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french_jenn

Help with tricky bathroom light

5 years ago

Hi all

I am doing a budget redo of my basement bathroom. Attached are some pics of the space. I am very happy with it thus far but having trouble finding a light for above the mirror. It is a very small space and most bathroom sconces I am finding are too large. I am going for a more classic look in this room. There are several long/horizonal type vanity lights but either tend to feel to builder grade or midcentury. The one pictured is from West Elm and I like the light itself but feel like it is too big for this space. It projects about 7+" but i feel like it looks too bulky. As you can see there are not many inches to go taller (like to have a goose neck bend above the hole where you attach). How would it look to have a light overhanging the mirror? (Unfortunately i can't

lower the mirror to create more space because its covering the hole from a medicine cabinet)


My requirements are:

-budget about $100 or less

-black hardware preferred

-classic style


Thoughts/ideas appreciated!!







Comments (19)

  • 5 years ago

    No traditional but simple and unfussy so I think it might work: 24 in. Black Integrated LED Vanity Light Bar

  • 5 years ago

    I'm having the same issue as you are right now. unfortunately, nobody seems to make globe lamp shades smaller than 6" diameter. I've been looking for weeks.

    I like wdccruise's suggestion, particularly because you can change the color temp on that fixture. and it's bright enough too -- 1850 lumens is brighter than a 100K equivalent bulb!

    my other suggestion would be to search Etsy for "minimal flush lamp":

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/570873747/brass-ceiling-light-or-wall-sconce-small?ref=related-2&frs=1&variation1=1030761009 (ask the seller if they could make it in black, sometimes they will take custom orders.) it will have a similar look to what you have there now, but much smaller.


    or maybe this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/734936992/2-light-black-wall-sconce-modern?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=black+flush+lamp&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&col=1



    note: if you choose a fixture like these, be sure to use good quality frosted bulbs. clear is just too harsh for vanity light.

    J. F.G. thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    Thanks so much for your search @User. I really like both of those and for whatever reason in all my 8,304 searches never thought to put in minimal as a search term.

    I followed your etsy link and also found these that I am considering as well.


    https://www.etsy.com/listing/737306598/black-sconce-industrial-wall-lamp?ref=user_profile 

    (if it can be hung horizontally)--similar to yours but I have one almost exactly like the black one you linked in our upstairs bathrooms so want something a bit different.


    and this one


    https://www.etsy.com/listing/648662057/white-bulb-light-modern-sconce-wall?ref=user_profile


    which is also a riff on yours but happens to be nearly half the price!


    decisions, decisions.

  • 5 years ago

    I love the bowtie style, but since the bulbs are half covered up, I wonder that will cast a slight shadow in the middle? perhaps enough light would bounce off the walls/ceiling and fill it in. not sure. just something to consider. also, check the measurements. I think the round part of that one is the same size as the current one you were holding up. it might be too big for the space.

    hold on a minute, I can do some rough mockups for you!

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    the proportion might be slightly off, but here are some rough mockups:









    you might be partial to that mirror, but putting in a wider one will open up your lighting options. this could be nice if it's a guest bath. they wouldn't have to stand so close to the wall when doing hair or makeup.




    J. F.G. thanked User
  • 5 years ago

    wow thanks so much for doing those! amazing! do you just use photoshop or some other program? It helps so much to visualize the options. I feel like i need to do that with every room in my house! lolz.


    I thought about putting in a bigger mirror--but loved the shape of this one and felt weird about it being off centered from the sink. No one really stays down here (only my mom about 1x year!) so its mostly for our use when we are hanging out down there. A good thought though.


    Just found one more light that I think I am going to try out. i like the shape and style is a bit more vintage without being midcentury that I am really liking.


    https://www.etsy.com/listing/106109842/schoolhouse-mini-shade-wall-sconce-light



  • 5 years ago

    Not sure what reads as traditional to you, but I'd go for a 2-light along these lines:


    Large Cone 2-Light LED Bath Fixture, Matte Black, Glass: Clear · More Info


    Hines 18"w Bath Vanity, Black With Seeded Glass · More Info

    Those two are both out of your desired budget, but here are some that get you close for less:


    2-Light 16" Bathroom Vanity Light, Matte Black · More Info


    2-Light Bathroom Vanity Light, Matte Black · More Info

    This one is a bit playful, but somehow might fit with the dogs:


    Auspice 2 Light Brass And Black Wall Sconce · More Info

    the lines might make you crazy shadows though.


    Anyway, Houzz is a good place to search -- here I used black finish, two bulbs, and under $100 and got a ton of choices.

    J. F.G. thanked acm
  • 5 years ago

    yes they are great thanks--

    i've actually seen all those (and about 1204 more) but they are way too long and will hang pretty far down the mirror. thus my design dilemma--i just don't have the traditional amount of space to work with given a very low ceiling height since its a basement.

    i did order something from etsy so hopefully it will work. fingers crossed!

