Bathroom vanity lights can be made out of many elegant and attractive materials including nickel, brass, stainless steel, and chrome.  The variety in types of bathroom lighting fixtures means you have many choices or combination that can work well for your vanity area.  Some of the most popular types of vanity lighting fixtures on the market today are strip, ceiling, sconce, pendant, and recessed.  Strip light fixtures are traditionally seen in bathroom vanities because they can either be installed to illuminate downward or upward depending on how much lighting you need in the area.  Strip lights can include 2, 3, 4 or more light sockets for bulbs with each being covered by decorative glass to add style and elegance to the space.

Ceiling lights include chandeliers or flush fixtures.  Ceiling lights are usually combined with either two sconces or pendants to provide both general and task lighting to the vanity area.  When one sconce or pendant is installed on either side of a vanity mirror, the effect is an even lighting system that can be adjusted according to each specific task.  For instance, the sconces and pendants can be installed with dimmers so you can turn the up or down depending on your lighting need.  The ceiling light can be used for other tasks that do not require the use of the vanity area.  The amount of natural light in a bathroom from either a window or skylight will also determine how much additional lighting you will need to install.

Recessed vanity lighting is not going to be enough illumination for all vanity tasks.  The light fixtures are designed to illuminate a gentle glow so you can light an area that would otherwise be shadowed in or dark like for example, the space under a vanity shelf or within the vanity cabinetry.  This type of fixture is usually small and inexpensive.  You can use it them on the ceiling and direct them to illuminate a piece of art or architectural element within the space.

Discount bathroom vanity lights offer you an opportunity to add style or design to the space.  Finding a chandelier on sale or elegant sconces can change the look of any bathroom vanity area.  When purchasing sale or clearance items, always be sure to ask about the stores return policy.  Sale items usually come with some kind of money back guarantee should you decide you no longer want the item but clearance items are sometimes sold on an “as is” basis.  If this is the case, make absolutely sure that the item is exactly the size, style, and function that you need.

Strip lights are mostly associated with vanity areas because they can cover a large area and can provide ample light for the entire vanity area.  In some cases, they may be too bright especially if the bathroom also contains a skylight.  Strips usually come with 2, 3, 4 and more bulbs that can either be installed to illuminate upward or downward depending on your lighting needs.  You can find strip fixtures in many different finishes including different metals like nickel and bronze.  The glass light bulb covers can also be found in many different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.  Energy efficient light bulbs usually come included with the strip kits, but they can also be purchased separately.

Sconces are much like strip lights in that they can be installed to face upward or downward but they usually only include one or two light bulbs.  A typical sconce installation would be to place one sconce on either side of a vanity mirror.  Sconces are recommended for single sink vanities that are not too wide.  They can be found in many different sizes, designs, shapes, and finishes.  Sconces are a great opportunity to add a splash of color to your bathroom design.  Many come with unique glass bulb covers that can set your bathroom apart from all others.  If you are looking for a more custom or unique piece you should check with local artists for handcrafted glass that is one of a kind and cannot be duplicated.

Pendant lights are a recent trend in bathroom vanity lighting.  The pendants provide a dimmer light or a more subtle light source.  The light fixtures are usually installed as a second light source for when the vanity is just being used for simple tasks like hand washing.  Pendant lights are also a great alternative for adding a little flair or style to a bathroom design.  Pendants come in a wide array of colors, styles, shapes, sizes, wattage, and finishes to choose from.  Keep in mind that pendant lights should not be the main light source for a high traffic vanity area that is used for more than just hand washing.

You can find vanity lights at home improvement stores, lighting stores, local department stores, and even online retailers.  There are plenty of options to shop around for great, affordable lighting fixtures without having to worry about sticker price shock.  Used lighting is another alternative but keep in mind that there have been many recent changes in lighting technology to reduce the level of energy we use in our homes.  Always use low voltage fixtures and energy efficient light bulbs when able.  It is highly recommended that you add a skylight if f you have enough room in your budget to do so.  Natural light is by far better than any other light source.  After all, it’s free!