Hi Liz, Since I have been growing for over 25 years I have found that the 4' fixture is best for my plants and also the most economical. When I was working and could afford them I used Varilux bulbs which I found gave the plants a great growth rate, however, they are expensive and cost retail over 12 dollars each. Since retiring I switched to 40 watt cool whites which I purchase by the box at Home Depot or Lowes. They work well and give me no problems. I have on occassion in the past used Gro-Lux and Gro-Lux WS. Both bulbs give good growth to the plants and make the plants look really beautiful and healthy under the light. But when you remove the plant from the light into natural light there is great disappointment. They loose their color and look rather ordinary. The Gro-Lux WS bulbs were always cheaper than the Gro-Lux. Many people prefer to use one cool whit and one warm white to grow. Since I cannot find warm whites I now use cool whites exclusively. Hope this helps. Fred in NJ

I do enjoy your photos so much. I hope you have a whole bunch of groupings like this one to share with us during the winter to keep us all going till spring. We got a laptop so I'll be able to see what's going on with all of you while we are gone. If I can figure how to send pictures I'll do it too. Now that could be taken as being mean so maybe I won't. LOL Connie

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.

I recommend LED wall packs and LED flood lights, which are very energy efficient and make the outdoors very bright and full of fun. I used it two years ago. These two types of lighting effects are good for outdoor lighting.