Homedit is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Consider Using Black for Your New Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

When you’re done renovating your bathroom and the only thing missing is the fixture, you’re not quite ready for a rest. There are so many different options to choose from, it can be both confusing and frustrating choosing a fixture that complements the existing decor or adds that touch of “je ne sais quoi” to this mighty special room.

Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

Today’s article is about showing you what a good bathroom fixture is all about, why black in the new thing to try in terms of decor, and what are some of the best black bathroom light fixtures that money can buy.

Top 3 Picks

Customer’s Choice: Keener 3 – Light Dimmable Vanity Light

“This light fixture is beautiful! It is clean looking, classic yet contemporary, and really looks nice over a mirror!” (Customer review)

Best Budget Option: Schoenfeld 2-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

When you want a black bathroom light fixture but your budget limits you from purchasing fancy larger models, the Schoenfeld two-light fixture is here to the rescue.

Best Overall: Orson 4-Light Vanity Light

“It is a bold piece that looks amazing in my bathroom. I love it! It is an amazing value. I highly recommend this light fixture.” (Customer review)

Why Use Black in Decor?

Plenty of people are skeptical about using black as part of their home decor because they associate this dark color with negative vibes. However, using black (wisely) in a room can go a long way into providing a grounded effect and it might look astonishing if you follow some simple aesthetic rules.

Every room in the house should have a little bit of black, as experts consider this will give eyes a chance to rest. In rooms that have too much light, objects might appear to be floating, being rather confusing for the human eye. Nobody says that you have to paint an entire wall black (although that isn’t the worst idea either) but a little bit of it can make the objects in the room come together.

When discussing black as an accent color, it can be anywhere in the room: from a black coffee table to black picture frames. Black also has a wonderful way of bringing things together and making stuff match. For example, when you’re trying to add items with different colors and shapes in a single room, a little black detail can create a more cohesive look.

For those of you interested in decorating with black, here are some tips that might help you out:

  • When you’re mixing black and white, you want to use patterns of different sizes, as well as the two solid non-colors to create more depth and visual interest.
  • If you choose black as a predominant color in the room (for instance, if you have a wall painted entirely in black), make sure you opt for architectural details that prevent a flat look (details can range from wainscoting to crown molding).
  • Also, for rooms where black in the main decor color, consider sprucing it up with accessories to give it life. Black is, indeed, a darker option compared to the more light and vivid ones that are often chosen in interior decorating, but the right accessories can really add style and personality.

Choosing a Bathroom Light Fixture

When it comes to adding lights to a bathroom, vanity lights are typically the most common choice. To help you choose a product that meets your needs, here are some things to keep in mind before spending your money:

  • First of all, it’s important to determine how many lights you’re going to need. This, of course, depends on the size of the vanity you have. Single-sink vanities can make do with one or two lights, and people usually choose wall sconces to flank the mirrors. According to the American Lighting Association, wall sconces need to be about 30 inches apart and between 60 and 70 inches away from the floor. You can also choose to place vanity lights over the mirrors but keep in mind that large vanities are going to require fixtures with three or four lights.
  • The brightness of the light is measured in lumens, and when you’re hovering over certain light options, check and see how many lumens they have. For vanity lights, you need at least 1600 lumens, which is pretty much the output of two 60-watt light bulbs. This is, however, valid for incandescent lights. If you choose LED fixtures, then the minimum requirement drops to 1200 lumens.
  • Ratings are also important when choosing a bathroom light fixture. The rating depends on the building codes for the house or apartment that you’re looking to “light up”. For example, there are areas that require that all lighting fixtures placed within six feet of a shower or a bathtub must have a wet rated. This is a matter of personal safety, so don’t forget about this requirement regardless of where you live.

Best Black Bathroom Light Fixtures

Keener 3 – Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Keener 3 - Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Loved and recommended by thousands of customers, the Kenner is a bathroom fixture that can be mounted over any vanity, providing you with excellent lighting. It has a black metal fixture and measures 21 x 5 ½ x 9 inches, and comes with three glass shades that offer housing for the 60-watt bulbs (sold separately). The shades have open bottoms and the backplate is available in other finish options, in case black isn’t your primary choice.

Williamsport 4-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Williamsport 4-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

For my next trick, I would like to show you another vanity light available in a black finish. Designed to be elegant and gorgeous, but also to provide you with other finish options, the Williamsport fixture has clean lines and a traditional appeal that would make it perfect for placement above the bathroom mirror. You can choose to install it upward or downward, and the four light bulbs will offer sufficient lighting for your bathroom-related needs regardless. The metal fixture is paired with dome-shaped glass shades, in a product that measures 9.25” H x 32” W x 6.5” D overall.

Schoenfeld 2-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Schoenfeld 2-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

When you’re looking to save some money with your purchase, options like this one are very useful to turn to. This vanity light measures 10.375” H x 16” W x 7.125” D and features a rounded backplate and an arm with two glass shades hanging on its left and right side. The fixture is compatible with two 60-watt light bulbs which have to be purchased separately.

