Lighting is an essential aspect of any bathroom or shower area, contributing both to the space's functionality and ambiance. Whether you're looking to install new recessed lights, upgrade existing fixtures, or add accent lighting to enhance the design of your bathroom, understanding the options available and the considerations involved is key. We will guide you through the most common questions and considerations regarding bathroom and shower lighting, from waterproofing to bulb replacements and the best LED options for specific applications.


Are your recessed lights waterproof? Will they stand up to shower use?

While our Ultra-Thin Recessed Lights cannot be submersed in water, they are rated for use in damp locations and are designed to handle moist environments, such as the ceiling above a shower.


The foam gasket, which is sold separately, is recommended for bathroom installations. This gasket will keep out moisture and create a tight seal to ensure the operation of your lighting fixtures. The back side of the fixture and driver must remain dry and protected by using waterproof enclosures and sealing techniques to keep moisture and debris out.

What about bulb replacement?

All our fixtures use integrated LEDs, meaning there is no bulb that can be replaced. One of the biggest benefits of LED lighting is longevity. Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which frequently burn out and need replacing, our LEDs are expected to last up to 50,000 hours (about 5 and a half years) before performance degradation, depending on use. Some factors that can affect the longevity of the LED light are frequently dimming or turning the fixture on and off, as well as power surges. In case of a fixture failure, replacing it is simple since you can use the same cut-out hole in your ceiling.


Can your lights be dimmed?

Yes, there are a few options available for dimming our ultra-thin recessed lights. For standard in-wall, dimmer switches, our Lutron Maestro PRO and Leviton DSM10 Universal Dimmer are great options. For app-based control, the Casambi TED Long Range Smart Dimmer is an excellent solution. Integrating the Ultra-Thin LED lights with your Google and Apple smart home system can be done using the Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch paired with the Lutron Smart Bridge, will provide seamless voice control over your recessed fixtures.


I already have a traditional recessed can I’d like to replace. Do I have to remove it?

We would recommend removing the recessed can before installing the ultra-thin lights. Removing the can will allow the metal springs on the ultra-thin fixture to fully engage, providing a tight seal against the ceiling to keep out moisture.


What about other types of bathroom lighting?

The addition of LED lighting to other areas of your bathroom adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to these spaces.

Under Cabinet

LED light bars are an excellent choice for adding both functional and accent lighting to your bathroom cabinets. They provide a sleek, aesthetically pleasing solution with easy installation. Available in standard sizes or custom-made to fit your exact dimensions and specifications, these light bars offer the perfect lighting solution for your bathroom.


Toe-Kick Lighting

Toe kick lighting is a relatively new trend in renovations and is steadily gaining popularity. In the bathroom, toe-kick lighting can act as a nightlight, avoiding the need to use general, or overhead, lighting after dark. It also provides added safety by illuminating walking paths. The most popular color temperature for this application is warm white (3000K). Popular products for this application include our N-Series Ultra-Bright and water-resistant L-Series Dotless. Using LED lights for toe kick lighting offers several benefits including energy efficiency, long lifespan, and the ability to create a variety of lighting effects to enhance the overall ambiance.


Shower Niche

Shower niche lighting involves installing LED strip lights within the recessed shelves or niches of your shower area. This type of lighting not only elevates the aesthetics by highlighting the niche as a design feature but also offers practical illumination, making it easier to see and access your shower essentials. Given the wet conditions of a shower, it's essential to use waterproof lights, and to consider proper wire placement, and safety measures for a secure and effective installation.

For the best LED lighting in your shower niche, we recommend the following LED strip lights based on your light color preferences:


Cove and Edge Lighting

LED Strip lights are available in various color temperatures and are an ideal choice for bathroom cove and edge lighting. The L-Series Dotless Linear LED Strip Lights and N-Series Flexible LED Strip Light Ultra Bright are popular options for these installations. Water resistant and waterproof versions of these strip lights are recommended for use in bathroom installations for protection from steam and moisture. When using water-resistant or waterproof strip lights, please note that the waterproof coating can shift the color temperature, typically making it approximately 700-900 degrees cooler. This is true for all of our strip lights except the L-Series Dotless Strip.


Aluminum Mounting Channel For Strip Lights In Bathroom Installations

Aluminum channels provide a polished, professional finish to your strip light installation while offering added protection from dust and debris. They also function as a heat sink, helping to dissipate heat and ensuring your strip lights stay cool for optimal performance. Aluminum channels are available with frosted or clear lenses. Frosted lenses soften the appearance of the strip light dots but may slightly affect the CRI (Color Rendering Index) of the light. The narrow version of our Aluminum Mounting Channel is compatible with our N-Series and L-Series when using water resistant versions of the strip lights. For waterproof N-Series, our Wide Aluminum Mounting Channel is the best option.


Final Thoughts

Creating the perfect lighting for your bathroom and shower area is about more than just choosing the right fixtures; it's about ensuring that they are installed safely and effectively, meeting both functional and aesthetic needs. By selecting the appropriate LED lights and accessories, such as aluminum channels and dimmer switches, you can transform your bathroom into a beautifully illuminated space that enhances your daily routine. With the right knowledge and products, your bathroom lighting can offer long-lasting performance and style, elevating the overall experience in one of the most important rooms in your home.