Vanity Lighting Guide
Vanity lighting isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s an essential for a beautifully designed bathroom! The right lighting can make your bathroom feel luxurious, functional, and oh-so-flattering (because while overhead lighting is necessary, no one wants it first thing in the morning). While style is important, placement is just as crucial—hang a sconce too high or a pendant too low, and suddenly, things feel… off. And we definitely don’t want that!
In this blog, we’re sharing our go-to lighting placement tips, some favorite fixtures, and plenty of inspiration to help you get that perfect glow.
Happy reading!
SCONCES
Sconces are the go-to for vanity lighting, and for good reason. They provide even, flattering light and have a chic, elegant vibe.
Placement Tips & Ideas:
Typically, you’ll mount sconces at eye level—about 60”-65” from the floor or centered to the halfway mark of your vanity mirror.
You can choose to mount them higher if you’d like just don’t go higher than the mirror!
Make sure the fixture isn’t placed on the wall past the end of the vanity/counter.
When working with a double vanity and double mirror, consider adding a third sconce in the middle!
If you have a small vanity and can’t do side sconces, don’t force it! Consider an over-the-mirror fixture instead (more on that below). Consider placing the sconces on the walls perpendicular to the vanity mirror.
If you have a large single mirror, consider mounting the sconce on top of the mirror! This will require drilling through the mirror but it’s a fun look!
SCONCE FAVORITES
Over Vanity Lighting
If you’re working with a tight space or just prefer the look, an over-the-mirror light is a great option. Over-vanity lighting is a great choice for several reasons, it’s ideal for daily tasks like applying makeup or shaving, it’s great for a tight space and overall, it’s a timeless look.
Placement Tips & Ideas:
Install it about 75”-80” from the floor or at least 3” above the mirror for optimal lighting. If your mirror is extra tall, just make sure the fixture isn’t too far above eye level.
Vanity lighting should never hang over the mirror.
Look for a fixture that’s about ¾” the width of your mirror—too small and it won’t be effective, too big and it can overwhelm the space.
Don’t forget dimmers—adjustable lighting can make all the difference in setting the right mood!
VANITY LIGHTING WE LOVE
PENDANTS
Pendant lights in a bathroom? Absolutely! They add a touch of drama and work beautifully in modern or luxe bathrooms. The key is to make sure they provide enough light and don’t interfere with your mirror or sink area.
Placement Tips & Ideas:
Hang them at least 60” from the floor (or about eye level) and space them at least 28-30” apart if using a pair on either side of the mirror.
Dimmable pendants? Yes, please! Nothing says spa vibes like being able to soften the lighting when you want to relax.
Consider hanging a large-scale pendant or cluster pendant in the middle of a double vanity.
For an unexpected look, try staggering two pendants on one side of the vanity
Ensure the pendant compliments the mirror style.
PENDANTS WE LOVE
thanks for reading!
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