23 Above Mirror Bathroom Lighting Ideas That’ll Totally Brighten Your Mornings
Let’s talk bathrooms. Specifically, that little space above the mirror—the one you probably didn’t think too hard about. Yeah, that one.
You know, it’s funny. We spend all this time choosing tile, debating over faucets, picking the perfect vanity… and then? We slap any old light above the mirror and call it a day. But oh, friend.
That spot? It matters. It can make or break your bathroom’s vibe. It’s the difference between looking like a movie star or a sleep-deprived zombie.
Here’s the truth: above-mirror lighting isn’t just about visibility. It’s about mood. Ambience. A little magic, even.
Ready to see what I mean?
1. Classic Hollywood Bulb Strip
Think old-school glam. The kind that makes you feel like you’re about to walk on stage.
A strip of round, white bulbs stretching across the top of your mirror—timeless. Dramatic. Slightly retro. But in the best way.
2. Sleek Horizontal LED Bar
Modern bathrooms love this look. Minimal, straight-to-the-point.
An LED bar mounted just above the mirror gives off soft, even light without stealing the spotlight. It’s not flashy, but it works.
3. Antique Bronze Fixture with Edison Bulbs
You ever walk into a bathroom and instantly feel warmer? That’s what bronze does.
Especially when paired with those Edison bulbs that glow golden and nostalgic. Perfect for a farmhouse or vintage vibe.
4. Art Deco-Inspired Glass Shades
So here’s a story. A friend of mine, Emily, just redid her powder room.
She put these frosted glass shades above the mirror—shaped like little skyscrapers from the 1920s. The light? Gorgeous. Her guests? Obsessed.
5. Adjustable Arm Wall Sconce (Mounted High)
Flexibility is key sometimes. An adjustable sconce with an arm lets you direct light exactly where you want it. Makeup.
Shaving. Drama. You decide.
6. Industrial Pipe Fixture
Raw. Gritty. Cool. An exposed pipe light fixture gives off a very downtown-loft-in-a-warehouse feel. Add filament bulbs and boom—statement made.
7. Brushed Gold Minimalist Strip
Here’s the thing: gold isn’t gaudy if you do it right. A thin, brushed gold light bar can add just enough luxe without shouting. It whispers style.
8. Double Globe Fixture
Two globes, side by side, mounted above the mirror. Simple. Clean. You’ve seen it before, but that’s because it works. Especially in smaller spaces.
9. Rustic Wood + Iron Combo
This one’s for the cabin dreamers.
A reclaimed wood base with iron sconces above the mirror brings that cozy-lodge-in-the-woods energy. Light a candle nearby and just… relax.
10. Hidden Recessed Strip
Don’t want to see the light? Just the glow? Install a hidden strip of LED lighting behind a floating mirror frame or in a ceiling drop.
Elegant. Understated. Very spa-like.
11. Vintage Schoolhouse Fixture
You remember those old schoolhouse lights? Round white shades, a little bulbous? Bring that charm above your mirror and get that old-world charm with modern wiring.
12. Oversized Statement Shade
Okay, hear me out. One big, bold light fixture above the mirror. Like, oversized. Matte black. Or maybe clear glass.
It doesn’t even need to match anything else in the room. That’s the point.
13. Backlit Mirror (Built-In)
Alright, technically this isn’t above the mirror. But it still counts.
Backlit mirrors are sleek, high-tech, and make your face glow like an influencer’s selfie ring light.
14. Multi-Light Track System
A track light bar with three or four small heads? Super functional.
You can aim them individually, which is great when you’ve got multiple people using the same mirror.
15. Soft White Fabric Shade
It’s rare, but fabric above the mirror? It can work.
Imagine a small drum shade with a soft diffuser. It’s like wearing a cozy sweater, but for your walls.
16. Mid-Century Modern Metal Arc
Mid-century vibes are everywhere these days.
A metal arc light above the mirror, especially in matte brass or black, brings those Mad Men feels home.
17. Crystal Prism Light Bar
Need a little sparkle in your morning? A bar fixture with hanging crystal prisms above the mirror throws light around like you’re in a soap opera bathroom.
But, like, in a good way.
18. Dual Arm Candle Bulbs
This one’s charming. Two upward arms with candle-style bulbs, one on each side of a center plate.
Elegant without being too precious. Works great in traditional bathrooms.
19. Bamboo Rattan Fixture
Natural materials above the mirror? Yes, please. A bamboo or rattan sconce adds texture and an earthy feel—perfect for boho or coastal styles.
20. Exposed Bulb Linear Fixture
Sometimes, the bulb is the star. Skip the shades.
Go with a row of bare bulbs in a matte black or brushed nickel frame. Industrial meets modern chic.
21. Frosted Tube Light
Very futuristic. A long, frosted glass tube emits soft light, and it kind of just floats there.
Works especially well with high-gloss surfaces or minimalist vanities.
22. Vintage Lantern Light
Here’s a fun one: imagine an old lantern, but wired for your bathroom. Mounted above the mirror. It’s quirky. Unexpected. Totally conversation-worthy.
23. Custom Wooden Beam with Bulbs
Last one—but one of my favorites. A wooden beam, stained or raw, with sockets drilled in and round bulbs screwed directly into the wood.
Rustic. Handmade. Personal. Like you built it yourself, even if you didn’t.
Final Thoughts: Light It Your Way
The space above your mirror? It’s more than just practical. It’s personal. It’s where you brush your teeth half-asleep.
Where you rehearse your “I’m totally fine” face before work. Where you pluck that one rogue eyebrow hair that always comes back.
So light it with care.
Pick a fixture that reflects more than just your face. Pick one that reflects you.
Let me know if you want a version focused more on budget ideas, small bathrooms, or specific styles like farmhouse or modern!
