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on Oct 24, 2011

I am about to undergo a bathroom reno.

I have a double sink vanity which spans 68" and I would like a mirror that spans the same width (68"w x 54"h). I would like to mount a sconce onto the mirror however I am undecided as to whether a double arm light in the center of the mirror would look better than single sconces on each side? Anyone have any input? Lighting is key as the bathroom has no natural light so I am trying to reflect as much light as possible and I do not want overhead lighting as it casts odd shadows.

7 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Hi Sabrina,
My wife happened to be sitting next to me and read your question. She asks if you will be using the mirror to apply makeup or other "beauty regimens" (her word not mine)? She says that if that is the case, you would want to have your lighting to both sides equally so you can get an even look/light, so go with the sconces .

on Oct 24, 2011 · Like 1
Sabrina

Perfect Thanks Dan and wife for your input. I will be using the mirrors to apply makeup and all that other fun womanly stuff so I agree the sconces should be to the sides but what about the space in between the two sinks? Should there be a double armed sconce in the center? Will the lighting that it casts be sufficient enough that we could do without the others to the side?

on Oct 24, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

I like to look good too and I can't get to those pesky ear hairs without double lights on both sides! I like the hanging pendants! Razor Clean in Richmond! JL

on Oct 24, 2011 · Like 0
Sabrina

lol thanks, the pendants are a great suggestion and a definite consideration. Thanks for your time.

on Oct 24, 2011 · Like 0
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Sabrina, there are three types of lighting you need to consider always. Task lighting(T.L), Accent Lighting (A.L) and Ambient Lighting (Amb.L). Amb.L is for overall Illumination, for this you may need to install a fixture in the center of the bathroom, like a small chandelier or a regular fixture. TL - lighting is used for particular tasks like reading, cooking and in your case grooming. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and undercabinet lighting, in your ...»
case the Vanity lighting becomes your task lighting. and AL is used to create a bit of drama, maybe a nice small lamp shade on the counter if you have the space. Remember the vanity lighting is the most important in the bathroom since it helps with a lot of tasks, you may place these facing upwards so they don't cast dark shadows on your face. You can also install scones on either sides of the mirror. This will help even out the space. Now since you mentioned no natural light, you may want to consider Solatube, a tune that is installed in your roof brings natural light into the bathroom. It's really cool. Google 'Solatube'.
Hope this info helps.

on Oct 25, 2011 · Like 3
Sabrina

Thank you Yamin, your response is exactly what I needed. Very thorough.

on Oct 25, 2011 · Like 0
Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA

Sabrina,
Lots of great contributions by our Hometalk members so far. I want to take a little different angle.
Is there a particular reason why you want to go with a single mirror? I ask that because the single cut mirror is a builder's favorite...and we almost always take them out and replace them with ...»
individual mirrors over each sink. That would allow the use of sconces and the middle one would not have to be cut into the mirror.
I am not a decorator nor a lighting expert...... but I have yet to see a fixture that comes out of the mirror look attractive to me because you can see the back side of the fixture in the reflection, as well as the "double bulb" effect from the reflection.
Whatever you decide to do, try and make all those selections so your remodeler can get the electrical rough-in in the right locations. Tim

on Oct 26, 2011 · Like 2