💡 Step 1: Ditch the overhead-only approach and go bilateral
Stop relying on that single overhead light that's been making your morning routine a horror show.
Bilateral lighting is your game-changer - install vanity lights on both sides of your mirror instead of above it.
This eliminates those unflattering shadows under your eyes and chin that make you look exhausted even when you're not.
Think of it like professional photography lighting - you need even illumination from multiple angles.
For homeowners serious about creating spaces that enhance their daily experience, understanding proper lighting principles is thoroughly covered in The Complete Guide to Residential Design ebook.
🪞 Step 2: Master the perfect vanity light positioning
Precision matters when it comes to vanity lighting placement. Position your side lights 190-200cm (75-79 inches) from the floor - this puts them roughly at eye level for most adults.
Keep them 7-10cm (3-4 inches) away from the mirror edge to prevent glare while ensuring optimal light distribution. The fixtures should be mounted so the light source is at face height, not above or below it.
If you're planning a bathroom renovation and want personalised guidance on these measurements for your specific space, click here to book a floor plan review
🌟 Step 3: Layer your lighting for function and beauty
Great bathroom lighting isn't just about the vanity - you need three distinct layers.
Start with ambient lighting (your general room illumination), add task lighting (those crucial vanity lights), and finish with accent lighting for visual interest.
Consider recessed ceiling lights for ambient, your bilateral vanity lights for task work, and perhaps LED strips behind the mirror or under floating vanities for accent.
This layered approach creates depth and ensures you have the right light for every bathroom activity.
🏛️ Step 4: Know when chandeliers actually work in bathrooms
Here's the truth about statement lighting in bathrooms: chandeliers and pendant lights only work in specific scenarios.
Save them for powder rooms (where you're not doing detailed grooming tasks) or large master bathrooms with ceilings over 2.8m (9 feet) high.
In standard bathrooms, they create more problems than they solve - casting shadows exactly where you don't want them.
If you're unsure whether your bathroom can handle a statement fixture, click here to book a floor plan review where we can assess your space's lighting potential and make specific recommendations.
P.S. Want to see more design principles like this? Check out my upcoming ebook in the iArchitect Community.