  • 5 years ago

    Are you not keeping the hexagonal mirror? because I can see the amount of space, and it looks like they'd be slightly to either side of the mirror. but I guess you've tried before...

    J. F.G. thanked acm
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    All from Home Depot even the mirror.


    J. F.G. thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 5 years ago

    I like how this flares out like the mirror's shape.

    10" H 15" W 7" D / Shade Height: 6-1/4" / Backplate H 4-1/2" x 7" / industrial look with filament E26 light bulbs. Requires (2) 60 watt max medium (E26) bulbs. Suggested for use with Vintage Edison bulbs. Capable of being dimmed. Rated for damp locations.



    Seafarer 2-Light Bath Vanity, Oil Rubbed Bronze With Seedy Glass/Shade · More Info


  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    If wallpaper has tan in it, these tan in bulb could be a bit ok. Also one with bit of bronze.

    W 18.5" / D 7" / H 4.75"
    good reviews $63.

    Archives 2-Light Bath Vanity Antique Nickel Polished Chrome Acce · More Info


    Archives 2-Light Bath, Antique Bronze · More Info


    J. F.G. thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    H 10.5" D 6" W 19" / cone funnel shades, hand-brushed black finish, antique brass arm and accents. For hallway or entry, above mirrors. Dimmer compatible.



    Kira Home Indie 19" Mid Century Bathroom Light, Light Wall Sconce, Funnel Flared · More Info


    (2) LED, CFL, or up to 60W traditional incandescent medium base bulbs. Hardwire only, no on/off switch. Complete the look with Edison style bulbs. Designed and supported in California.


  • 5 years ago

    You could always get a 2 pendant fixture and swag it up to the ceiling. Then your lights can be pretty much wherever you'd like. It's something that used to be done a lot; but with careful fixture choice it won't look dated.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Thanks @Connie Stackhouse--your bathroom looks great! I love the tile details. Yes I love the dog wallpaper too. I have a collection of amazing dog and cat art (mostly black and whites) that I will hang when all is done and i think it will tie everything together. I have always wanted to do a whimsical bathroom.

    For some reason the color is reading pretty yellow on my photos so it looks even better in person.


    @everdebz I actually like the light you picked out so much the exact one is in our upstairs bathroom! Good taste. I am trying to do something completely different here so trying hard to steer away from the edison-light type fixtures. Just looking for a change.


    @BeverlyFLADeziner & @acm I was planning on keeping my mirror bc i love the shape (and the price!) but now that I see your mock up of the mirror coming all the way down the tile I am reconsidering!! I think it ties the two spaces together nicely. My only issue is it has to be not too wide ( i don't have the measurements in front of me) because of the light socket there. Do you happen to have the link to that home depot mirror?

    This was my first choice of mirrors but it is just too big to work unfortunately. https://www.allmodern.com/decor-pillows/pdp/ashtyn-accent-mirror-with-shelves-a000157314.html


    may be this would work instead--i'll have to measure.

    https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/allmodern-ernst-beveled-accent-mirror-w003529061.html?piid=1231328524%2C1220195007


    i love the idea of a little shelf to place a bottle of perfume, flower on etc.


    The other thing that has been hard to picture without having things in hand is if the lighting fixtures can come down past the mirror. I know too much would be a no but from one of your mock ups it seem like it could possibly work if its only overlapping a bit.


    Thanks for all your feedback!

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    ah you have one already.

    If this is same hue as green tile, could be good, and not so much contrast against wallpaper. Echoes silvery shower door. Reduces visuals that way....


    Green Washed Wood Framed Beveled Plate Glass Mirror, 18"x22" · More Info

    country colors distressed wooden frame with a paint washed effect. Modern look, vertical or horizontal. Made in America with beveled plate glass,

    J. F.G. thanked everdebz
  • 5 years ago

    thanks @everdebz The green tile is actually pretty dark--so not sure these would match up.


    I did just find this one-- have to run down and measure to see if it would work but now I am liking the idea to have something overlap the tile as well like in @BeverlyFLADeziner's mock up above.


    https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/umbra-hub-accent-mirror-umb3504.html?piid=40267212

  • 5 years ago

    to answer your earlier question -- I use photoshop. I like the etsy light you posted above, as long as you're comfortable with it dipping below the mirror a little bit. I think it would work though!

    or if you're thinking of an oval mirror, I also think the one you found on wayfair is excellent.

    Bev's suggestions of installing a longer mirror vertically look good. or if you happen to install it horizontally, one challenge will be installing the light to the left of the existing hole. NBD if you're fairly handy though.

    I see there have been some other light suggestions with glass shades and/or edison bulbs. I would caution against that for a bathroom. clear bulbs are super harsh when they're right in front of your face like that, and edison bulbs are really yellow if you dim them. but if you do like the clear shades, use white frosted bulbs (which will still look fine in the fixture), in a neutral color temp: 3000-4000K. if in doubt, buy lots of bulbs to try out, keep your receipts and return what didn't work!