Changeable lighting scenes, touch free controls and ease of use for all are just some of the reasons why smart lighting will provide creative sparks for bathroom designers

The Prism Pro LED WiZ Fire Rated Downlight from Ansell Lighting is dimmable and tunable between 2700K-6500k via the Wiz App or by voice.

Bathroom lighting has become increasingly sophisticated from changing colour temperatures, through to sensor controls and even integration as part of whole house solutions.

What may have once been part of commercial architecture or luxury residential projects is now achievable in many homes, as the technology is filtering down the market.

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Marketing manager for Octo at Ansell Lighting Rachel Morris points out: “Smart lighting is definitely filtering down across the different market levels and is not just for high-end residential applications anymore.

“There are some very cost-effective solutions that anyone can implement to create smart spaces.”

And key accounts manager at Sycamore Lightning Guy Edwards agrees, adding: “Many domestic lighting manufacturers are now producing bathroom lighting with basic smart features.”

Personalised lighting

Smart lighting enables designers to be even more creative when creating spaces, creating tailor-made and changeable experiences, depending on time of day, which is so important for bathrooms. Lighting scenes can be created, saved and recalled at the touch of a button.

The Gira pushbutton sensor 4 combines up to eight functions and allows the user to operate lighting, blinds, moderate the temperate and humidity. It comes in 11 finishes to complement the interior scheme.

Director of Gira UK Jacob de Muijnck comments: “The remarkable skills that curated lighting can create is limitless, able to change and elevate the ambience of the bathroom and dressing area, which has become even more important for bathrooms designers to increase the level of flexibility and creative flair.

“It is also benefiting discerning homeowners who are spending more time working form home and want to designate different zones of space for wellness, self-care and relaxation.”

In addition, smart lighting enhances the inclusivity of the bathroom for use by all ages and abilities. Jacob de Muijnck adds: “I think the greater desire for personalisation and bringing spa-like experiences into the home means that regardless of age or background, we will want lighting controls which support the way we want to live our lives.”

Touch-free lighting

Changes to the way we live could include a more sustainable lifestyle, supported by the likes of smart meters to determine how much energy is used in the home.

Kinetic Wireless Smart Lighting Controls, from Sycamore Lighting, can control and dim either 12/24V or 240V lighting, including pendant and extractor fans. It boasts 1P67 rated switch but can be operated by smart phone or tablet or Alexa or Google voice control.

Passive infrared sensors can provide low level lighting, which not only allows for night-time navigation without disturbing all members of a household, but is energy saving too.

And sensor or even voice controls reduce the number of touch points in the bathroom, which in the “new normal” is becoming of greater interest to consumers.

Sycamore Lighting has recently introduced Kinetic Wireless Smart Lighting Controls, which can be operated by a wireless wall plate, smart phone or tablet using an app or voice control via Alexa or Google.

Jacob de Muijnck UK adds: “The increased emphasis on health and hygiene in response to the pandemic means that offering multiple options to control lighting like voice control or via app is hugely important.”

Whole or standalone?

As the Internet of Things takes greater hold in the home, with the likes of Smart TVs, video doorbells and connected thermostats, it may only be a matter of time before lighting becomes part of a whole house solution.

Created by Cecilie Manz, the Duravit Luv range includes mirrors with dimmable and colour adjustable lighting. It boasts ambient light and has a touch panel for operation.

Jacob de Muijnck explains: “There will be more opportunities at the top of the market for combining the best of traditional push button control with the latest sensor technology indoors so that lighting and other functions can be easily managed from a control panel, which is ideal for a busy family bathroom.

“For example, it is now possible to operate lighting and blinds, moderate the temperature and humidity via sensor technology and thanks to an external temperature sensor, underfloor heating will automatically begin to function on a chilly evening or frosty morning.”

However, Rachel Morris of Ansell Lighting believes, for the majority, smart technology will be standalone and incorporated into bathroom products: “I think smart technology being integrated into products, themselves, will become more mainstream.

“Products such as IP65 smart downlights, smart LED strip and wall/ceiling or bathroom mirrors with fully smart integrations.”

Duravit features smart lighting in its bathroom furniture and mirrors, as managing director Martin Carroll explains: “Specifying products with integral lighting can work well as integrated, discreet technology with intuitive operation delivers the highest standards in design and quality which are of increasing importance to consumers.

“New technology such as night lights on mirror cabinets is making life in the bathroom easier, more enjoyable and even safer.”

Education drives sales

What is for certain is smart lighting will continue to grow in popularity, as bathroom designers and their clients become more familiar with the benefits this upgrade in illumination offers.

Guy Edwards of Sycamore Lighting agrees: “Smart lighting is still in its infancy, but sales are increasing significantly.

“Education of customers, sales consultants and bathroom installers as to the features and benefits of smart lighting will play a key role in the future growth of this sector.”

In fact he believes: “Smart bathroom lighting will become mainstream once the end users and installers embrace the features, benefits and ease of installation.”

And Jacob de Muijnck agrees as he concludes: “Smart lighting will continue to become part of the design story as standard and I predict this will accelerate as we move through the decade and controlling the home remotely becomes an everyday norm.”