The Height of Sconces Over a Vanity

Bedroom Vanity

• The French created the bedroom vanity, or dressing table with drawers, in the 1700s. The tables, used by women of the upper classes, were integral to the process of completing one's "toilette," or tending to one's personal appearance. Typically, a ladies' maid also was integral to the process. These days, bedroom vanity tables are less commonly used but can add a sense of Old World elegance to both decor and daily routine. As the primary purpose of the vanity is to prepare one's face and hair, the mirror area must be skillfully lighted.

Bathroom Vanity

• The vanity was employed throughout Europe and America. It reached the height of its popularity during the Victorian era. Eventually, well-to-do homeowners adapted the convenience of the vanity cabinet and mirror to the bathroom. Commonly, the cabinet was made of hardwood, while the countertop was composed of marble, granite or porcelain. Today's vanities also might be made of tempered glass or metallic materials. Mirrors may be narrow and positioned just above the sink or as wide as the cabinet itself. Effective lighting can prove challenging in either case.

Sconce Placement - Width

• To eliminate the appearance of shadows on the face, which can interfere with proper makeup application, for example, "This Old House" recommends that wall sconces be positioned 36 to 40 inches apart, on either side of a vanity mirror. If the mirror measures more than 40 inches across, you can even mount the sconces on the mirror itself.

Sconce Placement - Height

• The height of the sconces also is key. Placement that allows the center of each fixture to rest at eye level is ideal as it will provide for even lighting of the face. A height of about 66 inches above the floor is recommended by "This Old House."

  Manufacturer Concept Lighting suggests mounting vanity mirror-framing wall sconces at a height of at least 60 inches above the floor, whether in the bedroom or the bathroom. Concept Lighting also recommends adding a bathbar, a bar-shaped light intended for the bathroom, directly over the vanity mirror to further enhance the lighting scheme.