Shop premium brands including Hubbardton Forge, Kichler, Quoizel, and Visual Comfort for bathroom lighting that makes grooming easier and transforms your daily routine.
Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Vanity lights are the most important bathroom fixtures, providing essential illumination for grooming tasks like shaving, applying makeup, and skincare routines.
One Light Bath Fixtures — Single-light vanity fixtures for powder rooms, small half-baths, and compact spaces with mirrors under 24 inches wide. Also ideal for flanking mirrors in pairs.
Two Light Bath Fixtures — Balanced illumination for small to medium bathrooms with single sinks and mirrors 24-30 inches wide.
Three Light Bath Fixtures — The most popular vanity size, suited for standard single-sink bathrooms with mirrors 30-42 inches wide.
Four Light and Up Bath Fixtures — Extended vanity lighting for double sinks, wide mirrors, and master bathrooms requiring broader coverage across mirrors 48 inches and wider.
Bath Bars — Linear vanity fixtures providing even, continuous illumination across mirror widths. Bath bars work particularly well for modern bathrooms and wide vanity applications.
Vanity Light Sizing Guide
By Mirror Width
| Mirror Width | Recommended Fixture | Number of Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Under 24" | One Light | 1 light |
| 24-30" | Two Light | 2 lights |
| 30-42" | Three Light | 3 lights |
| 42-54" | Four Light | 4 lights |
| 54-72" | Five Light+ or Bath Bar | 5+ lights |
| 72"+ (Double Vanity) | Two fixtures or Long Bath Bar | 6+ lights |
Quick Rule
Your vanity light fixture should be approximately 75% of your mirror width. For a 36-inch mirror, choose a fixture around 27 inches wide.
Double Vanity Options
For double-sink vanities with wide mirrors:
- Single long fixture: One bath bar spanning 48-60+ inches
- Two separate fixtures: Position one fixture centered over each sink
- Four sconces: Two flanking each mirror for Hollywood-style lighting
Vanity Light Placement
Proper placement eliminates shadows and provides even illumination for grooming tasks.
Above the Mirror (Most Common)
- Mount fixture 75-80 inches from floor to fixture center
- Center fixture over mirror width
- Ideal for bathrooms with standard 8-foot ceilings
Beside the Mirror (Best Lighting Quality)
- Mount sconces 60-66 inches from floor to fixture center
- Position 36-40 inches apart (measured center to center)
- Provides cross-illumination that eliminates facial shadows
- Best for makeup application and detailed grooming
Combination Approach
For larger bathrooms, combine above-mirror fixtures with flanking sconces for comprehensive, shadow-free illumination.
Bathroom Wall Sconces
Wall Sconces offer alternatives to traditional vanity bars, particularly when mounted beside mirrors for superior facial illumination.
Benefits of Flanking Sconces
- Eliminates shadows: Light from both sides removes under-eye and chin shadows
- Professional results: Mimics Hollywood vanity lighting for makeup application
- Design flexibility: Choose decorative sconces matching your bathroom style
- Layered lighting: Combine with overhead fixtures for versatile illumination
Sconce Placement for Bathrooms
- Mount at 60-66 inches from floor to sconce center
- Position 28-36 inches from mirror edges
- Choose ADA-compliant depths (under 4 inches projection) for small bathrooms
Bathroom Ceiling Fixtures
Ceiling fixtures provide ambient illumination supplementing vanity task lighting.
Flush Mount — Essential for bathrooms with standard 8-foot ceilings. Flush mount bathroom lights sit close to the ceiling, maximizing headroom while providing overall ambient illumination. Choose damp-rated fixtures for bathrooms near showers and tubs.
Semi-Flush — Fixtures dropping 4-8 inches from ceilings add visual interest while maintaining adequate clearance. Ideal for bathrooms with 9-foot ceilings and spaces outside direct shower splash zones.
