Canofworms - I have to run & will reply this aft or tomorrow, but for now will post something I copied... in case it helps another newbie like me: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,403815,00.html (A Lesson in Bathroom Lighting); excerpts: "Task Lighting Vanity lighting gets top consideration because these fixtures work the hardest to illuminate the head and face for grooming. The most common mistake people make is putting recessed ceiling fixtures directly over the mirror. These cast shadows on the face, making daily grooming rituals more difficult. Vertical fixtures or sconces mounted on either side of the mirror are best for casting an even light across the face. But given the size and positioning of some vanity mirrors, sidelights can be impractical (mounting them directly to the mirror is always an option, but at greater planning and cost). Only then do I suggest a fixture for over the mirror. It should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts ÂEideally spread over a fixture that's at least 24 inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face. The shower is a secondary area of task lighting. In smaller bathrooms, if the stall has a clear glass door, a dedicated fixture may not be necessary. Otherwise, I recommend a recessed light with a glass lens (plastic will yellow). Similar recessed fixtures work well over a freestanding tub or the toilet. " "Lighting the Vanity Right To eliminate shadows under the chin, eyes, and cheeks, fixtures should be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror (or on the mirror's surface, if it's large), 36 to 40 inches apart. The center of each fixture should be roughly at eye level, or about 66 inches above the floor. This will guarantee even illumination across the face for grooming...." "Choosing Bulbs A crisp white light tends to render skin tones most accurately. Halogen bulbs set the gold standard...." "Think Dimmers These are a lighting designer's best friend because they grant absolute control over the lighting, and thus the mood, of the room. In a very small space like a powder room, dimming the vanity fixtures might even provide all-in-one task, ambient, and accent lighting. Plus, dimmers conserve energy...." Here is a link that might be useful: A Lesson in Lighting - This Old House

How much space do you have between the cabinet and the wall? Did you look at Mirror Mates? I don't know how it works with multiple doors but you could take a look at this. I googled like crazy and didn't find much. I like the frame that Kohler has for the Verdera cabinet - nice simple lines. I was thinking of going that way but this only works with recessed mounted ones and ours will be surface mounted and none of the stains worked. I have been on the hunt for a framed med cabinet and it hasn't been easy finding one that meets my requirements. The back up plan is the tri-view verdera and the contractor making a frame like they have. I am looking at some cabinets this weekend and am hopeful that I will find one that works without having to go with the back up plan. I would just rather see the finished look and save that added time. What brand do you have? That compnay might have something.

For size, you can also get customized sizing where cabinets can be ganged together. For example, two 12 inch cabinets ganged together or two 15" ganged together would work where you can add lighting as an option and have interchangeable left or right open doors. It gives you alot of storage over your vanity without looking too wide. And if you want to spend the extra cost, you can have them recessed mounted as well. This will make them look flush with wall and less bulky over any sized vanity. And some of these mirrored medicine cabinets have integrated LED lighting, which can also offer a nightlight with dinner function. So, you will not only have lighting from your main bathroom, but an additional light source. I hope this helps

Kathy, I stressed over the same thing earlier. DH and I even argued (in a friendly way of course) over this topic. If you do enough searching through the threads here (old and newer) you'll find it's actually a matter of preference. There are no true 'rules' as some might say. Our lights are 5" cans (remodel lights) which I prefer to the 4". I like light. They are 8" on center (from the cabinet doors - not the frame - to the center of the light). Our cabinets are finished in a satin, and I do have a cone of warmth (nice phrase!), no harsh glare. But we used 2700 K lights. I am so glad mine are located where they are - when I stand at the counter, my head/body does not throw a shadow onto the countertop (as it did in my old kitchen, where the cans where placed further back). While we still have the undercabinet lighting to install, I want all lights to be productive. In order to see where we should install them, we used a large piece of cardboard as a fake countertop, and one of us held a large light aimed down, from various distances. Regarding the fridge, yes, we put one in front of ours, not as close, further out. Whether or not some use them does not concern me, I wanted one, and am so glad to have it. I use it and another we added in the middle as aisle lighting. People don't talk about that much, but again, I want what I want : )