How to light a bathroom mirror?

We put on make-up, shave and check our appearance just before leaving for work by the mirror. A bathroom mirror will fulfill its function better if you light it properly. A poorly lit one will not be comfortable and it can also lead to a mishap, for example with poorly done make-up. Lamps located near the mirror play a complementary role to the main lighting, which is mounted on the ceiling. We advise you how to light a bathroom mirror. You will also learn how to match the temperature of the lighting to the interior and how to match the lamp to the interior design.

Mirror Lighting – General Rules

When choosing lighting above the mirror for the bathroom , look for lamps that are resistant to the conditions of increased humidity in the room. Remember that the lamp located just above the sink will be exposed to temporary contact with water. It is therefore good if the fixture has an IP44 rating. This means that it is sealed and safe to use. IP44 is a guarantee that the fixture is resistant to water splashes from any direction. So if it is accidentally splashed, nothing will happen.

The lamp above the mirror must also be properly installed. The height of the lighting above the mirror and the side on which it is attached are important. This determines whether the light from the lamp will illuminate you evenly. After all, it cannot create shadows on the wall or not fully illuminate one part of the face. Also, pay attention to the style of the lamp above the bathroom mirror. It should match the design of the room - another will work well in a modern interior, and another will complement a classic space. You can create a set with other lamps in the bathroom or, on the contrary, use distinctive frames.

Why is proper mirror lighting so important?

Remember a situation when your makeup seemed perfect at home, but didn't look its best outside? It's most likely the fault of the lighting. The wrong color temperature of the bulbs or an incorrectly installed wall lamp are a direct path to mishaps with an imperfectly shaved beard or poorly painted eyebrows. Strong, cool lighting will bring out every detail and allow you to notice irregularities, while warm and cozy lighting will make the complexion look very even. A lamp hanging from the ceiling or a ceiling lamp are not sufficient solutions. They will create the effect of shadows on the face. This will be especially noticeable in a spacious bathroom, where the lack of additional lighting will be impractical. When choosing lighting above the mirror for the bathroom, focus on ensuring that it gives an effect as close as possible to daylight.

Bathroom mirror lamps – what light bulbs to use?

Daylight is neutral, and its advantage is that it perfectly reflects colors. Mirror lighting can be neutral or even cool - it will allow you to see even more details and, for example, refine your makeup. When choosing light bulbs, pay attention to the color temperature specified in Kelvin. From 3000K there is neutral light, and the higher the value, the cooler the lighting will be. The color rendering index, or CRI, is also important. It should be from 80 upwards - thanks to this, you will be sure that the colors in the interior will be well reproduced and natural.

Where to place mirror lamps?

A good solution is to place two lighting fixtures - one on the left and the other on the right. Models with an elongated shape and a milky frame will be suitable, thanks to which the light will not blind you. It is great if the lamps have adjustable arms that can be tilted and their arrangement adjusted to your own needs. A bathroom wall lamp above a round mirror or a rectangular surface is also a good solution. In the case of a surface with sharp edges, an elongated wall lamp emitting uniform light will be suitable. This is the best lighting for a large mirror, especially if you choose a frame with the same width as the surface. When it comes to a round mirror, you can opt for an illuminated surface. A model with built-in lighting will be a great solution, but the lighting must be installed in the right place. The mirror will look aesthetically pleasing and fulfill practical functions if the light is in a frame or on the surface. Unfortunately, a mirror with an LED panel mounted on the back will not meet your expectations. The visual effect will be very nice, but the light will mainly illuminate the wall, not your face.

How to match mirror lighting to the design of a modern interior?

If you decide on an elongated wall lamp made of milky glass, you will gain a universal lighting fixture. This model fits into almost any arrangement. However, if you are looking for two wall lamps that will be on the sides of the pane, pay more attention to their selection. In a modern interior, white and black models will look good. An illuminated mirror is also a good solution - it can be either rectangular or round.

Loft bathroom – what mirror lighting to choose?

Loft bathrooms are usually decorated in dark colors. There is no room for decorative elements, so it is worth using original lighting. Wall lamps with a black base and a transparent lampshade resembling a tube will work perfectly. Such a lampshade will highlight an unusual light bulb, for example, reminiscent of a candle. Copper wall lamps will also fit into a loft bathroom - you can also use the same color for the mirror frame.

Elegant bathroom – what lamp to use for the mirror?

Elegant interiors, such as classic, glamour or New York, require appropriate accessories. Lighting will be perfect for this role in the bathroom. You can opt for glass wall lamps decorated with crystals. Lamps with a silver or gold base will look great - you can match their color to other elements of the equipment, such as fittings. If the rest of the interior is richly decorated, you can choose simpler lighting. Match it in color to the arrangement.

How to light a bathroom mirror?

You can decide to install special LED strips and wall sconces, thanks to which your mirror will look beautiful. For wider models, lamps mounted directly above the mirror surface will work fantastically.

Have you ever decorated your bathroom? Or maybe you've just browsed through a lot of projects? If so, you certainly know that proper mirror lighting is a very important issue. It is thanks to well-matched lamps that we can easily apply make-up or simply perform our daily care treatments. Skillfully selected lamps will combine great functionality and at the same time will become a decoration of the bathroom. Considering that this interior is usually not one of the largest, it is definitely worth thinking carefully about ordering lamps.

The wall sconces we have already mentioned are undoubtedly one of the most popular and therefore most frequently chosen solutions for bathrooms. They work well in both smaller and larger rooms. They look great if they are well matched to the selected mirror size. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to buy the mirror first and only then decide on the lighting that matches it. The sconces are mounted symmetrically on both sides of the mirror. Thanks to the fact that we are dealing with two lamps, the entire mirror space is very well lit. Of course, it is very important here that the sconces have a really perfectly matched size. Unfortunately, if they are too large or, even worse, too small, we will run the risk of the mirror not being evenly lit. Shaded spaces and poorly reflected light can definitely make it difficult to spend everyday time in the bathroom. It is worth remembering! You already know that wall lamps go great with tall mirrors, and for wide ones you can successfully choose lamps in various shapes that you can mount on top. As for the very popular, round models, here you really have complete freedom. Depending on what you like more, you can decide to illuminate them with wall lamps or lamps placed above the mirror frame.

How to light a mirror?

• Find a lamp that fits well with the shape of your mirror.
• Make sure that the light it emits is diffused.
• Opt for neutral colored lighting.

As you can see, proper mirror lighting is not as difficult as it might seem at first. By remembering a few key tips, you will not only beautifully decorate your bathroom, but also make everyday use of it as comfortable as possible. Good lighting is essential! A lamp with the right light, which will be installed in the right place, will have a very positive impact on the perception of your entire bathroom. Take advantage of our advice today.