I think if you have the lights above the mirrors, that centered above them and should be smaller than the mirrors. Pointing up or down seems to be no wrong or right, simply a matter of personal preference. I think sometimes it depends on the light itself, some look better pointing up aand some look better pointing down. ( I have in my master bath two 3 light vanity lights pointing up above my mirrors, In my hall bath, I have a 3 light one pointing down. I like them both.I guess I was no help other than to say the light should be less wide than the mirrors.

Make a scale drawing of your wall set up on graph paper. That way you get to see if the lights overpower the size of the mirror or not. Select something you like to look at. More light is better, IMHO. It is always possible to downsize the wattage and bulb types, but you cannot upsize in any given fixture. In my pre-remodeled bathroom I had 12 globe lights over a 7' vanity. In my post-remodeled bathroom I have 5 on top and sconces on either side, plus recessed ceiling lights. Choosing the type of light bulbs is a whole nother deal. Good luck. What you don't want is shadows, whether you are shaving or applying makeup. -Babka

cpartist, thanks for your comment! I was originally planning on a semi-flush mount in the center of the room, and a recessed light in the shower, but the lighting designer suggested I stick to all recessed lights. We did not discuss their exact placement, but right now I only have one can light over the bathtub. The designers perspective is that additional ceiling bling will detract from the focal point of the room, which she feels should be the vanity. She may have a point. mayflowers, thank you for the pictures! I like the proportions of the first photo, but I think practically I'd benefit from larger mirrors and based on your experiment those sinks seem awfully close to the walls. I agree that the lights in the 2nd photo seem too little, but I see recessed lighting above that supplements. Again, the sinks are in the configuration where they are close to the wall. Perhaps my best option is photo #3 with lighting through the mirror, but with a 1 : 2 : 1 sconce style like in photo #1? (I find those more in line with my personal style)

I'm just trying to have some fun and to get some ideas, Patricia. We've chosen a very rustic 72" vanity. I mentioned in my post that I'm looking for side lights. My husband will be the contractor. We are buying pieces as we go, because many home items could be discontinued. We have room to store them. Pardon me if I don't approach it as you wish. I guess you can't help at this point, but no worries...