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Bathroom lights on side of mirror


10 rules for side and over mirror lighting |

(Image credit: Future)

Bathroom lighting ideas over mirrors are an integral design element that should be planned at the start of any shower room, wet room or bathroom project.

When it comes to bathroom ideas, whether you like contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between, light fittings are built into the very fabric of the room, providing not only bright, general light over the mirror to help with tasks such as shaving, but also ambient light for mood, which may involve a number of applications. 

Here, we focus on the best bathroom lighting ideas over mirrors, and offer expert advice on how you can get the balance of beauty and practicality just right.

Bathroom lighting ideas over mirrors – 10 ways to brighten your space

From overhead lighting with luxe looks to practical bathroom vanity ideas with lighting, and ideas for more decorative bathroom lighting ideas over mirror and vanity units, this advice-packed list will help you find the best options for your room.

1. Install task lighting over a mirror

(Image credit: Rei Moon/Moon Ray Studio)

Task lighting, as you might imagine, provides light for specific tasks. In the bathroom, these could be putting on make-up or shaving so it's likely you'll need task lighting around your bathroom mirror ideas. Installing wall lights either side of the mirror works well, or you could consider a mirror with integrated lighting. Don't position downlighting straight above your head; it'll cast unflattering shadows across your face.

2. Put your bathroom lighting on dimmer switches

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Many of us want a luxury bathroom to be a sanctuary and, ideally, one that is individual to us,' says interior designer Charu Gandhi, founder, Elicyon. 

'Functionality is critical to the success of the room and underpins its luxuriousness. Without the practical skeleton in place – from lighting to ventilation – the aesthetics will be diminished.'

'Good lighting also contributes to the luxurious feel of the space. Lighting on different circuits and dimmers can include low-level LEDs under vanity units to provide a soft glow at night, and over mirrors to provide efficient task lighting for night time routines.'

3. Hang wall lights on either side of a mirror

(Image credit: Jon Day)

‘In a small shower room or powder room it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of good lighting,' says Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, founders, Salvesen Graham. 'This should always include decorative wall lights either side of a mirror to provide a softer, more flattering light for the face as well as a decorative feature.’

4. Use discreet LED lights over a mirror

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

Good quality LED bathroom lighting ideas will provide a more attractive quality of light and color rendition - discreet, low glare fittings work best. 

The reason they are a great option when it comes to bathroom ideas is because they are easy to integrate into a control system, creating a responsive layered lighting scheme that takes a bathroom from bright on the darkest morning to spa-like relaxation by night.  

Employing smart bathroom ceiling lighting ideas over a mirror – and washing the walls with light – gives softer illumination, and can highlight a leading feature, such as a stone wall or statement vanity.

5. Go for symmetry with lighting over a mirror

(Image credit: Future)

Be generous with your bathroom lighting. The more sources of light you have, the more moods you can create. A pair of wall lamps and overhead LEDs are a great way to add impact to a vanity unit or statement basin, and  will have a bigger visual effect than using only one light source. 

If you want to create a smart, designed look then go for symmetry – paired lamps at either side of a mirror will frame the design and highlight any architectural elements around them and give a structure to your scheme.

6. Balance functionality with beauty

(Image credit: Future)

Task lighting is generally concentrated around the vanity and mirror. Here, you need bright light but think about installing spots or LEDS in vertical rows down the side of mirrors as opposed to above, to give a more flattering light with less shadows.  

In small bathrooms, look at mirrored cabinets with integral lighting as a simple but effective solution.

7. Light up a vanity

(Image credit: Drummonds)

With the correct bathroom lighting trends, your room can take on different looks throughout the day and night.

Don’t overlook wall lights when planning your bathroom lighting over mirrors. Downlighters especially have become very popular, with an array of different styles, that are perfect for illuminating your bathroom vanity ideas or for adding interest and ambience to a focal wall.

'It is important to illuminate the mirror and your face with task lighting. A light source on the left and right sides of the mirror, such as two decorative wall lights, will create a shadow-free, flattering light, useful for putting on make-up or shaving,' says Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting .

