Best Vanity Lighting For Your Bathroom

Whether it's a complete renovation or just refreshing the bathroom's look, vanity lighting is a key component of a well-appointed bathroom. Lighting that enhances your design can make the bathroom a more attractive space for every day "me time" as well as a practical, functional space for checking getting ready for the day's activities. There's a wide spectrum of design choices for bathroom lighting, including fixture type, style, and placement as well as illumination needs.

What Is Vanity Lighting?

All homes have some type of bathroom lighting. Some houses, especially older ones, have either no vanity lighting or only vanity lighting illuminating the entire space. At the most basic level, vanity lighting refers to the lighting over the bathroom sink, installed either above or alongside the mirror. The mirror may be mounted on the wall above the sink or part of the medicine cabinet. No matter where the mirror is placed, the lighting requirements are the same.

The light around the vanity is most likely one part of the bathroom lighting design. Like any room, the bathroom will benefit from a design that includes layers of light, such as accent, task, and ambient lighting. If the bathroom is small, it may have only one light source, and in this case it should be the vanity light since it can serve as general and task lighting.

Choosing the Right Vanity Lighting for Your Mirror

The layout and size of the bathroom will determine the vanity lighting for the space. For a single-sink vanity, a pair of wall sconces flanking the mirror about 28-30 inches apart at eye-level will provide adequate, flattering, and even illumination for the vanity area. Installing a light above the mirror can also be an option. The light should be about one-third the width of the mirror and should never be longer than the mirror.

For double-sink vanities or vanities with wider counters, a multi-light fixture above the vanity mirror is a good option. Depending on the space in the bathroom, fixtures with 2, 3, or 4 lights may be installed. The fixture should be about three quarters the width of the mirror and no wider than the cabinet, no matter how the mirrors are installed. Another option is to mount a pair of vanity lights, one over each sink.

Vanity Light Styles

The style of vanity lighting is guided by aesthetic and personal style, and the choices are virtually endless. However, there are a few things to consider. Lights mounted alongside a mirror will provide lighting that is more even than lights mounted above the mirror. Another thing to think about is that asymmetry creates shadows. Avoid overhead lighting if possible, particularly recessed lighting, since this type of lighting can cause shadows that make it difficult to perform vanity tasks.

Here is a quick breakdown of the different vanity lighting styles:

• Vanity light bar—this light fixture is generally installed above the mirror and can have 2, 3, or 4 bulbs. It can mix with many décor styles.
• Wall sconces—used in pairs around the vanity, wall sconces can make a statement.
• Pendant lights—suspended from the ceiling, pendant lights are a great option for bathrooms with limited wall space as well as a stylish design choice.

If the space is limited or the architecture prevents mounting lights above the vanity, consider mounting them on the mirror's surface. Another option is to hang a pair of pendants that will act as wall sconces but take up less wall space.

Frosted globes, glass, or bulbs create more light diffusion and offset any shadows that can affect the visibility in the vanity mirror. If the bathroom is small or the sink is set into an alcove, and there is little to no wall space alongside the mirror, mounting sconces on the walls running perpendicular to the sink can illuminate the area.

Determine How Much Light Is Needed

For the numerous tasks performed in front of the bathroom vanity mirror, getting the lighting right ensures that no detail is missed. As with any type of task lighting, the level of brightness is key. A minimum value of about 1600 lumens is recommended for vanity lighting. However, if the fixture has an integrated LED light sources, the added efficiency provides the right amount of illumination with about 1200 lumens. Another option is to go for the higher level of lumen output and install dimmers to control the light level.

Installation Tips

When creating a pleasing aesthetic while keeping the bathroom functional, accent lighting, task lighting, and overall placement become important. While there are many types and styles of bathroom lighting available, some placement strategies that work well, no matter what type of light or overall décor in the bathroom.

Avoid installing vanity lighting directly overhead; this causes harsh shadows that don't flatter features. Keeping lights symmetrical is the best vanity lighting placement to ensure that the light in the space is balanced.

Where to Buy the Best Vanity Lighting for Your Home?

When looking for the best vanity lighting, specialty lighting stores are the best bet. Not only because they have a wide variety of stunning vanity lights to choose from. But also because they are staffed with experts who can provide advice for lighting bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. Find a lighting store near you and see what type and style of vanity fixtures are best for your lighting needs.