Don’t underestimate the power of good vanity lighting. It’s an element that brings a lot to the proverbial table – it’s an opportunity for a decorative moment with statement fixtures, but it’s also key to being able to get ready in the mornings with sufficient light.
So, when you’re planning your bathroom lighting, remember to factor in how you illuminate your bathroom vanity. After all, a ceiling light, while functional, is usually one of the most unflattering and impractical when it comes to your morning routine, so while it might work for the overall lighting scheme, it’s not going to help light your bathroom vanity area – this space needs its own setup.
I’ve turned to interior designers to find out their favorite tried-and-tested bathroom vanity lighting ideas that have taken their projects from pretty to perfect (and practical).
6 bathroom vanity lighting ideas that are flattering and functional
From statement sconces to unexpected pendant moments, who better to inspire your bathroom vanity lighting than designers who have tried it all? There are so many options when it comes to placement and designs, but these are the ones they always return to.
1. Hang a statement pendant light that’s soft but focused
(Image credit: Nu Interiors)
While your instinct might be to install your vanity lighting on the walls – it’s usually seen above or on either side of the vanity mirror – it can sometimes be more practical and a greater design moment to utilize your ceiling, like in this bathroom.
‘Pendants can be a great choice for offering softer light around a bathroom vanity as compared to recessed lighting. In the case of this bathroom design, the medicine cabinets were positioned on the sides of the vanity, and the main mirror was stationary with no doors that opened,’ explains Nureed Saeed, owner and creative director at Nu Interiors.
‘This meant that we could have more fun with the lighting because I did not have to consider the functionality of medicine doors opening. Since the vintage mirror was one of the stars of the space, the mid-century inspired lighting by Mitzi for Hudson Valley Lighting Group gave a nice balance to the bathroom design.’
‘The choice ensured the lighting did not overpower the mirror wall with too many elements adorning the wall. It’s a clean, simple, stylish choice with many practical design thoughts as well,’ he adds.
2. Add interest with sculptural vanity lights
(Image credit: Studio Palindrome)
Alternatively, if you have lots of wall space on either side of your mirror, a pair of sculptural sconces is a chic choice. They not only feel more decorative, but also that eye-level lighting is often the ideal height for getting ready. And this design proves bathroom vanity lighting doesn’t have to be boring.
‘The goal for this bathroom was to create a light, open atmosphere, especially given its modest size for a primary suite. A neutral palette helped maintain that sense of airiness, while the sculptural vanity lights introduced a subtle focal point,’ says Hannah Griffiths, an interior designer at Studio Palindrome.
‘The homeowner responded strongly to a similar fixture during the visioning stage, so we chose these white flower-inspired sconces for their ability to add form and interest without overwhelming the overall simplicity of the space,’ she adds.
3. Introduce vanity lighting that reflects the era of your home
(Image credit: Studio Palindrome)
If your home is of a distinct style, era, or architectural design, leaning into it is the chicest way to elevate your home. But it can be tricky to do in the bathroom, where functionality is at its core.
However, your vanity lighting offers the perfect opportunity to introduce something more stylish. In this bathroom, the vanity area became a beacon for showcasing the Mid-century modern style of the home.
‘The walnut-and-brass sconces nod to the home’s 1970 Mid-Century Modern architecture while bringing the look up to date,’ says Hannah, who notes that it was key to bring the materials and tones synonymous with the style into the space. ‘Positioned on either side of the mirror, the double sconces provide even, flattering illumination at face level. Their warm wood tone ties in with the floating walnut vanity while offering contrast against the crisp white walls.’
4. Try spotlights for a clean, contemporary feel
(Image credit: Vergara Homes)
Let’s be honest, spotlights get a bad rap, especially those poorly-thought-out ceiling lights that cast shadows from every angle. But when they are placed right, they can be a great option for your bathroom vanity lighting.
‘In this project, we went with spotlights over the vanity because we wanted a sleek and modern look while still being practical. They aim the light exactly where you need it, which makes daily routines so much easier,’ says Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes.
‘We did make sure to layer other lighting in the room and chose a bulb with diffused light to ensure no harsh downward shadows. I also love how they highlight the vanity itself without cluttering the room with big fixtures, so the bathroom feels open, clean, and elevated.’
5. Save space around a double vanity with a single wall light
(Image credit: Terri Brien Interiors/Josh Bustos Photo)
A double bathroom vanity calls for two mirrors, and it can feel like the obvious move to add one or two lights for each. But in some cases, storage has to take priority, leaving less space for lots of lighting fixtures.
That was exactly the scenario in this bathroom – the clients required extra storage, so a tall cabinet was built next to the vanity, filling the wall space that would usually be lent to an extra light or two.
‘Because the tower left no room for sconces flanking the mirrors, the best solution was to place a single wall light in the center to balance both sides,’ explains interior designer Terri Brien.
‘While most of the bathroom was taken down to the studs, the vanity wall was not. Relocating the vent above the vanity would have been cost-prohibitive, and the existing setup only provided one light above each sink. The addition of the wall light gave the clients an extra light source and created a focal point on the vanity wall,’ she adds.
‘Layered lighting not only adds visual interest to the room but also sets the mood. From a functional standpoint, the wall light provides balanced illumination at face level, which is much more flattering and useful than relying just on the overhead lighting.’
‘From a style perspective, it breaks up the expanse of cabinetry and mirrors, adding visual rhythm to a wall that otherwise might have felt flat. It also softens the space and adds a warm glow, allowing the clients to adjust the lighting to suit their needs – bright for daily routines, or dimmed for a more relaxed atmosphere.’
6. Create a seamless design with lighting installed on your vanity mirror
(Image credit: Colleen Simonds Design/Emily Gilbert Photography/Helen Crowther Stylist)
You don’t have to choose between a statement, oversized mirror, and sufficient lighting – the right solution allows you to have both. In this bathroom, the designer opted for vanity lights installed onto the mirror, allowing the client to have the best of both worlds.
‘I chose to install the lights on the mirror in this bath so the mirror could be as large as possible, and take up the whole width of the wall above the vanity. This is a windowless bathroom, so we needed as much light as possible – a large mirror helps bounce light around and opens up the space,’ says interior designer Colleen Simonds.
‘Sconces like these provide softer light closer to your face, which is more flattering than, say, the overhead recessed lights. So that is a reason to use them. It’s also a good opportunity to add color, pattern, or a little whimsy since you have the shades to work with – here they have a little stencil detail.’
Shop bathroom vanity lighting
If you want to create a vanity design that feels totally timeless, these sconces are a chic choice. Available in antique brass, as pictured, or oil rubbed bronze, it’s a style that suits any bathroom scheme.
POWLIG Modern Vanity Light Fixture
If you prefer your vanity light to sit above the mirror, this modern design is an elegant option. Offers as a two, three, or four-light fixture, it looks good in a small or sprawling space.
Mosca Bath Sconce with Glass Shade
This set of two brass and glass sconces is perfect for bathrooms, especially if your space leans more contemporary. Offered in three finishes, it’s a simple yet elevated choice for stylish-meets-functional vanity lighting.
Lighting is so important in a bathroom, especially the vanity, and it’s one of the best ways to make your bathroom feel more inviting. Make sure you plan your bathroom lighting right at the beginning of the vanity design process – this way, you can choose less expected designs, like lighting installed into the mirror or rewiring to suit your statement fixtures.