Sconces Over Vanity - "Light Direction" Question

8 years ago

Hello Helpful People!

I plan to place three sconces above our double vanity - one to the outside of each sink/mirror, and one in the center. I have read over and over that "side lighting" is best over a vanity if spacing allows, and it does! My question is this: Many of the sconces I have seen on line, and in lighting stores, direct light either up or down. Others direct light in all directions. Is it important to go with this type of light? I will try to attach some examples below.

Would something like this work?

Or does it need to project sideways? Like this, maybe?

These are the mirrors I will be using - my style is transitional. Open to suggestions, ant thank you for your help!

Ajuju

Featured Answer

suezbell

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Over one sink it would be better to have one fixture -- but you could have three lights on that one fixture.

You want to choose a fixture that puts the light where needed and not shine it toward your eyes.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Stacey
8 years ago
I am not sure if the first light you have posted will give you enough light in the vanity area
Related Professionals
Manhattan Architects & Building Designers · Fall River Architects & Building Designers · Poplar Bluff Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Saginaw Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Southaven Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Yuma Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Chatham Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Kissimmee Bathroom Remodelers · Sarasota Bathroom Remodelers · Elkton Bathroom Remodelers · Austin Bathroom Remodelers · Clearlake Bathroom Remodelers · Tupelo Tile and Stone Contractors · Beckley Tile and Stone Contractors · Laconia Tile and Stone Contractors
ajuju
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you suesbell. To clarify, the light will not be directly over each sink, but to either side of each sink/mirror.
marylut
8 years ago
You want the sconce to send light downward for your task lighting. Normally they are centered 5 feet from the floor, but adjust the height if that puts the light into your eyes. Either sconce should work for you.
Bri Bosh
8 years ago
You want the glow on your face, not downward which will cast shadows. Go with the glass cover.
tatts
8 years ago
The task lighting in a bathroom should send light to illuminate your face, not downward. The only time. generally, that you are looking downward is while washing your hands. You should never have light shining from above on your face; it casts shadows under your eyebrows, nose, chin, etc. It makes it difficult to apply makeup, check your teeth, shave, etc.

Bathrooms need diffuse, bright light that casts minimal shadows. Lights on both sides accomplish that (but not lights like the first one--never, not even from above).
marylut
8 years ago
I have these sconces at 5’ from floor and they let me see my face and do not cast shadows.
marylut
8 years ago
If there is a shower in the room, the sconces may need to be “damp rated"
Bri Bosh
8 years ago
The white shade in that sconce filters light @marylut. The black metal shown by OP will create all down light and shadow the face.