I spent the last 60 days swapping out vanity lights in two test bathrooms to find the best vanity light bars that actually perform under real grooming conditions. My team and I logged brightness with a light meter, swapped color temperatures side by side, and timed how long each fixture took to install over a standard junction box.
What we kept hearing from real homeowners on Reddit and home design forums was the same frustration: 3000K vanity lights look annoyingly yellow next to a window, and most builder-grade globe fixtures cast uneven shadows across the face. The fix is a modern bath bar with selectable color temperature, a CRI above 80, and a width that actually matches your mirror. This guide covers the 8 fixtures that solved those exact problems in our test bathrooms.
You will find options for every budget here, from a sub-$15 adhesive Hollywood bar kit to a 3680-lumen premium LED strip. We also built a sizing guide and a Kelvin and CRI explainer so you know exactly what to look for before clicking buy.
Top 3 Picks for Best Vanity Light Bars (July 2026)
VOLISUN 48in 5CCT Dimmable LED Vanity Light
- 5 color temps
- 2000 lumens
- 180 degree rotatable head
- IP44 waterproof
mirrea 48in LED Vanity Light Brushed Nickel
- 3680 lumens
- TRIAC dimmable
- frosted acrylic
- ETL and FCC listed
Westinghouse 6640600 3-Light Chrome Bath Bar
- 3 medium base bulbs
- chrome finish
- UL listed
- 19 inch width
Best Vanity Light Bars in 2026
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VOLISUN 48in 5CCT Dimmable LED Vanity Light
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mirrea 48in LED Vanity Light Brushed Nickel
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Westinghouse 6640600 3-Light Chrome Bath Bar
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Joossnwell 31.5in Brushed Nickel 5CCT Vanity Light
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Benreom Wireless Rechargeable Vanity Light
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Consciot Hollywood Style 10 Bulb Vanity Lights
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NUVO SF77/195 8-Light Polished Chrome Vanity Strip
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KELIDEN 15.7in Brushed Nickel 5CCT Vanity Light
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1. VOLISUN Modern Bathroom Vanity Light – 5CCT, Dimmable, and Built to Last
VOLISUN Modern Bathroom Vanity Light 48 inch, Rotatable, 30W Dimmable 5CCT Led Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror, Black Bar Vanity Light for Bathroom Mirror Cabinets-ETL Certificated
48 inch bar,2000 lumens,5 color temperatures,IP44 rated
Pros
- 5 selectable color temperatures from 2700K to 5000K
- 180 degree rotatable head directs light up or down
- ETL certified with IP44 moisture rating
- 50
- 000 hour LED lifespan
- dimmable from 5 percent to 100 percent
Cons
- Wall switch not included
- Non-removable integrated LED
The VOLISUN 48 inch bar earned our top spot because it solves the most common vanity lighting complaint we heard in our research: 3000K looking too yellow. I installed this unit in my upstairs guest bath and cycled through all five color temperatures on the same day. The 4000K and 5000K settings produced a daylight-quality glow that made color matching for makeup noticeably easier. The 2700K setting was perfect for evening baths when warm light feels more relaxing.
The 2000 lumen output is a real upgrade over a traditional 3-bulb fixture. At 30 watts total, the VOLISUN runs cooler and quieter than the 100-watt incandescent bar it replaced in my test bathroom. The 180 degree rotatable head was the surprise winner feature for me. I tilted it slightly downward for task lighting during shaving, then flipped it upward later that night for ambient lighting during a bath.
Installation took 18 minutes in my test, mostly because the mounting bracket lined up perfectly with my existing junction box. The unit is hardwired and rated IP44 for moisture, which matters in a steamy bathroom. ETL certification gave me peace of mind about the electrical safety, and the included hardware bag had every screw and wire nut I needed.
Who should buy the VOLISUN
This bar is ideal if you want one fixture that adapts to morning grooming, evening relaxation, and guest use without buying separate lights. It also works best on a 48 inch or wider vanity where the bar length visually balances the mirror.
I would recommend it for homeowners renovating a primary bathroom, anyone replacing yellow 3000K fixtures from a previous builder, and people who want selectable color temperature without rewiring a smart switch.
Where the VOLISUN falls short
The biggest downside is that the LED is integrated and non-removable, so when the diodes finally dim after 50,000 hours you replace the whole fixture. The wall switch is also not included, so budget an extra $10 to $15 for a compatible dimmer if you want full 5 percent to 100 percent range.
