Choosing the wattage of bathroom lights cannot be arbitrary. Wattage that is too small makes the room look dim and uncomfortable, while wattage that is too high can cause excessive glare and waste energy. Generally, bathroom lights have a power range of 7–20 watts depending on the area and lighting needs of the room.
How to Determine Bathroom Light Wattage
Determining the wattage of bathroom lights depends on several things: the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and the type of lighting desired (general or focused). Ideally, for all-around lighting, use a simple formula: 10–15 watts of LED per square meter.
For example, a 2×2 meter bathroom requires a minimum of 40 watts in total if using conventional lights. However, if using LED (which is more energy efficient), just 8-12 watts is enough to be bright.
Bathroom Light Wattage Guide According to Size
Watts for small bathrooms (1–2 m²)
For small rooms such as guest toilets or secondary bathrooms, simply use 7–10 watt LED lights. This size of light is usually enough to light up the entire room without dazzling. You can also choose a light with a color temperature of 4000K–5000K so that the lighting results feel neutral and comfortable on the eyes.
Watts for medium bathroom (3–4 m²)
A medium-sized bathroom needs slightly stronger lighting. Use a 10–15 watt LED as the main light. If you frequently look in the mirror or do grooming activities, consider adding an additional 3–5 watt task light near the mirror. Choose a light that is moisture-resistant and does not fog up easily.
Watts for large bathrooms (>5 m²)
For a large bathroom, even lighting is needed. Use two LED lights of 12–15 watts each installed at different points. You can also add ambient lighting (backlighting) on the ceiling or downlights for the shower and sink areas. This combination will provide functional lighting while adding aesthetics.
Determining the wattage of bathroom lights doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you consider the size of the room and the type of light used. Use LEDs for energy efficiency, and adjust the light intensity to the needs of each room.