Mirror side lighting
10 rules for side and over mirror lighting |
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.
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
- Consider a dual sconce for large vanities. To avoid dark spots at a long vanity, consider mounting a dual sconce in the center with single sconces at the outer edges of the mirrors and vanity.
- Avoid asymmetrical lighting. Placing a fixture on just one side of a mirror will create uneven illumination and make grooming difficult.
- Skip recessed ceiling fixtures over the sink. This can cast shadows on the face. If recessed lights at the sink area are desired or already in place, consider putting them on a different switch from the task lighting for more control over the lighting plan.
- Add supplemental lighting if necessary. If the bathroom is small, sconces may illuminate the entire room. In larger bathrooms, light from additional sources, such as recessed lights and ceiling fixtures, will be necessary for adequate general lighting.
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
Find the right local pro for your project
Sponsored
Düsseldorf | Individuelle Lösungen für jedes Einrichtungsprojekt!
Sponsored
Interior Designer & Raumausstatter | Düsseldorf
Rules for choosing lighting for mirrors
One of the best solutions for a modern interior is a mirror with lighting, which will make the room brighter and more comfortable.
With the location of such a mirror in the bathroom or in the make-up area, it will become an indispensable assistant in the performance of hygienic and cosmetic procedures.
This unique decorative element can be, depending on your wishes, both a harmonious addition to the existing interior and its key element.
This is affected not only by the size and shape of the mirror sheet, but also by the type of illumination: side (aka interior), frontal or a combination of both, as well as color temperature.
In this article we have tried to collect the main points that you should definitely pay attention to when choosing the backlight for the mirror you are interested in.
Backlight type
First, let's look at what types of backlight are. There are three main types used in our mirrors: interior, frontal and artistic. Each of them has its own purpose, so this should be considered when choosing a mirror.
Interior lighting
Interior lighting is a side lighting, which should be understood as an LED strip built into the mirror body and gently illuminating the surface behind it, whether it be plaster, tile, masonry or wallpaper.
Mirror with interior lighting Ligt
This type of lighting serves mainly to emphasize the interesting texture of the walls (for example, unusual plaster or relief tiles) and to distinguish the mirror from the background of the surrounding interior objects.
In addition, for some models, this type of illumination creates an unusual effect of a mirror floating in the air. This applies to products whose reflective fabric is larger than the body. When the backlight is on, it feels like a mirror is floating a few centimeters from the wall.
This lighting will look good in all areas of your home, especially with embossed and interesting finishes that need to be emphasized.
Front light
The front lighting is the front lighting, which plays not only a decorative, but also a functional role: due to the bright glow of the diode tape through the transparent parts of the mirror sheet, the face of a person looking into the mirror is illuminated brighter, which is an important advantage when shaving and applying makeup, especially in rooms with dim light.
In addition, we have a range of make-up mirrors, in which the light source is bright bulbs. This option is ideal for a make-up or dressing area.
Extra-shaped dressing room mirror Alexa
Front lighting serves as an additional source of light and a bright element of decor, so models with it can be used not only in the bathroom or hallway, but also in other rooms.
This lighting is best suited for the bathroom, make-up and dressing area, dressing room or hallway.
Artistic lighting
This type is essentially a subspecies of front lighting, but its main function is to turn the mirror into a central decor element in the room.
Artistic lighting consists of various drawings and ornaments applied to the reverse side of the mirror by sandblasting and equipped with a diode strip.
Zodiac artistic lighting mirror
This lighting should be chosen to match the rest of the decor in the room. For example, floral patterns or a pattern in the form of leaves will look organic in an interior with an emphasis on natural motifs.
This lighting will be a great decoration for the living room, hallway and nursery. It can also be placed in the bathroom and other rooms, but it should be borne in mind that the pattern should not interfere with examining the face or performing any procedures in front of the mirror.
Combination of different types
Many of the models in our range have both front and interior lighting. Thanks to this, the most positive effect of the mirror is achieved and the room becomes lighter and more comfortable.
Mirror with interior and front lighting Camelia
In addition, at your request, we can add or remove any type of lighting from the desired mirror. Be sure to consider the possibility of making changes, because this will allow you to make the product most suitable for your interior.
Additional lighting
Any interior designer knows that hanging alone in the middle of the ceiling is a terrible decision. The lighting in the room should be multi-level and, in addition to the main light, local sources are needed.
If the mirror you have chosen cannot be equipped with lighting in any way, or such a modern solution does not suit your interior (for example, if everything in your house is done according to the classical canons), we can equip the mirror with hanging lamps of various sizes and power as an additional source Sveta.
Illumination color temperature
Another important point when choosing an illuminated mirror is its color temperature. Depending on it, the product can give a completely different effect to the overall atmosphere of the house.
