Need bathroom design advice!!

7 years ago

We are redoing our small powder room as we had extra slab from our kitchen remodel. The counter is only 34” wide and I got a mirror that’s about 30” (photo below of same mirror from catalog) We have a recessed light directly over the counter/mirror and were told adding a light on the wall over the mirror and under the recessed light would not look right. We don’t want to start moving recessed lights so I was wondering if one sconce light next to the mirror & past the counter would look odd since I can’t fit a light on each side of the mirror. (A wall is on the other side). What do you think?

Featured Answer

calidesign

7 years ago

Since it's a powder room you may be able to just use the recessed light. Or consider changing the recessed light into a pendent light to hang lower over the mirror.

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Comments (17)

Susan Murin
7 years ago
Had a similar issue. Unfortunately I think it’s a no. Have you considered a narrower mirror?
jlemail3
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes, but we have 9’ ceilings and need at least a 36” tall mirror. Narrower looks bad.
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jlemail3
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, I might try that. The one recessed is the only light in the room other than a weird little light built in with a ceiling vent/fan.
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Debbi Washburn
7 years ago
You have a 9 ft ceiling height... I don't think it is an issue at all to have a light over the mirror and the recessed...

I do prefer a pretty hanging fixture in a powder room though!
jlemail3
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Debbie. This photo is super blurry but I saw it on line of the mirror I’m getting shown with a chrome light over it. So if this also had a recessed light over it, you don’t think it would look bad? Also I’m going with a transitional look. If I used a chrome light such as this, does it look too modern? Thanks!
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Debbi Washburn
7 years ago
I like that light alot... for your recessed light just make sure the trim is white to blend with the ceiling.. once you put in a pretty fixture like that no one will look up
calidesign
7 years ago
You can use a light above the mirror with your recessed light. Put it on a separate switch. The one in your photo looks very industrial to me though - not really transitional.
jlemail3
Original Author
7 years ago
Cali design and Debbi, if that light is too modern/industrial, what might you put there? My kitchen, right next to the bathroom, is in progress now, but all white with 2 open black farmhouse like pendants over the island. It’s not done but I’ll attach a similar style photo. It has stainless in there. The bathroom has chrome. My living room has gold...so much going on!
calidesign
7 years ago
Chrome is fine, I would just look for something simpler in design. Search under lighting for transitional styles.
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km kane
7 years ago
I think you definitely can place a fixture over the mirror and still have a recessed light above it. But the lights you chose are too strong, I would find something smaller or at least least not as elongated
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Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
7 years ago
A recessed light is ok, but don't place it directly above the sink area. It will cast an unattractive light on anyone using the sink/mirror.
jlemail3
Original Author
7 years ago
Are these too industrial...ones with Edison lights?
RedRyder
7 years ago
If it’s a powder room, you want an attractive light with a good (not Edison) bulb for people to check their make up. It’s important that the light be the right proportion. The first industrial-looking one wasn’t right for the space. Some good ideas offered here already. Keep looking.
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Debbi Washburn
7 years ago
I liked the one you have selected... I agree though that the edison bulbs are not a good choice for a bathroom - However if this is just a powder room and no one is doing makeup in there - then who cares? Make it a fun conversation piece!
RedRyder
7 years ago
Debbi: I agree around the Edison bulbs being a fun decorating feature but only if supported by adequate lights. Sometimes guests refresh their lipstick and having good light makes a difference.
Being a business traveler, I’m so picky and neurotic about good lighting because I often don’t have it in hotels who clearly didn’t put women on their design committees! Good lighting in every bathroom is a pet peeve on mine....
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Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
7 years ago
I agree, RedRyder. And the LED lights are the worst offenders. They make you look VERY unattractive, and the hotels use the cheapest ones possible.