I used to find it very hard to choose and place the right sconces in the bathroom. Something about the space and lighting requirements makes it a not-so-simple task.
I’m sure you’ve found yourself in the same situation, which is why you ended up in this article.
So let’s see exactly how to use sconces in the bathroom and light your bath like a pro!

How To Place Sconces In The Bathroom
Sconces in the bathroom are used for task lighting, meaning light we need to perform specific actions, such as shaving, putting on makeup, etc.
This is why their placement is very important and easy to mess up.
For most bathrooms, sconces should be placed on either side of the mirror at around eye level.
Eye-level placement is very important to avoid any unattractive shadows on the face.
If you place sconces next to the vanity mirror, allow at least 4 inches (10 cm) on each side of the mirror for the electrical components and to reduce the sconces’ reflection as much as possible.
When placing sconces beside the mirror, they should be around 36 to 40 inches apart, depending on the mirror’s width, to provide balanced lighting on both sides of your face.
If your mirror has cabinets on either side of it and you, therefore, can’t install sconces, then don’t use them at all (unless there is another clear task area, such as a washing machine that you know would benefit from an overhead sconce).
So, sconces in the bathroom should primarily be placed in the vanity area.

How To Choose The Right Sconces For The Bathroom
For the best sconces, I would have to take a look around your bathroom and consider a few things before deciding.
I would first look for the following:
- Where does the ambient light source cast shadows
- What are some task lighting fixtures already used in the bathroom and where are they placed
- Where is the mirror and vanity area (height and size)
- What is the style of the bathroom (e.g., contemporary, rustic, etc.)
- What kind of colors are used in the bathroom
The first two questions would help me decide if vanity sconces are needed. The rest of the questions help me choose the right type of sconces.
Determine how many lumens your sconces will need
I have written an entire guide to lumens in the bathroom, which will walk you through step by step so that you can distribute your brightness evenly and create a balanced and layered lighting scheme.
In short, you need about 50-80 lumens per square foot (550-880 lumens per square meter) for your sconces. Keeping in mind that the area lit up by the sconces overlaps, these lumens can be divided between the two sconces.
An average bathroom would then need two sconces of approximately 600-800 lumens each.
If you use your sconces for ambient lighting as well, this range can be increased by a lot. Read the guide above to learn about your ambient lumen needs.
Decide the color temperature of your sconces
In addition to lumens, the color temperature of your lights plays a significant role in creating the right atmosphere in your bathroom. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and ranges from warm to cool tones:
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Ideal for ambient lighting if you want a spa-like feel in your bathroom.
- Neutral White (3000K-4000K): Offers a balance between warm and cool. Good for task lighting as it provides clarity without being too harsh.
- Cool White (5000K-6500K): Mimics daylight and is very bright. Suitable for task areas if you need maximum visibility.
Considering the ranges above, I usually install LED lights of about 2800-3500 K.

This range is ideal for color accuracy but also for creating a warm and inviting environment. Let’s see a more detailed comparison:
Higher Color Temperatures (5000K to 6500K)
Pros:
- Provides very accurate color rendering, which is excellent for tasks that require precision, such as applying makeup or other detailed grooming activities.
- Creates a bright and stimulating environment, which can help you feel more awake and focused, especially useful in the mornings.
Cons:
- Can be too harsh and unflattering for some skin tones, making the bathroom environment feel clinical or sterile.
- May make the bathroom feel less inviting and relaxing, which could be a downside if you prefer a warmer, more soothing atmosphere.
Lower Color Temperatures (2700K to 3000K)
Pros:
- Warm white light is generally more flattering for most skin tones, making it ideal for bathroom vanity areas where you want to look your best.
- Creates a cozy and inviting ambiance, making the bathroom a more relaxing space.
- Works well with a variety of decor styles, providing a neutral yet warm atmosphere.
Cons:
- May not provide the same level of color accuracy and brightness as higher color temperatures, which can be a drawback for tasks that require precise color differentiation.
Therefore, I go somewhere in the middle (2800-3500 K range).
Choose the type of sconces
Wall-mounted sconces
These sconces are hardwired into the wall so you don’t have to think about them ever again after installing them.

This is the most popular choice, especially if you are building or renovating your bathroom. They look super sleek and elegant with no annoying cables in the way!
Plug-in sconces
Plug-in sconces are ideal if you rent a house or if you like to experiment and change your decor often.

They are a lot more versatile than wall-mounted sconces so you can move them around whenever you want. Use cable covers with adhesive tape on the wall to hide those unsightly cords. Use the same color cover as the wall for extra disguise.
Swing-arm sconces
Swing-arm sconces are very versatile and flexible. Consider them if you want to direct light exactly where you need it for putting on your makeup, shaving, etc.

They take up a bit more space than the other types of sconces but their adjustability makes up for it!
Uplighters
Uplighters direct light toward the ceiling and then reflect it to the whole room.

Uplighters are best if they are used primarily as the ambient light source in your bathroom. Even though they help reduce harsh shadows on your face, they are not ideal for vanity bathroom lights as they don’t provide focused enough task light.
Downlighters
Downlighters direct the light downwards. These are best for task lighting as they provide focused light and can highlight facial features. Be careful with their placement though. They need to be placed at or slightly above eye level, typically around 60 to 65 inches from the floor.

If placing downlighters above the mirror, ensure they are centered and aligned with the mirror’s top edge. In the picture above, we see harsh and unwanted shadows – that placement is not the most flattering.
360 degrees
Sconces that provide light in all directions, such as wallchieres, lanterns, or candle sconces. These are ideal for bathroom vanity lights, especially if you don’t have an ambient light source. They can light up the bathroom sufficiently and evenly, although they might cause glare if the bulbs are exposed. Choosing fixtures with frosted or shaded bulbs can mitigate this issue.

Extra considerations
- Pay attention to the Color Rendering Index (CRI). The CRI is a number from 0 to 100 that signifies how well the bulb renders color. Look for a CRI of 90 or higher or read my guide to CRI to learn more about this metric.
- Be careful of electricity. Do not do any complicated wirings yourself and always consult an expert if you are not absolutely certain of what you’re doing.
- Ensure that bathroom sconces are rated for damp or wet locations, especially if they are near the shower or tub.
- Choose sconces with dimmable features to adjust the brightness according to your needs and create the perfect ambiance.
- Match the sconce style and finish with your bathroom decor for a cohesive look.
- Consider energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on electricity and reduce the frequency of bulb replacements.
- Some sconces offer adjustable heights and angles, providing more flexibility in lighting direction.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You are ready to graduate to the next step. Head over to Residence Supply and pick out your favorite sconces from their wide selection. (Plotted Lights is affiliated with Residence Supply.)