VANITY LIGHTING GUIDE

Lighting is critical in every room – especially the bathroom. The same rules apply for the bathroom as the kitchen: include ambient, task, and accent lighting. The more you can layer your lighting, the better. You don’t want to overwhelm a small bathroom, but the layers of light create a level of function (and perceived luxury!) that you will appreciate with daily use.

Layers of Lighting for your Bathroom

General lighting is your consistent, even blanket layer of lighting. Recessed or flush mount fixtures would serve as general light but in some cases your vanity lights will have to serve as general lighting in addition to task lighting.

Your next layer is your task lighting – vanity lighting. This provides the source of light that would help you carry out daily tasks, i.e., washing your face, makeup applications, shaving, etc. Either an overhead vanity light, which serves as both general and task depending on the number of lumens that it delivers, or even wall sconces. Over the mirror vanity lights should span ¾ of the width of your mirror.

For small bathrooms, keep a clean and minimal aesthetic with maximum performance. Your only option may be a single vanity light but if you can make it work, wall sconces are a wonderful way to go. The way the light casts evenly on your face is beautiful and there are never any unflattering shadows.

In a bathroom, accent lighting could be your under-cabinet lighting. Near the base of your bathroom vanity, putting LED tape lighting is a nice feature. It acts like a soft, glowing guide in the middle of the night (when you are still half asleep), so there is no need to turn on the lights. In addition to that, you can put these on a sensor switch so that they automatically turn on and off when you enter or exit the bathroom. Furthermore, you can install Wi-Fi LED tape lighting kits that you can set routines to!

The Powder Room

Your lighting rules change dramatically with a powder room. The powder room is all about the mood. You want to provide soft flattering light for your guests. Beautiful wall sconces flanking the mirror would be ideal, but if this is not an option consider a dimmer switch for an over the mirror vanity light.

If you can install wall sconces in your bathroom, you want to mount the backplate at eye level (60-65" from the floor) and at least 28 inches apart.

If you are considering pendants, be aware of where the light will be casting. Is it focusing down onto your countertop? Is it giving a little glow? Is it glaring into your sight line and blinding your guests? You may love the look but consider the function and how you want the light to shine.

How Can we Help?

Remodeling a full bathroom? Adding some simple lighting updates? Book an appointment to talk to one of our lighting specialists today!

Lighting Controls

Always consider your lighting controls for your bathroom. We recommend a sensor switch (auto on/auto off, or manual on/auto off) and timer switch for the fan in your bathroom. There are many stylish yet practical options to consider - options that save on energy consumption and power bills.