Bathroom lighting fails in a predictable way: one downlight in the ceiling directly above the mirror, casting shadows straight down into your eye sockets. Good vanity lighting comes from the sides, at face height, and that means wall lights.
Light beside the mirror flatters. Light above it drops shadows exactly where you don't want them, under the eyes, nose and chin.
Mount beside the mirror, not above
A pair of sconces either side of the mirror, centred around 160 to 170 cm, throws even light straight across your face. That's the setup that kills shadows and makes shaving or makeup easy. Above-mirror lighting looks tidy and works against you. Heights by room are in how high to hang wall lights.
Size the fittings to the mirror
A rough rule that holds up: the pair should span about three-quarters of the mirror's width. Too small and they look like an afterthought either side of a big mirror; matched to the mirror, they look built-in.
Check the CRI and colour
Colour rendering (CRI) matters more in a bathroom than anywhere else, because you're judging skin tone and makeup against it. Look for CRI 90 or above so colours read true. Keep the temperature warm-to-neutral, around 3000K, the warm white end, unless you specifically want a cooler task light.
Mind the IP rating and the zones
This is the part people skip. Australian bathrooms are split into zones under AS/NZS wiring rules, and fittings near the shower or bath need a wet-area IP rating, usually IP44 or higher. Our indoor range is rated IP20, for dry areas only, so it suits powder rooms and vanity walls that sit well clear of direct spray, not inside a shower zone. Which rating your exact spot needs is in IP ratings explained, and your electrician will confirm the zone before installing anything.
What actually suits a vanity
Frosted or opal glass is the friendliest vanity light because it diffuses evenly with no hotspot, the frosted Orbis or the opal-globe Volta both spread soft, even light. Mount them as a symmetrical pair and the vanity does the rest.
Planning a bathroom reno? Decide the sconce positions before tiling, so the cable comes out exactly where the fitting sits. Browse the full range for sizes and specs.
Frequently asked questions
Should vanity lights go above or beside the mirror?
Beside, as a pair around 160 to 170 cm. Side lighting is even across the face; a light above the mirror casts shadows under the eyes and chin.
What IP rating do bathroom wall lights need in Australia?
It depends on the zone. Fittings near the shower or bath generally need IP44 or higher. Dry areas away from spray can use IP20. Your electrician confirms the zone under AS/NZS rules.
What colour and CRI is best for a vanity?
Warm-to-neutral white around 3000K, with a CRI of 90 or above so skin tones and makeup colours read true.
Can I use an indoor wall light in my bathroom?
Only in a dry zone well clear of spray, and only if it suits that zone's rating. Battii's indoor range is IP20 (dry areas). For wet zones, choose an IP44+ fitting.
