Another recent query we received and one we often field is "What is the best lighting solution for a vintage bathroom, specifically around the mirror?"
This question is pretty vague so lets try to narrow down some answers for a couple of the most common scenarios. If you have a medicine cabinet or just a mirror over the sink or counter and if room on each side permits, a vintage wall sconce on each side of the mirror at (the woman's) eye level gives the best illumination for detailing the face. Sconces with shades or using inside frost light bulbs help to minimize shadows. Another sconce above the mirror or a small pendant drop close to the wall will also help balance the light.
Sometimes the mirror is the width of the wall above the counter and usually here you find the typical light bar with 6 round bare bulbs (or worse, a fluorescent light bar). Recently a local customer came to us with this dilemma, the mirror the length of the wall. We provided him with 3 matching pendant drops of opaque milk glass which he had mounted into 3 new ceiling boxes. A bit more costly but a solution he was grateful for.
Listen To Your Eyes. PB
Thank you so much for noting that the lights should be at the woman's eye level! As a Realtor, I frequently have to explain to seller clients that pictures & lights should be at the eye level height of the average woman, which is about 5 foot 6 inches. Folks don't realize how subconsciously jarring it is for lights & pictures to be hung way too high! People visiting your home may not realize why they feel "off" but they will feel so. Thanks! Great blog.
ReplyDeleteGenuinely when someone doesn't understand afterward its up to other viewers that they will help, so here it occurs.
ReplyDeleteTake a look at my weblog :: acoustic guitar chord