A long way from their boringly basic beginnings, over-the-mirror lighting ideas now offer a wealth of visually interesting pieces that can automatically brighten up your space. Some double as art, some accent a theme, and other styles stay on-trend, regardless of the decade.
Used as task lighting for your morning and nighttime grooming rituals, finding over-the-mirror bathroom lighting that strikes your fancy will transform the mundane into the spectacular.
Add Some Silver and Glow
Cylindrical glass shades for three to four bulbs paired with a metal frame offer the simplicity and sophistication a modern bathroom design calls for. And, since clear, blown glass doesn’t diffuse light, this option is perfect for directly illuminating all of your grooming tasks.
Embrace a Timeless Trend
If full-on, direct light isn’t your aesthetic, opt for traditional track lighting with white fabric shades for a softer, more diffused look. Ensure things aren’t too stark, though, by adding a dash of personality with shades made from natural materials like bamboo, grasscloth, or washi paper.
Harness Nautical Nostalgia
You don’t have to live by the sea to use it as inspiration for your bathroom lighting. Look for fixtures reminiscent of vintage dock lights — think copper or silver caged frames surrounding ribbed glass shades.
Go Global
A resounding favorite among most homeowners? Globe lights. Not only do they bring a touch of mid-century chicness to a standard bar light, but their shape is also super easy to match with multiple other styles. For a quirky twist, try a fixture where the lights alternate positioning from top to bottom, instead of straight across.
Welcome the Stone Age
Already have a Mediterranean-style bathroom infused with granite, marble, or limestone elements? Add another layer with natural stone vanity light frames. These will illuminate the mix of textures even more, turning up the unique beauty and elegance in your space.
Try Rotating Lights
Rather than lights that only point in one direction, choose a fixture with lights that can rotate 360 degrees. Whether you need more direct light shining on your face, or it’s a bit too bright in one area of your bathroom, with adjustable vanity lights, those issues are handled.
Showcase Some Art
Consider a fixture that doubles as a visual art piece to add drama and depth to your vanity. Perhaps you’d like a spiral or wavy sculptural design. Or, try a floral-framed sconce. Another option? A linear collage of disc-like glass.
Stay Single
When working with a small bathroom, you can choose to place just one light above your mirror. Or, let’s say you have a double vanity with two separate mirrors; place one light above each mirror. Make sure the light(s) is a standout, too — be it with color choice or structural design.
Try Wrought Iron Whimsy
A super durable and low-maintenance selection, wrought iron fixtures pair well with an array of design styles. Whether you’ve got industrial-inspired decor, an old-world vibe, or even a bathroom that gives off a rustic mood, wrought iron will elevate the space even more.
Tell a Color Story
When it comes to color cohesiveness, be sure to pick a light fixture that vibes with the rest of your decor. This could mean going with a monochromatic palette, choosing a contrasting hue, opting for a triadic color scheme, or adding a pop of something complementary.
Your Bathroom, Your Choice
When it comes to smaller bathrooms without much space to mount sconces on either side of the mirror, over-the-mirror lighting is a great alternative. To avoid excess glare, opt for soft fabric shades or adjustable fixtures.
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- How to Change a Bathroom Light Fixture
- How to Install a Bathroom Vanity Light
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Main Photo Credit: Dariusz Jarzabek / Adobe Stock Free / License
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