How Wide Should Bathroom Light Fixture Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Choosing a fixture that is

roughly three quarters the width of your vanity

is a good rule of thumb if this is the style that speaks to you. If your mirror is particularly wide, or you’re looking for double sink vanity lighting, consider mounting two smaller fixtures centered over each sink instead.

How do you measure for a bathroom vanity light?


Measure the width of your vanity mirror in inches

. That number will be the limit for the width of bath bar lights. Many people choose vanity lights that are about 75 percent the width of the mirror and center the light above the mirror.

What size are bathroom lights?

For an average size bathroom, buy bathroom sconces that are

about 18 inches tall

or a little less. For smaller spaces, try smaller sconces of 12 inches or less. In a larger bathroom, you could try sconces that are 19 inches tall or even taller!

How far should a bathroom light fixture be from the ceiling?

Place the light

about 40 inches above the top of your vanity

. The bathroom mirror height can affect that measurement if it’s oversized or hangs higher or lower than normal. Adjust the height as necessary based on the mirror positioning. To minimize shadows, choose a fixture that doesn’t stick out too far.

How long should a bathroom vanity light be?

It should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts — ideally spread over a fixture that’s

at least 24 inches long

so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face.

Can a vanity light hang over the mirror?

Can Vanity Lights Hang Over Mirrors?

Yes vanity lights can hang over mirrors

, just be sure it all looks proportionate.

Are LED lights good for vanity?

While incandescent bulbs were once the standard, today they are being phased out in favor of LED bulbs, which are

far more energy-efficient

, last much longer than incandescents, and don’t generate nearly as much heat as incandescent bulbs. That makes LED bulbs the best choice for bathroom lighting.

Should bathroom lights point up or down?

You need both ambient and task lighting in the bathroom. Vanity lights mounted with shades pointed up provide ambient light, and those with

shades pointed down

provide task light.

What is the best wattage for bathroom lighting?

There are several factors that will impact how bright you want the lights in your bathroom to be —

75-100 watts

go well in guest and master bathrooms. However, for half-baths or powder rooms, 45-60 watts is fine.

How many lumens do I need for a bathroom vanity light?

A useful rule of thumb for bath vanities is to use a minimum of two 60-watt incandescent bulbs, which typically produce approximately 800 lumens each for a

total of 1,600 lumens

.

How much space should be between mirror and light fixture?

The ideal distance between lights on either side of the mirror is

about three feet (36 inches)

. If your mirror is wider than that, you may need to make adjustments.

Should bathroom lights hang over mirror?

For a single light above the mirror, place it

around 80 inches from the floor

for an ideal height. The bottom of the fixture or shade should be at least two inches above the top edge of your mirror. Look for fixtures that are slightly smaller than the width or height of your mirror for an ideal visual ratio.

How far above a vanity should a mirror hang?

Hang the mirror

5” to 10” inches above the sink

. Hang the mirror a few inches above the highest part of the faucet. Center the mirror in between the vanity lighting and the sink.

Should mirror be same size as vanity?

As a general rule, a

vanity mirror should measure several inches fewer than your vanity sink area

. For example a 30 in. wide vanity should be paired with a 26-28 in. wide mirror.

How many lights should be on a 60 inch vanity?

A good rule of thumb is to pick one that is about

75% of your mirror’s total width

, mount them high above the floor (about 78” is recommended) and center them above the cabinet. For longer or double sink vanities, you may want to use two of the same style fixture, installed over each sink.

How big should a mirror be over a 48 inch vanity?

As a rule, the mirror should

measure several inches less than the vanity or sink area

. For example, if you’ve chosen a 48′′ single sink vanity, you will want to select a mirror that’s width (frame included) doesn’t exceed 48 inches. To make sure the mirror doesn’t overpower the room, aim for 42-44 inches total.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.