When our team is designing a bathroom, one of the most impactful (and often underestimated) decisions we make is the vanity lighting. The right bathroom vanity lights can completely transform how a space looks and feels. And just as importantly, how it functions.
Vanity lighting isn’t simply decorative. It affects how you see your reflection, how makeup applies, how shaving goes and how the entire bathroom reads visually. Whether we’re remodeling a compact powder room or a spacious primary suite in Seattle, a thoughtful lighting plan should always be part of the conversation.
Here’s how we guide our Seattle clients through choosing the right bathroom vanity lighting for their space.
Bathroom Vanity Lighting 101: A Designer’s Guide to Placement and Style
Start with Function
Before we talk finishes or style, we need to get clear on how the space is used. A few questions we typically ask:
- Is this a shared primary bathroom used every morning?
- Is it a guest bath that only needs occasional task lighting?
- Is it a kid-friendly space that needs durability and brightness?
At it’s core, vanity lighting is primarily task lighting. That means it should illuminate the face evenly, without casting harsh shadows from above or below. If you’ve ever tried applying makeup under a single overhead light, you know just how unflattering that can be!
As a rule of thumb, we always suggest:
- Even light distribution across the face
- Minimal shadows
- Warm, but accurate color rendering
The Best Placement for Bathroom Vanity Lights
Side-Mounted Sconces
From a designer’s perspective, side-mounted sconces are often the best option. Placing a sconce on either side of the mirror provides even illumination across the face, thus reducing shadows under the eyes and chin.
For optimal placement:
- Mount sconces about 60–66 inches from the floor
- Position them roughly 36–40 inches apart, depending on mirror width
This approach works beautifully in larger bathrooms or double vanities.
Over-Mirror Vanity Bars
If space or budget doesn’t allow for side sconces, a well-sized light fixture above the mirror can absolutely work.
We recommend:
- Installing the fixture about 75–80 inches from the floor
- Choosing a fixture that’s about 70–80% the width of the mirror
- Selecting a style with diffused or frosted glass to soften glare
On thew other hand, avoid small fixtures centered over large mirrors because they rarely provide enough light and scale often looks awkward.
Choose the Right Color Temperature
One of the biggest mistakes we see in bathroom remodels is choosing the wrong bulb temperature.
For vanity lighting, we typically recommend the following:
- 2700K–3000K (warm white) for a flattering, spa-like feel
- High CRI (Color Rendering Index) bulbs so skin tones appear natural
Cool, blue-toned lighting (4000K+) may feel bright, but it can be harsh and uninviting—especially in a primary bathroom meant to feel relaxing!
Scale Matters More Than You May Think
When it comes to good design, proportion is everything.
For example, in a compact powder room, oversized fixtures can overwhelm the space. And on the other hand, tiny vanity lights can look like an afterthought in a large primary suite.
When choosing bathroom vanity lights, be sure to factor in:
- Mirror size
- Ceiling height
- Vanity width
- Overall architectural scale
If the bathroom includes bold tile, intricate millwork or detailed cabinetry (which we’re seeing more of in 2026 design trends), lighting should complement, not compete.
Match Lighting to the Style of the Bathroom
Lighting should feel cohesive with the rest of the design. Here’s how we typically approach it:
Modern Bathrooms
- Clean lines
- Finishes like polished chrome or nickel and matte black
- Minimalist linear fixtures
Transitional Bathrooms
- Soft metallic finishes like aged brass
- Globe sconces or simple bar lights
Traditional or Craftsman Homes
- Lantern-inspired sconces
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- More detailed backplates or architectural elements
Vanity lighting is a great way to introduce warmth, especially with finishes like aged brass that will patina beautifully over time.
Don’t Forget Layered Lighting
Bathroom vanity lights shouldn’t stand alone. We typically layer these three different types of lighting for a well-designed, balanced space:
- Recessed ceiling lights for ambient illumination
- Vanity lights for task lighting
- Accent lighting (like under-cabinet LEDs) for warmth
Layering gives you flexibility, so your space can be bright in the morning, then soft and soothing at night.
Lighting for Double Vanities
In larger bathrooms with double vanities, lighting becomes even more important! Instead of one oversized fixture across two mirrors, we recommend either two matching over-mirror lights or four sconces (two per mirror).
Either of these combinations helps to create symmetry and ensures both users have balanced light.
Common Bathroom Vanity Lighting Mistakes to Avoid
From a designer’s perspective, these are the most frequent issues I see:
- Relying only on overhead lighting
- Installing fixtures too high or too low
- Choosing bulbs that are too cool in tone
- Selecting fixtures that are too small for the mirror
Also, dimmer switches are a must! They allow you to transition the bathroom from your bright morning routine to a relaxing evening wind-down.
Bathroom vanity lights may seem like a small detail, but they have a major impact. The right fixture or fixtures can enhance your daily routine, elevate the overall design and add a polished, intentional feel to your remodel.
At CRD Design Build, we approach lighting as part of a holistic design strategy. From layout to cabinetry to finishes and fixtures, everything works together. If you’re planning a Seattle bathroom remodel and want lighting that’s both beautiful and functional, we’d love to help.
Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary discovery call and let’s design a bathroom that truly works for you!