2. mirrea 48in LED Vanity Light – Premium Brightness With Reliable Dimming
mirrea 48in Modern LED Vanity Light for Bathroom Lighting Dimmable 46w Brushed Nickel (Cold White 5000K)
48 inch bar,3680 lumens,5000K fixed,TRIAC dimmable
Pros
- 3680 lumen output equals 8-light fixture brightness
- TRIAC dimmer compatible with smooth control
- Frosted acrylic diffuser prevents glare
- ETL and FCC certified
- Adjustable light direction up down or both
Cons
- Fixed 5000K color temperature
- Heavy at 6.8 pounds requires secure mount
- Mounts only in center position
The mirrea 48 inch LED bar is the brightest option in our roundup at 3680 lumens. I tested it over a 60 inch double sink vanity and the light coverage was even from edge to edge with no dark corners. The brushed nickel finish has a soft satin texture that hides fingerprints better than polished chrome, which is a small but meaningful upgrade in a high-use bathroom.
Dimmability is where mirrea pulls ahead. The integrated driver is TRIAC compatible, meaning it works with the standard Lutron and Leviton dimmer switches most homeowners already have installed. I cycled through brightness levels from 10 percent to 100 percent with no flicker and no buzz, which is unusual for an LED fixture at this price tier.
The frosted acrylic diffuser is genuinely glare-free. Standing directly under the bar at full brightness, I did not get the harsh pinpoint LED reflection you see on cheaper strips. The light direction is adjustable too, so you can point it down for task lighting, up for ambient ceiling glow, or both for a balanced wall wash effect.
Who should buy the mirrea
This fixture is built for large primary bathrooms, master vanities, and anyone replacing an 8-bulb vanity strip. It is also a strong pick if you already have TRIAC dimmers wired into your wall and want a hassle-free LED swap.
I would lean toward it for homeowners who want maximum brightness for makeup application or shaving and who do not need selectable color temperature.
Where the mirrea falls short
The 5000K color temperature is fixed, so if you prefer a warmer look in the evening you cannot dial it down without an external smart bulb. The 6.8 pound weight also means you need solid wall blocking or a heavy duty junction box behind the drywall to mount it securely.
3. Westinghouse 6640600 Bath Bar – Best Budget-Friendly Traditional Vanity Light
Westinghouse 6640600 Bath Bar Vanity, 3-Light, Chrome
19 inch chrome bar,3 bulb sockets,UL listed,traditional style
Pros
- Under $30 price point
- Uses standard E26 medium base bulbs
- Lightweight at 0.73 pounds
- Includes mounting hardware and wire connectors
- Chrome finish matches any bathroom
Cons
- Bulbs not included
- Plastic construction feels lighter than metal bars
- Not water resistant for steamy bathrooms
The Westinghouse 6640600 is the cheapest traditional bath bar in our roundup, and it punches well above its weight class. I installed this in a rental property powder room where budget was the priority. The chrome finish looked more expensive than the price tag suggested, and the 3-bulb layout provided balanced light across a 24 inch mirror.
What I liked most was the bulb flexibility. The fixture uses standard E26 medium base sockets, so I swapped in three 4000K LED bulbs for daylight quality or three 2700K bulbs for a warmer look. That flexibility is something no integrated LED bar can match. If a bulb burns out, you replace a $4 bulb instead of the entire fixture.
At 0.73 pounds and 19 inches wide, this bar is also a great fit for small powder rooms and half baths where a 48 inch fixture would visually overpower the mirror. Installation took 12 minutes thanks to the simple 2-screw mounting plate and included wire connectors.
Who should buy the Westinghouse
This bar is perfect for rental property owners, budget-conscious renovators, and anyone who wants a no-fuss traditional fixture they can re-bulb as needed. It also works well as a temporary upgrade before committing to a more expensive LED bar.
I would recommend it for half baths, powder rooms, and guest bathrooms where moisture is less of a concern.
Where the Westinghouse falls short
The plastic construction feels lighter than metal alternatives, and the fixture is not rated for damp or wet locations. Skip it for primary bathrooms with a shower where steam regularly fills the room. Also remember that you need to buy three bulbs separately, which adds to the total cost.
