The most common shower fixtures are recessed, but there are a variety of style options you can use as long as it's damp- or wet-rated. Damp- or wet-rated fixtures prevent moisture or water from coming in contact with electrical components. Damp-rated fixtures withstand moisture but not direct contact with water. Wet-rated fixtures can tolerate direct contact with water because the wiring components are completely sealed.
How many lumens do I need for a shower light?
While wattage indicates the amount of energy a light bulb will use, lumens measure how much light it will emit. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb. The conversion of lumens to watts isn’t exact since bulb technology that impacts brightness and efficiency varies. For a shower light, a bulb between 40 and 60 watts will provide medium-to-bright light—a 40-watt incandescent bulb is 450 lumens, and a 60-watt incandescent bulb is 800 lumens. As a general guideline, the number of lumens needed to light an entire bathroom ranges between 50 to 80 lumens per square foot.
Is a light in the shower a good idea?
Improved visibility while bathing, safety, cleanliness, and design are key benefits of having a light in the shower. Not only will a shower light help you see better while bathing, but moving safely around the enclosure, cleaning the surfaces, and highlighting the shower as a design focal point are all reasons to add shower lighting.