Short answer: choose a vanity light about as long as the mirror is wide, with a warm color around 3000K for faces. Check whether the bulb is included and whether the light dims before you order.
How long should a vanity light be?
A common rule is a fixture of about three quarters of the mirror width. The lights below come in set lengths:
- Modern Aluminum Vanity Light: 15.7 in (40 cm) or 23.6 in (60 cm).
- Aluminum Linear Vanity Light: 15.7 in (40 cm) or 23.6 in (60 cm).
- Nordic Solid Wood Vanity Light: 21.7 in (55 cm).
- Bathroom Vanity Mirror Light: 16.1 in (41 cm), 16.9 in (43 cm) or 21.7 in (55 cm).
- Crystal Mirror Vanity Light: four sizes from 9.8 in (25 cm) to 23.6 in (60 cm).
Which light color is best at a mirror?
Warm white sits around 2700K to 3500K and is easy on skin. Cool white sits around 5500K to 7000K and looks like daylight, which some people like for shaving or makeup. Several of our vanity lights come in both. The Modern Aluminum Vanity Light and the Aluminum Linear Vanity Light also offer a tricolor setting.
Does the bulb come included?
It depends on the light. The aluminum LED lights come with the LED built in. The Black 3-Light Glass Vanity Light takes three E27 bulbs, and you can choose it with 3000K bulbs, 6000K bulbs or no bulbs. The Nordic Solid Wood Vanity Light takes one E27 bulb, which is not included.
For bulb help, read our E27 vs E26 guide.
Can you dim a vanity light?
Some can. The Modern Aluminum Vanity Light dims. The Aluminum Linear Vanity Light, the Black 3-Light Glass Vanity Light and the Nordic Solid Wood Vanity Light do not. Look for "dimmable" on the product page.
Where should it go?
Hang a light above the mirror or one on each side, so light falls on your face and not just the top of your head. Lights beside the mirror light the face most evenly, and a bar above the mirror suits a smaller bathroom.
Check the product page for installation notes, and ask an electrician if you are not sure about wiring in a bathroom.
FAQ
What color vanity light is best for makeup?
A light you can set between warm and neutral white. The Touch Control Vanity Mirror gives 3000K, 4000K and 6000K.
Do vanity lights go above or beside the mirror?
Both work. Beside the mirror gives the most even light on your face.
Which vanity light dims?
The Modern Aluminum Vanity Light is dimmable.
See every style in our vanity and mirror lights collection. Shipping is free in the US, with 14-day returns.