Farmhouse Chic Vanity Light
There are some tasks that require strong, direct light, like shaving or applying makeup. And when you need a lot of illumination, vanity lights are a fantastic option since they work best when positioned above your mirror or medicine chest. We’re partial to the Allen + Roth® Vanity Light for its farmhouse style and variety of finishes (antique bronze, glossy white and antique pewter).
The inside of this dimmable fixture is painted white, which bounces the light off the metal shade and into your bathroom. The fixture comes with mounting hardware and detailed instructions for easy installation.
When choosing a vanity light to install above a mirror, always consider (and measure) the dimensions of your mirror. This should guide the length of your vanity light. Even then, you’ve got options: Opt for a single bar vanity light for a continuous fixture above your mirror. If you have a double sink set-up, consider placing a separate vanity light over each basin instead of centering a single unit between the two sinks.
Here’s a tip that works with any vanity light: Boost it with a pair of sconces on either side for additional brightness.
Contemporary Wall Sconce
Alone or paired with another style of bathroom lighting, wall sconces are a quick way to add a unique design element to your space. Wall sconces, which come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and light configurations, look great installed above or alongside your mirror or medicine cabinet.
The LNC Gold Modern Wall Sconce is a great example of a fixture that breaks the traditional lighting design mold. Flanked by slim gold bars, three oversized globe shades offer a soft, ambient light. Installed vertically or horizontally, the dimmable sconce is a luxe upgrade made easy, thanks to step-by-step installation instructions. If you’re opting for a pair of sconces on either side of a mirror, look for semi-opaque shades: This ensures that the light will be diffused and won’t blast you with an uncomfortable amount of light every time you flip the switch on.
Design-Forward Wall Sconce
If you’re less worried about shepherding a ton of brightness into your space, a moody wall sconce, such as the Dainolite Crescent Modern Wall Sconce, can pack a lot of personality.
Designed to accommodate a 25-watt bulb, this wall sconce casts a soft glow while also adding some modernist drama with its curvaceous, matte black hardware and large, semi-opaque globe shade. A design like this also works well to softly illuminate a hallway leading to your guest bathroom or a separate toilet closet within a larger bath.
Rustic Vanity Lights Can Anchor Your Design
Available in three or four bulb models, the Kichler Barrington Black Rustin Vanity Light combines distressed black metal and a wood-tone finish that works well in traditional and rustic decors.
Each light comes with starter bulbs, instructions for easy installation, and mounting hardware. The subtle seeding visible in the glass shades adds a bit of texture and visual interest even when the light is turned off.
If you find that you’re sensitive to light, consider opting for a warmer colored light bulb. An easy way to do this is to buy a bulb with less kelvins and lumens. If you’re looking to run with the rustic theme, avoid bold colors and instead lean into earthier bath linens, wooden accessories, and a more neutral paint palette.
Semi-Flush Mount Lights: A Great Option for Smaller Spaces
When you’re refreshing a compact bathroom or half-bath, you may not have enough wall space to consider using vanity lights or sconces. If that’s the case, look for a semi-flush mount light.
These designs are installed on the ceiling and provide direct light from above.
Available in chrome and matte black, the affordable Allen + Roth® Incandescent Semi-flush Mount Light combines distressed black metal and a wood-tone finish that works well in traditional and rustic decors. Each light comes with starter bulbs, instructions for easy installation, and mounting hardware.
The subtle seeding visible in the glass shades adds a bit of texture and visual interest even when the light is turned off. If you find that you’re sensitive to light, consider opting for a warmer colored light bulb. An easy way to do this is to buy a bulb with less kelvins and lumens. If you’re looking to run with the rustic theme, avoid bold colors and instead lean into earthier bath linens, wooden accessories and a more neutral paint palette.