Vanity Lighting Size
Choosing the right size for bathroom vanity lights is an important step. The size of a vanity light depends on the size of your bathroom and the amount of light needed. Determining the appropriate dimensions for bathroom lights will help you choose the right sized light for the room. Also consider where the fixture will be installed. Furnishings, like a vanity, pedestal sink and bathroom mirror, will determine the type and placement. Vanity lights are sized according to the number of light sources and are available in single vanity lights or multi-light fixtures. A three-light vanity light is a popular size and works in practically any bathroom type.
Vanity Lighting Types
You need both ambient and task lighting in the bathroom. Vanity lights mounted with shades pointed up provide ambient light, and those with shades pointed down provide task light. Select a combination of the lighting options below to round out your lighting scheme.
Vanity Lights
Vanity lights mounted on either side of the bathroom mirror paired with a multi-light vanity light above create the ultimate ambient/task light combo. The vanity lights provide cross-illumination, making activities like applying makeup, shaving or flossing, much easier.
Multiple-Light Vanity Lights
Multiple-light vanity lights have from two to twelve lights. The three-light vanity light is a popular choice and fits most bathroom and vanity sizes. Depending on the position they’re mounted (up-facing or down-facing), they can supply ambient or task lighting.
Mix-and-Match Vanity Lights
These mix-and-match setups allow you to buy the base and the shades separately so you can create a customized light fixture.
Be sure bathroom lighting that may come in contact with water is wet-rated.
Vanity Lighting Styles and Shades
Shades
Vanity light shades
come in different shade styles as well as shapes. These bathroom shade styles give you many options to choose from to customize the look of your bathroom. Choose a classic bell shape for a traditional bath or a cylinder shape for a modern look. Bathroom shade designs are typically glass. Go with a textured shade to add dimension or a simple clear shade to get more light output. Popular bathroom light shades include:
- Clear glass
- Frosted glass
- Frosted ribbed glass
- Hammered glass
- White etched glass
- Alabaster glass
- White opal glass
Find a bathroom light that complements the finishes of your sink, tub and shower faucets for a unified look. Popular bathroom light finishes include:
- Chrome
- Brushed nickel
- Stainless steel
Installation
Most vanity lights can be mounted with lights pointed up or down. Remember to mount the fixture with the lights pointed up for ambient lighting and pointed down for task lighting. Refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for step-by-step instructions, safety, warning and caution information. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Vanity Light Bulbs
Don’t forget light bulbs. Things like color temperature, lumens and wattage all factor into your room’s quality of light. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), especially ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs, help lower energy costs. These have a lower wattage but provide the same light output as higher-wattage incandescent bulbs. LEDs are also cool to the touch. In general, look for a warm white color temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, a bright white color temperature for kitchens and workspaces, and a daylight color temperature for reading nooks and studies. Cool white bulbs are particularly good for vanity light bars and wall-mount sconces. For more information on light bulbs,
check out the Light Bulb Buying Guide.