opinions/up or down light

16 years ago

Since today will be snowing for much of the east.... here's a question for you. For vanity lights that go above the mirror- many can be hung with the light fixture shining up or down.

Is it strictly a matter of personal preference or is there some other wisdom to this? Care to share and explain?

Here is hopefully a page which shows both.

Here is a link that might be useful: pemberton vanity light up or down?

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Comments (4)

3katz4me
16 years ago
I think it's just personal preference - other than up would be more of a dust catcher - both for the bulbs and glass shades.
pepperidge_farm
16 years ago
I believe that up is more of a room lighting while down is more of a lighting for the mirror/ person standing at the mirror, IMHO.
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User
16 years ago
Another consideration would be how sensitive your eyes are to light. I wanted ours up because I experience sensitivity, however, our contractor forgot and installed down. We just left them that way and he added a dimmer instead.
lizbeth-gardener
16 years ago
We hung our vanity lights beside the mirror, because side lighting is supposed to be better. We have a sconce on each side of the individual medicine cabinets and one in between. The lights face down and have a satin glass shade. I was concerned that the shades would make the light too dim, but it just softens it. I believe they are made for a 75 watt bulb, but we are using a 60 watt in each which is plenty of light. We have had the overhead ones before and find there is more glare and shadows. There is also a rule of thumb about the height you install the lights that is based on the tallest one using the mirror. I can't remember what it is, but would think someone on the design forum would know. Good luck on your choices.