For a single light above a bathroom mirror, a fitting a little narrower than the mirror is a useful visual starting point. Around 70–80% of the mirror width can look balanced, but it is a styling guide, not an electrical rule or a guarantee of good facial lighting. The fitting’s light distribution and position matter as much as its length.
Before buying, decide whether you are framing a plain mirror, supplementing an illuminated mirror or lighting two basins. Those layouts need different comparisons. A neat-looking bar that leaves your face in shadow is not the right result.
Use the width ratio to sketch, then judge the real layout
For an 80 cm-wide mirror, a 56–64 cm light illustrates the 70–80% range. Tape out both the mirror and fitting on the wall, including brackets and any frame. View them from the doorway and from the basin. A fitting close to the mirror’s full width can also work, especially where the vanity and wall create strong horizontal lines.
A slight overhang may suit some designs; our vanity-light overhang guide explains the visual trade-off. The aim is a considered composition, not obeying a percentage at the expense of the room.
Side lights need a different comparison
With lights either side, compare the whole arrangement: mirror width, light width and the gaps between them. Keep the fittings outside the useful reflection and position them to support the users’ faces without glare. A universal floor height cannot accommodate every person, basin or tall tap.
60 cm frameless round mirror — £69. This non-illuminated circle is a clean starting point for separate vanity lighting. Tape out the full 60 cm diameter and the side lights together, so the finished arrangement fits the available wall.
An LED mirror changes the question
When the mirror already has front-facing light, you may need less additional lighting at the vanity. Assess the reflection with the room lighting on before adding another fixture. Backlighting mainly changes the wall glow, so consider the face-lighting needs separately.
60 cm round dual-light LED mirror — £128. Its integrated front and back lighting offers a defined reflection and a softer wall glow. Dimming and three light colours help you adjust the atmosphere without adding a second visible fitting directly above the circle.
For two basins, light both positions
A double vanity does not automatically need two identical overhead bars. One broad mirror with an appropriate lighting arrangement can work, as can separate mirrors and lights. Compare the reflection at each basin and keep the composition aligned with the actual basin centres.
140 × 70 cm frontlit and backlit mirror — £299. A continuous reflection connects a wide vanity visually. Use its dimensions to plan the clear wall, then assess whether any additional task or room lighting is needed. Browse large bathroom mirrors for more wide formats.
For a particularly long unit, our 72-inch double-vanity guide helps with the mirror layout before you choose separate fittings. If the task is seated makeup rather than basin grooming, illuminated makeup mirrors offer a closer, differently positioned reflection.
Prices and the linked in-stock options were checked on 27 October 2026. Any checkout promotion is applied separately.
Check these details before ordering
- Overall mirror and light dimensions, including frames and projecting parts.
- The useful reflection and control reach for each regular user.
- Clearance from taps, cabinets and other wall fittings.
- How the separate light distributes light, rather than wattage or width alone.
- The bathroom suitability and installation requirements of each powered product.
Have fixed bathroom lighting planned and installed by a qualified electrician. Once the layout is right, choose the finish you enjoy: a plain mirror framed by separate lights, a softly illuminated circle or one broad LED reflection. The best proportion is the one that works in your actual bathroom.
Enjoy free UK delivery, a 3-year warranty and free replacement if your mirror arrives damaged.