💡Glow Up: The Maison Vogue Guide to Choosing Wall Sconces + Vanity Lights That Make Your Bathroom Shine

Because your bathroom lighting should flatter you like a soft filter—and look like it belongs in a five-star suite.

Let’s get real: your bathroom lighting can make or break your entire morning mood. From a barely-there glow that leaves you guessing your eyeliner placement to harsh overhead beams that feel more interrogation room than glam retreat—bad lighting is the ultimate buzzkill.

But done right? Bathroom lighting transforms. It flatters, elevates, and turns a utilitarian space into a mini luxury sanctuary. Enter: the unsung heroes of bathroom design—wall sconces and vanity lights. And trust us, when chosen correctly, they’ll serve face, style, and serious ambiance.

Here’s your Maison Vogue-approved guide to finding the perfect bathroom glow-up, one well-lit moment at a time.

✨ 1. Understand the Function: Why Bathroom Lighting Matters

This isn’t just about vibes—although we love a vibe. Lighting in your bathroom needs to do three key things:

• Illuminate your face evenly for grooming and glam

• Create ambiance for soaking, steaming, or spa nights

• Elevate design with fixtures that double as jewelry for your walls

You need a mix of task lighting (hello, mirror moments) and ambient lighting (the soft, spa-like layer that says “I take self-care seriously”).

💡 2. Vanity Lights vs. Wall Sconces: What’s the Difference?

Vanity Lights
Typically mounted directly above the mirror, vanity bars provide broad, even lighting that spans the face. They’re ideal for larger mirrors or double-sink vanities.

• Best for: Wider spaces, shared vanities, or minimal wall space

• Maison Vogue Pick: Bombelles Brass Bath Bar – Sleek, streamlined, and softens without dimming the drama.

Wall Sconces
Usually mounted on either side of the mirror, sconces deliver flattering, balanced light—think of it as front-facing, natural glow. Bonus: they add serious style points.

• Best for: Powder rooms, petite bathrooms, or statement styling

• Maison Vogue Pick: Barbican Double-Light Brass Wall Sconce – Art meets illumination with milky globes and brass details.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to choose just one. Layering a bar light with side sconces? Iconic.

🔲 3. Placement Is Everything: Where to Hang Your Glow

Getting the placement right is the secret to that soft, editorial-worthy lighting.

📍 Wall Sconces:

• Mount them about 60–65 inches from the floor (eye level).

• Keep each sconce 36–40 inches apart, on either side of your mirror.

• Bulbs should hit around eye height, avoiding overhead shadows.

📍 Vanity Bars:

• Mount above the mirror, ideally 75–80 inches off the floor.

• The fixture should span no wider than the mirror—match or slightly under for symmetry.

Maison Vogue Mood: Think golden hour… but indoors… and every morning.

🎨 4. Design, Darling: Choose a Fixture That Speaks Your Style

Your bathroom lights should feel like an accessory—a touch of couture for your walls. Let’s match your vibe:

✨ Modern Minimalist

Clean lines, black or brass finishes, frosted glass. Think: architectural without trying too hard.
Try: Blaine Brass Bath Wall Sconce – understated, sleek, totally now.

✨ Hollywood Glam

Mixed metals, smoked glass, maybe even a little sparkle. You came to slay.
Try: The Bradshaw Wall Sconce – dripping in quiet drama.

✨ Organic Modern

Natural textures, soft matte finishes, sculptural globes.
Try: The Highsmith Wall Sconce, Left & Right – like lighting designed by nature.

✨ Vintage-Inspired

Opal glass, antique bronze, fluted details. Nostalgia in its chicest form.
Try: The Bronwen Brass Bath Wall Sconce – equal parts Parisian salon and old Hollywood.

Maison Vogue Note: Don’t be afraid to mix finishes—brass sconces with matte black hardware? Très chic.

🌟 5. Let There Be Layered Light

A beautifully lit bathroom uses more than one source of light. For that boutique hotel glow:

• Pair your vanity lighting with a ceiling flush mount or chandelier

• Add a dimmable switch (thank us later)

• Use warm-white bulbs (2700–3000K) for flattering, natural tones

• Don’t forget a candle or two—you’re not a savage

Pro Detail: Choose fixtures that conceal bulbs or soften light through shades or diffusers. Your skin—and selfies—will thank you.

🛁 6. Real Talk: Powder Room vs. Primary Bath

Your lighting choices depend on the bathroom's purpose:

✨ Powder Room:

Smaller, used by guests = a place to be bold. Go sculptural, go moody, go art piece.
Maison Vogue Recos: The Burrows Brass Bath Wall Sconce or The Benthos White Wall Sconce.

✨ Primary Bath:

Daily use = balance between performance and polish. Look for dimmable, directional, and timeless with a twist.
Maison Vogue Loves: Berdine Large Nickel Wall Sconce (clean & versatile) 

💫 Final Word: Let It Glow, Let It Glow, Let It Glow

Your bathroom lighting should work hard—but look effortless. When you blend form with function, layering with intention and choosing designs that flatter both your face and your space, the result is pure Maison Vogue magic.

So go ahead. Add the sconce. Install the chandelier. Choose lighting that makes you feel like the main character—because babe, you are.

💡 Shop the Maison Vogue Lighting Edit

Curated sconces, radiant vanity bars, and glowy accessories designed to turn your bathroom into a personal retreat.
Because a well-lit woman is an unstoppable force.