How wide should a vanity light be?

Category: home and garden interior decorating
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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.



Furthermore, 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.

Also, how do I choose the right light for my bathroom vanity? 7 Must-Read Tips On Choosing Bathroom Lighting
  1. Consider Side-Mounted Sconces. Side-mounted sconces, like this one, are one of the best lighting options for a bathroom.
  2. Plan for Layers of Light.
  3. Use Pendants as an Alternative.
  4. Stick to Similar Finishes.
  5. Remember the Tub Area.
  6. Choose Brass or Chrome for Versatility.
  7. A Fixture's Size Matters.

Then, can vanity light be wider 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.

How do you choose a bathroom vanity size?

Keep in mind that you'll need to allow for an extra inch worth of counter top space, both width and depth, if you're buying a 36-inch vanity without a top. Pro Tip: The standard bathroom vanity is around 32 inches tall, but sizes range from 30 to 36 inches.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Should bathroom vanity lights face up or down?

Bath Vanity Lighting Placement
Normally the light should be centered over the basin at about 66” above the floor, and always if possible on the wall not the ceiling. If two sinks are being used each should have its own light, do not attempt to share a light if possible.

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.

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.

Where should bathroom vanity lights be placed?

The primary place to hang wall sconces in the bathroom is on both sides of the bathroom vanity mirror, providing ideal lighting for the sink area. The American Lighting Association's general rule is to mount them 65 to 70 inches from the floor, at about eye level.

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 do you design a bathroom light?

For functional and visually pleasing lighting in a bathroom, work these strategies into your lighting plan:
  1. Prevent vanity shadows.
  2. Fancy up the tub.
  3. Light a footpath.
  4. Jazz up a mirror.
  5. Task.
  6. Accent.
  7. Decorative.
  8. Ambient.

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.

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.

How high should vanity lights be above mirror?


The standard height for vanity lighting above bathroom mirrors is 75” to 80” from the finished floor to the center of the light fixture.

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.

What kind of lighting is best for applying makeup?

The best condition for applying makeup is a warm or natural light source. Natural sunlight provides the most accurate reflection of your face, but for those cloudy days when fresh rays aren't an option, warm white light, like LED, is the next best thing.

What LED light is best for bathroom?

The Best Dimmable LED Light Bulbs
If you're looking to control the brightness in your bathroom, Hyperikon's dimmable A19 LED light bulbs are ideal, as they can be adjusted from 100 percent brightness all the way down to 20 percent.

How bright should a bathroom light be?

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.

How do I choose bathroom accessories?


First of all, you should:
  1. Decide on what you want.
  2. Asses the available space and the layout of your bathroom.
  3. Another tip is to ensure you focus on the basic and most essential accessories.
  4. Do not be over conscious.
  5. Select a plain style with neutral colours.
  6. Consider the functionality of the accessories.

Do you need special lights for bathrooms?

Zone 1 - is above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25 metres above floor level and a light fitting with a minimum of IPx4 is needed here. There is no longer a specific IP number for this area and any light fitting can be used unless it is specifically marked as not for use in bathrooms.

Where do you hang pendant lights over bathroom vanity?

You should hang your pendant light at least two feet from the top of the ceiling. You can also measure your bathroom from the floor to the ceiling.