Does My Bathroom Lighting Require an IP Rating?

When planning your bathroom lighting, you might be wondering: “Can I use decorative lights, or do they all need some special safety rating?” The answer is yes, you can absolutely use pendants, wall sconces, and feature lights in a bathroom. But depending on where they’re installed, they may need an IP rating.

What is an IP rating?

An IP rating (Ingress Protection) shows how well a light fitting is protected against dust and water. Bathrooms are considered “wet areas”, so fittings close to water sources need extra protection.

Timberline Ballad Shaving Cabinet paired with Timberline Santos wall hung vanity

Here is an easy way to think about it

Directly exposed to splashes (like over a shower) - higher IP rating needed.

Further away from water (like over a vanity or freestanding bath) - more decorative freedom.

Coastal style bathroom with wooden vanity, white sink, and toilet against a travertine tiled wall.

Australian building standards divide bathrooms into zones

Bathroom Zones Explained (Simply)

Zone 0 → Inside the bath or shower. Lights here need to be designed for immersion (IP67).

Zone 1 → Directly above the bath or shower. Best to use IP65 downlights.

Zone 2 → The area around your bath, shower or basin. IP44 is usually enough here.

Safe zones (Zone 3) → Anywhere beyond those areas. Standard decorative lights can usually be used.

This means you can definitely bring in decorative lighting — you just need to pick the right type for the zone.

Fluxwood Silo Ceramic Wall Light - Gloss White SILO-SCONCE-GW-PH-3K in Aussie Coastal Bathroom style | The Blue Space

Where decorative lighting works

Above the vanity – Wall sconces or feature lights either side of your mirror create hotel-style ambience. If they’re close to the sink, choose an IP44 fitting.

By the bathtub – A pendant light looks gorgeous hanging by a freestanding bath. As long as it’s not within the splash zone (directly above the bath), you can use a decorative fitting.

Accent lighting – Think niches, feature walls or even artwork. These areas often sit outside the wet zones, giving you freedom to get creative.

Other things to keep in mind

Always check with your electrician before you buy – placement can make the difference between needing an IP-rated light or not.
LED bathroom options are easy to find – many modern downlights already come with IP ratings.
Decorative doesn’t mean unsafe – you can still add personality with brass, glass, or fabric-style shades, just choose carefully for the zone.

By Elise Pride

eCommerce Manager

22 September 2025

Elise is a design-focused content creator at The Blue Space, offering practical renovation advice and trend-led insights to help customers style their dream spaces with confidence.