skip to main content

Pendent lights vs side light vs bar light

8 years ago

I have a bathroom 7'x10' and will have other lighting in it. Want a nice style of light and wondered which would look best...pendant, side lights or over the medicine cabinet. Oil bronze fixtures. Im toying with putting these lights in the bathroom like that's in the link below. I'm more concerned that they might be in the way, though IF I even go with them the would be on the right closest to the wall. There are so many options and maybe it would be best to go with side or bar lights above....thoughts. Working on electric this week and need ideas.

new project · More Info

Featured Answer

PRO

Beth H. :

8 years ago

side lights are better for the face. overhead can be harsh and not true for makeup. If you do your makeup somewhere else, then overhead would be ok. just know for side sconces, you obviously have to buy two, and get electrician to do two spots, you have know exactly where they will be placed which means you need to know how high the vanity will be, how large the mirrors will be, etc. since the drywall on mine got done way before anything else was installed, I had to measure very carefully before installing mine.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (21)

PRO
RL Relocation LLC
8 years ago
guest bath or master/daily bath?

if guest cool,

if main, no way you light up half you face, and in the way for sure.

be sure they are LED to reduce the heat.
PRO
Beth H. :
8 years ago
i like that inspiration photo. funky but cool. if you use that mirror for make up or hair, might be an issue. If so, then go w/two side bar lights.
0
Related Discussions
Bathroom Lighting Bar vs Cans
Q
Comments (8)
I have read that the down light of canned lighting is bad for makeup application, as it cast shadows on the face. The side sconces would probably be the best over any lighting over head. I realize some options aren't available. Can you do a combo of side lighting and overhead lighting. My neighbor has the globe type bars on either side of her vanity mirror and it is mighty intense in there. I don't know how she can keep her eyes open to put makeup on :) But I bet she sees her makeup very well once her eyes adjust. That said, I think it is a dated look, so if you are updating, get something more current. Yet still functional for detail work of shaving and makeup.
...See More
LED Envir Lights vs Kichler vs Seagull Ambiance?
Q
Comments (1)
You might be able to go lower if you look around more. The environmental lights house brand light bars are available from other places. If you haven't included the power supply and connectors into the pricing, please do. It should be fine.
...See More
xenon light bars - 12V vs. 120V
Q
Comments (2)
well, maybe a little upside to 12v. low-voltage are usually a bit brighter according to salesperson at lighting store I just spoke to. But transformers do fail occasionally so more downside. IMO, 120v wins.
...See More
Xenon vs. LED vs. Other Light Source for Under Cabinet Lighting
Q
Comments (10)
What is being referred to as "Xenon" here is really incandescent bulbs. Smaller incandescent bulbs (like the type found in old-style flashlights for example) have a much lower color temperature, and as a consequence the light typically feels very orange-colored and dull. Bulb designs filled with Xenon gas help compensate for this, to some extent. I can get much more into the technical details if you want, but that is the basics of it. In general though, Xenon will still give off a lower color temperature than halogen, so if you really want a brighter whiter color of light, Xenon is probably not the best option. LED is probably the best option for undercabinet lighting, but can oftentimes be overly pricey. If color rendering is an important consideration, you might want to look into high CRI LED lighting, because under regular LED lighting colors can appear just a little grey-washed or yellowish. This is likely to be even more pricey though. Incandescent bulbs (which includes Xenon and halogen) are just not particularly well suited to undercabinet strip lighting. For one thing, when there are multiple bulbs each with a lower wattage, the color of light is confined to the very warm white color territory. Then there are always bulbs burning out that need to be replaced. There are many different options, and they all carry their own subtle advantages and trade-offs. All undercabinet lighting is kind of overpriced, in my opinion, so unless you are really looking to create a dream kitchen, you might want to consider going without it.
...See More
Related Professionals
Gladstone Architects & Building Designers · Lafayette Architects & Building Designers · Memphis Architects & Building Designers · East Peoria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lafayette Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Northbrook Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Woodbury Furniture & Accessories · Millburn Furniture & Accessories · Country Walk General Contractors · Kailua Kona General Contractors · Maple Heights General Contractors · Melville General Contractors · Montclair General Contractors · North Lauderdale General Contractors · Redding General Contractors
Bev
Original Author
8 years ago
It will probably get used by us heavily. I told my husband I really liked the looks of it, but that I was afraid that I get tangled up in it or bump one of them against the other and crack it. It does look unique though.
So you think the side lighrs as oppose to over the cabinet would look better?
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
8 years ago
^^^ those bulbs glow orange, just an FYI also they are exposed so they will be in your eye. warning.
0
Bev
Original Author
8 years ago
Love those lights Beth! I have a timber like theme going on wonder if that type of style would look good for my project. (Speaking of "timber" thanks so much for your help on my "cedar trim post" ....we really like the outcome.) I'm stressing as to the light placements and conflicted between the side and over top options. I made the following a "poll" but got no responses on it....feel free to mark up anything on it.

