Sconce Lighting around surface-mounted medicine cabinet (DEPTH Q)

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

When choosing lighting around a surface-mounted medicine cabinet, how important is it that the sconces stick out further than the cabinet?

I am considering purchasing a cabinet that sticks out 5.5" from the wall.

Most wall sconces and LED light bars do not stick out that far. I am having a heck of a time finding something that is all of the following: out farther than 5.5 inches, bright enough (>= 100watts, LED, halogen, high lumen, etc), stylish.

Also -- how annoying is it that very few sites allow us to search by depth of the lighting fixture??

The scarcity of these options makes me think that perhaps it is NOT that important that the light fixture extends past the edge of the mirror, but I just can't shake the feeling that it would be a mistake to buy something of shallower depth than the cabinet.

My dream find: a very bright, energy efficient if possible, stylish (mid century perhaps), sconce or light bar between 8 and 24"-ish long, that extends far enough (6-8") from wall to create sufficient side lighting for the mirror of the cabinet as well as to generally light the small full bathroom.

Halp! Why is this issue so under-discussed? Does it not matter if your light is bright enough?? I just want to get it right!

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Comments (5)

PRO
RL Relocation LLC
6 years ago
are you planning to put these on the sides of the medicine cabinet, because you have to realize you cant stare into a 100 watt bulb while applying make up etc , in your case going above the mirror would be better. and also relocating the power supply to make sure it clears the door. there are plenty of vanity lights that can project out past 5 inches, but then you have to make sure they are not in the way of the door.

Second to that is this the only light source? Please post a picture of the space, and measurements of the counter and wall space you have. Are there side walls?

pictures speak 1000 words.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
Why can't you recess the cabinet? Most can be recessed.
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PRO
SIDLER®
5 years ago
Why not purchase a mirrored cabinet with its own integrated lighting instead?
karissarichards
2 years ago
I am in a similar dilemma and wondering Erika if you found a solution that worked?
Christine Carey
2 years ago
I came here looking for similar information. I have 57-in width and a 36 wide medicine cabinet that cannot be flush installed. That leaves 21", or 10.5" on each side for these petite shaded sconces.

Since the medicine cabinet definitely cannot be recessed, I'm trying to figure out if the sconces are going to look crowded next to the depth of the medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet has its own lighting, so I'm not worried about that. The sconces will be room lighting if someone isn't doing detail work at the mirror.

I guess I'm going to have to prop everything up and see if I can figure this out. I'm surprised there aren't guidelines or articles out there on this situation.