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Lighting Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Lights above the vanity mirror, or set into the mirror glass?

5 years ago

We are in the midst of renovating our master BA. We have to decide about vanity lighting. We are going to have a single mirror spanning our double vanity, probably trimmed out top and bottom in cherry to match the vanity. The builder suggested using two modern light fixtures set into the mirror rather than above the mirror; he thought it looked more modern. Do Houzzers agree, or see any pros or cons to either approach? Sorry, I can't post photos as the BA is completely gutted at the moment.

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Comments (2)

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Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design
5 years ago
Without photos, I am going to semi-guess here, but if you have recessed in the bathroom, you probably could go with sconces on the full length mirror, they will provide the proper fill light for applying makeup or shaving. Overhead light creates shadowing on the face. If you decide to do this, then the sconces must be selected, placement on the wall determined and the mirror laser cut for the opening to the electrical box. You cannot install sconces on a mirror after the fact, you will crack the mirror. Builder should understand this, but discuss it in detail.
Joyce Oliner thanked Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design
juliab51
5 years ago
I definitely prefer side lighting. We put two fixtures on top of the mirrors on each side of the medicine cabinet in our master bath remodel, and were very pleased with the results. We also put can lights in the ceiling but rarely used them.
Joyce Oliner thanked juliab51
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Have somebody hold a flashlight at different levels pointing down at you while you lean into the mirror and imagine that you're trying to get an eyelash out of your eye. If you are working in your own shadow, the lights are too high. This is why sconces, one on either side of the mirror, are better for best lighting/visibility.
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This is a picture of the top of the vanity and 5" depth and space above the vanity mirror that we have. Thanks!
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If a "smaller" 36 inch medicine cabinet is okay for you, I would suggest the Jensen Granville (755379). It already has lights attached to it and comes in he same color and classic style as your vanity. Also a bit narrower, just 32 inch, but more modern and elegant is the Lighted Vanity Mirror by Mirrors and Marble: Matchin your style perfectly and fiitin in size as it is 48 inch wide is the Concord by Design House. In terms of scale I would take the last one. Add 3 or 4 lights and enjoy. Hint: The more diffuse the light source, the more beautiful you look in your new bathroom cabinet ;)
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Sconces, for sure. If this is a powder room your options are many. If this is a master or bathroom used for makeup, etc... make sure you get sconces that dispense a lot of lumens and can be dimmed. Please, no exposed bulbs in clear glass shades in a MB.
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