Hi AT:SF, We have a vintage (and small) 1920's bathroom. We like it, with the original clawfoot tub and basic white fixtures. However, there's no lighting at the the sink/mirror. Our stopgap is this string of globe lights...
Good Questions: Lighting for Our Bathroom?
... This provides enough light to fix your hair and brush your teeth, but it's not really a solution. We originally planned to center a two-light fixture over the mirror, but the way the wall is laid out, there's no way to put a junction box in the center. Are there fixtures that allow for an off-center box? Can your clever readers recommend other solutions?
We could do sconces on either side, although the space to the right of the mirror is pretty small. We could also bring down something from the ceiling. The room is traditional, but our tastes run more modern, and we would consider something quirky. Our budget is tight, so we can't go too expensive. Please help us. I would be so happy if we could use those lights as holiday decorations, and our bathroom no longer looked look like it was inhabited by crazy people. Suggestions?
Thank you!
-KB
Anyone?
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Comments (9)
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I'd go ahead and have the electrician install the junction box off center - and install a segment of track lighting the width of the medicine cabinet.
Then just snap-in 2-3 track heads of your choice - preferably small heads w/ MR-16 halogen spotlight bulbs, which are long-lasting and relatively energy efficient.
view bepsf's profile
I love the ceiling fixture I got for our bathroom from Schoolhouse Electric. Their prices are reasonable, and you choose the fixture and the shade, so there are a lot of options.
view heylucy's profile
As a professional I would recommend sconces instead of a fixture over the mirror. Lighting from above casts shadows and is not helpful when applying makeup. These sconces are pretty reasonable and their trim lines should fit the space and your taste nicely:-)
http://ylighting.com/p5041.html
MyDesignSecrets.com
view MyDesignSecrets.com's profile
I just want to paint the wall above the wainscot a pale pale sorbet lime just a hint if icey lime with a glossy finish..such a sweet bathroom.
I think the scone idea above the mirror would look best and one that does an uplight that evenly distribute the light not one that faces down.
view LoriSF's profile
MyDesignSecrets, I totally considered that fixture for a recent wall sconce need. I love it.
I also looked at these from Forecast, which could be good mounted vertically for a skinny space. I don't know the kind of light they cast, but they are lovely.
view alitris's profile
I would hang a small crystal chandelier in the bathroom. They are lovely, add a touch of vintage without being stuffy, and are so sexy in a bathroom!
view Sarah13's profile
I'd opt for a overhead light and nothing above the mirror.
The only way you could have an off center junction box and a light fixture above the mirror would be track lighting. That isn't my style, but it may work if you are really adamant about having a light fixture above the mirror.
You could also put in sconces - depending on how modern your tastes are. They have slim styles available.
view tashar's profile
alitris, I also love your choice. Those are cool because they can be mounted vertically or horizontally. They also have a high light output. Good choice:)
MyDesignSecrets.com
view MyDesignSecrets.com's profile
I'm sort of a stickler for things that are even, so the wall sconces wouldn't work for me in this case. I'd go with the overhead.
view anabelle's profile