Bathroom mirror lights ideas


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.

20 Beautiful Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Whether you're plotting a major renovation or simply looking to add more versatility to your bath, you'll need to consider bathroom lighting ideas to transform your space. Insufficient illumination can lead to grooming mishaps, while harsh lighting can quell spa-like auras. The right lighting not only lends function to a bathroom retreat, but wakes it up—a must when it comes to shaking off that early morning daze!

Top interior designers use a wide variety of fixture options—wall sconces, flush mounts and overhead installations, to name a few—to architect the perfect lighting scheme in bathrooms. Follow their lead and choose a chandelier to hang over a tub, or flank a vanity mirror with twin wall sconces. To manufacture a spa experience, call on a floor lamp. You can set one beside a bathtub (bubbles and all!) to curate unexpected mood lighting. And, of course, nothing beats natural lighting. Take full advantage of sun-filled windows and select airy window treatments and reflective, mirrored surfaces that are perfect for dispersing light all over your room.

Learn from the best and cull inspiration from the timeless bathroom lighting ideas ahead. As you’ll find, there’s no shortage of ideas when it comes to hardware, luminance and so much more. Whether it be a crystal chandelier, an understated flush mount or an out-of-left-field floor lamp, these designs showcase the wide range of bathroom lighting options.

1

Cool & Crisp

Erin Konrath Photography

A crystal chandelier is the epitome of sophistication in this fresh and airy bathroom designed by Crystal Blackshaw.

2

Heart of Gold

Brantley Photography

In this sun-kissed space designed by interior firm LKID, an inverted sconce is just the understated touch this dazzling bathroom needs.

3

Blue and Breezy

John Gruen

In this crisp, baby blue bathroom, design firm Hendricks Churchill proves that lighting doesn't have to steal the show.

4

Bungalow Drama

Stoffer Photography Interiors

A single milk glass pendant lends classic charm to this striking bungalow bathroom teed up by interior firm reDesign home.

5

Collected Eclectic

Joe Schmelzer

If you're opposed to installing fixtures in your bathroom, follow design firm Interiors by Patrick's lead and simply opt for an eye-catching floor lamp.

6

Doppelgänger

Dustin Halleck

Matching vanities, gold-framed mirrors and shade pendants make for perfect symmetry in this white-on-white bathroom designed by the Chicago-based firm Centered by Design.

7

A Grand Entrance

Julie Soefer

A brass, leaf chandelier and eccentric, mosaic tiles emulate the tropics in this cheery bathroom designed by Courtnay Tartt Elias.

8

Seeing Double

Annie Schlechter

To create this casually eclectic powder room, Los Angeles-based firm Ayromloo Design employed a black and white lattice wall tile, blue and gold accents, and a simple globe pendant.

9

Bronze Glory

Pieter Estersohn

Design firm Craig & Co. applied a rich bronze to the walls of this powder room for an all-encompassing sense of warmth.

10

Jewel Box

Dustin Forest

A modern, three-globe chandelier makes a striking statement in this moody, emerald bathroom designed by Crystal Blackshaw.

11

Cookies 'N Cream

Karyn Millet

Dramatic, geometric wall sconces perfectly complement the luxe atmosphere of this marble-filled bathroom designed by the West Hollywood-based KES Studio.

12

Three Cheers

Josh Thornton

To bring even light to this recessed vanity space, designer Summer Thornton outfitted it in three shaded wallchieres.

13

Royal Highness

Pieter Estersohn

Gilded glamour is on full display in this bathroom designed by New York-based designer Charlotte Moss. Gilded accents, glass wall sconces and a bombe vanity all usher in an aura of the theatrical.

14

Subway Chic

Tessa Neustadt

A sophisticated swing arm sconce is the perfect complement to a subway tile chair rail and a penny tile floor in this guest bath teed up by Stefani Stein.

15

Simply Modern

Michael Alan Kaskel

Gold-accented globe sconces, matching mirrors and chevron wall tiles help elevate this master bath designed by KitchenLab Interiors.

16

Leading Light

Andrew Miller

To build on top of this bathroom's moody atmosphere, studio CAK installed LED sconces to bring in evocative light.

17

Green Glow

Cynthia Lyn

In this whimsical powder room designed by Kim Scodro, a single wall lamp illuminates the mesmerizing, green and gold wallpaper.

18

Simple and Clean

Gieves Anderson

Streamlined fittings and sleek wall sconces make this room by Brooke Moorhead feel crisp and casual.

19

Blue Waves

Stephanie Wiley Photography

SH Interiors opted for a sputnik flush mount and geometric wall sconce in this brilliant, cobalt-colored bath.

20

Forest Green

Susan Pickering

A modern hurricane-lamp style wall sconce energizes this sophisticated retreat cued up by designer Ruben Marquez.

Alicia Mies Alicia Mies is an editorial intern at Chairish, an online marketplace for vintage home decor.

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 look like a midget in front 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. Lamps directly on the mirror
The lamp can decorate the mirror and the entire bathroom, as 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, direct it 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 inspired by street lamps fit perfectly into rustic interiors. 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 luminaires 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 directions at once - from below the sink base, to the side of the lamp, from above the ceiling lamps.

