Lighting for the shower

Why well thought-out shower lighting is more than just function

The shower is not only a functional place for personal hygiene, but also a place of retreat, a source of freshness and a place to pause for a moment. This makes it all the more important to set the scene in this area with the right lighting. It's not just about creating sufficient brightness, but above all about creating the right lighting mood. A combination of functional light and soft accents creates a personal wellness oasis.

While in the morning a clear, activating light rings in the day, in the evening it can be more relaxing and warmer - and ideally dimmable. Warm white light between 2,700 and 3,300 Kelvin has a particularly calming effect.

The special features of the room should not be forgotten when planning the lighting: in the shower, moisture and confined spaces come together, which increases the requirements for lights. That is why, in addition to design and function, the right protection against water is also crucial, the so-called IP protection. Modern bathroom lighting offers a wide range of stylish, safe and energy-efficient solutions that blend harmoniously into any bathroom ambience.

Standards for light around the shower & bath

Which IP protection class is correct for which protection area?

Special rules apply to lighting in the bathroom - especially where water and electricity come together. According to the DIN VDE 0100-701:2008-10 standard, the bathroom is divided into three protection areas for which different IP codes are prescribed:


Protected area	Description of the	Minimum type of protection	Tension
0	Directly in the bath or shower (e.g. floor)	IP67	Only 12 V extra-low voltage
1	Up to 2.25 m above the shower/tub	IP65	Only 12 V extra-low voltage
2	Up to 60 cm around shower/tub	IP44	230 V possible

Important: The power source and transformer for 12 V systems must always be placed outside the protected areas.

Ceiling lighting above the shower

Sophisticated ceiling lighting above the shower not only creates brightness, but also a feel-good atmosphere, whether for a refreshing start to the day or a relaxing finish in the evening. Ceiling lights are the basis of any bathroom lighting. They ensure uniform light throughout the room and reliably illuminate all areas. This also includes the shower zone. Particularly popular are classic ceiling lights with pleasantly warm white light (below 3,300 Kelvin colour temperature). An alternative are flat LED panels, which are ideal for smaller bathrooms due to their low design.

Depending on the size of the room and the desired brightness, the total light output should be around 100 to 150 lumens per m². Several light sources can also be combined for larger showers or bath areas. There are several options for positioning: in the centre above the shower for uniform light distribution or close to the wall for targeted illumination of fittings or recesses.

In damp areas such as the shower, the right IP protection is also essential. For ceiling lights inside the shower, at least IP65, or better IP67, is usually required to protect against water jets and moisture. Outside the shower zone, for example on the ceiling outside the shower cubicle, IP44 is sufficient in many cases, provided there is no direct water jet contact.

Recessed spotlights and spots for damp areas

Recessed spotlights in the shower combine minimalist design with high functionality. They can be integrated flush into the ceiling or wall and are particularly suitable for purist or architecturally minimalist bathrooms thanks to their unobtrusive design. The compact design allows more flexible positioning than with classic surface-mounted lights, for example exactly above the shower zone, in niches or along side walls. A popular installation method is to arrange several recessed spotlights in a grid, especially for larger walk-in showers. In addition, flush-mounted spots can be integrated into the ceiling design, especially in level-access showers without a partition wall, making the room appear larger and tidier.

Multi-bulb spotlights in damp rooms offer a good alternative: they enable targeted illumination. In combination with textured surfaces such as natural stone, mosaic tiles or matt porcelain stoneware, directional light sources also unfold their full design effect.

Safety is the top priority in the bathroom. You should therefore only use lights that are suitable for use in damp rooms. A high-quality LED spot for damp rooms is equipped with at least IP code IP44, in the shower cubicle or in the immediate vicinity of the water source even IP65 or IP67 is required. LED moisture-proof spotlights impress with their durability and energy efficiency, compact design and high batten light.

Wall lighting around the shower

With specifically placed wall lights around the shower area, for example along the bathroom wall and of course on the mirror cabinet, a harmonious combination of functionality, design and well-being is created. Wall lights are usually installed to the left and right of the mirror, on side walls next to the walk-in shower or in integrated niches and bring structure into the room, visually extend the shower area and create a pleasant lighting atmosphere. In contrast to pure ceiling lighting, the lateral light creates soft shadows and a more three-dimensional effect. A combination of ceiling and wall lighting in and around the shower is ideal.

