Bathroom pendant lights: mistakes to avoid before buying

Aim for a minimum of IP44 for any pendant light close to the shower or bathtub; IP20 is still acceptable far from water points, under a high ceiling, at least 2 metres above the basin. Opt for treated metal or glass, an LED bulb, and check the height before drilling.

What IP rating is needed for a bathroom pendant light?

Allow a minimum of IP44 as soon as the light is near the shower, the bathtub or a water jet. Far from water points and under a high ceiling, IP20 is enough. The rating is read in two digits: the first for solid bodies, the second for water.

From this stage, the choice is made: a bathroom pendant light rated for wet rooms saves you unpleasant surprises on the safety side.

If you are carrying out a bathroom renovation, the position of the light points is decided before the electrical work, while everything is still accessible.

IP44 near the shower

Within a close radius of the shower or the tray, humidity and splashes are constant. An IP44 resists splashes from all directions, which is the reasonable threshold for these locations. Our IP44 bathroom wall lights also cover the most exposed areas.

IP20 far from water points

Above a basin away from the jet, in a large ventilated room, an IP20 does the job. This level does not protect against water: reserve it for places where no splashes reach. The distance to the water point matters as much as the rating itself.

What our survey shows

In a survey of 155 pendant lights from our catalogue as of 23 September 2026, 86% are IP20 and 10% are IP44. Most models are therefore aimed at dry zones; IP44 references are reserved for locations close to water. Always check the rating on the product sheet before confirming a pendant light.

Can a light be hung above the shower or bathtub?

Above the shower tray or the bathtub, a standard pendant light should be avoided: this zone requires a high rating and a safety height. Choose an IP44 or IP65 out of reach of direct splashes, or switch to a wall light or a sealed ceiling light, better suited to this location.

The zone above the tray

The bathroom is divided into safety volumes, from the most exposed near the water to the driest at the periphery. Above and immediately around the tray, only lights with a reinforced rating belong. A classic decorative pendant light has no place there.

The safety height

Even with the right rating, height protects. The light must remain out of reach of a wet hand and away from rising steam. In practice, the source is kept away from the shower volume rather than hung above it.

The wall light or ceiling light alternative

When a pendant light does not work, a sealed wall light or a surface-mounted ceiling light takes over without sacrificing style. This is one of the most common bathroom lighting mistakes: wanting to hang a light where a wall-mounted fitting is required.

Which material and finish resist humidity?

Treated metal, glass and acrylic hold up best in a damp room. Avoid fragile finishes that pit or tarnish with condensation. In our catalogue, metal dominates by far, often combined with glass, two materials that are easy to clean and age well near water.

Treated metal, glass, acrylic

Treated metal resists corrosion, glass fears neither steam nor marks, acrylic stays light and stable. A glass light rinses in one gesture and keeps its clarity year after year.

Finishes to avoid

Avoid unprotected metals and cheap finishes that pit in the first winter of condensation. A matte shade or an anti-corrosion treatment holds up better over time. To match the light with the rest of the room, compare the finishes of our bathroom lights.

What the catalogue includes

In the same survey of 155 pendant lights as of 23 September 2026, 91% are metal and 39% include glass. The bathroom collection has 2335 references as of 23 September 2026, with a 2-year warranty and CE certification on the surveyed models. The selection commented on by buyers helps you decide if you are unsure.

At what height and with which bulb should you install your pendant light?

Allow at least 2 metres between the bottom of the pendant light and the floor, more above a basin so as not to obstruct the mirror or your movements. For the bulb, an LED with an E27 or GU10 base limits heat and consumption. Aim for a neutral white light near the mirror, warmer for the atmosphere.

Height above the basin

Above a basin, the pendant light illuminates without dazzling if it leaves the mirror clear. Too low, it casts shadows on the face; too high, it loses its decorative purpose. Adjust according to the actual ceiling height.

Base and LED

E27 and GU10 bases dominate our product sheets, both compatible with LED. LED generates little heat, a real advantage in a confined, damp space. To avoid choosing the wrong format, this guide to choosing your bulbs details each base.

A wide range of designer lights is now available in integrated LED versions, practical when you no longer want to change bulbs.

White or warm colour temperature

A neutral white light renders colours faithfully in front of the mirror, ideal for shaving or applying make-up. A warmer shade relaxes the rest of the room. Our guide to white or yellow light helps you balance the intensity.

For a cosy atmosphere, see how to light your bathroom like a spa by layering several sources.

Unsure about the installation zone above your shower or basin? You can talk to our advisers to confirm the right IP rating before buying.

Well chosen from our bathroom lights, the pendant light helps turn your bathroom into a refuge, provided you confirm the rating, material and height beforehand.