Functionality is key to good bathroom lighting. Lighting should come from above as well as the sides in order to cancel out the shadows on your face for applying makeup and shaving or grooming. Your own sensitivity to glare should be considered in the bathroom, as you tend to stand closely to the light sources and you might need to have more diffuse or shaded light sources.

In small bathrooms, fixtures at the mirror alone will provide adequate illumination for the entire room. In larger bathrooms, an additional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting.

Some general fixture hanging guidelines in the bath are:

• Wall Sconces on either side of a mirror should be hung 60 inches from the floor.
• Sconces mounted beside a mirror should be at least 28 inches apart.
• Bath bar above mirror should be 78 inches from the floor.
• Position bath bars in relation to your mirror, not the sink.