When designing your optimal bathroom, first consider the day-to-day activities you will be doing there. A master bedroom bathroom will have different uses from a small bathroom for guests by the front door. You need to consider task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting designs for your bathroom.

When choosing LED strip lights for your bathroom, it’s important to consider a few key factors.

• • • 1. Make sure the LED lights are rated for use in damp or wet environments, as bathrooms are prone to moisture and humidity.
      2. Choose the appropriate output type, brightness, and control method for your LED lighting strips.
      3. Consider again what you want the space to feel and look like: LED strip lighting can be used to complement and enhance your bathroom décor by highlighting specific features, such as artwork, tiles, or mirrors with accent lighting.

Once you are clear on the intent and location of the space you want to light, you can choose your LED lighting types. There are many options for outputs, brightness, and types of LED strip lights. Each type can create a specific ambience or effect.

LED strip lights should provide enough brightness for your desired ambiance or the task you want to accomplish. Consider the room size, ceiling height, and the type of light you want. Brightness is measured in lumens. When comparing LEDs, make sure you know how many lumens per foot they emit.

As a general guideline, you can expect to need approximately:

• • • • 80-100 lumens per foot for low accent lighting
      • 150-300 lumens per foot for bright accents and low ambient lighting
      • 300-400 lumens per foot for medium ambient/medium task lighting
      • 350-500 lumens per foot for ambient and task lighting
      • 700+ lumens per foot for high-brightness task lighting

If using Static White or Dynamic Tunable White, choose the right color temperature for your bathroom based on the desired atmosphere. Consider what other lighting you have or want in the area, as well as the natural colors of the building materials and paints. You do not want multiple different color temperatures in one space. Consistency is key.

• • • • Ultra Warm White (1800K–2500K) Candlelight-like. Creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, evoking feelings of intimacy, relaxation, and comfort
      • Warm White (2700K–3000K) for a warm and intimate atmosphere
      • Natural White (4000K) for a bright and functional look
      • Cool White (5000K) for a crisp and modern look

Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source renders the colors of objects compared to natural sunlight. It rates the quality of light on a scale from 0 to 100. In applications where color accuracy is crucial, a high CRI is important.

We highly recommend a high CRI (90 or higher) for mirror lighting when using white lighting. Low CRI makes colors dull and hard to distinguish from each other.

Why do you need high CRI lighting in the bathroom?

The bathroom is an intimate space where we come face-to-face with ourselves in our bare and best forms. When getting ready, applying makeup, and trying on clothing, we must see colors in their true form. It also makes the paint, tiles, countertops, and art in your bathroom pop in full vibrant color.

LED strip light manufacturers should always list the CRI under their product specifications when selling white LEDs, so make sure when choosing white lighting that it has a CRI of over 90.

Make sure to choose an LED strip light with a good warranty and durable construction, especially if it’s going to be used in a wet or humid area like the bathroom.

In wet and damp areas, consider purchasing an IP65 weatherproof strip light. Make sure the lights are UL-listed for Wet Locations, as this will keep the project safe and long-lasting. Our IP65 wet location lights have a silicone cover that is splash-proof and easy to clean.

We also recommend using an LED strip that has at least 3 oz of copper on the PCB. This helps keep the LED’s temperature down to prolong its life.

As a lot of bathroom lighting is installed in hard-to-reach places, choose an LED strip light with a good warranty. Our LED strip lights have up to a 15 year warranty, so you know that once they are professionally installed, you can enjoy them problem-free for many years.

Think about your daily interaction with the space and how you want to control it. Once your LED strip lights are installed, you will need to choose a method of control.

Options include:

• • • • Wall-mounted switches
      • Wall-mounted controllers and dimmers
      • Wireless remote controls
      • Smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home
      • Sensors: occupancy, door sensors, etc.

See all control systems for LED strip lights

We believe that the right lighting can transform any space. Our LED strip lights are made of high-quality materials, are simple to install, and are available in a wide range of colors and lighting effects. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products and customer service, and we’re confident that you’ll love the results you get with our LED strip lights. We have the industry’s longest warranty, and the friendliest customer service. Just read our reviews!

We believe in doing things right and treating people right. Our experts (real humans!) are excited to help design your project for free or answer any questions about your project, our products, or our recommendations.

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LED strip lighting is a great way to enhance the ambiance and functionality of your bathroom. With the right design, you can transform your bathroom into a relaxing and rejuvenating sanctuary.

When choosing LED strip lights for your bathroom, it’s important to consider factors such as dampness, output, brightness, color temperature, color rendering index, durability, and control options.

With the information provided in this article, you can create a stunning and functional LED strip lighting scheme in your bathroom, whether you’re highlighting specific features, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, or providing bright task lighting.

Note: We always recommend hiring a licensed electrician or tradesman to complete any installation working with high voltage.