A bathroom hack lauded by home design lovers for creating a “cosy” and relaxing ambience in the bathroom has been criticised by experts. Many people are on the hunt for easy, hassle-free decor ideas to spruce up their homes on a budget but not all of them are necessarily as safe as they may seem.
Lots of people turn to social media looking for tips and tricks with a recent “hack” racking up millions of views for TikTok user Jess. In the clip, which has so far gained more than six million views, Jess can be seen walking into her bathroom and beckoning the person holding the camera to follow.
She then unveils her shower set-up which has been kitted out with many features including one unusual and unexpected addition – a lamp. This battery operated lamp adds a warm, subtle glow to the space while Jess said it added “ambience”.
In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person joked: “I have not been showering at my full potential”.
Another said: “Showering in ambient lighting is so important”.
A third shared: “Never knew I needed a shower lamp until just now” while another added that their own shower lamp “has upped [their] showers 100%”.
But interior lighting experts at Pooky have warned that directly copying the viral TikTok trend could be dangerous.
A Pooky spokesperson said: “During the winter months, making cosy spaces within your home is so important. But when adding lighting to your bathroom, it’s essential to do so safely to avoid electrical accidents.
“You can’t just add any old lamp or light into your bathroom, especially near the bath or shower. For safety, bathroom lights must have the right IP rating to handle moisture and splashes.”
To create that low, spa-inspired lighting effect safely, the experts advise adding rechargeable lights to areas that don’t come into any contact with water – for example, shelves, cabinets or sideboards.
They said: “The bathroom is often a neglected area of the house, especially when it comes to lighting. Introducing warm lighting into your bathroom with the use of a rechargeable lamp is a great way to add a spa vibe to your day by reducing the need for bright lights.”
The pros explained warm lighting can help “promote a sense of relaxation” in the bathroom, while also “improving your mood”.
This is because coming from other areas of the home with low lighting into a “luminescent bathroom” can “jumpstart your brain, making it difficult to relax and lower your cortisol levels, which can make it harder to fall asleep”.
Adding lamps to the bathroom can help with this, reducing the need for the main bathroom light.
Pooky experts added: “If you are unable to change your wired bathroom lights, don’t worry. Rechargeable lamps free you from the constraints of cords and the hassle of organising electrician visits.
“Making them perfect for renters or those looking for a quick way to elevate their space and eliminate the need to use your big light.”