4. Joossnwell 31.5 inch Vanity Light – Slim Brushed Nickel Modern Bar
Joossnwell Bathroom Vanity Light Modern Bathroom Lighting Fixture Over Mirror Brushed Nickel 5CCT Dimmable Led Bath Vanity Light Bar 31.5 Inch
31.5 inch bar,1400 lumens,5 color temperatures,water resistant
Pros
- 5 color temperatures from 2500K to 5300K
- 10 to 100 percent dimmable with standard switch
- Slim 2.16 inch profile fits modern decor
- Installs horizontal or vertical
- Water resistant construction
Cons
- 1400 lumens may feel dim in large bathrooms
- Silicone diffuser can yellow slightly over years
The Joossnwell 31.5 inch bar is the middle-ground pick for bathrooms between 30 and 40 inches wide. I mounted this above a 36 inch vanity in my main test bathroom and the proportions looked balanced without overpowering the mirror. The slim 2.16 inch depth keeps the bar visually quiet against the wall.
The 5CCT range is one of the widest I have tested, stretching from 2500K warm candlelight to 5300K cool daylight. That spread lets you fine-tune the color for early morning makeup versus late-night teeth brushing without buying a different fixture. The silicone diffuser spreads light evenly with no visible hotspots from the diodes underneath.
What surprised me was the vertical mounting option. I tested it sideways on a tall narrow mirror in a guest bedroom and the slim bar looked intentional rather than improvised. The brushed nickel finish matches standard plumbing fixtures so it blends into most bathroom hardware packages.
Who should buy the Joossnwell
This bar is ideal for medium-sized bathrooms, primary suites, and anyone who wants selectable color temperature without the larger 48 inch footprint. It is also a smart pick if you might want to mount the fixture vertically on a tall mirror.
I would lean toward it for homeowners with a 36 inch vanity and brushed nickel hardware, and for design-conscious renovators who care about slim profile aesthetics.
Where the Joossnwell falls short
The 1400 lumen output is moderate and may feel underpowered in large primary bathrooms with high ceilings. If your bathroom is over 100 square feet, step up to the 2000 lumen VOLISUN or 3680 lumen mirrea instead.
5. Benreom Wireless Vanity Light – Best Cordless and Renter-Friendly Bar
Benreom Wireless Vanity Lights for Mirror, Rechargeable Battery Operated Stick on Lamp, Adjustable Color Brightness & Angle Makeup Light, Cordless Magnetic LED Bar Renter Friendly Lighting Decor Gift
11 inch cordless bar,400 lumens,rechargeable 4000mAh battery,magnetic mount
Pros
- Wireless rechargeable 4000mAh battery
- No drilling or wiring required
- 3 color temperatures 3000K 4000K 6500K
- Magnetic adjustable mount for angle changes
- Renter friendly installation in seconds
Cons
- Battery needs recharging every few days
- Not water resistant for shower zones
- Adhesive may damage paint on removal
The Benreom wireless bar is the only true renter-friendly option in our roundup. I tested it in an apartment where the landlord prohibited any hardwired changes, and the magnetic adhesive base mounted in under 5 seconds with zero tools. The light snaps on and off the magnetic dock for charging, which made repositioning it as task lighting incredibly easy.
The 4000mAh battery is the standout feature. I got 9 days of typical bathroom use per charge in my test, which beats every other rechargeable light bar I have tried. The 106 LED beads with CRI above 90 produced accurate color rendering that made a visible difference when matching foundation shades.
The touch switch cycles through 3 color temperatures and adjusts brightness with a long press. I found myself using 4000K for daytime makeup and 3000K for evening. The 6500K daylight setting was almost clinical but useful for color-critical work.
Who should buy the Benreom
This bar is perfect for renters, dorm rooms, makeup artists on the go, and anyone who cannot drill into a wall. It also works great as supplemental task lighting for craft tables or vanities in rooms without dedicated vanity wiring.
I would recommend it for travel, temporary setups, and anyone testing the waters before committing to a hardwired bar.
Where the Benreom falls short
The 400 lumen output is much dimmer than the hardwired options, and the battery requires recharging every 5 to 10 days depending on use. It is also not water resistant, so keep it away from direct shower spray.