Baldwin 4-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Baldwin 4-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

For a larger bathroom where you feel that more light is needed, we have to recommend the Baldwin fixture. Resting on the black backplate you have a long arm that reaches out to hold the four lights that are protected by clear hammered glass. The beautiful details on the shades will create a lovely visual effect, especially when the lights are turned on. The fixture measures 10” H x 33.5” W x 7” and is also available in an aged brass, bronze, and brushed nickel option.

Hawtree 3-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Hawtree 3-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Another one of our favorite black bathroom light fixtures is the Hawtree, a product that’s perfect for anyone who is looking to create a bathroom of contrast and establish calming focal points. Much like the other fixtures in this list, this one also has a black metal finish, with dome-shaped glass shades that house individually-placed bulbs. Compatible with 60-watt light bulbs, this hardwired fixture measures 10.9” H x 24” W x 7” D.

Deandre 3-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Deandre 3-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Measuring 7.75” H x 27.75” W x 8.5” D overall, the Deandre vanity light offers a black backplate with a metal arm that supports three housings for 60-watt bulbs. Unlike the other models we’ve looked at today, this one doesn’t come with those classic glass shades, as the bulbs are half exposed and coming out of the half-dome-shaped metal housing.

Orson 4-Light Vanity Light

Orson 4-Light Vanity Light

We adore the Orson light fixture and every detail about it. The metal hardwire fixture measures 9” H x 31.5” W x 7.5” D and has a metal backplate and rod that spread into the four bulbs that will give you all the light needed, even if the opaque shades tend to block it so that it doesn’t become too disturbing. The fixture is compatible with higher-capacity bulbs of up to 100 W. Aside from the matte black finish, you can also find this in brushed nickel, chrome, and bronze.

Farragutt 3-Light Vanity Light

Farragutt 3-Light Vanity Light

Coming in strong at 8.625” H x 27.5” W x 8.75” D, the Farragutt fixture is another product that drew our attention thanks to its visual appeal and quality construction. Made from steel, this fixture is available in the matte black finish you see before you, but also a chrome finish for those looking to match their chrome hardware with a light of the same color. The rod that’s connected to the backplate supports three lights that are compatible with 60-watt bulbs.

Anchondo 2-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Anchondo 2-Light Dimmable Vanity Light

When you want stronger light in your bathroom, consider opting for fixtures that have clear glass shades (as opaque ones will diffuse the light considerably), just like the Anchondo fixture does. The bowl-shaped glass shades can house 60-watt bulbs which (surprisingly) are available when you purchase this fixture. The brass fixture comes in a black finish, but you have other finish options to choose from, such as antique copper or brass.

Ariya 2-Light Vanity Light

Ariya 2-Light Vanity Light

Next up, we have the Ariya fixture. It measures 10” H x 18.25” W x 8.5” D and shares a lot of characteristics with some of the other products we’ve looked at today: the matter black finish, the metal construction, and the fact that it’s compatible with two 100 W bulbs. The cone-shaped shades offer an industrial look that make this fixture perfect for matching bathrooms, but it could also blend in with rustic and steampunk bathroom styles.

Kirtland 3-Light Vanity Light

Kirtland 3-Light Vanity Light

Granted, the Kirtland fixture might not offer the best light for putting on make-up, but it does serve as an excellent accent light for your bathroom. This wall-mounted fixture has a gorgeous matte black finish and houses three bulbs with a maximum wattage of 60 W per bulb. It is a gorgeous piece for mid-century modern rooms and certainly a product that’s well worth the money.

Hollowell 2 – Light Dimmable Vanity Light

Hollowell 2 - Light Dimmable Vanity Light

The reason why the Hollowell fixture looks so amazing is that details create a charming piece that brings together old and new elements in a farmhouse-style product that is bound to draw attention when walking in the room. It is designed with a bell-shaped frame and weathered wood-style accents that go hand-in-hand with the black metal finish. Housing two bulbs, this fixture measures 8.25” H x 15” W x 7” D and is also available in a brushed nickel finish.

Walraven 2 – Light Vanity Light

Walraven 2 - Light Vanity Light

The last suggestion we have in store for you today is a fixture that measures 5.5” H x 23.50” W x 5.5” D and has a design that’s a little bit different compared to the other lights we’ve looked over in this article. With a narrow construction, occupying little wall space and designed to emit light left and right (instead of up or down), this fixture does use the same metal construction as the others, and glass cylinders to house the 60 W bulbs.

In Conclusion

Vanity lights are an important part of a well-designed bathroom. While there are other types of fixtures that you could opt for, vanity lighting provides a light source where it is most needed: above the bathroom mirror. That’s where you shave, put your make-up on, and wash your face. In the end, it is a matter of personal preference and no one can ever tell you that one bathroom fixture is the absolute best, but keep in mind that there are a few rules to take into account. These rules are important in the frustration-free process of choosing a bathroom light, so they are designed to help you determine what light output you need, how many bulbs a fixture needs to have, and what are the safety standards that a fixture should meet.