Lowes Bathroom Lights Over Mirror (2024)

FAQs

Should bathroom lights hang over mirror? ›

Vanity lights are usually mounted above or on either side of the mirror, or both above and to the sides. Vanity lighting is task lighting. It should be bright and targeted, so you can see what you are doing without distracting shadows.

If you are hanging a vanity light of your mirror, the light fixture should be around a third of the width of your mirror. It shouldn't be any longer than the mirror's width. For vanities with a wider countertop or that have two sinks, you can explore a multi-light vanity fixture.

Some vanity lights are even more versatile, because they can be mounted with glass or diffuser up or down. With the exposed light bulb facing down there will be a bit more light, but glare will increase. With diffuser/glassware facing up, some light may be blocked, but the glare can be reduced.

Fluorescent or LED lighting is ideal for bathrooms because both choices emit much less heat than incandescent lighting, last longer and save energy. Increasing the amount of light in the bathroom is also especially ideal for older eyes.

Vertical Fixtures and Sconces

Vertical fixtures or sconces can be mounted on either side of the mirror and are ideal for casting even light across the face, minimizing shadows, and providing optimal illumination for grooming.

For double-sink vanities or those with wider countertops, a multi-light vanity fixture above mirror can be a good solution—choose a configuration of two, three or four lights—and ensure the light is about three-quarters the width of the mirror or no wider than the cabinet, regardless of how the mirrors are installed.

The lights should be evenly spaced on either side of the mirror, at approximately eye level. Avoid placing the lights above the mirror, as this can cast unflattering shadows on the face. If space permits, consider installing additional vanity lights above the mirror or on the ceiling for overall ambient lighting.

Side Lighting

A traditional approach is to install sconces on the sides of your mirror. Vanity sconce lights should generally be installed 60 to 70 inches above the floor.

The standard bath vanity light height is roughly 75 inches to 80 inches from the floor, above the mirror. If your bathroom mirror height is above the recommended vanity lighting height, there's no need to change it.

Types of Lighting to Use in Bathrooms

Use high color rendering index, or CRI, bulbs of 80 or higher in bathrooms. Since the space is used for focused tasks like makeup and shaving, you will want lighting that allows you to best see those activities.

Should vanity lights be warm or cool? ›

(Hint: Try warm white 2700-3000 kelvins (K) for the most flattering bathroom lighting).

A larger vanity usually requires more light fixtures with more bulbs, so select accordingly. For a 72-inch vanity, a lighting fixture with three or four bulbs is recommended. Finally, consider the style of the fixture and make sure it matches the style of the vanity.

An effective option is a double row of recessed ceiling fixtures over the vanity. Small powder rooms typically require a light above the mirror, a fixture on each side of the mirror, and a ceiling light directed toward the front edge of the vanity countertop.

Consider eye level when it comes to reducing glare and ensuring that the tallest person in the space can't see down into the sconce. Allow 4 inches of space on either side of the mirror that you want to flank with sconces. That 4 inches provides the space for the sconce's electrical panel.

You can backlight any type of mirror as long as there's enough space between the frame and the wall to fit LED strips and a suitable power source is available.