I’ve long had a personal aversion to the bathroom lights that the builder installed above the mirrors in our bathrooms. For starters, they are very traditionally styled with white frosted glass shades. Interesting light fixtures are one of my favorite parts of a room, so these just really bum me out. Plus, they cast the light downward, so all I see are bags under my eyes when I look in the mirror. Obviously, these fixtures’ days are numbered.
I’m working on redoing my kids’ shared bathroom right now, so I set out to replace one of these builders grade bathroom lights. Turns out, I actually dislike most reasonably priced vanity fixtures that are available! Most of them are way too traditional for my taste (and again with the downlight that ages me 20 years each time I look in the mirror).
As I shopped around, I found a few that I thought were just plain awesome. Here are some of my favorites:
1. George Kovacs Cubism Three Light Bath Vanity in Chrome – available at AllModern.com
2. George Kovacs 6.5″ Vanity Light in Chrome – available at AllModern.com
3. George Kovacs 15.5″ Vanity Light – available at AllModern.com
4. Stella – available at Rejuvenation
5. Allen + Roth 3-Light Brushed Nickel Bathroom Vanity Light – available at Lowe’s
6. Portfolio 3-Light Brushed Nickel Bathroom Vanity Light – available at Lowe’s
Those are all so much better than the standard builders’ grade version, right? In the end, I wanted something a little midcentury modern to go in the kids’ bathroom, so I chose this model from Amazon for just $25:
Fun, right? I’m sure some of you are thinking I’m crazy for loving this. Others of you see why I love it. But, once I get the bathroom together, you’ll all “get it.” Or, I hope you will. It was incredibly easy to install, and just this change has made the bathroom look so much better. Lighting makes a huge difference, y’all!
What are your thoughts on vanity lighting? Do you like down lights? Up lights? Light bars? What say you?
This hit a nerve. I hate vanity lights, or lets say affordable vanity lights. Why isn’t there just one lighting designer that makes nice affordable lights??? Can’t wait to see what you will do!!!
Awesome! I’m looking to replace the light over the guest sink and the kids’ sink. Is there a rule-of-thumb when it comes to how wide the fixture should be over a single-sink size mirror? (Does that even make sense?!!)
Another thing to consider is how hard is it to replace a light bulb. Consider that you might be trying to reach something that is not only above the mirror but above the sink. Some of those fixtures are pretty, but look like they’d be a nightmare to replace a bulb for them.
I am 100% with you on this!! I love the litle geometric pattern in the you picked. Dying to see what you do with it…
I couldn’t agree more! In our last house we actually used some outdoor lighting fixtures in the bathroom! They fit the style perfect (modern) and they were on sale too! Everyone commented on how awesome they looked and were so surprised when I told them they were for outside! 🙂
It would definitely set the tone for a certain vibe, and if you like it that is all that counts!! We need to follow our hearts, especially in our homes 🙂 I’m sure it’ll look darling!
I totally agree . I replace all of my vanity lights. I have one similar to #5 if not the same one. It’s from Lowes and very affordable. I have a medium grade fixture in my master which is not my style I call it the “chariots of fire” fixture it looks like the sides of a Greek Chariot. It will go when we re-no the bathroom. Not my taste but maybe someone else’s so I will donate.
Silly me, It is the same fixture. I do have number 5, It made our bathroom make over. It is so classy. I highly recommend it even though some of the reviews weren’t great. It is an awesome fixture. I had a hard time choosing between 5 and 6
http://chaoticallycreative.com/2012/10/04/father-mother-in-law-bath/
Hi Lindsay,
What a great post! We remodel about a dozen bathrooms a year and I am always amazed at just how long folk will “live” with the original contractor fixtures! Yuck! Personally, all of our baths use antique fixtures (we’re in a 110 year old Victorian) but just about anything is better than those contractor models. Another great resources is Lamps Plus they have a ton of interesting designs and their prices are usually pretty good.
The vanity lights in our bathrooms sport the row of individual bulbs on the shiny gold base. I really don’t think that design was EVER stylish. But someone, somewhere is making a pretty penny designing ugly lighting–It’s everywhere! (Probably the same person who designs all the ugly patterned rugs that most stores proudly display.)
I like the retro look of your new light. Good choice!