Lighting installed above a mirror in which light bulbs form a bar or row is known as Bath Lights or Vanity Lights.

Vanity means a 'fashionable knickknack' or a 'bathroom cabinet containing a sink'. In lighting these two  meanings are combined to create a Vanity light or Bath light that is used above and on the sides of the mirror, and provides excellent lighting for your daily routine and makes a fashion statement in the area over your sink.

  
BATH LIGHTS STYLES:

· Vanity lights and bathroom lighting are available in a variety of styles and sizes so that you can find the fixture just right for you.You have plenty more to choose from, than a simple strip of bulbs for the vanity. - from the clean and simple strips of vanity lights, to intricately carved bath lights. In addition, most of the bath lights belong to coordinated families so you can keep the same look and style throughout your home.

· Bath Lights with one light, two lights, three lights and four lights are very common. Longer ones with six, seven, eight or even twelve lights are also available for large mirrors and bathrooms. Many bath lights can be installed with the glass pointing up or down.

· There are also, Bath Lights with five or six lights having three or four overhead lights and two mini pendants on each side.  The advantage of this type of Bath Light is that a soft light from above and both sides illuminates the face in a flattering way, while using only one electrical outlet.



 BATH LIGHTS USAGE:

· Bath lights provide great 'general illumination' in the Bathroom and often work well in conjunction with ceiling lighting.  They are also perfect 'task lighting' for the activities you do in front of the mirror.

·  When applying makeup or shaving or brushing your teeth, you need to see a clear reflection in the Bathroom or Powder room mirrors. To avoid shadows, and to fully surround your face with flattering light, install a fixture at least 24” wide over the mirror, plus two wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28” apart and 5 ft. above the floor. 

·  For a double sink vanity, use a light that is almost as wide as the mirror.  The light should be mounted 78” from the floor, centered over the mirror.

·For a really large Bathroom, besides the vanity/mirror lighting, you will probably need an additional flushmount or semi flush fixture with recess lighting in the shower areas.