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

YOUR TURN...
Share your bathroom mirror finds and lighting ideas.

The right lighting for the mirror in the bathroom and other rooms: expert advice

The wrong light distorts not only the feeling of space and the scale of the furniture. He literally mocks ordinary people - he focuses on flaws that are not significant and not noticeable in natural light. Bad light is so important that we can be upset by our own reflection in the mirror. But as soon as you properly organize the lighting, you will begin to see your realistic image, without the grotesque. And most likely, you will love your appearance in the mirror again. Try it!

Designed by Ekaterina Kolegova Ecole

Nash Baker Architects

Here and now
It only seems that the mirror reflects reality. In fact, this is not so - the mirror reflects a specific moment, a moment of this reality. And we, peering into the reflection, think that this is how others see us.

It's one thing - an illuminated cosmetic mirror that allows you to see and mask flaws or emphasize the dignity of the face. Another is a mirror in the hallway. In the morning, before leaving the house, you observe yourself in the large mirror of the hallway: are you dressed correctly, are your shoes appropriate for the season, do not take an umbrella (and will it be combined), what gloves are suitable, and so on. But the main problem is that the mirror in the hallway shows us as we are in the hallway - as soon as we leave the room, our appearance will change.

No, we will be wearing the same set of clothes, but we will look different. And the whole difficulty is that the light will change. You have one source of light in the hallway, and others on the street, third in offices and offices, and fourth in theaters. Therefore, the first and only rule is that if you want to see your real reflection, then arrange at the mirror (in the hallway, at the illuminated dressing mirror) lighting close to where you are going.

Nina Frolova

Metro effect
It's no secret that people in the subway look tired at eight in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. But the eternal fatigue of the townspeople is only partly true. The whole truth is that the lighting of the cars makes everyone seem a little lifeless. The weak and unevenly distributed light of subway cars leaves shadows of nasolabial folds on the face and creates ugly blackouts under the eyes - it emphasizes protruding areas, such as the nose or brow ridges, which makes even the most even and young face look like a person drowned kittens, and men have brow ridges more developed than women (such are the features of the human skeleton), so they also look gloomy and angry in the subway.

Barlow & Barlow Design

1. No to directional light
Directional incident light disfigures a person, and if it is the light from a halogen lamp, the effect of intimidation is doubled. The fact is that halogen lamps, in addition to adding unnecessary underlined shadows, also change colors (making them warm).

It's easy to check this in practice - go to the fitting room of the store. In every second you will see halogen lamps, and in every second you will not like the clothes. It would seem that in fitting rooms, on the contrary, they should do everything so that a person buys clothes of this brand, so that he likes himself. But no, alas - in every second store I encounter a similar error. And I just don't waste my time going to the fitting room if it has a directional downward halogen light. Why, if I know: any wonderful thing will look bad in this light. Emphasizes all the flaws that are already there, and adds those that are not.

SEE ALSO…
Wonder of the World: Colored and colored light in the interior

Nina Frolova

Diffused light is closest to the sun and at the same time skillfully hides our shortcomings. Reflecting from the surface, sunlight evenly illuminates it: it emphasizes the advantages and hides the flaws. Sunlight is recognized as the measure and standard of illumination, it is daylight that is the most truthful.

Does this mean that office lighting, known as "fluorescent lamps", is capable of giving a realistic display? No. It has nothing to do with the light of the sun (unless, if you close your eyes and imagine that it is bees buzzing in a sunny meadow, and not the lamp itself). The light of fluorescent lamps is cold and flickering, it makes the colors gloomy, taking them into a blue haze. People's faces are losing their color. In no case do not use such a light at home, and even more so do not illuminate a mirror with it.

Ruslan Kirnichansky

How to achieve perfect lighting
We must look up to sunlight. Of all the possible lighting options, LED bulbs are the closest to sunlight in a shade of neutral white, but they need competent support from other light sources. Possible lighting options at the mirror.

  • Between the person and the mirror on the ceiling there is a diffusing LED light source (neutral white), on the same axis, behind the person's back, there is a diffusing LED light source (milky shade).

Important: Light sources must not be reflected in the mirror together with the person, otherwise light distortion will occur.

Ruslan Kirnichansky

  • Use one directional lamp, but the bulbs should be of different shades (neutral and milky). And the spots should be directed to adjacent walls, and not to the mirror. Neutral lighting should be added above the mirror itself. It can be matte light bulbs or an LED filament directed at a mirror, as a backlight for paintings. The light reflected from the walls will create soft shadows, and the light directed at the mirror will form an accent on the face.

Ruslan Kirnichansky

  • There are special lamps for mirrors, which are similar to dressing room lighting. This is a rail that has a few paws on it and is mounted next to the mirror, but it's important to use frosted bulbs to avoid shadows or glare.
  • You also need to alternate the light sources so that they do not change colors. But this light will not be enough, you need to provide lighting for the dressing room: diffused light - on the ceiling, directed - place along the walls.

Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design

The described lighting schemes allow you to create such a light at the mirror in the house, in which you can be seen by others outside the house (in natural light).


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