Vanity lights and LED mirrors

Vanity light basics

Good vanity lighting comes from the front or sides of the face, so shadows do not fall under the eyes and chin. A fixture above the mirror is the most common setup. Its width should suit the mirror, and it should be rated for damp locations since bathrooms are steamy. LED fixtures run cool and come in warm or neutral color temperatures.

Centering on an off-center box

Bathroom boxes are often off center from the sink or mirror after past updates. Some fixtures have a mounting plate that lets the fixture slide left or right of the box, which can fix a small offset. Larger offsets need the box moved, which is outside our scope. We look at the box position before you buy so the fixture you choose can line up.

LED mirrors

LED mirrors can be hardwired to an existing vanity light box or plugged into an outlet. Hardwired mirrors need the box located behind the mirror within the area the mirror's wiring can reach. Heavy mirrors hang on cleats or brackets fastened into studs or with anchors rated for the load. Some include defoggers and dimming, controlled by touch.

Medicine cabinets

Surface-mounted medicine cabinets and lighted cabinets can replace a mirror over the existing box. Recessed cabinets need a wall cavity and sometimes framing changes; we can install them in an existing recess.

Scope

See the full list of electrical work we take on.

Choosing light color

Neutral-warm color temperatures render skin tones naturally, which helps with grooming and makeup. A high color-rendering rating on the box means colors look truer. Very cool light can look harsh in a small bathroom.

Mirror and fixture height

Vanity fixtures over mirrors are usually mounted so the light falls on the face of the people who use the sink. Taller and shorter household members may prefer different heights, so we confirm before mounting.

Damp location and steam

Damp-rated fixtures resist moisture. A working bath fan protects fixtures and mirrors from steam damage.

Patching around old fixtures

Old fixtures can leave paint outlines and holes. We patch and touch up, or choose a backplate that covers the area.

What to send

Photos of the current light, mirror and sink, and measurements of the mirror and wall.

More questions

Can you hang a heavy mirror on tile? Yes, by drilling through tile into framing with the right bits and anchors.

Do LED mirrors need a special switch? Many have touch controls; the wall switch stays on.

Sconces beside the mirror

Sconces on each side of the mirror give the most even light on the face. Adding sconces where there are none needs new boxes and wiring, which is not work we take on. If boxes already exist beside the mirror, we swap the fixtures. For a single top box, a long bar fixture is the simplest choice.

Half baths and powder rooms

Powder rooms are a chance for a decorative fixture. Pick one with enough light for handwashing and a finish that matches the faucet.

LED mirror features

Lighted mirrors may include anti-fog pads, adjustable color temperature, dimming and clocks. Backlit mirrors cast a glow on the wall; front-lit mirrors light the face more directly. Choose a mirror size that suits the vanity width and does not crowd the faucet.

Hanging mirrors safely

Large mirrors are heavy and fragile. We use cleats or brackets rated for the weight, fasten into studs where possible, and use two people for large pieces. A level line before drilling keeps the mirror straight.

Rental bathrooms

Landlords updating rental bathrooms often swap vanity lights and mirrors together. Durable finishes and simple fixtures hold up well between tenants.

Lighting for makeup and shaving

Even, shadow-free light on the face matters most at the bathroom mirror. Lights above the mirror cast shadows under the brow and chin; adding light from the sides, through sconces or a front-lit mirror, fills those shadows. Lights with a high color rendering index help colors look accurate. If only a top box exists, a wide bar fixture with diffused shades combined with a front-lit LED mirror gives a good result without new wiring.

Light from the sides

A bar above the mirror alone can cast shadows under the eyes. Sconces at face height on either side give even light for shaving and makeup. If the wall only has one box above, we can still pick a wide bar to soften the shadows.

Mirror defoggers

Some LED mirrors have a heating pad that clears steam. It runs off the same power feed, so we confirm the mirror is meant for a hardwired box or a nearby outlet.

Damp-rated parts

Bathroom fixtures should carry a damp location rating.