Bathroom Lighting Guide: Vanity Lights, Damp Ratings and Placement
4 min reading time
Bathroom lighting has to be bright, flattering and safe around water. Learn where to mount vanity lights, what damp and wet ratings mean and how much light you need.
The bathroom is where you shave, apply makeup and check your outfit, so lighting needs to be bright and even. It is also a damp room, which means fixtures must be rated for the location. Here is how to get both right.
Why side lighting beats overhead lighting at the mirror
A single light above the mirror casts shadows under the eyes, nose and chin. Light coming from both sides of the face is far more flattering and practical. That is why designers place a pair of sconces on each side of the mirror whenever there is room.
Vanity sconce height and spacing
- Mount side sconces with the center of the light at about 60 to 66 inches from the floor, close to eye level.
- Space them about 36 to 40 inches apart, so they sit just outside the mirror.
- If you install a light above the mirror instead, mount it 75 to 80 inches from the floor and choose a fixture about three-quarters the width of the mirror.
For double vanities, use a pair of sconces at each sink, or three sconces with one shared in the middle. Browse our bathroom wall sconces.
Damp and wet ratings explained
In the US, fixtures are listed by UL or ETL for the locations they can handle:
| Rating | Where it can go | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Areas with no moisture | Bedrooms, hallways |
| Damp | Areas with humidity but no direct water | Bathroom vanity, covered porch |
| Wet | Areas with direct water contact | Inside a shower, uncovered outdoor walls |
Check each product page for its rating. The National Electrical Code limits what can hang above a bathtub or shower: cord-hung pendants, chandeliers and ceiling fans are not allowed within 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the tub rim or shower threshold. Your electrician will confirm the rules in your area.
Overhead and ambient light
Add a ceiling fixture for general light, especially in larger bathrooms. A flush mount with a frosted or opal glass diffuser spreads light evenly. See our bathroom ceiling lights. In a spacious primary bath with a high ceiling, a small chandelier or pendant over a freestanding tub (outside the restricted zone) adds a spa feel.
How much light a bathroom needs
Bathrooms need more light than living spaces: about 30 to 50 lumens per square foot. Plan on 1,600 to 3,000 lumens at the vanity alone. Read our lumens vs watts guide to calculate it.
Color temperature and CRI
Choose 3000K for a warm but accurate look, or up to 3500K if you prefer a crisper feel. A CRI of 90 or more shows skin tones and makeup accurately. Avoid mixing warm and cool bulbs in the same room. See our color temperature guide.
Style tips
- Globe and cylinder glass sconces are timeless and easy to clean.
- Black, brass and chrome finishes should match the faucet or the cabinet hardware.
- Industrial cage sconces suit loft and farmhouse bathrooms. See industrial wall sconces.
Shop the look
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Globo Argento Vintage Wall Light -
Legno Rettangolare Rounded-Edge Wood LED Ceiling Light -
Globo Retro Retro Glass Globe Pendant
Frequently asked questions
How high should bathroom vanity lights be?
Side sconces about 60 to 66 inches from the floor. A light above the mirror about 75 to 80 inches from the floor.
Do bathroom lights need to be damp rated?
Yes, fixtures in a bathroom should be at least damp rated, and wet rated inside a shower.
Can I hang a chandelier over a bathtub?
Only outside the zone restricted by the National Electrical Code (3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically from the tub rim). Ask a licensed electrician to confirm.
Keep reading
- Outdoor Lighting Guide: Porch, Patio and Garden Lights
- Living Room Lighting Ideas: How to Layer Light Like a Designer
- Bedroom Lighting Guide: Ceiling Lights, Bedside Lamps and Sconces
Every order over $75 ships free, and you have 30 days to return a light that is not right for your space. Questions about a fixture? Email us at contact@lighting-corner.com.