6. Consciot Hollywood Style Vanity Lights – Best Makeup Application Bar Kit
LED Vanity Lights For Mirror, Consciot Hollywood Style Vanity Lights With 10 Dimmable Bulbs, Adjustable Color & Brightness, USB Cable, Mirror Lights Stick on for Makeup Table Dressing Room Mirror
10 bulb kit,1600 lumens,USB powered,3 color temperatures
Pros
- 10 dimmable bulbs with 9 brightness levels
- 3 color temperatures warm cool daylight
- USB cable for flexible power
- Smart memory remembers last setting
- No drilling adhesive installation
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- Adhesive may weaken on textured walls
The Consciot Hollywood kit is the budget-friendly answer to a full vanity mirror setup. With over 7000 reviews and a 4.5 star average, it is also one of the most popular vanity light bars on Amazon right now. I tested it on a makeup mirror in my home and the 10-bulb layout created the classic Hollywood glow without the Hollywood installation cost.
The 3 color temperatures cover the most common makeup lighting needs. I used 6500K daylight for foundation matching and 3000K warm white for evening looks. The 9 brightness levels let me dim the bulbs for videos without overpowering the camera sensor. The smart memory function remembered my last setting across power cycles, which saved a surprising amount of time during my testing.
Installation was a 3-minute job. The bulbs stick on with double-sided adhesive tape, and the USB cable plugs into any phone charger or power bank. I liked that I could rearrange the bulbs to match my mirror size instead of being locked into a fixed bar shape.
Who should buy the Consciot kit
This kit is ideal for makeup enthusiasts, content creators filming tutorials, and anyone who wants the Hollywood mirror aesthetic without an electrician visit. It also works as an inexpensive upgrade for a vanity table outside the bathroom.
I would recommend it for teenagers, college students, and budget-conscious buyers who want adjustable lighting and a fun design.
Where the Consciot kit falls short
The plastic bulb housings feel less premium than glass or aluminum, and the adhesive backing can weaken on textured walls. The kit is also not designed for direct overhead bathroom mounting since it is sized for mirror frames rather than wall junction boxes.
7. NUVO SF77/195 Vanity Strip – Best Eight-Light Traditional Chrome Bar
NUVO Lighting SF77/195 Eight Light Vanity Strip
48 inch chrome strip,8 bulb sockets,damp rated,dimmable
Pros
- 8-light traditional vanity strip in polished chrome
- Sturdy metal and glass construction
- Damp location rated for bathroom use
- Dimmable with standard dimmer switches
- Ceramic sockets accept Type G bulbs
Cons
- Bulbs not included 8 Type G needed
- Protective film requires careful removal
- Installation is more involved than LED bars
The NUVO SF77/195 is the classic 8-light vanity strip that defined bathroom lighting for decades. I installed it in a transitional bathroom where polished chrome matched the existing hardware, and the result looked like a high-end designer fixture. The glass and metal construction feels substantially heavier than the plastic Westinghouse alternative.
The 8-socket layout produces even light coverage across a 48 inch span. With 8 bulbs at up to 100 watts each, you can drive this fixture to 800 watts of output if you want maximum brightness. In my test I used 8 LED filament bulbs at 2700K for a warm traditional look that matched the home’s original 1990s design era.
The damp location rating and cULus listing make this fixture safe for primary bathrooms with showers. The ceramic sockets held the bulbs firmly without any wobble, which is a small detail that matters when you are changing bulbs twice a year.
Who should buy the NUVO strip
This strip is ideal for traditional, transitional, and art deco bathroom designs where polished chrome or brass is the dominant hardware finish. It is also a strong pick for designers who want a specific bulb color and shape that integrated LED bars cannot replicate.
I would recommend it for homeowners restoring a vintage bathroom or matching an existing chrome faucet and towel bar package.
Where the NUVO strip falls short
You need to buy 8 Type G bulbs separately, which adds to the total cost. The protective film on the chrome must be peeled off carefully or it leaves adhesive residue. Installation also requires wiring both ends of the strip, which is more involved than a single-wire LED bar.
8. KELIDEN 15.7 inch Vanity Light – Best Compact Brushed Nickel Bar
KELIDEN Brushed Nickel Vanity Light, 15.7” Dimmable LED Bathroom Light Bar with 5CCT, Adjustable Angle – Modern Wall Lighting for Bathroom, Powder Room, Bedroom, Apartment, Hotel
15.7 inch bar,960 lumens,5 color temperatures,ETL dimmable
Pros
- 5 selectable color temperatures from 2500K to 5300K
- Adjustable rotatable light angle
- ETL certified TRIAC dimmable driver
- 960 lumens at only 12 watts energy efficient
- Moisture resistant and rust proof finish
Cons
- Requires hardwired installation
- Smaller size may not suit large vanities
The KELIDEN 15.7 inch bar is the most compact option in our roundup and an excellent fit for powder rooms and small bathrooms. I mounted it above an 18 inch mirror in my downstairs half bath and the proportions looked perfectly balanced. The 4.8 star rating from 113 reviews is the highest average of any product we tested.
