Should bathroom vanity lights point down or up?
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.
Should light fixtures go up or down?
If you’re looking to light a very large room, upwards-facing lights will be more effective for diffusing light further, whereas downwards-facing lights would be sufficient if you’re only lighting a small space.

Should bathroom wall sconces face up or down?
So should bathroom sconces be up or down? The answer is both! Both upward facing and downward facing bathroom sconces can light your bathroom space. Just keep in mind what the light will be used for.
Should vanity light hang over mirror?
Place the vanity light bar 3 inches above the mirror for the most even illumination across your reflection. For a child’s bathroom, keep the light at the standard height, but choose a wall-hung mirror that can be adjusted. The bathroom mirror height can be increased as they grow.
Should vanity lights overlap mirror?
Vanity mirror lighting should never overhang the mirror. Make sure the fixture isn’t extended past the mirror to avoid down lighting, which will cast shadows on the face. Take advantage of accent lighting to create a warm glow.

Where should vanity lights be placed?
Whenever possible, vanity fixtures mounted above the mirror should be positioned roughly 78″ from the floor, while vanity fixtures mounted to the sides of the mirror should be positioned at about 60″ from the floor – or roughly eye-level. Lights in this style should be hung about 28″ apart.
Can you turn a sconce upside down?
Can you turn a wall sconce upside down? There’s no problem with turning a light fixture that’s supposed to be mounted up-down, especially with LED. LED naturally gives off very little heat and will produce it even if they are turned upside down. Install sconces so; the light is at eye level.
What is the most flattering lighting for a bathroom?
To look your most attractive in the bathroom, you want lights that flank or encircle the mirror, as you might find in a backstage dressing room. Shaded or covered sconces positioned at head height about the room will further smooth and soften your appearance.
Can vanity lights hang below mirror?
Vanity lights should be placed 65 to 70 inches above the floor, and usually on either side of the vanity mirror to allow for proper lighting for makeup and the sink area.
How many lights should be on a 60 inch vanity?
We used 3 sconces in our 60″ double vanity with 2 recessed lights overhead. These mirrors are actually medicine cabinets that match the lower vanity.
Should light fixture 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 do you layout a bathroom light?
You should avoid light pointing directly down on your head because it will be harsh and unflattering. Instead, position your ceiling light over the walkway area so you’re lit from behind rather than directly in front of the vanity. Asymmetrical lighting is another mistake.
Where should vanity sconces be placed?
Generally, we recommend placing wall sconces near a mirror as task lighting. When installing sconces on either side of the vanity, it’s best to install bathroom sconces between 60”-65” from the floor. The height of the sconce should land just around eye level, preventing unflattering shadows or harsh glares.
What is uplighting and downlighting?
Uplighting refers to lights that are mounted to shine their light upward and are installed at low or ground level. Downlighting refers to lights that shine their light downward; so they would be installed at a higher to point to create this downward light effect.
How bright should bathroom vanity lights be?
The American Lighting Association recommends a minimum of 1600 lumens for vanity lights. And you’ll need even more to see all those details up close in front of your bathroom mirror.
Should vanity lights be wider than mirror?
While you want to ensure you have plenty of light, be sure to choose one that is no wider than your vanity or cabinet width, which may be wider than your mirror. Most people choose vanity bar lights that are about 75 percent of the mirror’s total width.
How many lights should be above a vanity mirror?
If you’re working with an average-size medicine cabinet or mirror, place two lights on either side of the mirror at eye level, about 65 inches from the floor and a couple inches from the edge of your mirror. For a single light above the mirror, place it around 80 inches from the floor for an ideal height.
Can vanity lights hang down over mirror?
Can Vanity Lights Hang Over Mirrors? Yes vanity lights can hang over mirrors, just be sure it all looks proportionate.
How many lights should be over a 60 inch vanity?
What size light goes over a 48 inch vanity?
There’s no rigid rule for the “right” side light bar, but probably 30″ to 36″ centered over the 48″ vanity would look good.