Distance Between Vanity Light And Mirror [September 2023]

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If you want to get the most out of your vanity mirror and have the space, it’s worth considering how much room you want to leave between it and the wall.

I walk you through all the factors that need to be considered when figuring out what size of vanity mirror will be best for your space. I’ll also show you photos from great-looking bathrooms with various window and mirror placements so that you can see which options would look best in your home.

You may not realize it, but there are some major considerations to think about when deciding how much space should be between the top of your vanity mirror and the bottom of your wall (or ceiling).

This is a big decision because the space between your mirror and wall or ceiling will determine the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Can you imagine a vanity mirror that’s 4″ away from the wall? I certainly can’t. Your vanity mirror should be a focal point in your bathroom, so there needs to be enough room between it and the wall to make it feel like it is an important part of the room.
With that said, let’s discuss how much room you might need.
Size of Vanity Mirror

First, let’s start with the size of your vanity mirror. If you have a vanity mirror that’s 34″ deep, you’ll need to leave 5″ between the top of your mirror and the wall or ceiling (or 8″ if you use a mirror that’s 36″ deep). Here is an example:
32″ x 32″ Size = 468 sq. in.
( You see that 484 sq. in is necessary for this vanity. )

2. Vanity Depth
If your vanity is really deep at 50″ or more, you should leave a bit more space between the top of the mirror and the wall or ceiling. If you have a shallow vanity that’s 24″ deep, you can get away with closer to 4″ between the top of your mirror and wall. The rule of thumb we’re discussing here is for vanities that are 32″ deep.
Let’s say you have a 36″ vanity like this one:
36″ x 36″ Size = 624 sq. in.
(We’ll need to leave around 653 sq. in for this depth)

The Shortlist...

In This Article…

How Much Space Should Be Between The Vanity And Mirror?
Can Vanity Lights Hang Over Mirrors?
Where Should My Bathroom Vanity Lights Be Placed?
Should Vanity Bathroom Lights Hang Up Or Down?
How Do I Choose A Vanity Light?

How Much Space Should Be Between The Vanity And Mirror?

There should be about 12 inches between the vanity and the mirror.

Can Vanity Lights Hang Over Mirrors?

Yes vanity lights can hang over mirrors, just be sure it all looks proportionate.

Where Should My Bathroom Vanity Lights Be Placed?

Vanity lights should be placed 65 to 70 inches above the floor, and usually on either side of the vanity mirror to allow for proper lighting for makeup and the sink area.

Should Vanity Bathroom Lights Hang Up Or Down?

How Do I Choose A Vanity Light?

When you choose a vanity light, think of how much space you have in your room. Also keep in mind what you want the lighting for, a task or brightening the room.