DECORATION

Integrated lights as indirect light

WELL-LIT BATHROOMS

With a good combination of general, specific and ambient light you will be able to obtain a more comfortable and warmer bathroom. 

To get the general lighting right

The lighting of the bathroom should play, first of all, a practical role: to allow us to use the bathroom with the maximum comfort, especially in the areas where more precision is needed, such as the dressing table. The general lighting is therefore vital and can be reinforced with specific and indirect lights, which will create a more welcoming atmosphere in the bathroom. Gala offers five models of lights that adapt to the different decorative styles: Jade, Flex, Smile and Casual

First we need to make the most of the natural light with a distribution that makes it easier for light to enter and circulate around the room. The next step would be to choose a good general lighting. In most cases, an only light point is insufficient to provide a good lighting, therefore the best would be to plan several light points in the ceiling.

You may install halogen spotlights, which produce a very similar light to the natural one and which illuminate double as much as the incandescent light bulbs, with the same power. These lights also have some inconveniences, as they produce a lot of heat, they are more expensive and they need a false ceiling to conceal the transformer when installed. A good option would be to choose an adjustable spotlight so that the light beam may be directed to the most needed spot.   

In order to find out how many halogen spotlights will be needed, you should calculate that the ideal number for a 6 m2 bathroom is four. If you think that the light is too specific, try to soften it by combining it with a different type of lighting.

​​

To avoid reflections in the dressing table area

In order to enjoy a good lighting in the bathroom, apart from the natural and general light, it is strictly necessary to install several light points in specific areas. The dressing table area is the one that requires more attention. In order to avoid annoying shadows, the best is to choose wall lamps, Linestra lamps or low-energy bulbs located on the sides of the mirror.

Gala offers mirrors with integrated side lights. These are the models Klea, Ágata and Emma Square. The mirror Flex includes a luminaire with indirect light that can be placed on the side of the mirror, obtaining a composition with a very modern design.

We can find designs for any style in the market: from the classic glass lampshades to trendier models with chrome finishes. If there is not enough space to install a wall lamp, you may install several light points in the ceiling, such as rails with different halogen lights or wall-hung lamps. Another possibility would be to place a small wooden shelf or a brickwork one over the mirror and build several halogen spotlights in it.

If the bathroom is spacious and with independent and well separated areas, a specific lighting for each one of them will be essential. Depending on the dimensions of the bathroom, it might also be interesting to install independent switches. This is a good option to control and rationalize the energy consumption in the bathroom.   

If you have a dressing room, the integrated lights can work as indirect light. Depending on its size, you might decide to install a general lighting similar to the one created for the bathroom.

Watertight spotlights in the water area

The indirect lighting, such as the spotlights we may install in the water area, plays an important decorative role in the bathroom. When planning it, it is important to verify that the spotlights that will be installed near the shower or the bath are closed with protection screens, and sealed at high pressure in order to avoid possible incidents with water and humidity.

You will find a wide offer of this type of spotlights in the market that adjust to different decorative options. In order to obtain an indirect lighting in this area, it is usual to install spotlights built in in walls, around the bath or shower, or in the floor. These spotlights provide a relaxing and soft light that creates really welcoming and pleasant atmospheres. It is important to know how many of these spotlights will be installed before starting with the renovation of the bathroom.

Apart from the specific features of the spotlights, you should take into account other aspects related to safety in order to avoid any possible risk of electrocution. The sockets, for instance, should be located at a height of at least 110 cm in order to avoid any contact with water. In the bath or shower, the switches and power outlets have to be at a distance of 225 cm from the floor and more than half a meter away from any of them. Also the electric supply needs to have a ground wire.

Lights that save energy

1.     HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS

They produce a clear and white light that barely modifies colours. They last around 3.000 hours. Some of them work with a connection to the 220 V electricity network, while others need a transformer.

2.     ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHT BULBS

They are also called CFL (compact fluorescent lamps), consuming up to 80% less electricity than the incandescent ones and costing up to six times more. These energy-efficient light bulbs will replace the incandescent ones, which are no longer marketed.

3.     LED LIGHTING

LEDs are a very ecological option, as they consume much less than a standard light bulb (90% less). They take very little space and produce a high quality light resulting in very welcoming atmospheres.

Solutions that increase clarity

·         DISTRIBUTION
A good distribution is key to favour the circulation of natural light. The best is not to hinder the entry of light through elements located in front of the windows. You should place the bath or shower in this area.

·         ENCLOSURES
Use clear glass enclosures in order to isolate the bath or shower. If you intend to separate the different areas of the bathroom, choose a medium-height wall that lets light through.

·         SKYLIGHT
If the bathroom allows it, you could open a skylight in the ceiling. Zenithal light also creates warm and pleasant atmospheres.

·         LIGHT HUES

A foolproof solution to multiply the natural light in a bathroom is to turn to materials in light hues. You can use them in the floor tiles, on walls, in the countertop and in the furniture unit. If you unify them, brightness will be even greater.

The newest trend: chromotherapy in the bathroom

·         FEATURES
Chromotherapy is based on the different features assigned to colours, which are able to influence our mood and improve some health problems. The colours which are generally used are red, blue, yellow and green, although different combinations are possible.

·         WHERE TO INSTALL IT

Chromotherapy is usually included in shower cabins, saunas or baths. The coloured light joins the other systems of well-being and relaxation, such as the hydromassage.

Gala offers a range of baths with integrated chromotherapy in its massage systems, the ones with the systems “Sensitive Flex Center Comfort”, such as Flex Center, and “Sensitive Smart” such as Emma, Mitta and Trevo. 

To make the most of natural light.