Explore Top LED Bathroom Vanity Lights for Modern Elegance
Updated: Mar. 25, 2024
Choosing the best bathroom vanity lighting requires balancing dimensions, design and desired task lighting.
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Finding the optimal lights for a bathroom can be tricky, especially the best bathroom vanity lighting, since they’re equal parts design and task lighting. The right lighting helps people with delicate bathroom tasks, such as applying makeup, shaving, general grooming and tweezing barely-there hairs. It can also make you feel confident before heading out for the day.
When lighting a small space, like a bathroom vanity, it’s essential to think about the layout of the area. Bathrooms can be dark rooms, especially when there’s no window, or the lights are incorrectly placed. Choosing the best bathroom lights and positioning them for maximum effect is key.
“It’s always important to have layers of lighting in any space,” says Ariana Lovato, the owner and principal designer of Honeycomb Home Design. The vanity lights should be functional lighting but still decorative. I always prefer a wall-mounted sconce at eye level because it will provide the most functional, flattering lighting.” Read on to find the best bathroom vanity lighting options to suit every style and space.
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Best Overall Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Pottery Barn Monroe Quintuple Sconce
Simple meets industrial-inspired with the Monroe Sconce. If you’ve got or are dreaming of a bathroom full of white subway tile and barn wood accents, then this sconce is a top-choice for your style. With five bulbs, this will throw bright light right over your vanity. It’s offered in black, black and brass and chrome finishes to accommodate your other hardware. Edison bulbs make this fixture really glow, and it’s compatible with a dimmer.
Pros
- Compatible with a dimmer switch
- Available in multiple finishes
- Designed to withstand moisture
Cons
- On the expensive side
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Most Versatile Bathroom Vanity Lighting
ExBrite Crystal Vanity Lights Wall Sconces
This vanity light earns a spot on this list because it offers an aesthetic that’s increasingly difficult to find. The simple, timeless design works well for people with historic or older homes, as well as those looking for a fixture that matches a mid-century modern or contemporary design. The high-quality black metal, gold details and transparent crystal lampshades make this piece work in a range of bathrooms.
Pros
- Can be mounted upwards or downwards
- Has crystal lampshades and gold details
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about quality
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Best LED Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Stix LED Vanity Light
For the ultimate minimalist modern pick with a slim profile, the Stix LED Vanity Light has you covered. The metal and acrylic fixture comes in three finishes (white, black and aluminum) and four sizes (18, 24, 32 and 40 inches). Damp-rated and dimmable, it’ll work safely in bathrooms and powder rooms. It packs a stylish punch and throws a CRI of 90 and a temperature of 3,000K. This vanity light bar works to illuminate large mirrors for your most important bathroom tasks.
Pros
- Has energy-efficient LED lighting source
- Minimalist design
- Available in three finishes
Cons
- Expensive
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Best Splurge Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Melange Pill Form Wall Sconce
This sophisticated, yet playful, wall sconce comes from maximalist interiors master designer, Kelly Wearstler. It’s natural alabaster stone, curved into an oversized pill shape and ringed with sleek, aged bronze, brass or polished-nickel metal. It looks natural placed vertically on either side of a medicine cabinet while emitting a warm, flattering light—almost like frosted glass. The fixture can also be installed horizontally if the space calls for it.
Pros
- Expertly-designed high-end piece
- Hides the light sources
- Available in three finishes
Cons
- Very expensive
- Must be paired with LED bulbs
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Best Two-Light Sconce Bathroom Vanity Lighting
West Elm Mobile Two-Light Sconce
This barbell-style sconce, which can be installed vertically or horizontally, is super hot right now, so it earns top marks for trendiness and versatility. Thanks to its damp rating, it’s smart for humid bathrooms and should last a long time. It comes in four finishes: polished chrome, black and brass two-tone, antique brass and antique bronze. With two 60-watt bulbs, it can throw up to 120 watts of clear, warm light in the space. It can be paired with a dimmer switch, too.
