Properly lighting a vanity makes a big impact on a bathroom's overall appearance.
Whether you're remodeling your entire bathroom or just hoping to add a little light, the light fixtures you use around your vanity can set the mood of your bathroom. Vanity lighting is typically placed around a mirror, so it's important you don't use lighting that creates extra shadows on your face.
Go Vertical
For a basic lighting option for your vanity, go vertical. A vertical light or wall sconce on either side of your vanity mirror will provide even lighting for the area and light up spaces that might become shadows if an overhead light is used. Vertical light fixtures and wall sconces come in a variety of colors and styles, including options with multiple lights. For a brighter light that won't make you look sallow and yellow, use halogen bulbs.
Add Overhead Light
If vertical lights aren't enough, add another light over your vanity mirror. Overhead lights, when used alone, can cause dark spots you want to avoid, but when used in addition to vertical lights, an overhead light can provide just the right amount of extra light. You can purchase an overhead light fixture for above your vanity mirror from your local home improvement store in a variety of styles, from single to multiple light options.
Overlight
If you're unsure if you need more light, err on the side of caution and add more light. When it comes to vanity and bathroom lighting, it's better to have too much light than not enough. Add longer vertical fixtures if dark shadows exist around the top or bottom of your mirror, or add a light fixture along the bottom of your vanity mirror, if possible, for extra illumination.
Avoid Recessed Lights
Recessed light fixtures tend to cause odd shadows when used with other lights. While this isn't a problem when it comes to lighting up those dark kitchen corners, around a bathroom, recessed lights can create shadows you'd rather not have in an area where you look in the mirror.
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