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Ideal lighting for a mirror leaves no room for shadow and offers complete illumination of the face. While light strips are readily available, similar effects can be achieved in more aesthetically pleasing ways with a variety of fixture types and styles.
Beside the Mirror
Sconces or strips flanking the mirror afford the greatest light coverage and minimize shadows.Because the light is at the front and sides, there is little chance of creating shadows cast by the brow, nose, or chin. Make sure that the most luminous portion of the fixture should align with your face. On average this will be approximately 60" above the floor-but be sure to experiment before you hang the fixture and to place it exactly where you need it.
Above the Mirror
While sconces can be fixed in several locations, many fixtures are appropriate only above the mirror. Such fixtures may have open diffusers or be completely enclosed. Some fixtures with open diffusers can be mounted with the open end of the glass either up or down for greater design flexibility.
On the Mirror
You may want to mount fixtures directly to a large plate mirror. Some coordination between the electrician, contractor, and glazers is necessary. Keep in mind that not all fixtures look good from behind — which is the part that will be reflected in the mirror — so you should ensure that the fixture has a finished appearance from all angles if it does not install completely flush with the mirror.
Recessed Lights
Unlike fixtures that are decorative elements themselves, recessed lighting blends into the architecture. When using recessed lighting at the mirror, place the fixtures as close to the plane of the mirror as possible. Use at least two fixtures and space them so that the light from one works with the light from the other. Recessed lighting may also be used to supplement decorative fixtures that don't cast much light.
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