Important when selecting: Make sure you have the correct IP code, especially if the light is installed near the shower. At least IP44 is suitable for wall lamps near splash water, and IP65 or IP67 is better for wall lamps in direct proximity to damp zones.

Indirect light & LED profiles in the shower

With well thought-out lighting, shower areas are not only safe but also atmospheric. Clean lines, subtle accents and smart control systems turn the shower into a personal wellness oasis. Particularly popular is indirect light, realised by elegant LED profiles that are installed almost invisibly. Recessed into shower walls, ceiling finishes or along glass surfaces, flush light lines are created that subtly emphasise architecture, materials and structures. This type of lighting is understated yet sophisticated - perfect for modern walk-in showers with a minimalist aesthetic.

The RGB lighting systems open up new possibilities for shower design: blue for calm, green for freshness, violet for creative impulses - smart controls turn the colour change into an experience. Thanks to compatibility with common smart home systems, individual scenes can be conveniently customised via app, voice command or timer.

In the shower area, protection against moisture is crucial. The following applies to all lights used: Make sure they have a sufficient IP code - at least IP65, better IP67 if the lights are exposed to direct water.

Smart shower lighting and control system

Modern bathrooms have long been more than just functional rooms; they are real oases of well-being in which technology and design come together. Smart shower lighting brings a special, customisable atmosphere to the shower cubicle and the daily routine. Smart lighting systems offer flexible control options: with a classic light switch, supplemented by smart dimmers or timers, as well as remote control or app control via smartphone or tablet. Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri is also conceivable with various compatible smart home systems. The comfort experience of "light on" or "mood lighting for the evening" is unrivalled.

When choosing smart lights, make sure they are compatible with common standards such as ZigBee or WLAN. This makes it easy to connect your lights to other smart devices such as thermostats, speakers or sensors. Modern smart lighting systems are not only convenient, but also safe. Reputable manufacturers pay attention to encrypted connections and transparent data protection guidelines - so that your data remains protected. If you opt for well-known brands, you are on the safe side when it comes to safety.

Find the right light for your shower

Assembly or installation?

Whether you opt for a surface-mounted or recessed light depends heavily on the existing building fabric and ceiling structure:

Recessed lights usually require a suspended ceiling or cavities to safely accommodate the technology, including the transformer and connection components.
Surface-mounted lights are ideal for Massive ceilings or low ceiling heights, as they are mounted directly onto the surface.

Consider materials and light colours

The light colour should be matched to the material of the tiles, glass and fittings:

Warm white light (less than 3,300 K) has a cosy effect and goes well with natural stone, a wood look or matt ceramic tiles.
Cool white light (3,300 to 5,300 K) works well with modern, clear materials such as glass or gypsum plaster.
Daylight white light (from 5,300 K) is rarely recommended, at most for technical or very purist designs or for personal preference.

The right lighting effect

The size of the shower, the room height and the colour scheme play an important role in the lighting effect:

In small showers with dark tiles, bright, cool white light is recommended to visually break up tight spaces.
Low ceilings benefit from flat surface-mounted lights with a wide light cone.
Glass walls or glossy tiles reflect light strongly - diffuse lights are more pleasant here than spotlights.
For matt or rough surfaces it may be a little more light output.

Installation - specialised company or do it yourself?

Anyone who wants to install new lighting in the bathroom or even directly in the shower is often faced with the question: What can I install myself and when should I call in a specialist company? The correct answer depends on several factors: the installation location, the IP code of the light and the existing electrical installation.

However, the following always applies: In damp rooms in particular, an electrician should always be consulted, especially if there is the slightest uncertainty about the existing electrical installation, IP codes or correct connection routing.

In addition to professional installation, care of your shower light is also crucial for a long service life. Limescale and soap residue quickly build up on surfaces, especially in the shower. We therefore recommend regular cleaning with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. This not only preserves the light output, but also the appearance of your light. However, when cleaning the shower light, make absolutely sure that no moisture penetrates the electrical components. If you are unsure, it is better to leave it alone or ask a specialist.