Vanity lights are a popular trend in the bathroom. They are installed on mirrors and help create a more glamorous look. In addition, these lights make your bathroom look more appealing and easier to install.
They are often hung over mirrors to create the illusion of more light. So, the question is, can vanity lights hang over mirrors?
Don’t let the vanity mirror lights hang over the mirror. Keep them within the mirror’s edges to avoid shadows on your face. Use extra lights to make a warm glow.
Using accent lighting will help you create a warm atmosphere. It is essential, however, that vanity mirror lighting does not hang over the mirror.
A fixture should not extend past the mirror to avoid cast shadows on the face from downlighting.
Vanity Light Hanging Over Mirror | What to Expect
You can hang vanity lights over the mirror at 75 to 80 inches from the floor. Choose a fixture that does not stick out too far to minimize shadows.
The fixture should be at least 24 inches long and have a minimum of 150 watts. As a result, the hair and face will be illuminated evenly.
If sconces or vertical fixtures cannot be mounted on the wall, an above-the-mirror vanity fixture can be used instead.
You can install lights above the vanity mirror if you have a narrow bathroom or a large mirror, preventing scone placement.
How High Do You Hang a Mirror Over a Vanity?
For most users, the mirror should be hung at eye level. The height of the cabinet should be between five and ten inches above the sink and four to seven feet off the ground. Sinks should be equally spaced from their centers.
As a result, both sides of the face will receive even lighting. To determine where the light will hit the front, overhead lighting must be placed correctly.
In the case of one overhead lighting fixture, the face may be illuminated unevenly and create more shadows. You will have many shadows and less brightness if the fixture is too close to the mirror.
Should Bathroom Vanity Lights Face Up or Down?
Lights on bathroom vanities can be mounted either upward or downward. A homeowner’s preference decides whether the lights face up or down; there is no standard rule.
A ceiling light bounces back into space, however, when it is directed upwards. Therefore, there is less shadowing and glare when soft light is provided. A light facing down is ideal for putting on makeup.
The advantages of a downward-facing light fixture:
- Putting on makeup is easier with focused lighting
- Inside the shades, dust is not collected
- It is easy to change bulbs
Upward-facing lighting fixtures also have many advantages:
- Eliminates stark shadows by creating a diffused light source
- Focused lighting accentuates the flaws of your skin, whereas diffused lighting flatters it
- Brighten up your room by reflecting light upwards on a white ceiling
Proper Positioning Vanity Lights Is Vital For Many Reasons
Because of their functionality, bathroom vanity lights play an important role in bathroom design. It is important when shaving, grooming, and applying makeup that light fixtures are hung in the right location to minimize shadows cast on the face.
To create a successful vanity lighting scheme, fixtures must have adequate light output, be the right style and size, and be positioned at the proper distance from one another and the floor.
The bright light of vanity lights is essential for grooming, which is why they are considered task lighting. However, for task lighting to be adequate, it must be of the right type and height.
You won’t be able to see what you’re doing if you have the light placed directly over your head, such as in your ceiling. This causes a lot of shadows on your face.
It can also cause shadows above a mirror when fixtures are not installed correctly. The fixtures should be placed so that adequate light is provided on your face rather than from above or below.
Make Your Bathroom Shine With These Vanity Lighting Tips
A person’s perception of beauty is subjective. It is important to make sure that your bathroom is well-lit if you want it to look like a spa.
It is possible to add the perfect accent to your bathroom with strategically placed bathroom vanity lighting. Getting the best bathroom lighting is as easy as following these tips:
- Create your custom mood lighting with dimmer switches, which can be very romantic and help create your desired mood.
- When possible, avoid fluorescent lighting. The visual forgiveness of incandescent lighting is much greater than that of fluorescent lighting, so opt for it instead.
- Light in different layers. An ambiance of warmth and friendliness can be created with vanity lights such as chandeliers and wall sconces.
- Nighttime bathroom trips are also more accessible and safer with baseboard lighting and indirect lighting in cabinets.
Vanity Mirror Light Wattage: How Much Should It Be?
The vanity mirror lights in guest and master bathrooms should be 75 to 100 watts. However, a powder room or half-bath would benefit from 45-60 watts.
Make sure you select the correct wattage for your bathroom lights since it will impact their brightness.
What Type Of Light Bulbs Are Used For Vanity Mirrors?
A vanity mirror’s light should be close to white, produced by bulbs or LED fixtures. The best color accuracy when applying makeup comes from bulbs with a high CRI of 90 to 100.
Soft white bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range are an excellent solution for makeup and general bathroom use. In addition, lighting fixtures made of fluorescents or LEDs are ideal for vanity areas.
This type of lighting is energy-efficient and has a long lifespan. The LED vanity lights are also dimmable so that you can set the brightness and illumination according to your preferences.
Fixing a Vanity Mirror Light: What Do You Need to Know?
Replace the light bulbs in your vanity mirror if the light no longer works. In most cases, the bulbs in mirror lights need to be replaced. Check the breaker, wiring, switches, and sockets if the new bulbs do not light up after installation.
How Do You Hang A Vanity Light On A Mirror?
Installing a vanity light on the mirror doesn’t just involve hanging it but also dealing with the electrical outlet and wire.
To begin with, you should check if you need electrical work done as part of your remodeling project. Then, it is time to install the lights after the electrical wires have been properly installed.
Hanging bathroom vanity lights can be challenging in areas where no lights have previously been installed. The process of replacing a light is simple, however. If you’re ready to take on the following steps will help you through this DIY project.
- Make sure you are working with the right light fixture by checking the existing one.
- It’s time to replace your lighting. Consider purchasing the same fixture that would work with the previous lights to avoid much retrofitting work.
- It is important to verify that the mounting holes on the mirror match
- Make sure the mirror holes on the plates match the existing ones. Templates for new plates can be made from old ones.
- You will need to drill new mounting holes on the backplate if the plates do not match.
- The mounting hardware will easily line up once drilled holes.
- Wires should be connected according to the instructions. Before tightening the attachment nuts, ensure the mounting plate fully covers the light.
In other words, if you don’t loosen the nuts enough, you won’t be able to tighten them as much as you need to.
Author’s Note:
It is important to note that the mirror height can also affect the measurement, especially if it is oversized or hangs lower or higher than it should.
Depending on where the mirror is positioned, adjust the height accordingly. Choose lights that do not stick out too far to minimize shadows and reduce light hitting the top of your head.
The Bottom Line
You can enhance your reflection with a youthful glow by placing vanity lights correctly. It will also be easier to do your daily routine by using vanity lights appropriately.
Lighting placement and height over your vanity area are essential to illuminating your space. For example, the best bathroom lighting creates a relaxing and rejuvenating environment after a long day at work.