8. Use mirrors to amplify light in a bathroom

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti/Future PLC)

Using smart small bathroom ideas can open up the space. A large expanse of mirror will not only help boost size but can amplify light levels, too. 

We recommend taking a layered approach to bathroom lighting over a mirror. Use a selection of small ceiling spots, uplighters, downlights and LEDs to create a restful, sophisticated scheme that is both practical and stylish.

(Image credit: Future)

In recent years, bathroom lighting trends have included the use of pendant lighting in the shower and bathroom, often taking the place of traditional wall lights. 

Bathroom ceiling lights – in the form of pendants – can create an interesting design feature but it also puts task lighting where it is needed on the countertop of a vanity, brightening skincare rituals and teeth cleaning routines.

10. Consider strip lighting over a mirror

(Image credit: Future)

LED strip lighting at a low level is great at lightening the load in a small space, giving the impression that furniture or even walls are floating.  

Chris Jordan of Christopher Wray advises illuminating just above a bathroom mirror with low wattage lighting that reacts to motion sensors.

'This will help you see what you are doing without having to turn on the main lights, which can be difficult for your eyes to adjust to and may inhibit your ability to return to sleep. 

'Motion sensors are particularly handy in the middle of the night and in the morning too,’ he adds.

Should bathroom lights hang over a mirror?

The short answer is yes, you should fix bathroom lights over – or, on either side – of a mirror if you are planning efficient task lighting in a bathroom, powder room or shower room.

Lights fixed on both sides of a bathroom wall mirror cast an even light across the face, ideal for applying makeup or shaving, while the mirror itself provides a reflective surface which also amplifies a spacious feel.

As with all bathroom lighting ideas over a mirror, for safety reasons it is important to use waterproof fittings that are specified as suitable for bathroom use – and use a licensed (qualified) electrician to carry out the installation work.  

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

How to Get Your Bathroom Vanity Lighting Right

Create a successful lighting plan with tips on where to mount fixtures and other design considerations

Getting yourself ready for the day can take effort, but the job is easier with adequate lighting at the bathroom vanity. A successful bathroom lighting plan has multiple light sources, including both overhead and task, with good task lighting at the sink and mirror being key.

To achieve a successful vanity lighting plan, fixtures need to have adequate light output, be of appropriate size and style for the bathroom layout and design, and be installed at the proper distance from the floor and one another. Mounting vanity light fixtures at the optimal location minimizes the potential for shadows being cast on the face, important when applying makeup or shaving and grooming.

Capaway Construction

Where to Mount Vanity Lighting

Available space or design preferences can dictate whether to place fixtures to the sides of the mirror or overhead. When you can’t decide which is best, you can install both.

Both sides of the bathroom mirror. The primary place to hang wall sconces in the bathroom is on both sides of the bathroom vanity mirror, providing ideal lighting for the sink area.

Shop for bathroom vanity lighting on Houzz

Richard Salpietra Architect, Inc.

The American Lighting Association’s general rule is to mount them 65 to 70 inches from the floor, at about eye level. This allows light to fully illuminate your entire face without casting shadows. Ideally, the fixtures should be placed about 28 to 30 inches apart, but achieving this depends on the size of the room and configuration of the design.

Upstaged

Above the mirror. Although fixtures mounted on either side of the mirror are considered best for casting even light across the face, mounting them above the mirror remains a popular choice. Sometimes it’s simply impractical to do otherwise, given the size or position of the vanity mirror.

Interior Design Concepts

The ideal height for installing fixtures above the mirror is 78 inches. Look for fixtures that hold higher-wattage bulbs so available light has the best chance to fall evenly over the sinks.

Side walls. In a narrow bath, consider mounting sconces on the side walls, close to the back wall. The illumination is still effective while maximizing the size of the mirror. In this case, you would still mount the sconces 65 to 70 inches from the floor, at about eye level.

