A single ceiling light in the middle of a bathroom puts your face in shadow at the mirror and leaves the shower dim. Better bathroom lighting works in layers: downlights for general light and over the shower, a light at the mirror for shaving and make-up, and perhaps a low glow from a niche or plinth for night-time. Each fitting has to suit the spot where it sits, because water and electricity meet in this room more than any other.
Lighting is installed by a qualified electrician, then tested and certified. Essential lighting with IP-rated downlights, switching and RCD protection typically costs £300 to £600 including VAT. A layered scheme adding a mirror light and a shaver socket costs £600 to £1,200, and feature lighting with niche strips, an illuminated cabinet, dimming or sensors £1,000 to £2,000. Most jobs take half a day to two days.
What does new bathroom lighting with us include?
- A lighting plan: number and position of downlights, mirror lighting, switches and any shaver socket
- IP-rated fittings chosen for each zone, with IP65 downlights over the bath or shower
- Fire-rated downlights or fire hoods where the ceiling has to keep its fire resistance
- Cable runs to each fitting, from the loft above or through the ceiling
- A ceiling pull-cord or a switch outside the room, with separate switching for mirror and feature lights
- A shaver supply unit where wanted, positioned away from direct spray
- RCD protection on the lighting circuit, checked at the consumer unit and added where it is missing
- Testing and an electrical certificate for the work on completion
How much does new bathroom lighting cost?
Our UK guide range is £350–£1,200 including VAT. Typical prices by kind of job:
Essential
- IP-rated LED downlights
- Switching and RCD protection
- Testing and certificate
Layered
- Downlights plus mirror or vanity light
- Shaver socket
- Separate switching
Feature
- Niche and plinth LED strips
- Illuminated mirror cabinet
- Dimming and sensors
National guide prices including VAT, reviewed October 2026. London is typically about 25% higher and the North East, Wales and Northern Ireland around 7–12% lower. Your written quote after the survey is the price that counts.
What do you need to decide?
Downlight positions
Evenly spaced downlights give flat, general light. Placing one over the shower and one over the basin puts the light where you actually use it.
Colour temperature
Warm white, around 3000 K, feels softer; cool white, around 4000 K, is crisper for shaving and make-up. Mixing the two in one room looks uneven.
Mirror lighting
An illuminated mirror or mirror cabinet lights the face from the front, which a ceiling light cannot do. Many include a demister pad and a shaver socket.
Feature lighting
LED strips in niches, under a wall-hung vanity or along a plinth give enough light for night-time without full glare.
Switching
A pull-cord inside, a switch outside the door or a motion sensor. Dimmers need LED fittings that are compatible with them.
Integrated or replaceable LED
Integrated LED downlights are slimmer and fully sealed. Fittings with replaceable lamps let you change brightness or colour later.
