Tips to Add Chandelier Over Bathtub

A stunning centerpiece, the chandelier is no longer limited to dining rooms. Relaxing in a peaceful bath under the warm glow of a luxurious chandelier can transform your functional bathroom into a glamorous spa space.

This process is not about just picking a pretty lighting fixture. Every factor matters, from ensuring safety to choosing the right size and style. 

So, this article is your guide to knowing all the significant tips to add a chandelier over a bathtub. Ready to transform your bathroom? Let’s get started.

1. Understand Safety Regulations

Safety is the priority when adding a chandelier over the bathtub. Here are the factors you need to keep in mind.

• Check Local Codes

Building codes vary from one location to another. So, contact the local electrician or building authorities to learn updated codes. NEC(National Electric Code) states that every lighting fixture should be 8 feet above the bathtub’s rim or 3 feet away. This distance will prevent electric hazards.

• Wet Location Rating

If you plan to buy a bathroom chandelier, check if the chandelier is rated for wet locations or not. This is important since the bathrooms are high-moisture areas, and using fixtures not designed for these types of environments may become unsafe.

2. Choosing the Right Chandelier

Selecting the perfect chandelier for your bathtub area can feel overwhelming, but it’s easier when you know what to prioritize. Here’s how to make the best choice:

Size of Chandelier

The size of the chandelier should complement the size of the bathroom. A massive chandelier in a small bathroom can look weird, and a small chandelier may look lost in a big room. Want to know an easy rule? Take the width and length of the room in feet and multiply that number by inches to equal the chandelier’s diameter. 

Style Selection

Your chandelier should make a statement with your bathroom’s overall design. Here are some popular chandeliers used in bathrooms.

• Crystal Chandeliers

With timeless characteristics added and sparkling crystals, these fixtures inject great elegance and luxury into a common bathroom. Moreover, their sparkling crystals reflect light beautifully, creating warm and inviting vibes. Crystal chandeliers look amazing in traditional, glam-inspired bathrooms. 

• Flush Mount Chandeliers

Flush mount chandeliers work well in low-height bathrooms, providing great stylish lighting without compromising headroom. They produce diffused light, creating an appealing atmosphere in the bathroom, and are available in moisture-resistant options suitable for damp environments.

• Drum Chandeliers

Drum chandeliers are contemporary and feature a cylindrical shade to diffuse the light. They look incredible in modern bathrooms and can give the bathroom a sleek, stylish focus without overwhelming the space.

• Rustic Chandeliers

For a more organic look, rustic metal or wood chandeliers add warmth and coyness to the bathroom. They will complement farmhouse or cottage-themed bathrooms and catch up with all the cozy atmosphere there.

• Traditional Chandeliers

Do you want to create a vintage or classic look in your bathroom? Traditional chandeliers over bathtubs add that elegance and luxury feel to the bathroom. Such fixtures add ornate designs and very intricate detailing to bathroom decor. 

• LED Chandeliers

LED chandeliers are an ideal choice if you want to save money. They are stylish and are most likely the preferred lighting fixtures among homeowners. Ambient temperatures around 2700 Kelvin to 3000 Kelvin, also known as soft white, are recommended in bathrooms.

Material of Chandelier

Bathrooms are damp spaces. Choose materials that will endure water and humidity. Damp-rated fixtures with chrome, stainless steel, or treated metals are ideal. Some of the worst examples include untreated iron and wood. However, glass and crystal give a bathroom a little upscale feel while keeping durability intact.

3. Installation Guidelines

Here are some factors you need to consider for proper installation.

• Height Calculation

As we learned above, the chandelier’s base should be placed 8 feet above the bathtub’s rim. However, if you have higher ceilings, add height according to measurements of the ceiling. You can add 2-3 inches of chandelier height for every foot of ceiling height.

• Placement Strategy

Ideally, the chandelier should be hung directly above the tub to maximize its effect. Nothing screams being pampered and sophisticated more than sinking into a hot bath under the soft glow of a gorgeous chandelier.

 Regarding switch placement, while many people prefer to install a dimmer switch near the tub, this is unsafe. Instead, install the dimmer switch near the door.

• Electrical Setup

Insulation is added to all wiring so as not to have anything connected in damp areas and kept far from it as much as possible. You may need to add waterproof junction boxes and install GFCI( ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets.

• Professional Installation

Even if you feel confident installing a chandelier, we suggest hiring a professional electrician. Professionals will confirm that all safety measures are taken and that the chandelier is waterproof.

4. Maintenance Tips

No doubt, adding a chandelier over the bathtub can give a luxurious look to your bathroom, but maintenance and cleaning can be a challenge for homeowners. Here are some tips you can follow to maintain the beauty of your bathroom.

• Regular Cleaning

First thing first. Turn off the power and clean the dust from the chandelier weekly. You can remove detachable parts and rinse them with soap solution. This way, dust would not pile up. Make sure parts are dry before assembling them.

• Inspection for safety

The bathroom is a humid place. So keep checking the chandelier to see if there is rust on it. Make sure the chandelier is attached properly by checking that the screws and mounts are tight.

• Protection Against Moisture

Moisture can harm the finish of the chandelier. Therefore, use a chandelier designed for wet locations, and open your window while using the bathroom to maintain airflow.

Customize Your Chandeliers

Are you planning to get some statement chandeliers for your bathroom? We can customize them for you according to your taste. Check out our Langchulight to learn more about our services.

Conclusion

Adding a chandelier above your bathtub is a perfect way to create a serene ambiance. You must focus on safety, select the right design, and maintain it to make the space stunning yet highly functional. Whether you go for a traditional or modern chandelier depends on your preference and bathroom decor.