Find a local bathroom designer in the Houzz pro directory

John McClain Design

Design Considerations

Surrounding bathroom elements. The choice of fixture style presents an opportunity to introduce character or reinforce the design aesthetic of the bathroom. With so many options, make sure to embrace this chance to make a statement. Consider how the light fixture will look next to other elements of the vanity and bathroom, to achieve a cohesive design.

Design Build Homes

A longstanding guideline has been to match finishes within a bathroom, but homeowners and designers also are mixing metals for a potentially dynamic collected look.

Browse bathroom vanities

Landmark Building Contractors LLC

Sconce shades. Sconce shades are an important feature since their transparency and color greatly affect how much light is emitted. White fabric shades give off a diffused light that provides a bright, clean tone.

Norton Homes

Single fixture or multiple. While multiple sconces can be installed in a row, another solution is to select a fixture with multiple shades. Styles are often available in multiple sizes, allowing the fixture to be sized in relation to the width of the mirror below.

Get more bathroom design inspiration

Muse Design Studio

Other Vanity Lighting Considerations

Water safety. If the fixtures are to be installed near a tub or shower with a risk of having contact with water spray, look for styles with a “damp” rating.

Three damp-rated vanity lights are intended to be set horizontally but are striking mounted vertically over rows of mosaic tile.

Browse damp- or wet-listed vanity lights

MA Peterson Designbuild, Inc.

Bulbs. Clear bulbs with filaments are popular, but they tend to cast shadows. Opt for opaque or frosted bulbs instead, particularly if the bulb is exposed.

In this bathroom, Chase double-shade bath strips by Robert Abbey provide abundant light, each housing four 60-watt bulbs.

Thomas Sattler Homes

When shopping for fixtures, make sure to check what wattage each option supports to guarantee sufficient light output. In general, look for fixtures that are designed to hold 75- to 100-watt bulbs for a single-light sconce. The equivalent wattage is approximately 18 to 22 watts for fluorescent bulbs and 9 to 13 watts for LED bulbs.

Twist Tours Real Estate and Portfolio Marketing

Dimmers. The ability to dim lighting is a desired feature in other rooms and can be in the bathroom as well. Installing dimmers is worth the effort and cost; bright task lighting that’s optimal in the day can be softened in the evening, a nice touch if relaxing in the bath is a favorite ritual to help wind down the day.

REFINED LLC

Vanity Lighting Tips

DesRosiers Architects

It’s hard to have too much light in a bathroom, so don’t skimp on larger fixtures at the vanity if your space can accommodate them.

Proper lighting can make all the difference in a bathroom, not only in how it looks, but also in how it supports our daily routines. It should be softly flattering yet bright enough for shaving.

Anchor Builders

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Bathroom mirror lighting: 93 photos - lamps above the bathroom mirror, illuminated mirrors, bathroom mirror lighting ideas So that the face of the beholder is not distorted by incorrect lighting and color reproduction, approach the purchase of a lighting fixture responsibly.

We look at how to choose and install a mirror in a bathroom with lighting - a photo selection of real interiors from around the world - with chandeliers, sconces, lamps, LED strips - will help us with this. The vertical orientation of the frame in the article will allow you to concentrate as much as possible and not be distracted by image jumps while scrolling in full screen mode.

Click on the first photo and open the image in the maximum size. This will not only allow you to better see the details of the interior, but also get additional information about the products used in this design project (pay attention to the green labels in the photos). And feel free to chat! If you have any questions for the author of the project with a photo, feel free to ask them: the green link "ask a question about this photo" is located in the lower right corner of any frame.

Maria Vatolina

1. Illuminated mirror
The bronze frame with LED lighting makes this mirror look like a hot lava flow. Floor lighting adds even more drama to the interior.

Design: Maria Vatolina Interior Workshop

2. Illuminated mirror
The owners of this St. Petersburg apartment decided to play with geometry in the interior: broken lines are everywhere, accents on geometric shapes. The bathroom turned out to be futuristic thanks to round illuminated mirrors.

K2 Design Group, Inc.

3. Illuminated mirror
Illuminated mirror can be supplemented with ceiling lighting: the first will help to uniformly illuminate your face, the second - to locally illuminate certain interior details.

