The best bathroom vanity lighting comes from a pair of sconces mounted either side of the mirror at eye level (about 60–66 inches from the floor), not a single fixture overhead. Side lighting lights your face evenly and kills the harsh shadows an overhead light casts. Aim for warm-neutral 2700–3000K, a high colour-rendering (CRI 90+) bulb, and enough lumens to see clearly.
Key takeaways
- Flank the mirror with sconces at eye level — side light beats overhead for grooming.
- Mount around 60–66 in to centre; a bar light above the mirror sits ~75–80 in.
- Target 2700–3000K and a CRI 90+ bulb so skin tones read true.
- Check the IP rating — fixtures near the shower or tub must be damp/wet rated.
On this page
What is the best lighting for a bathroom vanity?
Light the face from the sides, not just above. A pair of wall sconces flanking the mirror puts light where you need it — across the face at eye level — so there are no shadows under the eyes, nose and chin. A single overhead fixture, by contrast, drops shadows exactly where you are trying to see. If side sconces are not possible, a wide bar light above the mirror is the next best option, ideally paired with ambient ceiling light.
How high and how far apart should vanity lights be?
| Fixture | Placement |
|---|---|
| Sconces (either side) | ~60–66 in to centre, roughly 28–40 in apart, flanking the mirror |
| Bar light (above mirror) | ~75–80 in to centre, or a few inches above the mirror |
| Ambient ceiling / recessed | Centred in the room for overall fill |
For the general rules behind sconce placement, see our guide to wall light & sconce placement and height. Confirm final positions with your electrician.
How bright and what colour temperature should vanity lighting be?
A vanity is a task zone, so it needs solid, even light — build up to roughly 1,600–2,000+ lumens across the fixtures. Choose 2700–3000K (warm to warm-neutral) for a flattering, true-to-life look; some prefer up to 3500K for a crisper feel. Most important is a high CRI (90+) bulb so make-up and skin tones read accurately. Our colour temperature guide explains the Kelvin scale, and the Lighting Calculator helps size the room’s overall light.
Do bathroom lights need a special (IP) rating?
Yes — near water. Bathrooms are divided into zones by how close they are to the shower or tub, and fixtures in those zones must carry a suitable IP (Ingress Protection) rating for moisture. A vanity a safe distance from the shower usually has more freedom, but anything close to water should be damp- or wet-rated. Full detail is in our guide to IP ratings for bathroom & outdoor lighting. Always follow your local wiring code and use a qualified electrician.
Sconces, a vanity bar, or overhead — which should I choose?
- Sconces (pair): best face light, most flattering, and add style — our top choice for a vanity.
- Vanity bar: good when there is no room to flank the mirror; mount above and pair with ambient light.
- Overhead only: avoid as the sole source — it casts shadows on the face. Use it as ambient fill alongside side or bar lighting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lighting for a bathroom vanity?
A pair of sconces flanking the mirror at eye level. Side lighting illuminates the face evenly and avoids the shadows an overhead fixture creates.
How high should vanity lights be?
Sconces about 60–66 inches from the floor to centre; a bar light above the mirror around 75–80 inches, or a few inches above the mirror.
What colour temperature is best for a bathroom mirror?
2700–3000K (warm to warm-neutral) with a high CRI 90+ bulb so skin tones and make-up look true. Up to 3500K if you prefer a crisper light.
How bright should vanity lighting be?
Aim for roughly 1,600–2,000+ lumens total across the vanity fixtures for clear, even task light.
Do bathroom vanity lights need to be damp rated?
If they are near the shower or tub, yes — use a fixture with a suitable IP rating. A vanity well away from water has more flexibility, but always follow local code.
Last updated: September 2026 · Written by Artevaris Editorial
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