Vanity Lighting Fixtures
Vanity lights or mirror lights are a highly critical decision for homemakers and designers to make because it affects the way you view your own appearance each day. Designers have known this for years, because if their customer thinks they look good, they have a more pleasant experience and will recommend this lighting to others. Mirror lighting needs to be bright but not glaring, accurate yet flattering, and for public or commercial spaces with low maintenance and low power. There are three considerations for attractive bathroom vanity lights before you make a decision on what lights to purchase; fixture placement, lamp (or bulb) type, and fixture style.
Placement
The most effective vanity lights surround the face with light. This provides light from all angles and minimizes shadows under the chin, eyes, cheeks, and forehead. This does not necessarily mean that you have to use 'Hollywood' style lights (those strips that use the round light bulbs), but these lights are an option when sheer light output is the only concern. On the contrary, a wall sconce on either side of the mirror, or a fixture with several sconces aligned can work quite nicely, particularly when combined with recessed lighting overhead. If the room has a whole wall mirror, you can mount some fixtures right on the mirror. Mounting the fixtures on the mirror requires additional planning and coordination with your electrical contractor and glass supplier. Be aware that some types of fixtures will look better on a mirror than other types because of their reflections. There are dome covered miniature recessed lights (mirror studs) that can be installed up each side of the mirror or placed around the entire mirror perimeter. Try to avoid using ceiling mounted fixtures as the sole source unless the room is very small with light colored walls. Large bathrooms often need additional lighting, in addition to vanity lights. The most common placement for vanity lighting is on the wall above the mirror. Though this is not ideal, it avoids most conflicts with mirror size, medicine cabinet doors, and room dimensions, however; the fixture needs to be long enough to light the sides of your face. The optimum scenario would be recessed lighting above coupled with wall mounted vanity lighting. This will best kill shadows.
Lamp type
There are many varieties of vanity lighting fixtures available. With fluorescent vanity lights you have choices when it comes to the color properties of the lamp. These lamps are energy efficient, reliable and produce little heat, making them one solution to lighting smaller bathroom spaces. Other options for vanity lights are halogen or incandescent lamps, which will allow you to customize your space with the precise lights of your choosing. You can also Lutron dimmer controls for greater energy savings and variability of light control.
Fixture style
Vanity lights and wall sconces come in a variety of styles and fixtures, providing you unsurpassable flexibility in finding a light that will meet your needs, while providing your décor with a beautiful and durable fixture that will last throughout the years. Choose from contemporary to traditional styles for a modern feel. Select from linear or a decorative wall sconce-like fixtures to add to the beauty and elegance to your space.
Related Articles:
