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The Best Ways to Light Your Bathroom

April 9, 2024

Lighting Expert, @lightsdotcom

Well-considered bathroom lighting elevates functionality, ensuring you can comfortably attend to daily grooming tasks with precision. The right lighting can also contribute to a calming, spa-like ambiance, transforming your bathroom into a sanctuary of well-being. To help you get started, we offer a bit of advice on how to illuminate your bathroom with a variety of lighting fixtures.

Task lighting for the mirror

For daily grooming, you’ll need even lighting around the mirror that won’t cause unhelpful shadows.

You can achieve this with a few different combinations of vanity lights. Depending on your preference and size of the bathroom mirror, place a single vanity light above the mirror or two shorter wall sconces flanking it. In the case of larger mirrors, consider using all three.

Suggested measurements:

  • Flanking sconces should be approximately 36-40” from one another and the center of each should be approximately 66” above the floor.
  • A vanity light above the mirror should be centered and placed approximately 75-80” above the floor.

Hot tips:

  • To reduce glare, opt for translucent or frosted lights.
  • Dimmer capability allows you to adjust the lights for the function or mood.
  • Avoid fabric shades as they tend to deteriorate in moist environments.
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount, Aged Brass

Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount, Aged Brass

Flush mount or recessed lighting for evenly diffused light

Small bathrooms can often be entirely lit with the task lighting from the mirror alone. Larger bathrooms, however, benefit from general overhead lighting. We recommend a flush mount ceiling fixture for light that’s evenly distributed.

Hot tip:

  • Avoid placing the ceiling light directly overhead, as it can cause unsightly and unhelpful shadows. Instead, make a note of where you stand in front of the mirror and offset the fixture so that it is not exactly above.
  • Be safe. Bathroom fixtures should alwasy be damp-rated. When it comes to bathroom lighting, consider hiring an electrician that is knowledgeable in the national electrical codes.
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
A contemporary bathroom with the Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass, mounted over a circular gold mirror on a red marble tile wall.
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
A contemporary bathroom with the Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass, mounted over a circular gold mirror on a red marble tile wall.
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass
Open Box Ian LED Vanity Light, Matte Black and Aged Brass

Ian LED Vanity Light 25", Matte Black and Aged Brass

$379.00
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
A transitional bathroom featuring the Carlisle 3 Light Vanity in matte black and brushed brass above a gold-framed mirror and green marble countertops under a sloped ceiling.
A transitional bathroom featuring the Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass, installed above a gold round mirror against green floral wallpaper.
Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
A transitional bathroom featuring the Carlisle 3 Light Vanity in matte black and brushed brass above a gold-framed mirror and green marble countertops under a sloped ceiling.
A transitional bathroom featuring the Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass, installed above a gold round mirror against green floral wallpaper.
Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass
Open Box Carlisle 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black and Brushed Brass

Carlisle 3 Light Vanity 24", Matte Black and Brushed Brass

$199.00
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
A contemporary bathroom with two matte black Wendell LED Vanity Lights mounted above round mirrors and a white marble countertop with a charcoal floating vanity.
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
A contemporary bathroom with two matte black Wendell LED Vanity Lights mounted above round mirrors and a white marble countertop with a charcoal floating vanity.
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24
Wendell LED Vanity Light 24

Wendell LED Vanity Light 24", Matte Black

$119.00
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
A transitional bathroom with the Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black featuring white glass globes mounted above a mirror with botanical wallpaper and navy wainscoting.
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
A transitional bathroom with the Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black featuring white glass globes mounted above a mirror with botanical wallpaper and navy wainscoting.
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black
Talia 3 Light Vanity, Matte Black

Talia 3 Light Vanity 24", Matte Black

$329.00
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20
Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20

Barclay 2 Light Wall Sconce 20", Polished Nickel

$349.00
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11
Claxton Wall Sconce 11

Claxton Wall Sconce 11", Polished Nickel

$149.00
Dora Flush Mount 10
Dora Flush Mount 10
Dora Flush Mount 10
Dora Flush Mount 10

Dora Flush Mount 10", Polished Nickel with Opal Glass

$239.00
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25
Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25

Connor 2 Light Wall Sconce 25", Polished Nickel

$299.00
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
A transitional foyer featuring the Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14 inch in aged brass installed along a ceiling with pink floral wallpaper and white crown molding.
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
A transitional foyer featuring the Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14 inch in aged brass installed along a ceiling with pink floral wallpaper and white crown molding.
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14
Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14

Joni LED Alabaster Flush Mount 14", Aged Brass

$429.00
Edda Wall Sconce 11
A traditional bathroom with two patina brass and fluted milk glass wall sconces flanking a scalloped mirror above a white console sink and mauve floral wallpaper.
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
A traditional bathroom with two patina brass and fluted milk glass wall sconces flanking a scalloped mirror above a white console sink and mauve floral wallpaper.
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11
Edda Wall Sconce 11

Edda Wall Sconce 11", Patina Brass and Fluted Milk Glass

$239.00
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14
Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14

Jonah Medium LED Flush Mount 14", Aged Brass

$809.00
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
A transitional bathroom featuring a Cian LED Wall Sconce in aged brass and milk glass mounted next to an arched gold mirror above blue wainscoting.
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
A transitional bathroom featuring a Cian LED Wall Sconce in aged brass and milk glass mounted next to an arched gold mirror above blue wainscoting.
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18
Cian LED Wall Sconce 18

Cian LED Wall Sconce 18", Aged Brass and Milk Glass

$199.00
1698786067-LC005361_LS01_ROM914_1500-1.jpg__PID:19cc941b-8cee-4686-9c20-7d6827d3d285
Ori 3 Light Vanity, Matte Brass for Modern Farmhouse home with Beige Tile

Left: Sutton 1 Light Wall Sconce shown in Aged Brass. Right: Ori 3 Light Vanity in Matte Brass

Q&A: Submit your question

All questions are answered within 24 hours.

For the LED mirror above a 26" wide vanity, we would recommend a 20-24" mirror. A bathroom mirror should not be greater than the width of your vanity, in order to achieve the best balanced look. If you have the space around the mirror, we do like additional sconce lights, installed on a dimmer, to add layered lighting.

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