How to choose bathroom ceiling light fixtures

Bathroom ceiling lights are typically strictly functional, but there's opportunity to add some style and fun features. Whether you're working on a new bathroom or renovating your old one, rethink your bathroom ceiling lights — instead of just lighting up the space, they can set the mood and help you throughout your day.

Can I use Philips Hue lights in my bathroom?

Yes, you can use some Philips Hue smart lights in the bathroom — provided they are rated for the bathroom. 

Our pick: The Philips Hue Adore ceiling light, for example, has an IP44 rating. This means that it’s suitable for damp spaces such as the bathroom. Its flush-mount design and warm-to-cool white light provide the right light for any moment of the day.

What IP rating do I need for bathroom lights?

IP44 isn’t the only IP rating you can use in the bathroom. The IP level is described by two figures: the first one refers to the protection level against dust, the second against water. Look for IP44, IP54, or IP55 when browsing for bathroom ceiling light fixtures.

Our pick: Philips Hue downlights (available in two sizes and both in White ambiance and White and color ambiance) are rated for wet environments, so you can use them safely in the bathroom.

Bathroom lighting takeaways

Beyond choosing the right IP rating for your bathroom ceiling lights, you’ll need to keep the type of light in mind. Instead of just choosing one shade of soft white light, get warm-to-cool white light so that every moment of the day is lit correctly. Bright, cool light in the morning can help you feel more awake, while warm, golden light can help you relax in the bathtub. 

*When a bulb displays "Up to" a certain number of lumens in its specifications, it displays the maximum lumen output of the bulb. It shows how bright the bulb can get at 2700 K (White bulbs) or 4000 K (White ambiance or White and color ambiance bulbs). Learn more about brightness