Can a vanity light be wider than the mirror?

While you want to ensure you have plenty of light, be sure to choose one that is no wider than your vanity or cabinet width, which may be wider than your mirror. Most people choose vanity bar lights that are about 75 percent of the mirror's total width.

Just so, how wide should vanity light be compared to mirror?

The ideal width is at least 28 inches apart, and centered at 60 inches above the floor. If you choose to place your lights above the mirror, the width of your fixture should be at least 1/3 the width of the vanity mirror, but should never exceed its total width.

Likewise, how big of a vanity light do I need? It should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts — ideally spread over a fixture that's at least 24 inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face. The shower is a secondary area of task lighting.

In this way, should bathroom vanity lights shine up or down?

Downward Lighting vs. This light is softer and creates less shadowing and glare. It works well when the ceiling and bathroom are light in color to reflect the light. Most Vanity Bath Lights are designed to face up or down.

How big of a light fixture do I need?

A general rule of thumb formula can be used to determine an appropriate diameter for ceiling fixtures. To determine this, measure the length and width of the room. Add those two numbers together and then convert the total into inches. So if your room is 10 feet by 12 feet, the ceiling fixture should be 22 inches wide.

35 Related Question Answers Found

How do I choose the right light for my bathroom vanity?

7 Must-Read Tips On Choosing Bathroom Lighting

Consider Side-Mounted Sconces. Side-mounted sconces, like this one, are one of the best lighting options for a bathroom.
Plan for Layers of Light.
Use Pendants as an Alternative.
Stick to Similar Finishes.
Remember the Tub Area.
Choose Brass or Chrome for Versatility.
A Fixture's Size Matters.

Are LED lights good for bathroom vanity?

LED and fluorescent fixtures are available for bathroom lighting. These are great energy efficient options that last a long time, and many LED Bath Bars and LED Vanity Lights are dimmable when paired with the appropriate dimmer.

How do you design a bathroom light?

For functional and visually pleasing lighting in a bathroom, work these strategies into your lighting plan:

Prevent vanity shadows.
Fancy up the tub.
Light a footpath.
Jazz up a mirror.
Task.
Accent.
Decorative.
Ambient.

Where should bathroom sconces be placed?

Generally, we recommend placing wall sconces near a mirror as task lighting. When installing sconces on either side of the vanity, it's best to install bathroom sconces between 60”-65” from the floor. The height of the sconce should land just around eye level, preventing unflattering shadows or harsh glares.

How many lights should be in a bathroom?

In the master or guest bathrooms, use fixtures that provide at least 75 to 100 watts of illumination, says Randall Whitehead, a well-known lighting expert and author of Residential Lighting, a Practical Guide. You can also get these light equivalents in a 24-watt fluorescent or a 20-watt LED, he adds.

How do you light a small bathroom?

Start With the Ceiling and Vanity Light, Then Work Your Way Down. First, ceiling–mounted or recessed lighting overhead for general illumination. You'll also want to light the vanity area with some excellent task lighting, which can be a fixture above the mirror or sconces on either side.

What is the best lighting for makeup?

The Best Way to Light Your Face for Perfect Makeup

All makeup artists agree natural daylight is best. It's evenly diffused and clear, so you can easily see when something isn't blended properly.
Natural white light is the next best thing.
Avoid yellow, rose, and fluorescent lights.
Stand directly in front of your light.

What is uplighting and downlighting?

Uplighting refers to lights that are mounted to shine their light upward and are installed at low or ground level. Downlighting refers to lights that shine their light downward; so they would be installed at a higher to point to create this downward light effect.

How high should a vanity mirror be?

Here are three easy tricks to determine the optimal mirror height: Hang the mirror 5” to 10” inches above the sink. Hang the mirror a few inches above the highest part of the faucet. Center the mirror in between the vanity lighting and the sink.

Where do recessed lights go over vanity?

Place the recessed fixture 1/2 the distance of the depth of the vanity, from the wall. You want to have equal distance off the center of the sink. This will give even illumination to both sides of the face. Using one overhead fixture will create more shadows and uneven lighting on the face and make it harder to see.

Should mirrors be centered over bathroom sinks?

As a rule, the mirror should measure several inches less than the vanity or sink area. For example, if you've chosen a 48" single sink vanity, you will want to select a mirror that's width (frame included) doesn't exceed 48 inches. To make sure the mirror doesn't overpower the room, aim for 42-44 inches total.

Should vanity light be smaller than mirror?

While you want to ensure you have plenty of light, be sure to choose one that is no wider than your vanity or cabinet width, which may be wider than your mirror. Most people choose vanity bar lights that are about 75 percent of the mirror's total width.

What kind of lightbulb do I need for bathroom vanity?

Incandescent bulbs: These bulbs should have a “white” color indicated (warm white or cool white) or have a color temperature is between 2700K and 3000K. Compact Fluorescent bulbs: Contrary to popular belief, CFL bulbs can be a good choice for bathrooms—as long as their Color Rendering Index (CRI) is 90 or above.

What type of lighting is best for bathroom?

The best type of light bulb for the bathroom is one that is energy efficient, has a cool light output, and illuminates the full spectrum of lights. CFLs and LEDs: Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) use about 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts about 8-15 times longer.

Should bathroom lights match fixtures?

Fixtures and hardware do not have to match in the same room -- in fact, mixing metallic finishes is a trend that's gaining ground. When light fixtures and hardware display strong tonal contrast, other décor elements in similar shades can establish visual balance.

How big should my medicine cabinet be?

A single medicine cabinet's width should be equal to or less than that of the sink or vanity over which it sits. It should be centered over the vanity or sink. Keep it at eye level and arm's length when standing in front of the sink.

What is vanity lighting?

A vanity light, also known as a vanity bar, is a long light fixture mounted above the bathroom mirror. The counter and mirror are the focal point of the bathroom, and vanity lighting draws attention to this important spot. Vanity lights and vanity bars come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.