Pros
- Two bulbs provide plenty of light
- Can be mounted vertically or horizontally
- Available in four finishes
- A modern take on an industrial design
- Designed to withstand moisture
Cons
- Professional installation recommended
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Best Bathroom Vanity Lighting for Small Spaces
Commee Four-Light Dimmable Vanity Light
For an updated take on the classic Hollywood globe-bulb mirrors, this vanity bar light nails it. The warm four-bulb light provides the right illumination for applying makeup, and the shape easily takes it into a more stylistically versatile era. The bar fixture has some design, but not enough to overpower a petite room. It could fit in a bathroom or powder room with an art deco, Hollywood Regency or even traditional design.
Pros
- 24-inch compact design
- Won’t break the bank
- Can be mounted vertically or horizontally
Cons
- Only available in black
Types of Bathroom Vanity Lighting
- Wall sconces: These are fixtures mounted on the wall either above or beside the bathroom mirror. Lovato says she always prefers wall-mounted sconces at eye level (as opposed to overhead bathroom vanity lights) because they provide the most functional, flattering lighting.
- Single bar lights: Also known as bath bars or strip lights, these fixtures feature a long, narrow design with multiple bulbs arranged in a single row. They are typically mounted above the mirror and provide even illumination across the vanity area.
- Pendant lights: Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling allowing for flexibility in height adjustment. They come in a variety of styles and can add a decorative touch to the bathroom. If not properly positioned, they may create a glare and shadows.
- Recessed lighting: Recessed lights, which are installed into the ceiling, provide a clean and minimalist look. Lovato favors them for their ability to offer ample lighting for cleaning tasks. While versatile for different bathroom sizes and providing general ambient lighting, they might not offer sufficient illumination for grooming tasks.
- Mirror lights: Mirror lights are integrated directly into the mirror itself or mounted onto the mirror frame. These lights offer a sleek and modern look and eliminate the need for separate fixtures.
What to Consider When Buying Vanity Lighting
- Size and layout: Consider the size of the vanity area and the layout of the bathroom to ensure adequate illumination. “I find that it’s best to have side sconces on either side of the mirror for ample lighting during the day or night,” says Lovato.
- Style and aesthetics: “The vanity lights should be functional but still decorative,” notes Lovato. Choose lights that complement your bathroom’s style and decor.
- Placement: Lovato suggests buying your mirror first, as this will dictate the best spot for your vanity lights. “Placement really depends on the fixture itself,” she explains. “We always strive to have the light 57 inches above the finished floor or at eye level.”
- Brightness and color temperature: Select lights with the appropriate brightness level and color temperature (warm, neutral or cool) to create the desired ambiance and functionality.
- Energy efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.
- Dimming capability: If desired, choose lights that are compatible with dimmer switches to adjust the brightness levels according to preference.
- Damp/wet ratings: Fixtures with damp or wet ratings are safe for humid bathrooms or near water. This is essential for shower or bathtub ceiling fixtures. If water can land on the bulb, opt for a damp or wet rating. Otherwise, it may be less critical for small sink areas away from lights.
- Built-in lights: Watch out for fixtures that have built-in LED lights rather than bulbs. Although they can be long-lasting, you often have to ditch the entire fixture when the light goes out. It doesn’t necessarily make them nonstarters, but you should be aware when purchasing.
How We Found the Best Bathroom Vanity Lighting
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FAQ
Where should vanity lights be installed?
“Vanity lights are the fixtures installed near a mirror, either above or next to it,” says Andra DelMonico, lead interior designer of Trendey. “If you’re installing your vanity light over a mirror, the light should be about 75% of the width of the mirror. This keeps the mirror and the light looking balanced while ensuring there is enough light created for the vanity.” If you have double sinks, choose two matching lights or separate sconces rather than one long light fixture.
What kind of lighting is best for a bathroom vanity?
Bathrooms are often among the darkest rooms, so lighting temperature matters. Designer Sara Sain of Sain Homes recommends checking the bulb’s Kelvin rating, which categorizes light warmth. “The wrong Kelvin can shift your appearance from drab to fab,” she explains. Opt for around 3,000K, she says. “It’s bright and inviting, without being too gold or clinical.” Also, look for the Color Rendering Index (CRI) rating, aiming for 90 to 100 for accurate color representation akin to natural lighting.
Originally Published: October 28, 2021