Maria Katkova

4. Illuminated mirror
Even the brightest ceiling lamp will not provide such uniform illumination of the face as mirror illumination. It can be placed behind the frame, and it, in turn, can be decorated with a print.

Framed mirror with glass print: Barocco by Paco Camus Private Collection

Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

- No. You can highlight the wallpaper, accented by the frame.

Lavka-Design

6. Lamp above the mirror
Place the lamp in the bathroom above the mirror - this option is optimal for the viewer, since the light falls on the surface of the mirror, and not in the eyes.

Barker Associates Architecture Office

7. Lamp above the mirror
For softer lighting, the mirror can be placed not perpendicular to the lamp, but at an acute angle.

Daydream Wallpaper by Sunshine

Flegel's Construction Co., Inc.

8. Lamp above the mirror
Walls can be an additional reflective surface for a small lamp, as in this disco-style bathroom (pictured).

Velvet & Dash Interiors

9. Lamp with lamp over the bathroom mirror
The light in the bathroom should not be annoying: dim the daylight with tulle, and choose soft lamps for artificial.

10. Bulb s Lamp above the mirror in the bathroom
Edison lamps above the mirror smooth over the overly bold modern bathroom interior, give it a retro touch. Although they are not advised to use in wet areas for safety reasons.

Laura U Design Collective

11. Light bulb above the bathroom mirror Light bulbs can illuminate not only the command post of the space center, but also the mirror in the bathroom, as in this photo.

Yuliya Piskareva/YOLO bureau

12. Side lamp with lamp
Lighting in the bathroom can also be used for indirect purposes. For example, to visually separate the combined bathroom, as in this Moscow apartment.

Pottery Barn

13. Dressing room mirror
Not only movie stars can have a real dressing room mirror, but also in your bathroom. Side lights will create a pleasant diffused glow.

Side lights: Vanity Light; mirror: Kensington Wide

14. C side lights
To achieve even illumination of a bathroom mirror, consider using multiple lights on the sides so that there are no dimly lit areas.

Livwel-Aimee Griffin

15. Ceiling lamp
The crystal chandelier in the bathroom looks luxurious, but it is worth trying (adjust the height, use an additional light source) so that it does not cast harsh shadows.

Lynbrook of Annapolis, Inc.

16. Ceiling lamp
The light sources must have the right direction so as not to create too strong reflections, for example, on tiles.

Stephanie Lake, PhD

17. Ceiling Light
Experiment with size: don't be afraid to feel like a midget against the backdrop of a huge pendant lamp and a giant parrot.

Parrot: Sergio Bustamante

Alfredo Gregory

18. Ceiling lamp
A ceiling chandelier with long pendants will give a glamorous chic even to an ascetic and gray interior. Point a couple of spots at her to create a shadow play on the wall.

Tamara Eaton Design

19. Ceiling Light
To avoid glare from the ceiling chandelier, choose uplights with a matte, diffusing finish.

Farrow Arcaro Design

20. Ceiling light
The adjustable ceiling light can not only be hung at the desired height, but can also be positioned - for example on the side - for softer lighting.

Shelby Wood Design

21. Ceiling lamp
Side lighting in the bathroom will shift the focus from the mirror and snatch the desired piece of decor out of the darkness.

CITYDESKSTUDIO, Inc.

22. Ceiling light
Balloon chandelier adds playfulness to an overly thoughtful, grown-up bathroom interior. Such a ball will not fly away, but the string will act like a switch.

Luminaires: Memory Balloon Ceiling Light from John Moncrieff

Eklektik Interiors

23. Ceiling lamp
Wax candles for bathroom mirror lighting - ideal for rustic, rough and simple interiors.

LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID

24. Ceiling Light
Combine multiple light sources for your bathroom mirror to avoid dips, strong contrasts between bright and dark areas.

Bryant Ratliff Builders

25. Paired ceiling lights
A crystal chandelier from a room can also migrate to a bathroom, but do not forget about the peculiarities of this room - temperature changes and high humidity.

