Lighting the bathroom vanity is especially important because it has a dramatic effect on how you see yourself. Tasks like applying makeup, shaving, and styling hair are much harder to accomplish with a poorly lit vanity. In this area, good color-rendering lights are necessary to enable you to see yourself in a natural light while reducing shadows on your face.
When it comes to bathroom vanity lighting, overhead lights are simply not good enough. When light shines only from above, you will see unsightly dark shadows under your eyes and the texture of your skin will be accentuated. Frontal lighting is necessary to reduce both contrast and shadows.
Sconces, typically one on each side of the mirror, provide even lighting for both sides of your face. A row of vanity lights across the top of the mirror can be used with wall sconces to provide good, even lighting and give your bathroom vanity a coordinated look. You could even place theatrical lighting strips around your vanity mirror to see yourself the way the stars do. In addition to lighting for the vanity mirror, good general lighting is of maximum importance. A ceiling fixture is a good idea for general lighting. For extra warmth on frosty mornings, consider adding a recessed infrared heat lamp as well.
Bathroom vanity lighting doesn't have to be boring. Today, you can light your bathroom vanity with wall sconces and bathroom bars in an amazing range of styles, with settings ranging from Venetian bronze to brushed nickel. Likewise, ceiling fixtures offer excellent variety too, allowing your bathroom decor to be as unique and personally yours as any area of your home.
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