Bathroom lighting options?

[RichB]

I having one of our bathrooms refitted and would like to have lighting with a couple of options, e.g. bright lightin if you are having a shower or shave and more moody lighting if you want a relaxing bath.

I assume bathroom light switches need to be on a cord-pull switch so is the only option to have 2 x cords? I presume you can't get dimmer switches for cord-pulls or could you?

Interested in your ideas.

[miniman]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/greenbrook-pull-cord-dim...

[RichB]

Many thanks, I never dreamed something like that would exist. Out of interest, how does it work?

[miniman]

You pull and hold, the light gradually dims from off to on. I'll leave you to work out the rest

[RichB]

Sounds like what I want but could be irritating or even confusing when guests just want to nip in for a wee when it's dark. It's the family bathroom so I might need two separate sets of lights?

[miniman]

What construction are the walls? If stud & plasterboard, you could easily fit one or more switches outside the room.

[RichB]

Yes and I guess that's true, sort if hotel bathroom like.

[Raverbaby]

Ive got spotlights for the main lighting, I then put up a mirror light which isn't as harsh as the spots, for when i'm relaxing in the bath

[Pooky67]

I went for low voltage down lighters with a simple dimmer outside the room

[Graham-P]

In our wet room I installed a motion sensor in the ceiling which operates two low voltage lights in an alcove, open door walk in and lights comes on, the rest incl fan are operated by a switch on the outside.
I did this so as not to fumble for a switch in the middle of the night when half asleep plus if all the lights and fan are switched on at night it would disturbe my beauty sleep

[stevethegreek]

RichB said:

I assume bathroom light switches need to be on a cord-pull switch so is the only option to have 2 x cords? I presume you can't get dimmer switches for cord-pulls or could you?

Interested in your ideas.

take a look at these sensor pads for bathroom switches, could be an alternative...

[philmots]

Have a word with E36Guy on here. He sorted me (and plenty of others) out with some lovely LED downlights at a good price. PM him.

[garycat]

In the hotel I'm staying at this week, the bathroom has LED lighting which is permanently on but must only be about 1 watt as it is quite dim (but great when you get up in the middle of the night)

The light switch controls 4 x GU10 bulbs which you need for shaving etc.

[RichB]

Thanks chaps, some good ideas there. My wife's now going off looking a baths and showers and stuff while I'm worrying about the "man stuff" like wires and plumbing!

[HoHoHo]

stevethegreek said:

RichB said:

I assume bathroom light switches need to be on a cord-pull switch so is the only option to have 2 x cords? I presume you can't get dimmer switches for cord-pulls or could you?

Interested in your ideas.

take a look at these sensor pads for bathroom switches, could be an alternative...

I've got two pads hidden behind two tiles.

In this image there is one hidden behind the tile just to the left of the floor thermostat.


Bathroom by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr

And behind about the 12th small tile above the bath in this image


Bathroom by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr

Either allow full control of the lights from full to any level of dimming.

Works well and lovely not having pull light string things.

Since these were taken I've now tiled the front of the bath to match the wall over the bath,

[jason s4]

All electrical work in a bathroom will require notification and a certificate issued.

[RichB]

jason s4 said:

All electrical work in a bathroom will require notification and a certificate issued.

I'm having an electrician do it so I assume he will supply this.

[AlexC1981]

RichB said:

Interested in your ideas.

An antique paraffin lamp or tealights for the mood lighting.