best Smart Light Bulbs for Bathrooms
You may have some questions about smart light bulbs and how to use them in your bathroom. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers that can help you:
Can I use smart bulbs in the bathroom?
Yes, you can use smart bulbs in your bathroom. However, it’s important to ensure that the lights are damp or wet-rated for safety in a humid bathroom environment. Also, avoid using smart bulbs in wet or moist locations like shower stalls.
Which light bulb is best for the bathroom?
Smart LED light bulbs are the best choice for lighting a bathroom. They are usually damp-rated, making them ideal for a high-humidity location. Smart LED light bulbs are 80% more energy-efficient, last nearly six times longer than traditional bulbs, and can give you all the flexibility for different scenarios in a bathroom. Here are some popular options suitable for damp environments like bathrooms:
Is bright white or daylight better for bathrooms? Is 3000K or 4000K better for a bathroom? Should bathroom lights be warm or cool?
The best type of color temperature for a bathroom is cool white/bright white or daylight. Most light bulb packages describe bulbs as soft white (2700K-3000K), cool white/bright white (3500K — 4100K), and daylight (5000K-6500K).
Between 3000K and 4000K, if you want a warm and cozy environment, 3000K is a better option. It creates a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere, making it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
On the other hand, 4000K is more suitable for task lighting and areas that require more visibility, such as the kitchen, study, and bathroom. Many people also prefer warm lighting in the bathroom because it can help make the space feel more inviting, cozy, and relaxing.
My favorite is to mix both cool and warm whites, 3500K on average! If you are interested, you can check out our “How to Use Color Temperature of Lights for Home Lighting”
Do I need special LED bulbs for the bathroom?
Yes, bathrooms require specific IP-rated lights for protection. All bathroom lighting must conform to the current regulations which are designed with safety in mind.
Is LED light better in the bathroom?
Yes, LED lighting is a great way to lower your energy bill — and could even be required where you live — and the bath is an ideal place to take advantage of its benefits.
What color LED is best for a bathroom?
The best color temperature for bathroom lighting is somewhere between 2700K to 3000K. This is most commonly achieved through using warm white lighting. Because warm white lighting is calming and relaxing, it is best for bathrooms.
What wattage is best for a bathroom?
For the master or guest bathrooms, 75–100 watts(incandescent) is recommended. For small or medium-sized bathrooms like half-baths and powder rooms, 45–60 watts(incandescent) are acceptable. Higher wattage provides more brightness and light intensity which can be blinding for smaller spaces, making 45–60 watts(incandescent) ideal for the average bathroom.
TL;DR / Conclusion
In conclusion, smart light bulbs are a great way to improve the lighting in your bathroom. They offer many benefits such as convenience, customization, energy efficiency, and ambiance. You can choose from different types of lighting based on locations in a bathroom, adjust light levels throughout the day, and look for specific features and factors when buying smart light bulbs.
Here are our recommendations for the Best Smart Lights for Bedrooms.
You can create the perfect lighting for your needs and preferences by implementing smart light bulbs in your bathroom. We hope this blog post has helped you understand the best smart light bulbs for bathrooms and how to choose the right one for your space. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy smart lighting!
And don’t forget to check out Condochance.com for more articles like that!
This article is originally published in Condochance.com.