Billy Beson Company

26. Pair of ceiling lights
Ceiling lights can be hung at the same distance and height, or played with asymmetry.

Rudloff Custom Builders

27. Paired ceiling lamps
Ceiling lamps and all the filling of pendant lamps must be hermetically sealed due to humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Don Crowell Builders

28. Paired Ceiling Lights
A corridor of mirrors in the bathroom is a technique that not only expands the space, but also increases the light output.

Oliver Burns

29. Paired ceiling lights
Street lights for mirror lighting are simple and bulky, but ideal for a nautical-style bathroom.

firstangle

30. Cascade of ceiling lights
A full-wall mirror requires multi-level lighting - for example, a cascade of ceiling lights suspended at different heights.

Turtle Beach Construction & Remodeling

31. Row of ceiling lights
A row of lights in a row will also provide even coverage of the entire surface of the mirror.

Hart Wright Architects, AIA

32. Ceiling Light Range
Placing a mirror in front of a window solves the problem of sufficient lighting even during daylight hours.

Sapp Development Group

33. Cascade of ceiling lights
The luminous flux should not hit the eyes of the person looking in the mirror: the lights can be directed at dispensers or a towel holder.

Marcel Page Photography

34. Luminaire that casts shadows
The most suitable place for such lampshades is a narrow room, where the surfaces on which light and shadows fall are located close to it. Such a "shadow theater" will be the most contrasting.

Kathleen Bost Architecture + Design

35. Shade casting light
By adjusting the height of the cord of such a light (and the distance to the ceiling where the light is reflected), you make the shadows more or less contrast.

Luminaire: Arteriors Home

Zucaratto Design

36. Shadow Casting Luminaire
Several of these luminaires, hung at different heights, will create a more complex pattern on the walls, overlapping and overlapping.

37. Lamp that casts shadows
Even the chain on which such lamps are suspended can take part in the light and shade performance.

Studio 80 Interior Design

38. Shadow casting lamp
You can cover all the walls and ceiling with a pattern by placing a series of such lamps at once at a certain distance from each other.

Amy Noel Design

39. Light casting shadows
Use different plants, flowers, branches - anything that casts beautiful and unusual shadows.

Kristina Wolf Design

40. Shade casting lamp
Experiment with removable lampshades: even a piece of knitted or lace fabric will work to create them.

Ramos Design Build Corporation

41. Pair of wall lights
For a rectangular bathroom mirror, a pair of elongated wall lights will work so that the light evenly illuminates the entire surface of the mirror. For diffused soft light, we recommend linen lampshades.

Ann Lowengart Interiors

42. Paired wall lamps
Ceiling lamps of wall lamps can be directed at bright wallpaper, interesting decor items - but not in the face of the beholder.

43. Paired wall lamps
Ideally, for a mirror in a bathroom, lighting should consist of several light sources, as in this Moscow apartment. Natural light from the window, general light from the ceiling lamp, local light from the side sconces.

Design: Studio « Single »

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

44. Pair of wall lamps
Lamps can perform not only a basic, but also a decorative function. You can combine them with a mirror, plumbing, sink - as in this American house.

Frederic Grasset Design Build

45. Pair of wall lights
Wall lamps can become key elements of the interior. In this steampunk-inspired bathroom, old copper pipes have given a makeover to conventional sconces.

Woodmeister Master Builders

46. Luminaires directly on the mirror
By placing luminaires directly on the mirror, you double the light output due to reflected rays. In this Boston bathroom, an additional light source is an illuminated countertop.

Lamp: Brand Van Egmond

Flegel's Construction Co., Inc.

47. Luminaires directly on the mirror
The luminaire can decorate the mirror and the entire bathroom, just like in this Californian house. So, the more edges, the more shine.

48. Lamps directly on the mirror
With adjustable spots, you can change the lighting scenario - highlight one or another detail, point in the right direction.

