I don't know which gives the most light--I'd visit a lighting store before selecting sconces. I would consider mirroring the side walls like the photo if you choose that option, but I think the framing adds a lot to that look.

My preference would be to insert the sconces in mirrored side panels to bounce the light. Notice how they used the counter material to build a shallow ledge for the bottom of the medicine cabinet, giving a wall-hung or semi-recessed cabinet a built-in look. The side splash is a curved piece, which adds a bit of interest.

Glad you were able to do the bottom drawer for your vanity!

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Thanks! I may try to visit the lighting store again soon...though we have a local Rejuvenation, they don't have the fixtures I'm considering.

I guess I don't see much difference between lights mounted on the side wall versus lights mounted on each side of the mirror on the sink wall. Very hard to know what the difference would look like. The GC was saying that hotels, etc. will have the lights next to the mirrors--but most sinks don't have the side walls so it's not an option. Maybe I will try it with 2 flashlights!

As an electrician myself I always suggest having the light in front of you rather then over your head .

Thanks! Just to clarify, I'm doing an overhead light and sconces together. Trying to decide whether to put the sconces on the back wall with the medicine cabinet (reduces mirror space or have to put the sconces through the mirror) or put the sconces on the side walls of the alcove.

OK I experimented with a lamp and definitely prefer the light more in front than on the side. So decided against the sconces on the side wall--thanks for the input!

I talked to my KD, and she mentioned pendant lights, which would give more options on where to put the lights. Also wouldn't have to cut into mirror for the sconces.

This isn't the look I'm going for, but an example of pendants in a craftsman bathroom

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This is more my inspiration for colors and feel:

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New questions:

1. I think I've narrowed down some of the fixtures. Would you prefer the pendant or the sconce?

2. Most of the pros I've talked to in person don't seem to like the idea of the mirrors flanking the medicine cabinet, saying the light will reflect in odd ways. I'd be fine with the 24' medicine cabinet as a mirror, but would want to do larger if it makes sense. I don't think I've seen negative feedback on GW for lights in front of mirrors--anyone aware of complaints with this set up?

Thank you!

I'm not fond of hanging pendants in a bath, but I like the ones in the Craftsman bath. The square shades and placement close to the molding makes them look like they're mounted on the molding instead of hanging next to your head.

That pendant isn't bad but I prefer the long, narrow style in the photo. But I really love that square-shaded sconce and would ditch the mirrored panels to use them instead of the pendants. You'd have room for the 30" Kohler medicine cabinet with the split doors. I think the 24" only has two shelves where the 30" has three. The split mirrors are 20" and 10".

https://www.build.com/kohler-k-cb-clc3026fs-medicine-cabinet/s567178

Of course those sconces would also look great mounted on a mirror or on wide molding.

Thanks everyone! I told the contractor I'm going with the WAC sconces and 24" medicine cabinet. The pendants didn't seem to be bright enough for the bathroom.

I might still do the mirrors flanking the medicine cabinet. I've picked out this medicine cabinet (already being framed, so no changes): https://www.build.com/kohler-k-2936-pg-medicine-cabinet/s560691?uid=1740562

Not certain whether or not I will do the mirrors flanking the medicine cabinet, and I think I can wait to decide until the medicine cabinet is in.

GC thinks the mirrors next to the medicine cabinet will look weird--I'm not sure if I'm not communicating my idea well or if it's just not going to work out. Not sure if anyone has pictures saved of mirrors next to a frameless medicine cabinet?

With these sconces, I'm not too concerned about the light reflecting strangely since the shade will be so close to the mirror.

Would the medicine cabinet door be as flush to the wall as a mirror would be? Even though it's built in, I would think it might project a bit. I wonder if that's your GC's concern. I know he said something about lighting, but maybe that's why?

Have you considered tiling the back wall of the alcove? It'd be really pretty with the sconces installed on the tile. You wouldn't have to recess your medicine cabinet either. I believe they come with the option to apply mirrored side trim, which won't show much in an alcove anyway.

Very modern style just to show layout and mirror:

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