How To Choose The Best Vanity Lighting

Any well-designed bathroom is incomplete without proper vanity lighting. Shaving, applying makeup, and other grooming tasks can become quite a hassle without adequate lighting in the vanity area.

When redesigning or renovating your bathroom, ensure that proper lighting is a top priority. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your existing space a facelift, well-chosen lights do more than just brighten the room. They enhance the ambiance, making your bathroom more stylish and cohesive, perfectly blending functionality with visual appeal. Learn more about renovation lighting.

Vanity lighting refers to the specific type of lighting installed in bathrooms, primarily around the vanity area. Its purpose is to provide adequate illumination for grooming activities such as applying makeup, shaving, or styling hair.

Vanity lights are carefully placed to cut down on shadows, ensuring you get the best visibility. This is usually done with fixtures mounted on the sides of or above your mirror. Not only do they make daily grooming tasks like shaving or makeup easier, but they also elevate the overall atmosphere of your bathroom, making it a brighter and more pleasant space.

The best part about lighting is that you have many options.

So, if you are wondering how to choose the best vanity light, this guide is for you. Let’s get started on our favourite bathroom lighting ideas without further delay!

How To Choose The Best Vanity Lighting

There are a few pointers that you should keep in mind when choosing vanity light fixtures for your space. Let’s take a look at the types of lighting for your bathroom vanities:

1. Choose The Right Aesthetic

When you’re picking out vanity lighting, think about the style that resonates with you. Ideally, your bathroom lighting should match or enhance your room’s existing decor, pulling the whole look together seamlessly.

For instance, if your bathroom has a minimalist design with modern fixtures, going for vanity light fixtures of a similar sort will be ideal. Alternatively, if your bathroom has a more luxurious appeal, you can opt for traditional lighting.

Some homeowners prefer bathrooms that mirror those of high-end hotels, spas, etc. As such, they opt for a sleek look and choose sconces or bath bars for their vanity mirror lighting.

2. Determine The Amount Of Light Needed

Once you have decided on the aesthetic, it is time to determine how much light is needed. If your bathroom has little or no natural light source, you will need more light to ensure precision in vanity tasks. However, your vanity lights do not have to be bright if your bathroom is already well-lit.

A vanity fixture is designed to light up the area right around your mirror, not the whole bathroom. Thus, it’s crucial to have appropriate overall lighting before you think about vanity lights. This way, you ensure the space is well-lit for all bathroom activities.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend choosing a vanity light that yields around 1,200 to 1,600 lumens. This is equivalent to the brightness produced by two 60-watt bulbs.

3. Choose The Design

When it comes to vanity lighting, there’s a dazzling array of options available. You really will be spoilt for choice, with styles that can match any bathroom design, be it modern or classic.

The design of your vanity lighting depends entirely on your bathroom’s layout. For instance, if your bathroom has two sinks, it is best to install multiple lighting to ensure the whole area is well-lit. However, if you have a single sink with a mirror, you can place sconces on either side.

Here are a few designs you can opt for:

A. Sconces

Bathroom sconces can be placed either above or beside the mirror. They enhance the overall appeal of your vanity and come in different styles. We recommend placing sconces on either side of your mirror, as overhead lighting may sometimes result in glares and shadows that negate the whole purpose of installing vanity lights.

B. Pendant Lights

Pendant lighting can bring a touch of vintage charm to your bathroom while being highly functional. For larger bathrooms, consider a set of two or more pendants. Unlike sconces, which need wall mounts, pendants can be hung at head level, adding both style and practicality to your space.

However, we must add that this option is best suited for spacious bathrooms since they take up a lot of space.

C. LED Strips

LED bulbs can be attached to the mirror’s perimeter and be wired appropriately. This is a suitable option if your bathroom has limited space.

In addition to the design, you must choose a finish for LED bathroom vanity lights. Although various options are available, chrome and brass are favourites due to their sophisticated appearance and versatility.

4. Choose The Type Of Bulb

Purchasing gorgeous fixtures isn’t enough; you must invest in the correct bulb. Without the right bulb, the purpose of the vanity lighting is negated. Here are a few bulb options available:

A. Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are incandescent bulbs that use halogen gas to provide excellent light output. They are the most popular type of lighting for bathroom vanity since they allow for precise mirror reflection for shaving, makeup, etc.

B. LED Lights

LED lights have become popular because they are more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs. They also produce less heat, last longer, and are available in LED strips and bulbs.

C. Smart Lights

Smart lights, the latest in LED lighting technology, have become quite popular. Sure, they’re a bit pricier than other options, but their functionality makes up for it. With smart lights, you can adjust the colour temperature to your liking, all via remote control, as detailed in our blog on smart technologies.

Besides, they are easy to use and enhance the appearance of your space.

Illuminate Your Vanity Space With Confidence

Choosing the best bathroom vanity lighting is essential for creating a well-functioning and visually appealing space. Several factors must be considered when illuminating your vanity area with light fixtures. First, evaluate your specific lighting requirements. Do you need task lighting for grooming activities, accent lighting for added elegance, or ambient lighting for overall illumination?

Once you determine your lighting needs, consider the placement of your vanity lights. Vertical fixtures on either side of the mirror can eliminate shadows on your face, providing even lighting. Alternatively, a horizontal fixture above the mirror can offer ample coverage. The placement should ensure that the lighting is functional and enhances your reflection.

When selecting bathroom vanity lighting fixtures, consider their style and design. Choose lighting fixtures that complement your bathroom decor, whether you prefer sleek and modern designs or classic and traditional options. Consider the finish of the fixtures, such as brushed nickel, chrome, or bronze, to match your existing bathroom hardware.

Need help with your lighting? Bright Force Electrical is ready to lend a hand. Our skilled Sydney electricians can guide you in picking the ideal bathroom vanity lights and ensure they’re safely installed. Reach out today to elevate your vanity space with perfectly tailored lighting for your morning routine.