Bathroom can lighting - Plan A or B?

5 years ago

Hello,

I've read through lots of posts and blogs on this topic, but I still need some help please. I have a lighting plan that includes 2 puck LED lights (adjustable color, dimmable) and I need to decide the best locations for them.

It's a small master bath with double vanity, 48" corner shower, 10.5' ceilings. There are large semi-flush mirrored medicine cabinets above the sinks that come off the wall about 2.5 inches.

In the drawing, the blue lights are fixed: one shower light, a central vintage 14" pendant fixture, and a sconce either side of the vanity. There is no room for a 3rd sconce between the mirrors. There is a window behind the toilet and an exhaust fan over it (but no light).

I laid out two possible options but there may be better ideas...

Plan A - green dots are cans over the sinks but closer to the mirrors (like maybe 8" from wall?) to avoid shadows. Any risk of glare on mirrors? (I've read this is ok to do).

Plan B - one can centered on the vanity (again closer to the wall) and one near the toilet. Is that weird to put one there?

I can just delete one or both (they probably weren't needed) but the wiring and switches are already in place. If they are unnecessary, I just won't use them. But some extra task lighting over the vanity might be nice if properly positioned.

I appreciate your thoughts and advice!!

Robin

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Comments (3)

Christina
5 years ago
Can you install a vent above the toilet? We had one in our master bathroom and we replaced it with a vent that has a light, it'll provide a light without being a "spotlight" just on you while you're on the toilet. Depending on how much light your sconces on the sides of the vanity give off you could get away with just doing one can light in the middle. I personally don't like that spotlight directly on me when looking in a mirror.
Robin H
Original Author
5 years ago
@Christina Thanks, I was concerned about the spotlight effect over the toilet also. I think my plan will be to omit that can, and just put one over the middle of the vanity close to the wall. It will be on a dimmer and on a switch by itself. it was kind of silly to even include them at all but the wiring and switch is there so I don't want to just get rid of them. I wasn't sure how much light the vintage light in the center would put out but it should be fine.

I've never had cans directly over a vanity mirror so thanks for your input. Much appreciated! Robin
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Christina
5 years ago
Lights straight above from where you'll be standing or sitting are always awkward to me. Like when you go to a restaurant and there's a bright light just parked above your head while you eat. Plus trying to do makeup with light pointing down at your face never turns out right! I would try taking an LED flashlight when do you install them and hang it in the position you're considering so you'll know how far back or forward it needs to be.