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Lighting Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Where to place bathroom lighting on mirror over vanity?

5 years ago

I wanted to place individual sconces on mirror at eye level. The sinks are very close to edge. On the right side it is close to the wall. There's a medicine cabinet on that wall. When you open it, it will run into a sconce. Can I put a 4 sconce light in center of mirror at eye level? Any other way to distribute individual sconces.

Using same vanity top. Replacing cabinets with same layout.

Mirror torn down. Need to get new mirror because new cabinets are taller than these from 1992.

Any suggestions?

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Comments (5)

PRO
MLB Design Group
5 years ago
I always say "you're going to spend a lot of money remodeling this room, so you might as well do it right." Too often I see folks live with something that is poorly designed (like your sink arrangement) or awkward to use just because that's the way it is. So let's talk about what it would take to "do it right."

I think you already know this, so let me confirm that the right-hand sink is too close to the wall. I'm sure somebody is always hitting their arm on that wall -- but we get used to living with situations like this as I mentioned -- or we think it's impossible or way too expensive to change. Moving that sink just a few inches away from the wall could make a huge difference.

If you can stop the cabinet-maker, and give yourself permission to replan the vanity with a new sink arrangement, and new countertop, this will allow you to lay out the wall sconces in the right way and get rid of those horizontal strip lights above. (see photo below) You may need to include some additional plumbing and electrical work in your budget, and I realize these costs add up. If you do this, though, I think you will come to believe in time that this was the best decision you made -- and a wise investment -- since your bathroom will function better, feel better and look so much better.

Enjoy.

ps. If you're planning to strip the tile off that wing wall, I'd close up that recessed medicine cabinet area, too, then add a pullout cabinet with shelves like photos below to hold smaller items. It looks like you have sufficient space to add "his and hers" pullouts -- and the cabinetry could "float" above floor.
MLB design group · More Info
houssaon
5 years ago
Sorry, but I agree. The layout is terrible. That is why you are having problems. But you could put two sconces, one on either side of the make-up area.
21st Century Bungalow · More Info
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I'm happy you asked! Our How to Choose Bathroom Vanity Lights article offers some good advice on the subject: "Most people choose vanity bar lights that are about 75 percent of the mirror's total width. When using bath bars, mount them high off the floor (78 inches is recommended) and center them with the cabinet for a clean, finished look." If you decide to use two mirrors, using one bath vanity bar light over each mirror is ideal. Let me know if you have any other questions or would like some bath light suggestions! PS: Your vanity looks great!
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Thanks! I did find a few that I think might work. I want to make sure the lights (shades all pointing down) have enough presence without overwhelming the mirror. I'm using polished nickel to coordinate with the warm beige/cream marble patterned shower/floor tiles that I am not replacing. The tub/toilet are linen by American Standard. Here are some lights that range from 16" to 19.5". My style is transitional. I'm using Kohler Bancroft PN faucets. The one large vanity mirror will be framed in walnut to match the new 60" walnut vanity (shaker style). The countertops are Caesarstone Dreamy Marfil (creamy beige with very little pattern). Do you have thoughts about white/opal/clear light shades? I tend to like clear, and am also not sure what "opal" means (throws off pink/yellow hues?). Thanks for your thoughts.
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caf
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for your suggestions.
caf
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for the pictures.
PRO
Chi Renovation & Design
5 years ago
It looks like you have limited solutions unless you are willing to rework you're entire project or get lighted mirrors. You could also choose to hang pendant lights instead.
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