How to Choose Your Vanity Lighting
 

Today's luxurious bathrooms demand adequate vanity lighting. It's not just about achieving the right light quality or amount – it's also important to choose a vanity light with a style that makes a statement, and complements your existing fixtures and décor.

The first element many people notice in any bathroom, vanity lighting is a critical part of any remodeling project. A few things to consider when selecting vanity lighting include the size, finish, bulb type, and design style. Here are some helpful tips on choosing vanity lighting that will function beautifully in your home for many years.

• Choosing the Right Size Vanity Lighting: Bath light "bars," the basic type of vanity lights, typically come in two, three, and four light versions. While you want to ensure you have plenty of light, be sure to choose one that is no wider than your vanity/cabinet width (it may be wider than your mirror). If you have a very long vanity or double sink setup, you may want to consider using more than one vanity light to get the job done.

• Choosing a Finish: Your vanity light's finish should always coordinate with the existing faucets and fixtures in your bathroom. If your fixtures have a "shiny" look, go for a polished silver or chrome; brushed nickel finishes work well with brushed bath fixtures. Other finishes that are coming back (in lighting and bath fixture design) are antique brass and bronze hues.

• Choosing a Bulb: Rule #1: Never use exposed bulbs in the bathroom! To achieve a flattering light, choose a fixture with a frosted glass cover (most of today's vanity lights have these). Also, choose bulbs that are coated or have frosted glass for an even, flattering effect.
  
  Compact fluorescent bulbs can be used in place of standard bulbs in nearly any bathroom. Fluorescent lighting is ideal for bathrooms because it emits much less heat than incandescent lighting, lasts a very long time, and saves energy. Just be sure to choose a high-quality fluorescent bulb with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or above. You won't even be able to tell it's a fluorescent!

• Choosing a Style: This is the fun (and easiest) part: choose a vanity light design that fits your personality. Is your bathroom (or ideal bathroom) luxurious and full of detail? A traditional vanity light would probably be best for you. Modern/contemporary vanity lighting is best for minimalists, while transitional bath lights strike the perfect balance.

Need guidance defining your "style"? Our Style Finder tool can help!
Browse all of our stylish vanity lighting to find the perfect fixture for your project.