Design: Studio « One-shelf »

RKI Interior Design

49. This option captivates with ease of installation.

Ward-Young Architecture & Planning - Truckee, CA

50. Paired Wall Lights
Side lights can be used to correct room imperfections: upward light makes ceilings appear higher.

Ambiance Interiors

51. Paired wall lamps
Lamps, stylized as street lamps, perfectly fit into a rustic interior. However, the shades must be matte so as not to blind the person looking in the mirror.

Jute Interior Design

52. Paired wall lights
Downward-facing light fixtures create an intimate atmosphere in the bathroom. However, the main, brighter light source is indispensable.

LORRAINE COLSON | Architecte d'Intérieur

53. Paired wall lights
Adjustable luminaires offer maximum freedom of choice. The luminous flux can be directed both to the mirror itself and to any piece of furniture.

Studio William Hefner

54. Paired wall lights
Side wall lights should be placed symmetrically at eye level. An exception may be atypical - for example, with high ceilings - bathrooms.

TINEKE TRIGGS

55. Paired wall lamps
Bathroom lamps have different protection classes against moisture and other factors. Before choosing a light source, you should check the IP (Ingress Protection) indicator, where the numbers indicate how resistant the lamp is to external conditions.

TS Design | Taras Bezrukov and Stas Samkovich

56. Paired wall lamps
The first digit (on the luminaire label) after IP indicates the level of protection against dust (where 6 is the maximum protection), the second digit is the level of protection against moisture (where 8 is maximum protection).

Studio William Hefner

57. Paired wall luminaires
If the light source is in close proximity to water and there is a possibility of splashing on it, then it is worth choosing IP54 and IP55 waterproof luminaires for bathrooms.

Griffith Interior Design LLC

58. Paired Wall Lights
Light sources for bathroom mirrors can be single lights or the entire wall. Behind which, for example, you can place an LED backlight.

Isler Homes

59. Paired wall lamps
French baroque bathroom interiors require appropriate mirror lighting. Wall-candelabra with crystal pendants will be more than appropriate.

60. Paired wall lamps
For greater safety, the lamps near the mirror in the bathroom are not recommended to be placed closer than 60 cm from the sink, and the shades must be hermetically sealed.

61. Lamps with swivel legs
A large mirror in the bathroom room requires several multidirectional light sources. As an option - a series of lamps on articulated adjustable legs, fixed to the ceiling or walls, as in this Lyon house.

Susan Lachance Interior Design

62. Pair of wall lights
Additional reflective surfaces in the bathroom can be a glass sink and underframe or metal tiles.

Nichola des Lauriers Interiors

63. Single lamp on the side
The light source, located on one side directly opposite the mirror, visually expands even a small room. His companion is his own reflection.

Lucy Interior Design

64. Wall + table lamps
If the side lighting covers only the surface of the mirror, table lamps or bedside lamps can be used as an additional light source (for the sink and countertop).

One Swanky Shop

65. Ceiling + table lamps
In this bathroom in a Houston home, the mirror is illuminated from all sides at once - from below the sink base, to the side of the lamp, from above the ceiling lights.

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

66. Table lamp
A table lamp as the main light is acceptable if there is a powerful additional light source - for example, a window.

Architectural Bureau of Ekaterina Fedorchenko

67. Table lamp
A floor lamp with a textile shade and subdued light will create a cozy atmosphere in the bathroom. However, it is better not to place the socket in the bathroom in the immediate vicinity of the sink and splashes.

Design: Ekaterina Fedorchenko Architectural Bureau

Liz Ryan Design

68. LED lighting
In addition to side lighting, symmetrical lamps illuminate the mirror in the bathroom and the dressing table. The color of the LED backlight can be changed depending on the time of day and mood - using the remote control.

Luminaires: Hubbardton Forge

Robert Frank Interiors

functional.

PANACOM

70. LED lighting
Several lighting options at once (a hinged lamp above the sink, natural light from the wall, spots on the ceiling) make this bathroom in an unusual python house filled with light.

