Getting the Heat Right in Your Bathroom
When you’re picking out infrared lamps for the bathroom, the instinct is usually to just go for the most powerful one on the shelf. But that’s actually a mistake. Here’s the thing: infrared doesn’t warm up the air; it warms up you. If you get the power wrong, you’ll end up with weird cold spots or a power bill that makes you wince. It’s all about balancing the heat with the size of your room. Finding your sweet spot If you’ve just got a tiny powder room—you know, those small spaces under 4m²—a single 400W to 600W shortwave lamp does the trick. You flip the switch, and you feel that warmth instantly. No waiting around. For a medium bathroom (around 4m² to 8m²), you’re looking at 800W to 1200W. My advice? Don’t put all those watts in one spot. Split them across two lamps. It makes the whole room feel cozy instead of just one corner. Then you’ve got the big master baths. If you’re over 8m², you’ll need 1500W or more. But be careful here. If you just install one massive lamp, you’ll create a “hot zone” right underneath it while the rest of the room stays freezing. Spread the heat out. Power vs. Your Electric Bill The higher the wattage, the faster it gets hot. Shortwave lamps are great because they hit their peak temperature almost immediately. That’s perfect for a bathroom where you only need the heat for 10 or 15 minutes while you’re getting ready. But wait—keep an eye on your breaker. If you start hanging three or four 1000W lamps in one room, you might trip your circuit. It’s worth double-checking what your wiring can actually handle before you start installing everything. A few practical tips Since this is a bathroom, steam is the enemy. Make sure your lamps are IP-rated for moisture. If water vapor hits a scorching hot quartz tube, the glass can actually crack from the shock. Not a great look. Also, mount them high—at least 2.1 meters up. It keeps people from accidentally touching the hot surface, and it lets the heat spread out in a wider cone. It’s the best way to make sure you’re actually feeling the warmth you’re paying for.