POLL

Option 1 has two 4" recessed lights above vanity, and one 4" recessed above toilet, a 5" recessed light in front of shower . The yellow dot is the fan.

Option 2 has a light/fan combo above toilet, a light in the shower, a 3bulb wall light above vanity, two 4" recessed lights balanced in room.

Option 3 has a bathroom light centered, a fan above toilet and two 4" recessed lights over top of vanity.
0
PRO
Design Everest
8 years ago
Side lights would be better.
Bev
Original Author
8 years ago
Both for looks and functionality you would go with the side lights? Also, are any of the
Light diagrams and types of lights described
a good layout?
0
PRO
Beth H. :
8 years ago
bev..good about your posts! glad everything worked out. Look at industrial lighting (these are from RH) as these look great w/the timber. I have a vaulted ceiling in this bathroom and did the ceiling with a french oak, so the lights blend well with everything.
Kris Mays
8 years ago
I do prefer side sconce lights, too.
0
Bev
Original Author
8 years ago
Oh Beth! That room is going to be gorgeous!!! Love the vaulted ceilings and the light goes perfect. Mine are just 8' ceilings and after batting around ideas I am afraid of bumping into them. Really need to get s full room layout pretty soon.
0
Bev
Original Author
8 years ago
Do you all prefer side sconces due to the lighting it gives off?
PRO
Beth H. :
8 years ago
I searched for months for lighting. I've always had overhead lights in the smaller bathrooms. Not the best for makeup, but otherwise ok. Its a personal choice. with the sconces, you have to look for something that gives off enough light above the 3500K temp range. otherwise it's too yellow. For example, those rH sconces I have are meant for the edison bulbs. very yellow. So I put in the led bulbs that look similar. plus I have tons of natural light and the overhead fixture. It's good enough for me. You could also do a mirror with the built in lighting. lots of options.
0
PRO
Flo Mangan
8 years ago
Side light are like "task lights" and they are much preferred. Need light in shower water rated. Can lights provide ambient light and are needed too.
0
Kris Mays
8 years ago
We always put a water rated can in our showers so we can see what we're doing in there. You might consider one.
PRO
Flo Mangan
8 years ago
Great minds Kris!
0
oliviag55
8 years ago
Look at your photo. Those pendants are lovely, and will give you all kinds of crazy light. Great for looks, not so great in function. Just my opinion.
0
Luna Liu
7 years ago
Check out for more solutions about home lighting design: http://bit.ly/2nbLzvF
0
Anna Brady
6 years ago
pendant lights are best. I love these pendant lights for a nice modern feel.
0
Olga Kramar
6 years ago
Wall sconces with shades or frosted glass are popular for a reason.
PRO
User
6 years ago
Tall ceilings give an opportunity for dramatic lighting. Check out these hand-made custom lights from Timothy Ferrie and Lightsculptures. See the complete catalogue at www.tjferrie.com. Custom finishes and sizes available with fast turnaround and UL listing.
0

Related Stories

LIGHTING 8 Creative Lighting Solutions for Food Prep

By Christine Tusher

Get all the task illumination you need while distracting the eye from fluorescents, following the lead of the kitchens here

UNIVERSAL DESIGN How to Light a Kitchen for Older Eyes and Better Beauty

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Include the right kinds of light in your kitchen's universal design plan to make it more workable and visually pleasing for all

REMODELING GUIDES How to Get Your Pendant Light Right

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

Find out where to place a hanging light and how high it should be

LIGHTING Pendant Lighting 101

By Lisa Frederick

With a full spectrum of shades, styles and colors, pendant lights wrap practical function in a pretty package

KITCHEN DESIGN Pick the Right Pendant for Your Kitchen Island

By Samantha Schoech

Don't settle for bland builder-grade pendant lights when you can have your pick of colors and kinds to match your kitchen's style

LIGHTING Source List: 20 Pendants That Illuminate the Kitchen Island

By Annie Thornton

See the ceiling lighting fixtures that are popular on Houzz and find out where to get them

REMODELING GUIDES A Pattern Language: Light From Two Sides

For a More Successful Room, Bring In Daylight From Two Directions

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Former Berlin Bar Now a Light and Bright Home

By Nicola Enderle

An architect shows how he converted a commercial space into a residence with strong material choices and the right lighting design

LIGHTING How to Get Your Kitchen Island Lighting Right

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Here are some bright ideas on when to use chandeliers, pendants, track lights and more

LIGHTING Personal Spaces: Homeowners Work Their Pendant Lights

By Laura Gaskill

See how all kinds of rooms are getting a lift from hanging lights, both budget-friendly and glam

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mohawk Revwood color help - Toasted Timber pics?

11

What backsplash/paint color

6

Looking for help/ideas with master bedroom shower stall update.

18

plate for wall -ok or no?

3

Living Room Heartburn

8