Good lighting makes a vanity look its best and your morning routine easier. This guide covers how to light a bathroom vanity — fixture types, placement, bulb color and sizing — so your solid-wood vanity and mirror look their best.
The golden rule: light your face, not the mirror
The most flattering vanity lighting comes from both sides of the mirror at roughly eye level (about 60–66 inches from the floor). Side sconces eliminate the harsh shadows you get from a single overhead light.
Fixture options
- Sconces (best): one on each side of the mirror for even, shadow-free light
- Vanity bar / light over the mirror: a clean option when side space is tight — size it to about 75% of the vanity or mirror width
- Overhead + task combo: a ceiling light for ambient fill plus sconces for the face
Bulb color and brightness
Choose 2700K–3000K (warm-to-soft white) for a flattering tone, or up to 3500K for a crisp, clean look. Aim for a high CRT/CRI (90+) so makeup and skin tones read true. Around 1600–2000 lumens total is comfortable for most bathrooms.
Match the metal to your hardware
Coordinate light fixtures with your faucet and cabinet hardware — warm brass, matte black or brushed nickel — for a pulled-together look against warm teak or light white oak.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lighting for a bathroom vanity?
Sconces on both sides of the mirror at eye level give the most flattering, shadow-free light. If side space is limited, a vanity bar above the mirror sized to about 75% of the vanity width works well.
What color temperature is best for vanity lighting?
2700K–3000K (warm to soft white) is most flattering; up to 3500K reads crisp and clean. Choose bulbs with a high color-rendering index (90+) so skin tones look natural.
How high should vanity lights be?
Mount side sconces around 60–66 inches from the floor (roughly eye level), and center an over-mirror light about 75–80 inches up, just above the mirror.
Complete the look
Pair great lighting with a solid-wood vanity — browse our collection or visit our Atlanta-area showrooms.