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing is the color temperature of other light sources in the room, be it chandeliers, sconces, spotlights, etc.: usually the mirror lighting is matched to match them.
It is also worth considering the colors used in the interior, which, as you probably know, are divided into warm (red, yellow, orange, etc.), cold (light blue, blue, green, etc.) and neutral (white , gray and black).
The following lighting options are available for our mirrors:
- Warm (3000 Kelvin) - corresponds to a warm dawn. This option is perfect for the corresponding interior and will look especially advantageous in a room with a lack of sunlight.
- Neutral (4000 Kelvin) - located between moonlight and daylight. It will look great in strict interiors of gray tones or contrasts of white and black.
- Cold (6000 Kelvin) - Corresponds to the temperature of light in cloudy weather. Well suited for a cold interior, especially in blue and blue tones.
For greater clarity, we have prepared for you a diagram indicating degrees of Kelvin and familiar examples of one or another color temperature: g reen, b lue - red, green, blue, which are used to code colors).
The mirror equipped with this light comes with a remote control. This allows you to change the color at any time (blue, green, lilac, yellow, red, etc.
) depending on the mood, time of day or changes in interior details.
Total
As you can see, there are not as many rules for choosing the mirror illumination as, for example, the rules for choosing a high-quality mirror, which we previously talked about in our other article. The main thing to remember a few points:
- The backlight should correspond to the tasks that the mirror will perform;
- For cosmetic and other procedures, front lighting is perfect;
- Interior is more suitable for decorative mirrors to emphasize the silhouette of the product and wall decoration;
- Artistic lighting will make the room more unique and create a point of attraction;
- The color temperature must match the lighting in the room and the palette of colors used in the interior.
The art of making the right choice lies in finding a balance between aesthetics and practicality. By following these simple rules, you can easily find the perfect mirror for your home.
In addition, our specialists are always ready to help you choose a mirror that is right for you. It can be either one of the standard models of our catalog (with the possibility of customizing all elements), or an absolutely unique solution created completely according to your wishes.
Please rate our article on social networks.
- Vkontakte
- Odnoklassniki Telegram
- Yandex Zen
Sliding wardrobe lighting: main features of the main options
Sliding wardrobe with translucent doors and internal lighting in the interior of the room
Sliding wardrobes over the years have confirmed the convenience and rationality of their use and have taken their rightful place in almost every apartment. However, the depths of the cabinets where clothes are folded or hanging often require additional lighting in order to find the right thing, or, conversely, without disturbing the peace of the household, highlight only one shelf or section.
For this, it is most convenient to use the backlight. In this case, it is necessary to clearly understand the purpose for which it is mounted.
Black and white wardrobe with a figured side shelf with top lighting
Light wardrobe with additional lighting in the interior of the dining-living room
Contents
- 1 Advantages and disadvantages of wardrobe lighting and cons of options
- 3 What should you especially pay attention to when choosing lamps and fixtures
- 4 What is the peculiarity of kitchen set lighting and how to apply it in the interior?
- 5 DIY selection and installation
- 6 Video: do-it-yourself wardrobe lighting with LED strip in aluminum profile
Wardrobe lighting advantages and disadvantages
Beautiful unusual lighting for a mirrored corner wardrobe
An interesting idea for lighting each individual zone in the dressing room
Before talking about the pros and cons of cabinet lighting, those who want to install it need to understand its necessity.
It is clear that the placement of lighting along the outer edge of the furniture will not play any functional role, but will remain a decorative design. There is no need for it even if the depth of the cabinets is small, and all manipulations with things can be done without additional lighting.
Huge wardrobe for dressing room with additional internal lighting of individual zones
Wardrobe with multi-colored LED shelves for an unusual living room
;
Large illuminated mirror cabinet for a loft-style bedroom
Another advantage is the ability to mount the lighting yourself. In addition, it should be taken into account that internal lighting allows you to maintain order in cabinets and clean up in time: remove cobwebs, wipe off dust or detect mold or fungus on the inner surface of cabinets in time.
Additional lighting for the bedroom at the top of the built-in wardrobe on the whole wall
As for the disadvantages, here we can note the difficulty of lighting control.
