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Hi All,

Haven't been here in ages but know this is the perfect place to ask for help. I have a 60" vanity on one side of my master bath and a 48" on the other side of the bath. Replacing the builder grade strip of "broadway" lights and wondering what to replace it with. We have the huge mirrors above the vanity and don't want to replace those. Just want an update to the lighting. Would like to stick to chrome as to match the other fixtures in the bathroom. We are also replacing the faucets but want to find the lighting first. What is the minimun size to place above those huge mirrors? Don't want it to look skimpy. Thanks for the help!

I have an 84" double sink vanity,with two separate 2-light vanity bar fixtures over each sink and a wall sconce in between. I also have recessed ceiling lights.

For a 60" wide vanity, a vanity light bar fixture with up to 4 lights should be sufficient; for a 48" vanity, up to 3 lights. You can also put in side lighting with wall sconces, if you have the room. Great for applying makeup.

A lot depends on the types of bulbs and wattage the fixtures can hold. I recommend fixtures that hold regular medium base bulbs, 40 - 60 watts per bulb, minimum. Not candelabra C-bulbs.

Here's an inspiration picture that shows a 60" wide double vanity.

IMHO overhead lighting is unflattering and may be difficult to apply makeup by (all those long shadows on your face.)

Think of an actresses dressing room and that type of lighting. Not practical for home use but adapt as best you can. Is it one sheet of 60" mirror? Even so it might be (might not be too) possible to have holes drilled in the mirror and fixtures placed into the mirror.

You need adequate but not harsh lighting.

A dimmer was the best thing I ever did for my new bathroom lights - really. If you go with Up Lighting rather than down lighting, it bounces off the ceiling and works without casting ugly shadows. There are some great transitional fixtures that work well - with the width at 60" I just think you want to be at least more than 1/3 wide - 24 - 30" will work nicely placed in the middle - it doesn't need to reach all the way across - and I would match the two/ replace both at one time - over 42 and 60 I'd choose a three light. or, split the power from the one feed over the 60 and place two each two light fixtures spread to center at around 20" in from the outside for balance.

Classic fixtures in any nickel tones will work with your chrome fixtures. Here's some with shades that have a kind of crisp, nautical look.

http://www.lightingdirect.com/...r-collection/p573784

Well I just have to say that I am GREEN with envy that you all still see well enough to put on make-up from that distance. I have to sit with a mirror about a foot from my face to put on make up and as I am getting old and worn out STILL can't see that well.

quote:

Originally posted by Love, Lu:
Well I just have to say that I am GREEN with envy that you all still see well enough to put on make-up from that distance. I have to sit with a mirror about a foot from my face to put on make up and as I am getting old and worn out STILL can't see that well.

I'm with you Lu. Makeup mirror for me. I'm blind as a bat wo glasses.

Thanks for all your replies. What has been confusing for me is the long 8 light bar that is presently there and thinking that I have to replace with something as long. I'm now looking at 4 light fixtures. I agree with Lu and Nance. I use a small lighted makeup mirror and don't need the lighting for makeup, just to light the room. I'll confess that it's a 10x magnified mirror!!

I really love this site. You can search for anything and up pops all these pics. Here's some links with lighting to give you some ideas:



http://www.houzz.com/bathroom-mirror-lighting/p/12 by Old World Kitchens & Custom Cabinets

http://www.houzz.com/bathroom-mirror-lighting/p/24 by Oakley Homes: on the right

http://www.houzz.com/bathroom-mirror-lighting/p/132 by Urrutia Design on the left

http://www.houzz.com/bathroom-mirror-lighting/p/168 by by Archipelago Hawaii on the right