Get fit in the morning, switch off in the evening – that is the motto in the bathroom. The light colour is crucial for a good start in the morning. Bright, white shades are perfect for applying make-up, shaving and getting dressed – just to wake up. Warm and yellowish tones, on the other hand, allow our body to relax.

Colour temperature and LEDs

Lighting is a central theme in the bathroom, because the right light is crucial. "Different light sources are also suitable for different processes and areas in the bathroom," say the experts at Pelipal, Europe's largest manufacturer of bathroom furniture. "The colour of the light plays a particularly important role in providing optimal illumination." The light colour is measured in Kelvin (K); this value is indicated on the packaging of the lamp. Warm white light colours for a cosy atmosphere are below 2,800 K. Shades between 2,800 and 3,300 K are considered warm light, and values between 3,300 and 5,000 K are neutral light. So remember: the higher the Kelvin value, the colder and whiter the light. LEDs in particular fulfil these diverse possibilities: the light-emitting diodes are particularly flexible due to their long service life, low power consumption and lighting effect. Bathroom furniture manufacturers such as Pelipal also rely on LED technology and integrate it directly into their furniture. There they can be controlled by touch sensors or are activated by motion sensors.

Mirror lighting

As a central place of activity in the bathroom, the area around the mirror should be well illuminated. A functional neutral light is recommended, which makes even small details visible. It is most suitable for applying make-up or shaving, and also helps you wake up faster in the morning. Top lights, for example, are elegant classics that provide plenty of light. Light profiles on the door sides of the mirror cabinet are a modern solution. This accentuated lighting of the mirror is also suitable as ambient light. If the bathroom is not overly large, it is better to avoid too many light sources. In addition to the main light on the ceiling, which is intended to illuminate the entire room, there is then only the mirror light, which serves as mood lighting during relaxation phases. Pelipal has also recognised this and has therefore equipped its mirror cabinets with different colour temperatures – the lights can change between three colours and can also be dimmed according to need and mood. The functional white light very quickly becomes a warm candle equivalent during a cosy bath.

Lighting accents

Lateral light profiles are not only available on mirrors, but also on cabinets. On washbasin vanity units, for example, they create beautiful accents. Illuminating the shadow gap directly below the washbasin gives it a particularly exclusive look. In this way, an atmospheric lighting scene and a modern bathroom look are harmoniously combined. Individual smaller light sources can also be ingenious in practical terms: if they are linked to a motion sensor, they ensure safe movement at night in the dark without straining the eyes with too much light. Concentrated lighting accents in line with modern functionality create a cosy flair in the bathroom.