Types of lighting: pros and cons of options
Halogen lamps for furniture
LED lamp with battery-operated motion sensor for cabinet
Not all lamps are suitable for interior lighting of furniture. For ease of use, preference is given to two types of fixtures: overhead and built-in. At the same time, halogen and LED lighting devices have become the most popular.
| Type of lighting | Pros | Cons |
| Halogen | Increased light output. Evenly distributed light that maintains brightness throughout the life of the luminaire. Compact design. High security. | Very hot, flammable. Strength is low. React to voltage fluctuations. The service life is relatively short. |
| Fluorescent | Do not heat up. High light output. Long service life. Brightness without blinding the eyes. Various color composition. | Limited power with considerable size. Connection complexity. Outside temperature dependent. |
| LED | Slight heating. Energy saving. Durability. Fire and environmental safety. | Relative high cost. Do not give stray light. Need expensive switching power supplies. |
| LED Strip | Any configuration possible. Easy to install. High reliability. Low voltage operation Safe. | Poor color rendering ability. The need to connect power supplies. |
What to pay special attention to when choosing lamps and fixtures
Wardrobe with built-in lighting in the interior of the room
When choosing lighting fixtures, you need to take into account a number of features that will help you choose the “right” one, the one that will decorate the apartment.
- It is important to take into account the characteristics of the room where they will be installed. If the interior is already decorated, then the lamps and lamps are selected taking into account the existing design in such a way that they organically fit into it.
- Do not forget about taking into account the area and illumination of the room: luxurious huge chandeliers or cascades of lamps hanging from the ceiling are unacceptable for small rooms: they will visually make the room even smaller. A modest small lamp will look just as ridiculous in a huge room with high ceilings.
- Particular attention should be paid to the selection of lamps:
- their power;
- power saving possibilities;
- brightness;
- color solution.
- It is important to determine the price of the purchased product by setting a certain "price corridor" within which the lighting fixture will be selected.
A variety of furniture lamps and fixtures for every taste for any interior
When choosing a lamp or fixture, you should proceed from the possibilities of the family budget, rationality, quality and aesthetics.
Comfortable interior shelf lighting with LED technology
What is the peculiarity of kitchen lighting and how to apply it in the interior?
LED Kitchen Lighting
Today kitchen furniture is illuminated by various sources: halogen, fluorescent and LED lamps and LED strip, with the latter being increasingly preferred.
The tape comes in different sizes and densities, in addition, you must consider:
- the color of the LEDs, presented in a wide palette of shades; in some cases, the brightness can be adjusted;
- if the kitchen furniture is dark tones, the lighting under the bottoms of the hanging shelves and cabinets will emphasize the elegance and refined taste of the interior;
- correctly selected lighting will fulfill its immediate functionality and will look great as a decorative design for a kitchen set;
- will bring a certain zest to the design of the room where the kitchen set is installed, lighting the top and bottom of wall cabinets.
Worktop lighting with LED strip mounted on hanging cabinets
DIY selection and installation
The main stages of self-installation of LED strip in the room
Before proceeding with the installation of wardrobe lighting, you must, of course, choose the most appropriate lighting option. Practice shows that the most acceptable sources of lighting for wardrobes are fluorescent and LED lamps or LED strip. They ensure the safety of their use, save energy and are characterized by a slight complexity of installation. But the simplest and most rational way to illuminate furniture is to install an LED strip. In this case, it is necessary to take into account:
- acceptable tape length;
- lighting solution;
- the need to purchase a 12W power supply.
LED strip for lighting furniture
Decoration with LED strip, in addition to the indicated pluses, allows you to determine one more advantage: there is no need to damage the surface of the furniture to install it.
Despite the fact that the installation of such a light source does not require serious skills in working with electricity, this does not mean that they are not needed at all. Therefore, if the owner is completely “not friendly” with the technique, it is better to seek help from a specialist.
However, if you have the desire, you can master even very difficult moments, and installing an LED strip is not.
Approximate scheme for connecting an LED strip to a power source
Mount the strip as follows.
- A plastic corner or a small plinth is attached to the prepared tape installation site, which is attached with liquid nails.
Box or plinth for LED strip
- A tape is laid through the corners and fixed on them.
Diode strip in aluminum profile for furnishing or ceiling lighting design
- The adhesive layer is removed from it and it is glued to the surface.
- The backlight is connected to the power supply with correct polarity (this may be the most difficult step for some).
However, for most, connecting it will not be difficult if you carefully read the installation instructions.
Installation instructions for LED strip for additional illumination
Tip. To avoid power losses, the length of the wire should not be more than three meters.
- Light switch can be installed on the side or under the shelf. It is better to place the power source at the top: it is convenient and safe.
Placement of the light switch on the side wall of the cabinet
Attention! It is worth remembering that the transformer heats up during operation. Therefore, when fixing it, it is necessary to comply with fire safety requirements.
- In order not to spoil the appearance of the furniture and protect the household from trouble, care must be taken to hide the wires and cables.
Forming the interior of an apartment using lighting will bring originality to its design, indicate the taste preferences of the owners and their desire to live in comfort and beauty.