Design: PANACOM architectural bureau

PAUL CREMOUX studio

71. LED lighting
LED strip fixed in niches, false walls, openings, emphasizes the multilevelness of the room.

Beckwith Interiors

72. LED lighting
The LED strip can be placed directly behind the mirror or in its frame to ensure uniform illumination of its surface.

Lindberg Design

73. LED lighting
Various color and lighting scenarios look particularly advantageous on brickwork.

d4 designs

74. LED lighting
In a minimalist interior with concrete walls, frilly lamps are not very appropriate, but LED lighting is more than enough.

75. LED light
Play with the spot for the LED light to light up the mirror: place it not above or behind the mirror, but, for example, a little further away. Or combine its cool glow with the warm glow of wall sconces.

David Steadman

76. Spotlights
Spotlights above and behind the mirror can be more than enough to illuminate a small bathroom.

Annie Hall Interiors

77. Concealed lighting
Mirror lighting can be hidden, for example, in a recess. And if we are talking about a private house, then a light well can be placed in a niche, which will help save on electricity.

78. Concealed lighting
It is possible to foresee several hidden lighting scenarios at once and use the remote control to turn on either the ceiling light or the light behind the mirror.

Mark Nichols Modern Interiors

79. Concealed lighting
You can create different levels of lighting using ceiling, side and concealed light sources.

timothyj kitchen & bath, inc.

80. Concealed lighting
Concealed lighting can accentuate not only the mirror, but also interior details. For example, three-dimensional panels or textured tiles.

Creative Arch

81. Concealed lighting
Concealed lighting can be used to illuminate both the bathroom mirror and the washbasin.

Mary Meinz Design

82. Concealed lighting
The LED strip looks particularly advantageous with natural materials, emphasizing their natural texture. For example, with a stone countertop.

Creative Cleanout Covers, Inc.

83. Hidden lighting
However, with hidden stone illumination, mistakes are possible - for example, as in the bathroom in the photo: the borders of the tape or lamp are easily distinguishable, and there is no uniformity of illumination.

186 Lighting Design Group - Gregg Mackell

84. Concealed Lighting
Onyx underframe looks spectacular with LED lighting, but there are a few things to consider. For example, an onyx slab must be highly polished to allow light to pass through.

Wheaton Hushcha Design

85. Concealed lighting
Each onyx slab has a completely unique vein pattern. It's a sin not to highlight such an exclusive!

House + House Architects

86. Concealed lighting
Illuminated onyx panel will become not only a decorative element of the bathroom, but also an additional light source with a characteristic soft diffused glow.

Lavka-Design

87. Natural light
Take advantage of natural light: it provides the correct color reproduction, which is important for a bathroom mirror.

J & M Construction & Development

88. Natural Light
You can illuminate your bathroom mirror with both natural and artificial light. And you can combine these two scenarios: a window on one side, a lamp on the other.

Safdie Rabines Architects

89. Natural light
The roof window in the bathroom solves the problem of mirror lighting at least during the daytime. The rest of the time, use local lighting - small spots and lamps.

LCN Interiors

90. Natural light
The skylight above the mirror creates a directional light beam, slightly dimmed due to the angle of incidence.

Kristin Lam Interiors

91. Natural light
But you should understand that the installation of a roof window in the bathroom is fraught with a number of difficulties. For example, you need good ventilation so that the glass does not fog up.

Elina Gordeeva

92. Natural light
It would be foolish not to use natural light to illuminate a mirror when it comes to a bathroom in a house in the sunny tropics. Even a ventilation window can become such a light source.

Ryan Street Architects

93. Dramatic light from above
Dramatic atmosphere in this bathroom is created with the help of matching light. The stream pulls out of the darkness a mirror in a gilded frame, a cement sink and black walls.

SEE ALSO...
Over 2,000 bathroom mirror ideas - photo gallery from Houzz

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Share your bathroom mirror finds and lighting ideas.

How to install and connect an illuminated bathroom mirror?

Illumination types

Many modern mirrors are illuminated around the perimeter. The lamps are either under the mirror or on the side.

The second common option is decorative lighting. Usually it is made in the form of patterns on a mirror that glow from the inside. Such illumination is used only for design, because its intensity is too low.

