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Help with lighting & mirrors over double vanity

14 years ago

Please help a novice! My husband and I are in the middle of a total "gutting". Way over our head and budget, I could go on but will save you from that story.

Here is the question. I have a double sink cherry vanity. Due to wiring I can only select one long light fixture to go over the top of the mirror or mirrors. Can I get a separate mirror to go over each sink, or do I need just one long mirror since I can only have one light!?

I hope this makes sense! I am so overwhelmed.

Tricia

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Comments (5)

User
14 years ago
Tricia, go for the two mirrors and use the current electrical box as a junction box. Check with your local inspector for further details on adding two additional *remodel* electrical boxes. Codes are different everywhere, but he'll know what's safe for sure.
I know this because hubby must have been tired when he wired the master bathroom and put in a centered electrical box for lighting our 84 inch vanity.
You may have to use conduit or a special covered wire, but there is a way to make it work.
Good luck!
~Becky
annzgw
14 years ago
I agree. Check your options on the electrical first since adding a second box is doable. I can understand limitations if you needed to move the existing box but adding a second one should simplify things.
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I prefer two mirrors as well because I think it gives a more balanced look and it provides defined spaces, his and hers in our case. Your statement about wanting to make it so that 3 people can use it is what has me curious though, is this a what if type scenario or is a 3rd person actually going to be in there all the time? The reason I ask is because DH and I used to make choices based on the what if's a lot. We'd spend the money or compromise on what we really wanted only to never have those "what if's" materialize. We bought a crew cab truck so if we needed to we could tote people but never once did anyone sit back there. We turned a room (that could have been my craft room) in to a guest room and in 10 years it's only been used a handful of times and an air mattress would have worked just as well. So if you want the big mirror because it will actually be used in the context you're planning for, great...then there's a need and that would be the more functional choice for your situation, but if you're just thinking well maybe 3 people might need it, then don't focus on that and do what is more practical for your every day living. KWIM? (And Ida is right, about the two lights)
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redbazel
14 years ago
When we finally renovated our bath, we weren't going to take down the big mirror. But later, I wanted to do two mirrors, one over each sink. I left the new long fixture we had purchased for the redo and it looks really good.

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squirrelheaven
14 years ago
I agree, one fixture overlapping the two mirrors could look good, as well, if you don't want the additional cost of an electrician.
tricialp
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the tips. I love this site. Now I am tackling the floors! I will check on adding a box. My husband was also tired when he put the wiring in for the vanity and with the dry wall finished he would not change it. Wish me luck and patience!

Tricia

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