What Size Light Goes Over a Bathroom Vanity?

The quick sizing rule

The simplest guide is the 70 to 80 percent rule. Measure the width of your vanity cabinet or mirror, whichever is narrower, and multiply by 0.7 and 0.8. That gives you a good range for the fixture length.

A fixture in this range looks balanced, leaves a little wall space on each side, and spreads light across the whole mirror. A light that is too short leaves the edges of the mirror dim. A light wider than the vanity looks oversized and can crowd nearby walls or doors.

If you are between sizes, go a little smaller rather than larger. A slightly short bar still lights a face well, while an overhanging one rarely looks right.

Fixture length by vanity width

Here are the ranges the 70 to 80 percent rule produces for common vanity widths. Round to the nearest fixture size that you can actually buy.

For wide vanities, you have two options. You can use one long bar, or you can use two or three smaller fixtures spaced evenly. Multiple fixtures often give more even light across a double sink.

Where to mount it

Size is only half the job. Placement decides whether the light flatters you or throws shadows under your eyes and chin.

For a bar light above the mirror, center the fixture over the sink. Many people mount it so the center sits roughly 75 to 80 inches from the floor, with the bottom of the fixture a few inches above the mirror. Check the maker's instructions, since fixtures differ in how they sit on the wall.

Side sconces work especially well for grooming because they light your face from both sides. Place them at about eye level, often around 60 to 66 inches from the floor, and space them so they sit just outside the mirror edges.

• Center bar lights over the sink, not over the whole cabinet if the sink is off-center.
• Mount sconces in pairs so shadows cancel out.
• Keep light sources from sitting directly behind your head, which causes glare in the mirror.
• Leave enough clearance for the mirror, medicine cabinet door and any nearby trim.

What size bulb and how much light

Most vanity fixtures use standard medium-base bulbs, labeled E26 in the US. For example, the Designers Fountain Reedley flush mount in our data uses two E26 sockets, each rated for up to 60W. Always stay under the wattage printed on the fixture, even with LED bulbs, since the rating protects against heat.

Instead of thinking in watts, shop by lumens, which measure actual brightness. As a rule of thumb, a 60W-equivalent LED bulb is around 800 lumens. A vanity with two to four bulbs of that strength is a common starting point for a single mirror, though the right amount depends on your room and how much you rely on the vanity for shaving or makeup.

Next, check color. Look for a color temperature in the 3000K to 4000K range, which reads as soft white to neutral. Also look for a high CRI, which measures how accurately light shows colors. On our best lighting for bathroom page, the listed CRI values among models that publish them run from 80 to 90, and the highest listed is a 90 CRI LEDVANCE fixture that also offers a 2700K warm setting and dimming.

Vanity lights versus ceiling lights

A vanity light handles close-up tasks at the mirror. A ceiling fixture lights the rest of the room. Most bathrooms do best with both, because relying on one overhead light alone can cast shadows on your face.

The products on our best lighting for bathroom page are ceiling-mounted fixtures, so they are a good match for general lighting rather than a replacement for mirror lighting. The listed outputs range from 900 lumens to 4000 lumens, and sizes vary widely. A 7 inch, 900 lumen disk suits a small powder room, while a 1x4 panel listing 4000 lumens suits only a large bathroom.

If your bathroom is small and you can only add one light, a 12 inch panel near the vanity can help. For example, the hykolity 12 inch panel lists 24W with 3000K to 5000K presets. Note that it is not dimmable, so think about whether you want dimming for evening use.

Safety and installation notes

Bathrooms mix water and electricity, so take extra care. Turn off the power at the breaker, not just the wall switch, and confirm with a voltage tester before touching any wires. If you are not comfortable with wiring, hire a licensed electrician.

Check the rating on any fixture. A damp location rating covers humid rooms, but check the maker's instructions before placing a light directly over a shower or tub. Fixtures near open water usually need a higher rating.

Use a stable ladder or step stool, keep it on dry flooring, and do not work alone on a wet or slippery floor. Wear safety glasses when drilling or working overhead, since dust and small parts can fall into your eyes.

A simple way to decide

Work through these steps in order, and you will land on a good fixture.

Measure first, then narrow by style, then confirm the specs.

• Measure your vanity and mirror width, then multiply by 0.7 and 0.8.
• Decide on one bar, two sconces or several smaller lights.
• Confirm a damp rating and the mounting height that works with your mirror.
• Choose bulbs or an LED fixture around 3000K to 4000K with the highest CRI you can find.
• Add dimming if you want softer light in the evening.
• Compare specs side by side before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Can a vanity light be wider than the mirror?

It can, but it often looks off. Keeping it at or under the width of the vanity cabinet gives the cleanest look and keeps light focused on your face.

Is it better to put lights above or beside the mirror?

Side lights give more even light on the face, which helps with shaving and makeup. A bar above the mirror is simpler to install and works well if the light is bright and diffused.

Should vanity bulbs be warm or cool?

Warm to neutral, around 3000K to 4000K, is a safe choice. It looks natural and is easier on the eyes than very cool light, especially in the morning and evening.

Do I need a dimmer at the vanity?

It is optional, but useful. Dimming lets you keep bright light for grooming and soften it later. Make sure both the fixture and the bulbs are dimmable, and use a compatible dimmer switch.