Best lighting for make-up?
Hi folks, I was hoping to get some more feedback on my lighting and medicine cabinet set up.
I have a 53" alcove vanity and thought I'd decided on narrow sconces on the side walls of the alcove plus a ceiling fixture. Today I met with my contractor and electrician, who thought that the light would be much better on the back wall (instead of sides) for putting on make-up. Do you guys think it makes much difference whether light is on the side walls of alcove vanity versus the back wall?
Making room for the sconces on the back wall would mean much smaller mirror. Also I'm honestly not in love with the look and price of the narrow sconces ($399).
I'm thinking instead of doing more traditional sconces (I like better and for less money), which have deeper projection to bring the light in closer to the center.
Here are some rough pictures of the setup with narrow sconces on the side walls (sorry, hard to show!) with 24x36 medicine cabinet flanked by mirrors.
It's hard to find pics of the set up I'm considering, but here's the closest I could find. I wouldn't have mirrors on the side walls or recessed lighting above. And this vanity looks much longer than mine.
P.S. I had a previous thread with lots of great discussion on the vanity [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/advice-on-vanity-set-up-dsvw-vd~4427450[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/advice-on-vanity-set-up-dsvw-vd~4427450). I decided that I preferred the sink centered on the vanity and ordered the cabinet. I did take the advice on the bottom drawer under the sink, just haven't changed it in my drawings above.
Comments (10)
User
7 years agoI don't know which gives the most light--I'd visit a lighting store before selecting sconces. I would consider mirroring the side walls like the photo if you choose that option, but I think the framing adds a lot to that look.
My preference would be to insert the sconces in mirrored side panels to bounce the light. Notice how they used the counter material to build a shallow ledge for the bottom of the medicine cabinet, giving a wall-hung or semi-recessed cabinet a built-in look. The side splash is a curved piece, which adds a bit of interest.
Glad you were able to do the bottom drawer for your vanity!
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7 years agocaligirl5
7 years agocaligirl5
7 years agoOK I experimented with a lamp and definitely prefer the light more in front than on the side. So decided against the sconces on the side wall--thanks for the input!
I talked to my KD, and she mentioned pendant lights, which would give more options on where to put the lights. Also wouldn't have to cut into mirror for the sconces.
This isn't the look I'm going for, but an example of pendants in a craftsman bathroom
Miller Ave · More InfoThis is more my inspiration for colors and feel:
Phinney Ridge Residence · More Info
New questions:1. I think I've narrowed down some of the fixtures. Would you prefer the pendant or the sconce?
2. Most of the pros I've talked to in person don't seem to like the idea of the mirrors flanking the medicine cabinet, saying the light will reflect in odd ways. I'd be fine with the 24' medicine cabinet as a mirror, but would want to do larger if it makes sense. I don't think I've seen negative feedback on GW for lights in front of mirrors--anyone aware of complaints with this set up?
Thank you!
caligirl5
7 years agoUser
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoHave you considered tiling the back wall of the alcove? It'd be really pretty with the sconces installed on the tile. You wouldn't have to recess your medicine cabinet either. I believe they come with the option to apply mirrored side trim, which won't show much in an alcove anyway.
Very modern style just to show layout and mirror:
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