Bathroom Lighting Design Melbourne
Safe, stylish bathroom lighting that works. IP-rated downlights, mirror lighting, dimmers, and expert design from licensed electricians.
Why Bathroom Lighting Is Different
Bathrooms have unique lighting requirements. They\'re wet environments where electrical safety is paramount, but they also need to be functional for morning routines and relaxing for evening baths. Getting the balance right requires specialist knowledge.
At Power Amp Electrical, we design and install bathroom lighting that meets Australian electrical standards, looks beautiful, and works the way you need it to. We understand IP ratings, bathroom zones, and how to create lighting schemes that transition from bright and energising to soft and spa-like.
Whether you\'re renovating an old bathroom, building new, or simply upgrading tired fittings, we\'ll deliver a lighting solution that\'s safe, compliant, and perfectly suited to your space.
Types of Bathroom Lighting
IP-Rated Downlights
Bathrooms need specialised downlights rated for wet or damp zones. We install IP44 (splash-proof) or IP65 (waterproof) fittings depending on location — shower zones require higher ratings.
Mirror & Vanity Lighting
Even, shadow-free lighting around mirrors is essential for grooming tasks. Options include LED strip lights, backlit mirrors, or wall-mounted fixtures on either side of the mirror.
Ambient & Mood Lighting
Dimmable downlights or LED strip lighting let you transition from bright task lighting in the morning to a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere for evening baths.
Understanding Bathroom IP Ratings
Bathrooms are divided into zones based on proximity to water sources. Each zone requires specific IP-rated fittings.
Zone 0
Inside the shower or bath
Required Rating
IPX7 (submersible)
Common Solution
Specialised underwater fittings only — rarely used in residential
Zone 1
Directly above the shower or bath
Required Rating
IP65 minimum
Common Solution
Sealed downlights rated for water jets
Zone 2
Within 60cm of the shower/bath
Required Rating
IP44 minimum
Common Solution
Splash-proof downlights suitable for most bathroom areas
Outside Zones
Rest of the bathroom
Required Rating
IP20+ recommended
Common Solution
Standard IP-rated bathroom downlights
Not sure which zone is which? Don\'t worry — we assess your bathroom layout during our consultation and specify the correct IP ratings for each fitting location.
What We Consider When Designing Your Bathroom Lighting
Bathroom size and ceiling height
Shower and bath locations (determines IP rating requirements)
Mirror placement and how you use the space
Natural light from windows
Ventilation fan location and noise (we can upgrade to quieter models)
Whether you want separate switching for different zones
Colour temperature preference (warm white for relaxing, neutral for makeup)
Bathroom Lighting Packages
Typical pricing for bathroom lighting installations. Final costs depend on your specific layout and requirements.
Essential Bathroom Lighting
$1,200 - $2,000
Perfect for standard bathrooms
- 4-6 IP-rated LED downlights with dimmer
- Appropriate IP ratings for shower zones
- All wiring and installation
- Licensed electrician
- 12-month workmanship warranty
Premium Bathroom Lighting
$2,500 - $4,000+
For larger bathrooms or ensuite upgrades
- 6-10 IP-rated LED downlights with scene control
- LED strip lighting around mirrors or under cabinets
- Heated towel rail circuit (if required)
- Separate zones for shower, vanity, and toilet areas
- Smart dimming compatible with Google/Alexa
- Exhaust fan upgrade to whisper-quiet model
Bathroom Lighting FAQs
What does IP rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects (dust), and the second digit indicates protection against liquids (water). For bathrooms, we focus on the water protection rating: IP44 is splash-proof, IP65 is waterproof against jets, and IPX7 is submersible. We select the correct rating based on where the fitting is installed relative to your shower or bath.
How many downlights do I need in my bathroom?
A typical bathroom (3-4m²) needs 3-4 downlights. A larger ensuite (6-8m²) might need 6-8 downlights. The exact number depends on ceiling height, whether you have a separate shower and bath, and if you want separate zones for different areas. We calculate this during our consultation.
Can I have a dimmer in the bathroom?
Yes, absolutely. Dimmers are fantastic in bathrooms — bright light for your morning routine, soft light for evening baths. We install dimmers outside the bathroom (AS/NZS 3000 requires switches and dimmers to be at least 60cm from the shower), and we ensure your LED downlights are compatible with the dimmer type.
What colour temperature should I use?
For bathrooms, we usually recommend warm white (2700-3000K) for a relaxing, hotel-like feel, or neutral white (3500-4000K) if you do makeup or shaving and need accurate colour rendering. Avoid cool white (5000K+) unless you specifically prefer a crisp, clinical look. Tuneable white options give you flexibility.
Can you install an exhaust fan at the same time?
Yes. If you need a new exhaust fan or want to upgrade to a quieter model, we can do this as part of your bathroom lighting project. Modern whisper-quiet fans (under 30dB) are a huge improvement over older, noisy units.
Do you need to cut holes in my ceiling?
If you're installing new recessed downlights, yes — we cut neat holes for each fitting. We use a dust-minimising holesaw and clean up thoroughly. If you have a concrete ceiling or limited ceiling cavity space, we can use surface-mounted fittings or slim-profile downlights instead.
Ready to Upgrade Your Bathroom Lighting?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Melbourne\'s bathroom lighting specialists.