The Right Way to Use Bathroom Sconces

We often sing the praises of lighting a bathroom by using sconces flanking the vanity mirror on either side. It’s really a great way to get the best, and most flattering, light. But, as with everything else, there’s a correct way to do it.

Advice for using sconces in bathroom lighting comes from our popular Complete Bath Light Sizing Guide:

In bathrooms, mount sconces 36 to 40 inches apart, flanking the mirror, 18 inches from the sink’s center line.

If the sconces have shades, put the bottom edges of the shades a little below eye level (60 to 68 inches from the floor). Consider eye level when it comes to reducing glare and ensuring that the tallest person in the space can’t see down into the sconce.

Allow 4 inches of space on either side of the mirror that you want to flank with sconces. That 4 inches provides the space for the sconce’s electrical panel.

Here are some visual examples of great bathroom lighting with sconces.

Pictured: Minka Lavery bath vanity light

Pictured: Savoy House Monroe

Pictured: Crystorama Baxter

Pictured: Maxim Lighting Tubo 

Pictured: Hinkley Pietra

Pictured: Kichler Marette 

You may notice a pattern here:

Sconces with frosted or opal glass are ideal for using by the vanity mirror because you won’t get any glare from bare bulbs.

You can also see different styles of sconces, such as long bars and more compact fixtures. Long bars would look great beside a tall rectangular mirror, for example.

LED wall sconces are a great option for long-lasting, efficient illumination, too!

Ready to shop? Check out our wall sconce collection, but also take a look at the bath lights section because you can often find sconces in there as well.

If you have questions about using sconces in the bathroom, please don’t hesitate to ask! Call us at 1-866-688-3562 or live chat with us.