Several years ago while renovating our newest home, I had trouble finding a stylish light fitting for the bathroom. Everything either resembled public lavatory lighting or was just stupidly expensive. I realised this was a common issue and so decided to make it my mission to find five affordable bathroom lights. 

Here comes the technical bit so feel free to skip past this if you wish. Bathroom lighting generally has to have an IP rating and depending on the IP rating (IP stands for ingress protection or international protection) depends on the zone in which you may use the light. The zones in bathroom are 0,1, 2 and 3 and the higher the IP the closer the light can be to water.

The lighting superstore has a great diagram of the zones, which you can find here .

Zone 0 is inside bath or shower where the light will be immersed in water. Here you must use a max 12w bulb and a rating of IP67.

Zone 1 is up to 2.25m directly above bath or shower and IP65 is required.

Zone 2 is anywhere to 2.25m above the bath or shower and 0.6m either side. It is also good practice to include 0.6m around the wash basin and IP44 is required.

Zone 3 (also considered outside zones), for example anywhere else in the room, there is no regulation but it is recommended best practice to fit a light fitting with a minimum of IP20 as bathroom obviously get condensation build up.

The first light I have chosen was inspired by the old schoolhouse pendant lights. I love the deco feel of the curved glass with the 'on trend'  polished brass. It comes in variety of finishes including brass, silver, black and white and the soft, muted light it produces is perfect for an atmospheric bathroom. £334.56 from Mullan Lighting.  It has IP54 and can also be used outside.

The Overton Wall light from Balineum is more traditional in design with it's aged brass detail and prismatic globe but would look fabulous in the setting of both a contemporary or classic interior. It comes in many finishes including nickel, black, chrome and gold. It can be used in zones 1 or two so perfect either side of a mirror over a basin. £419

So far we have looked at beautiful bathroom light options but they are still on the higher end of the price scale and I am aware, not suitable for everyone. Now here comes the exciting part, what if I told you you can get stylish bathroom lighting in all manner of styles for a fraction of the price!?!

Well you can, all you need to do is visit the outdoor lighting sections of your suppliers. Yes I haven't gone made, you heard me right, the OUTDOOR section! These designs have a high IP rating as they have to withstand the elements and so are perfect for steamy bathrooms and you would be surprised at the selection available.

Lighting direct stocks this outdoor coach wall light. I love its simple lines and the way it is elegant yet slightly masculine at the same time. It would look gorgeous in a contemporary, minimal bathroom, or lend itself to a scandi inspired scheme. At £97 per unit and IP44 you can't go wrong!

I also love the simplicity of this minimal opaque glass globe and mat black wall light but while sleek and modern it has a mid century modern vibe. The Kiana is from Lights.co.uk and only costs £116.90. It has an IP44 so can be used in zones 2 and 3.

Finally I had to throw in a bargain of the day! This light fitting is for those who love the industrial look, the black metal frame with glass panels lends itself to the retro filament bulb. Each unit is only £30.99, an absolute bargain,  which proves you can have style on a budget. The Dallas light is from Wayfair and has the IP44 rating needed for zones 2 and 3.

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Thanks for reading,

Louise