The Complete Bath Light Sizing Guide

The humble, hard-working bathroom plays host to many things: the start of your day, the end of your day, makeup application, outfit checking, minor first aid – and a space that does so much deserves great, correctly-sized lighting.

With our Complete Bath Light Sizing Guide, you’ll be able to find bath lighting that works perfectly, looks great and won’t need to be returned!

We’re here to help you answer all your questions about bathroom light sizing. If you need more advice, comment here, call us at 1-866-688-3562 or email customerservice@lightsonline.com!

Frequently Asked Bath Light Sizing Questions:

• How do I measure for the right size bathroom light?
• What size light fixture should I use for a double vanity?
• What height should I mount vanity lights?
• How wide should a vanity light be compared to the mirror?
• What size vanity light works best for a 24-inch vanity?
• Should the light fixture extend past the mirror edges?
• What is the ideal placement for sconces in a bathroom?
• Should I choose wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted lights for a small bathroom?
• Can I use a chandelier or pendant light in a bathroom?
• Can I use a chandelier above my bathtub?

How do I measure for the right size bathroom light?

• Measure the width of your mirror in inches. That number is your maximum width of a light to go over it.
• Many people choose a light that is about 75% of that number.
• For example, if your mirror is 42 inches wide, 75% of that is 31.5 inches.

What size light fixture should I use for a double vanity?

• For a double vanity, use two bath lights, one over each sink.
• If you have two separate mirrors, use the above guidance for measuring to get one bath light.
• If you have just one large mirror, measure the width of your vanity countertop and divide it in half. Then look for lights that are about 75% of that number and center them over each sink.

What height should I mount vanity lights?

The standard height for a light installed above a bathroom mirror is about 75” to 80” above the finished floor.

How wide should a vanity light be compared to the mirror?

Look for a bath vanity light that is about 75% of the width of the mirror.

What size vanity light works best for a 24-inch vanity?

For a 24-inch vanity, using the 75% rule, an 18-inch vanity light works best. You could also choose a 24-inch vanity light.

Should the light fixture extend past the mirror edges?

No – try to avoid having your bath light fixture extend past the edges of your mirror.

What is the ideal placement for sconces in a bathroom?

• If you want to flank your bathroom mirror with sconces, place them about 36 to 40 inches apart. If you have a tight space, you can bring them closer together, about 28 to 30 inches apart.
• Mount sconces at eye level, which is about 65 inches above the finished floor or 24 to 30 inches above the vanity countertop.
• Picking out how tall your sconces should be is based on the size of your bathroom.
• For small bathrooms, try sconces around 12 inches tall.
• In mid-size bathrooms, try sconces around 18 inches tall.
• For large bathrooms, look for sconces that are 19 inches tall or even taller.

Should I choose wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted lights for a small bathroom?

If you have to choose one or the other in a small bathroom, choose a wall-mounted vanity light. Relying only on a ceiling-mounted light in such a small space may create unpleasant shadows when you view yourself in the mirror.

Can I use a chandelier or pendant light in a bathroom?

Yes, you can use a chandelier or pendant light in a bathroom!

• To figure out the best size of an ambient light in your bathroom, first measure the width and length of your bathroom in feet. Add those two numbers together. That gives you a good number, in inches, for your light’s width or diameter.
• Then, multiply your bathroom’s height in feet by both 2.5 and 3. Those two numbers are a good range for your light’s height.
• Let’s say you have a bathroom that is 8 feet by 8 feet with a 9-foot ceiling. Look for a chandelier that is 16 inches wide and has a height ranging between 22.5 and 27.
• Hang that chandelier 7 feet above the floor. Tall ceiling? Use more chain or downrod to make sure the fixture isn’t up too high.

Can I use a chandelier above my bathtub?

Maybe. The National Electric Code requires 8 feet between the highest point of your bathtub’s walls and the lowest point of the chandelier. You might also have local building codes that further restrict or even ban the practice of hanging lights directly over a bathtub.

If your heart is set on a chandelier over your bathtub, please talk to a licensed electrician who knows the rules for your area.

More Bath Lighting Content

• Bath Lights Buying Guide
• The Right Way to Use Bathroom Sconces
• The Best Bath Lighting Remodeling Ideas
• Lighting Cleaning Tips