The Basic Lighting Fixture That's Making Bathrooms Look Outdated

Outdated lighting fixtures can instantly ruin the aesthetic of a room, and the three-light bathroom vanity sconce may be one of the biggest offenders. While this fixture is a common presence in many homes, it can make even a newly renovated bathroom look dated. To avoid this pitfall, consider ditching the vanity light and instead installing sconces on either side of your mirror to make the space feel more polished and sophisticated.

The reason three-light vanity sconces have been a bathroom staple for so long is their functionality. Typically installed above bathroom mirrors, these fixtures provide an ample amount of direct light, which is helpful when it comes to shaving, applying makeup, or taking care of other grooming tasks that require bright lighting. They also take up less wall space, which is beneficial in smaller bathrooms.

While these vanity lights may be practical, the antiquated style can leave your bathroom feeling basic. Replacing the fixtures with side-mounted sconces can make the space look more stylish without sacrificing function. Mirror-flanking sconces give off a more flattering, even glow; and because they are installed at face level, they don't cast strange shadows, which you often get with overhead vanity lights.

Choosing the perfect lighting for your bathroom elevates the style and functionality of the space. When it comes to sconces, there is an endless selection of shapes, sizes, and styles to select from. To find the ones that will work best in your bathroom, it's important to take into account safety, size, and fixture finishes.  

As you begin your search, it's a good idea to check with an electrician to determine whether the sconces need to be damp-rated — meaning they're designed to be used in areas where there's moisture. This will ensure you won't have any safety issues down the line. Size is another factor to consider and can vary depending on the scale of the bathroom and the size of the mirror they're flanking. Bathroom sconces should typically be between 12 inches and 18 inches tall, though a bathroom with high ceilings and an oversized mirror may be able to accommodate something larger. Whatever size you choose, it's important the lights feel proportionate to the space to avoid making the room feel unbalanced. 

The sconce finish will also have a big impact on the look and feel of the room. For more modern spaces, cooler tones such as polished chrome or stainless steel tend to work best, while warmer tones such as brass or bronze are well-suited for traditional, rustic, or Mediterranean styles. To make the bathroom feel cohesive, select finishes that match or coordinate with the other fixtures in your bathroom such as your faucets, overhead lights, or cabinet hardware.

It's important to determine the proper placement of wall sconces to make the space look aesthetically pleasing and to ensure the lights are adequately illuminating the room. To avoid unwanted shadows, the rule of thumb is to install the lights just above eye level, which tends to be 60 to 65 inches from the floor to the center of the fixture's backplate.

The distance between the sconces will vary based on the size of your mirror, though typically they should be spaced between 28 and 36 inches apart, leaving 4 or 5 inches between the mirror and the side of the light fixture. If you have a large, double-sink vanity with two mirrors, you may have the option of installing a third sconce between the mirrors. If this is the case, the lights should be mounted evenly apart. 

While bathroom sconces can elevate the look and feel of your bathroom and provide great task lighting, they should not be the only lights in your bathroom. For proper illumination, layer in other lighting sources such as recessed lights, a chandelier, or a flush-mount ceiling fixture. You should also consider adding a light that has a built-in extractor fan. This is one of the best types of lights you can add to your bathroom as it is designed to whisk away moisture to keep the room properly ventilated and free of mold.