How to turn on the illuminated mirror

Choose the type of lighting connection according to your preferences. The main thing is that it is convenient to use. There are four options:

  1. Sensor - The contact sensor is usually located on the face of the mirror. You need to press it with your finger to turn on the lighting. There are also non-contact sensors that respond to hand movements;

  2. Socket - just plug the mirror into the socket;

  3. Switch - you can turn on the ceiling light and auxiliary lights at the same time. But this option is not suitable for a mirror with an electronic clock, because they will constantly go astray;

  4. Remote control - mirrors are sold with the function of turning on the light and changing its intensity using the remote control.

Types of lamps

It is convenient to use spots to illuminate the mirror. They rotate in any direction, so you can choose the desired direction of illumination. The number of lamps depends on the size of the mirror. Usually they are mounted on top or on the sides for diffused light.

The second option - lamps in round shades, built-in on the sides. Such products can often be found in beauty salons. They look stylish and provide good lighting.

But the most popular lamp in recent years has become an LED strip, fixed around the perimeter of the entire mirror.

The following types of bulbs are commonly used:

  • halogen - last up to 4000 hours, are not afraid of moisture and have a high color rendering index. But they are too bright, so they can irritate the eyes and over-illuminate the face when looking at the mirror;

  • neon - glow evenly, do not heat up and last about 80,000 hours. But they are too fragile and do not tolerate moisture well;

  • fluorescent - have good light output, provide pleasant diffused light and last for years (up to 20,000 hours). Of the minuses - they can flicker when turned on and break due to a power surge;

  • light-emitting diode (LED) - have the longest service life among all types of lamps (up to 100,000 hours) and consume little electricity. It is LEDs that provide the most effective illumination of the mirror in the bathroom.

Select the lighting color in advance - yellow (warm), white (cold) or multi-colored. In the first two cases, focus only on your feelings. The yellow light is relaxing and creates a cozy atmosphere for taking a bath. Cold is close to natural street. It illuminates the room as much as possible and is perceived by the eyes as more intense.

Colored luminaires are usually installed for design purposes only. Over time, they can begin to irritate the eyes. For applying makeup, colored highlights are definitely not suitable.

How to connect an illuminated bathroom mirror

To install an illuminated bathroom mirror, you will need the following tools:

  • drill/hammer drill;

  • screwdriver set;

  • tape measure.

The choice of other tools depends on the type of mirror attachment. Usually everything you need is included. A mirror without a cabinet or shelves can be fixed with special glue. But you can no longer remove it and move it to another place. For a heavy product with a cabinet, the type of fastener is selected depending on the wall material.

A power supply is required to connect the bathroom mirror with LED strip lighting. LEDs may be damaged if connected directly.

The easiest way to connect lights is that they are fixed around the perimeter of the mirror. They are battery operated and do not require an outlet. The manufacturer has already laid the necessary wires, so you just have to insert the batteries of the right size.

Fluorescent lamps are connected to the mains. To do this, you need to bring power from the junction box. You can combine the wires from the backlight and ceiling lamps so that the lighting in the bathroom is lit with one switch.

It remains to check how the illuminated mirror works and if there are any failures, and then clean it to a shine. This will help you cleaner for glass and mirrors Cif Light Clean Ultra Shine. Spray it on the mirror and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Spray in a matter of seconds will cope with fingerprints, traces of grease and dirt.

Common mistakes

The main mistake when buying a mirror is to choose a product with lamps on top. They only emphasize the flaws in appearance. It is better to buy a mirror with side lights so that it is pleasant to look at yourself.

Do not use luminaires with different lighting colors at the same time. It will be uncomfortable for the eyes if the ceiling lamps shine white, and the backlight on the mirror is yellow.

Another mistake is to install a mirror with a touch switch close to the heated towel rail. The sensor may fail due to heat.

Under no circumstances should the wiring diagram be changed, otherwise the backlight will not work. Carefully read the instructions for a specific model, even if you have already mounted an LED mirror.

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