13 Stylish Bathroom Lighting Ideas Over Mirrors

There’s no denying that lighting plays a major role in a bathroom - it can literally make or break your entire bathroom vibe and mood. And an ideal place to install is where homeowners perform many of their daily routine tasks, such as shaving, applying make-up, and washing hands.

We’re talking about the bathroom vanity — in particular, the mirror above it. Regardless of the bathroom design style you prefer, light fixtures are always a key element. Besides the practicality it offers, bathroom lighting also creates a charming ambiance that elevates the space. With the plethora of bathroom lighting ideas over mirrors available, you’re sure to find one that provides the right balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

1. Double Fixtures With Symmetry

Double vanities provide a great opportunity to adopt symmetry into the bathroom design - and also ensure no one is fighting for mirror space.

A tried, tested, and true design choice for bathroom mirror lights is to embrace symmetry. If your restroom features a double vanity with two mirrors, for instance, aim to install an ambient wall fixture above each mirror. As for a single vanity, a sconce above each top corner of the mirror can create the symmetry you’re looking for. To complete the look, make sure to position the rest of the decor and accessories on the vanity — soap dispensers and all — in a symmetrical position. 

2. Suspended Bulb for a Retro Look

An industrial bulb suspended over the mirror can lend a retro aesthetic.

Installing bathroom lights over mirrors during a bathroom remodel is hardly ever an issue. An even easier option than drilling out a wall, however, is to connect the fixture through the ceiling. While a common choice in this case would be to go for a chic pendant light, a unique idea can be a suspended retro bulb. Industrial bulbs, for instance, can correspond with both modern and rustic bathrooms. It’s also worth mentioning that your electrical contractor can easily access lighting wires up there to connect to. 

3. Linear Pendants for Sleek Modernity

For a modern look, consider pairing a large mirror with linear pendants.

For a lighting solution that accentuates a contemporary bathroom design, linear pendants can be a go-to choice. Their clean and seamless shape lends a touch of sleek modernity to any space. Consider pairing it with a massive mirror to maximize the brightness of the bathroom — and make the space appear bigger than it actually is. This helps in enhancing both the functionality as well as the visual appeal of your bathroom. 

4. Movie Star Spotlights

Installing spotlight bulbs around a mirror allows you to pair glamor with practicality.

It’s hard not to love the glamorous appeal of spotlights around a bathroom mirror. This design choice for mirror lights can give off somewhat of a Hollywood dressing room vibe. It also provides ample task lighting for your daily routines such as applying makeup and brushing your hair. This makes it particularly ideal for make-up artists and influencers who need a bright setting for their vlogs. By positioning the fixture on both sides of the mirror, the lights will offer even and glareless illumination. 

5. On-the-Mirror Lighting Fixtures

A wall-lamp mounted directly on the mirror can practically double the brightness in the bathroom.

A quick and effective way to create a modern look is to install wall lights directly onto the mirror. The fixture’s reflection created by the mirror essentially doubles the aesthetic appeal in addition to amplifying the brightness of the space. That being said, consider going for a designer lamp to make the most of the effect. Achieving this design essentially involves pre-cutting a hole in the mirror before installing the wall light. 

6. Mirror With Built-in Lighting

Mirrors with integrated lamps serve as an innovative solution to vanity lighting.

Mirrors with built-in lights serve as a two-in-one solution to a functional bathroom vanity. The integrated design makes them ideal for small spaces, and can play well into contemporary bathrooms. Besides providing ample illumination, this innovative mirror light idea helps to prevent the glare that you sometimes see with separate lighting fixtures. In terms of installation, illuminated mirrors typically feature adjustable brackets and plenty of wiring to allow for easy and precise positioning. 

7. Backlit Mirror for an Ambient Glow

Amplify the aesthetic appeal of your vanity area by opting for a backlit mirror.

For a more ambient — but nevertheless practical — bathroom mirror lighting solution, consider going for a backlit mirror. The soothing effect makes this design choice ideal for spa-inspired, modern, as well as luxury restrooms. Besides providing adequate light for simple tasks such as washing your hands or brushing your teeth, backlit mirrors can create a reposeful and luxurious aesthetic — especially when paired with a textured wall. 

8. Recessed LED Fixtures 

Recessed LED lighting is a popular option for modern bathroom designs.

Consider going for a simple and streamlined bathroom design with recessed LED lights over the mirror. LED fixtures offer an appealing quality of illumination and color rendition. They are also easier to integrate into a smart home system, allowing you to switch between bright and ambient lighting at your convenience. And if you want to highlight a statement vanity or a feature wall, recessed bathroom mirror lights can be ideal. 

9. High Up for an Illusion of Height

Placing a wall lamp as high as possible can make a low ceiling vanity area seem more spacious than it is.

In bathrooms where the ceiling is low or sloped, you may want to create an illusion of height. An effective bathroom lighting idea over mirrors involves positioning the fixture as close to the ceiling as possible. This allows you to make the sink area design appear longer than it is. While doing so, be sure to maintain a sense of cohesion between the wall fixture and the one on the ceiling. 

10. Halo Effect With a Backlit Round Mirror 

The optical illusion created by a backlit round mirror can add a great deal of visual interest.

If your vanity features a round mirror, take the opportunity to create a halo effect by going for a backlit design. The hidden lighting forms a soft glow on the surrounding perimeter while making the mirror appear as though it is moving away from the wall — almost like a 3D effect. This allows something as simple as a mirror and light to serve as a design feature in your bathroom.

11. Sconces on Both Sides

Mounting wall lamps on both sides of a vanity mirror makes for a practical lighting plan.

You can’t go wrong with installing sconces above the mirror. But to optimize the lighting angle so that it doesn’t create any awkward shadows on your face, side lights for mirrors are the way to go. They are especially ideal for daily tasks — such as shaving or applying make-up — that require a balanced lighting on the face from both sides. 

12. Spread-Out for Equal Illumination

Spreading the illumination evenly is important if your bathroom features two vanity mirrors.

Double vanities serve as a great solution to bathrooms meant for sharing. However, lighting up two separate mirrors can sometimes be confusing. While considering them as different entities and lighting each of them separately can be tempting, you may risk overdoing it. In a bathroom with two sinks and two mirrors that are close to each other, aim to install one additional mirror light in between — besides the ones on each side — to spread the brightness without going overboard. 

13. Downlights for Task Lighting 

One of the most common ways to illuminate a bathroom mirror is by mounting a simple downlight above it.

In many cases, there’s really no need for much guesswork. A simple wall lamp over the mirror can do the trick. This option is especially ideal if the space or layout doesn’t allow for other placements. Depending on the shape and size of the mirror, you can go for anything from single to multiple-sconce fixtures. 

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bathroom lighting ideas over mirrors. Having said that, you’re sure to find an option that corresponds with your taste, the style of your bathroom mirror, and the layout of your vanity area.