People are obsessing over this viral shower lamp – here’s what you need to know
Showering is something we have to do — but, when done properly, the experience can also help us relax and rejuvenate. Enter: the viral TikTok shower lamp to turn every quick wash into a spa moment.
Whether you've just crawled out of bed or you're unwinding from a long day, a soothing shower (with one of these best shower gels) can serve as a momentary escape from the stresses of everyday life. However, using bright, overhead lighting, AKA the big light, can risk killing the relaxing vibe. The problem is, not all bathrooms have multiple light sources — and that's where the viral shower lamp idea comes in. Yes, it's the ultimate lightbulb moment.
Battery Operated Table Lamp
What is TikTok's shower lamp?
The trend started when McKenna Barry — a home decor content creator — shared a video of her chic shower set-up, which includes a cordless table lamp and waterproof speaker on a shelf suctioned to the bathroom tiles.
“I used to feel like showering was such a drag and I honestly loathed it — it felt like a chore,” says Barry. “I've been on a bit of a self-healing journey, learning to be intentional about caring for and being kind to my body and my soul. Sometimes that means finding little ways to romanticise the mundane. By adding a silly waterproof lamp and waterproof speaker to the shower, I've come to truly look forward to shower time."
I can relate to McKenna in the sense that the brightness of the main bathroom light can be a bit much at 7am in the morning when my eyes have yet to peel themselves open from sleep. I'm also one to opt for an array of scented candles over the big light when relaxing in the bath – warmer, ambient lighting creates a soothing atmosphere and I can almost imagine that I'm in one of the world's best spa hotels rather than sat at home in the tub.
Ever since seeing these waterproof lamps pop up all over TikTok, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a similar design. And, yes, before you ask, it's both waterproof and cordless...
My honest review of the TikTok shower lamp
This waterproof lamp from Egobasic has a USB-C rechargeable battery and three light settings, so you can create a customised shower experience.
Set-up and ease of use
The lamp arrived in parts but the assembly was a breeze – simply pop the pole into the base and secure it with the provided screw and screwdriver. Then, you just need to twist the lamp head into the top end of the pole and you're good to go. I set mine on the edge of my bathtub and cycled through the light settings by pulling on the toggle.
Design
The toggle is made of string, which doesn't look or feel very high quality but it still does its job well, allowing you to easily switch between a warm-white, warm and cool white light depending on your shower mood.
In a similar way to the toggle, the lamp head isn't a premium design. It's made of plastic and looks fairly cheap when it's switched off. However, in use, it shines brightly and the ambient glow is certainly worthwhile.
Boasting an IP54 rating, the lamp shouldn't be exposed to constant water, but it can handle water splashes, so it's perfectly safe to place in the bathroom or in your shower cubicle. It can also be used outdoors with no issues and would look great next to your best garden furniture or on camping trips.
For a full battery, you'll need to charge the lamp for four to five hours, but from there, it will last up to 16 hours on the brightest setting and up to 24 hours on its dimmest. As I'm only using it during showers or baths, the battery is suitably long-lasting and the bright light is convenient for adding a comforting glow.
Ambience
Personally, I found the white lights too harsh, so I opted for the warm white setting instead, which cast a soothing glow over my bathroom.
It was during bath time that it had the biggest impact. Like most, I love a candlelit bath but I can sometimes be quite sensitive to the strong scents and end up with a headache if I sit around candles for too long. This lamp solves that issue, offering all the cosy benefits, without the overpowering scents and naked flame.
Note, those who suffer from migraines might also find it a more soothing option for the bathroom.
When I used it in the shower, the lamp didn't wow me as much. It still offered the same glow – and gave me a reprieve from the big light – but it wasn't as relaxing; let's face it, showers are more for speed or waking up than winding down.
My final verdict on the viral shower lamp
If you have strong feelings about the big light in other areas of your home, or want stylish lighting you can move outside for those alfresco dinners, I recommend investing in this handy little lamp. The light is effective and shone brightly.
Priced under £40, it's an affordable buy that makes bath time feel like even more of a treat. And if it's not one for you, it would also make an excellent gift.
What to consider before buying a shower lamp
Make sure the lamp is battery-operated and waterproof. It's not safe to use a plug-in lamp in the bathroom or any place where the appliance could get wet, as you could risk electrocution.
Check the product's IP rating. Every product is given an IP rating, which reflects whether it's water and/or dust-resistant. The one in this article has an IP rating of 54, which means it has a level five dust rating and a level four water-resistance rating. The highest rating available is IP69, which means a product is dust-tight and protected against high pressure jets of water. If you're unsure what a product's IP rating means, you can Google descriptions for each number — but as a general rule, a higher number is best.
Note, you may have to clean it more often. While placing the shower lamp further from water, soap and shampoo will help, it will require regular cleaning. It's likely your shower lamp will need to be wiped dry regularly to prevent a build-up of soap scum or mould.
Shop the waterproof shower lamp on Amazon
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