Your pictures didn't post.

just fixed it. thank you!

The edison style bulbs usually used in these clear fixtures are very yellow in color and not very bright. If they were brighter, then the light coil in the edison bulb would not be visible, it would be a bright white blur.

IRONCLAD, Industrial-style 1 Light Rubbed Bronze Wall Sconce, 7" Wide · More Info

I am not so sure that this yellow color light is appropriate for a vanity where someone might be applying make-up. It would distort the color of your skin and the cosmetics being used.

They have an industrial vibe....is that what you're going for? There are still other choices that would have none of the problems that have been mentioned.

They make neutral light Edison bulbs. Look on amazon for 4000k LED bulbs if you decide to go with these sconces. But since it’s a clear shade you wouldn’t want the bulb any brighter than 40 watt. Like you said it’s right in your face. Task lighting does not need to be so bright. The other good thing about these bulbs is that the lights they emit is so clean and fresh. It’s perfect for a bathroom and applying makeup. The light is perfectly natural, not yellow like a traditional Edison or commercial like daylight bulbs. To answer your original question... 9” does seem rather deep, but not ridiculously so. If they’re centered on either side of your 32” mirror over your 48 inch vanity they would be spaced somewhere around 40-42” apart? Though the light will be shining at eye level the lights themselves will be comfortably off to the side. Now if you’re expecting multiple people to be sharing that mirror I might opt for something with a little less depth. Ultimately you have to live with it, so there’s no real rigth or wrong answer, just whatever functions best for you and speaks to your asthetic preferences. I think it could look great and function well with certain considerations taken.

@Ingrid, thank you so much for such detailed advice! I will move forward with the sconces which I already ordered from Etsy before this post. It would be a hassle to return. plus I really like the look.

The glare likely won't be an issue for this bathroom - I have a Panasonic ceiling fan + light with natural white LED, super bright - it could serve as task lighting if the tone of sconce would be a problem for our guests. Also the sconces will be installed a bit higher, with a dimmable switch, and yes 40-42 apart.

I have also considered just installed 1 sconce on top of the mirror but I think 2 would look nicer. The wall is about 8' wide so we do have the space for them.

Thank you again, and once I am done I will post back to share the experience either way :)

Have you considered getting something made specially for the space? If interested I make custom lighting based on the client's specifications and I can make them with a shorter projection.

Feel free to request a quote at: Retro Steam Works / Custom Lighting Design

I think they’re lovely, and I like a (dimmed) Edison bulb in a bathroom. Since they’re from Etsy, perhaps it’s worth asking if the horizontal projection could be decreased. Might be an easy fix, but I think they'll work well either way. Good luck!