Lighting for Bathrooms and Vanitiesby Eric Strandberg LCLighting Specialist, Lighting Design LabVanity or mirror lighting is a subject that people are highly critical of because it effects their own appearance. Designers in the hospitality industry have (or should have) known this for years. If the customer looks good, they have a more pleasant experience and will want to come back. Mirror lighting needs to be bright but not glaring, accurate yet flattering, and for public/commercial spaces low maintenance and low power. There are three considerations for mirror lighting; fixture placement, lamp (or bulb) type, and fixture style.Placement. The best mirror lighting surrounds the face with light. This provides light from all sides that minimizes shadows under the chin, eyes, cheeks, and forehead. This does not mean that you have to use 'Hollywood' style lights (those strips that use the round light bulbs). A wall sconce on either side of the mirror can work nicely. Normally you want the center of the fixture at about 66" above the finished floor and at least 30" apart (these specs will vary according to the particulars of the room and fixture). If the room has a whole wall mirror you can mount the fixtures right on the mirror. Mounting the fixtures on the mirror requires extra planning and coordination with the electrical contractor and the glass supplier. Also be aware that some types of fixtures will look better on a mirror than other types (because of the reflections).

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