There’s nothing like starting your morning by turning on your bathroom’s bright, beautiful light fixture. Besides looking great, bathroom vanity lights are necessary to provide the proper lighting for tasks like shaving and applying makeup.
Whether you’re looking at updating your current bathroom or building a new one, choosing the proper bathroom vanity lights is a crucial step in achieving the bathroom of your dreams. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know when choosing bathroom vanity lights.
Plan for Bathroom Vanity Lights Early
If you’re remodelling or building a bathroom from scratch, consider your lighting options at the start. Factors such as moving existing fixtures, installing new ones, and the wiring involved must be carefully considered before any major building takes place to avoid any potential headaches down the road.
Remember: it’s always easier — and cheaper — to decide about lighting when the room’s walls are open.
Determine How Much Light You Need
When considering bathroom vanity lights, assessing how much light you need is important. Bathrooms with large windows are likely to need less lighting than rooms without.
In many scenarios, additional lighting besides vanity lights may be necessary. Consider the main areas of your bathroom that require lighting. Additional fixtures like recessed or pendant lights may be required for optimal lighting.
Plan a Cohesive Style
When selecting a vanity light fixture, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. The fixtures and finishes of your vanity lights should harmonize with the style of the space. Common finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, and antique brass offer their own unique charms.
By marrying style and practicality, you can create a cohesive and inviting environment that reflects your personality. Whether your style leans towards modern vanities or rustic, there’s a vanity fixture that can complement and enhance the space in the way you desire.
Sconces
Sconces, or wall-mounted light fixtures, are popular for bathroom vanity lights. They look great, are highly functional, and typically don’t take up a lot of space. Sconces come in various styles but are typically seen in pairs or alone.
Choose a pair of sconces if:
- You need an evenly lit vanity
- You have room on either side of your mirror and want to add a decorative touch
- You can’t install lights in the ceiling
Choose a single sconce if:
- You don’t have room for a pair of sconces
- Your mirror is very wide with no breaks in between
- Your space is tall, and you want to accentuate its height by adding a light high up
Pendants
For a more dramatic statement, consider pendant lighting. A bold, beautiful single light is a great way to get creative and add some personality to your space. Pendant lights, like chandeliers, are best suited to powder rooms or bathrooms that aren’t your main bathroom.
Choose pendant lighting if:
- You don’t require perfectly even lighting
- You want to make an impact statement
Recessed lighting
Recessed lights, also known as pot lights, are one of the most common looks in bathrooms. They’re a neutral choice that’s generally acceptable to most homeowners, making them ideal for home resale.
Choose recessed lighting if:
- You like a modern, clean look with walls free of sconces
- You’re looking to resell your home and want a safe design choice
Consider the Size of Fixtures
If you know the amount of light and the style your bathroom requires, you must select the correct vanity light fixture size. When purchasing a multiple-light or bar-style light fixture, choosing one that’s no wider than the vanity cabinet is a good idea.
Double sinks look best with separate light fixtures above each, whereas long vanities may require multiple fixtures. Sconces look great hanging on either side of the mirror, and pairing them with bar fixtures can provide more light and fewer shadows on your face.
Consider the Bulbs Inside the Fixtures
A lighting fixture is only as good as the bulbs you use. A bright blast of light first thing in the morning is not the greatest thing to wake up to. But having too little light can leave you reaching around in the dark.
Lower wattage bulbs will prevent harsh light, and dimmer switches can help you control brightness. Consider frosted or coated bulbs for more flattering light.
Opal Baths & Design: Bathroom Vanity Light Experts
A custom bathroom vanity can add a lot of life to your bathroom. We’ve walked you through everything you need to start planning your new bathroom. But if you’re really serious about taking your bathroom to the next level, contact us today.
At Opal Baths & Design, we’ve been helping customers build their dream bathrooms since 1983. We proudly serve Ancaster, Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington and nearby areas. Our team specializes in bringing our client’s visions to life with meticulous attention to detail and using only the finest materials.