Ceiling Fixture Placement
- Center over open floor space (not over toilet or directly over tub)
- In larger bathrooms, consider multiple fixtures for separate zones
- Position at least 6 feet from shower/tub edges if not wet-rated
Bathroom Lighting Safety: Damp and Wet Ratings
Bathrooms require fixtures rated for moisture exposure.
| Rating | Environment | Bathroom Application |
|---|---|---|
| Dry-Rated | No moisture | NOT recommended for bathrooms |
| Damp-Rated | Humidity, indirect moisture | Vanity areas, toilet compartments, general bathroom use |
| Wet-Rated | Direct water contact | Inside showers, over tubs, outdoor showers |
Zone Guidelines
Zone 1 (Inside shower/tub): Wet-rated fixtures only, low-voltage recommended
Zone 2 (Within 2 feet of shower/tub): Wet-rated or damp-rated, depending on splash exposure
Zone 3 (General bathroom): Damp-rated minimum for humidity resistance
Zone 4 (Ventilated areas): Damp-rated recommended, dry-rated acceptable with proper ventilation
Layered Bathroom Lighting
The best bathroom lighting combines multiple layers:
Task Layer — Vanity lights provide primary illumination for grooming. This is your most critical bathroom lighting and should eliminate facial shadows.
Ambient Layer — Ceiling fixtures (flush mount or semi-flush) provide overall room illumination for general activities, cleaning, and navigation.
Accent Layer — Decorative sconces, night lights, and shower lighting add visual interest and functional convenience.
Natural Light — Maximize windows and skylights where possible. Natural light provides the most accurate color rendering for makeup and grooming.
Bathroom Lighting by Room Type
Powder Room / Half Bath
Focus on statement vanity lighting since this is often the only fixture. Choose decorative options that impress guests. One or two light fixtures typically suffice for compact mirrors.
Guest Bathroom
Provide functional, intuitive lighting that unfamiliar users can operate easily. Combine a vanity fixture with an overhead ambient light. Clear switch labeling helps guests.
Master Bathroom
Layer multiple fixtures: vanity lights at mirrors, ceiling fixtures for ambient light, and accent lighting for tub areas or architectural features. Separate switching for each zone.
Kids' Bathroom
Prioritize durability and safety. Choose fixtures with secure glass shades and damp ratings. Bright, even lighting helps with bath time supervision.
Bathroom with Separate Toilet Compartment
Install dedicated lighting in enclosed toilet areas. A small flush mount or recessed light provides necessary illumination without relying on vanity fixtures.
Color Temperature for Bathrooms
Light color significantly affects how you look in the mirror.
| Color Temperature | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K (Warm White) | Soft, yellowish | Relaxing baths, ambient mood |
| 3000K (Soft White) | Warm, natural | General bathroom use, balanced grooming |
| 3500K (Neutral) | Clean, accurate | Makeup application, color matching |
| 4000K (Cool White) | Bright, clinical | Medical/skincare examination |
Recommendation: 3000K-3500K provides the best balance for grooming tasks while remaining comfortable for daily use.
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
Choose bulbs with CRI 90+ for accurate color representation. This matters for makeup application, skincare assessment, and matching clothing colors.
Bathroom Lighting Tips
Don't rely on overhead alone — Ceiling fixtures cast shadows on faces. Always pair with vanity lighting.
Consider mirror lighting — LED mirrors and backlit mirrors provide built-in illumination, sometimes eliminating the need for separate vanity fixtures.
Add dimming capability — Bright light for grooming, dim light for relaxing baths and nighttime bathroom visits.
Plan for nighttime — Consider night lights or dimmed pathway lighting for middle-of-night bathroom trips without full fixture brightness.
Coordinate finishes — Match vanity light finishes with faucets and hardware for cohesive design (brushed nickel with brushed nickel, matte black with matte black).
Frequently Asked Questions
What size vanity light for a 36-inch mirror?
Choose a fixture approximately 27 inches wide (about 75% of mirror width). A three-light bath fixture typically works well for 36-inch mirrors.
Should bathroom vanity lights face up or down?
Both work. Up-facing fixtures bounce light off ceilings for softer ambient illumination. Down-facing fixtures direct light onto faces for task lighting. Many designers prefer down-facing for grooming areas.
How high should vanity lights be mounted?
Mount above-mirror fixtures at 75-80 inches from floor to fixture center. Mount flanking sconces at 60-66 inches from floor to sconce center.
Do bathroom lights need to be damp-rated?
Yes. At minimum, bathroom fixtures should be damp-rated to withstand humidity. Fixtures near showers or tubs should be wet-rated.
Can I use regular lights in my bathroom?
Dry-rated fixtures are not recommended for bathrooms due to humidity exposure. Always choose damp-rated or wet-rated fixtures for safety and longevity.
How many lights does a bathroom need?
Most bathrooms need at least two lighting sources: vanity lighting for tasks and ceiling lighting for ambient illumination. Larger bathrooms benefit from three or more fixtures in separate zones.