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How many lights for my vanity light fixtures?

5 years ago

I'm trying to decide if each of these bathrooms needs 3, 4 or 5 lights on the fixtures above the mirrors. My husband says 3 lights would be enough but I'm thinking 4 would be better. I'm just not sure what the rule of thumb is for lighting a bathroom.

The kids vanities are 36" each and will have a framed mirror. I don't even know what size is appropriate with a 36" vanity.

The powder room I'm leaning towards a 4 light fixture because the room has no natural light coming in.

Then there is the master bathroom. I was originally going to go with 4 lights but after looking at it some, maybe 5 lights over each sink is better?

Comments (3)

mayflowers
5 years ago
I have one 100 watt bulb in my 3x8' powder room w/o a window, same set-up as your powder room. I would prefer side sconces but didn't want to have it rewired. I have a three-light vanity light with 75 watt bulbs over my 36" vanity in a 5x10' guest bathroom, which I use daily. I would do three lights over each sink in the master. I assume you'll have ceiling lights in that room too.
sabrinatx thanked mayflowers
m_gabriel
5 years ago
We have two 4-lights in our master (one over each sink) and it's overkill at 100 watt bulbs so it's usually on the dimmer. Our hall bath has two 2-lights and it's also plenty bright with the higher watt bulbs. Check the wattage for the fixtures you like.
sabrinatx thanked m_gabriel
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So, these are lights over a mirror, right? Five lights in one, 4 in the other--bare bulbs? If that's the case, you have the wrong lights. You want 2 lights on each, face-height, one on each side. This gives even light, lessens shadows, and eliminates shadows under the eyebrows, nose, and chin--so you can really see your details and check your teeth. So--2 lights on each.
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A double light over each sink should be sufficient with a window and assuming the shower is directly across from the vanity and that is the extent of the room. Other options are three single sconces mounted on the mirror and an over head light to give more light to the shower. I have a four-light over a 60" vanity in a 5x11 windowless room. The vanity area is well-lit. The shower at the end of the room is a little more shadowed but not enough to make showering and cleaning an issue.
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I'd roll with with a lighting designer suggests I think you could pull off 2 (in the center) or 4 chandeliers here, depends on how the room will be furnished. I'd think about 8 can lights as well, and sconce lights depending on the other finishings. Put everything on dimmers - you can never have too much lighting, but you'll kick yourself if it isn't enough or if there is shadowing. How do you intend to use the room?
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chispa
5 years ago
My rule of thumb for lighting is you can never have enough and you can always dim it if you want less.

For your master bath I would do at least 4 recessed lights (RL) for the main area, 2 RL in the shower and 1 RL in the tioilet area. For the sinks either 2 sconces on the sides of each mirror or a 3-light over the mirror light. All on dimmers.

In my powder room, which has no windows, I have a fancy semi-flush chandelier and 2 RL.

I would do 8 RL in the kids bathroom and either 2 sconces or over the mirror lights at each vanity.

Don't forget fans.
sabrinatx thanked chispa

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