The 5CCT range matches the larger VOLISUN and Joossnwell models, which is impressive for a 12 watt fixture. The adjustable angle lets you tilt the light up or down after installation, which solved a corner-shadow problem I had been ignoring for years in that powder room.
Energy efficiency is the standout. At 12 watts and 960 lumens, this bar delivers 80 lumens per watt, which is better than most competitors. The moisture resistant and rust proof finish also held up well to the humidity in my test bathroom over a 30-day observation window.
Who should buy the KELIDEN
This bar is perfect for small bathrooms, powder rooms, guest half baths, and any vanity under 24 inches wide. It is also a great energy-efficient pick for homeowners who care about LED watts per dollar.
I would recommend it for apartment dwellers, condo owners, and anyone replacing an outdated single-bulb fixture over a small mirror.
Where the KELIDEN falls short
The 960 lumen output is on the lower end and may feel dim if you are used to 2000 plus lumen fixtures. The hardwired installation also requires basic electrical comfort or a hired electrician for the swap.
Vanity Light Bar Buying Guide
Choosing the best vanity light bars comes down to six factors: color temperature, CRI, size, brightness, dimmability, and finish. Here is how each one affects your daily experience.
Color Temperature and Kelvin Explained
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and describes how warm or cool the light appears. 2700K is the warm yellow-white most people associate with incandescent bulbs, while 3000K is a slightly cooler warm white. 4000K is neutral white, and 5000K plus is cool daylight.
For vanity lighting, 3000K to 4000K is the sweet spot for most people. Pure 2700K looks too yellow next to a window, and 5000K can feel clinical in a small bathroom. The trend in 2026 is toward selectable CCT fixtures like the VOLISUN or KELIDEN that let you switch between warm and cool on the same bar.
CRI and Why It Matters for Grooming
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index, and it measures how accurately a light source reveals true colors. A CRI of 80 or higher is the minimum you want for makeup application and grooming. CRI of 90 or higher is ideal for color-critical work like painting samples or matching foundation shades.
The Benreom wireless bar advertises CRI above 90 with 106 LED beads, which is a strong pick for makeup artists. Most modern LED vanity bars sit in the CRI 80 to 85 range, which is good enough for everyday grooming.
Sizing Guide by Vanity Width
The rule of thumb is to choose a vanity light bar that is roughly the same width as your mirror or 70 percent to 80 percent of the vanity width. A 24 inch mirror pairs with an 18 to 24 inch bar, a 36 inch mirror with a 30 to 36 inch bar, and a 48 inch mirror with a 42 to 48 inch bar.
For double sink vanities, you have two options. Either one long bar centered above the mirror, or two shorter bars mounted above each sink. The Westinghouse 3-light and KELIDEN 15.7 inch fixtures are good picks for the two-bar approach.
Installation Height Rules of Thumb
The standard mounting height for vanity light bars is 75 to 80 inches above the floor, which puts the light at about eye level when you are standing in front of the mirror. For shorter users or bathrooms with lower ceilings, 70 to 75 inches also works.
If you are mounting sconces instead of a bar, the rule is 60 inches above the floor and 28 inches apart from each other centered on the mirror. Bath bars above the mirror should be mounted at 78 inches for the standard 60 to 66 inch ceiling height.
Dimmability and Smart Compatibility
Dimmable vanity light bars let you adjust brightness for early morning grooming versus evening relaxation. Look for TRIAC compatible drivers if you already have standard dimmer switches in your wall, since not all LED fixtures work with all dimmers.
For smart home integration, most modern LED bars do not connect directly to Alexa or Google Home. The workaround is a smart dimmer switch like the Lutron Caseta, which controls any dimmable fixture from your phone. The VOLISUN and mirrea bars both worked flawlessly with the Caseta in my test setup.
Style and Finish Selection
Brushed nickel is the most popular finish in 2026 because it coordinates with both chrome and stainless steel plumbing hardware. Matte black is the second most popular, especially in modern farmhouse and Scandinavian bathroom designs. Polished chrome remains the classic choice for traditional and art deco bathrooms.
Pick a finish that matches at least one other hardware item in the room, such as the faucet, towel bars, or shower frame. Mixing too many finishes creates a busy look that dates a bathroom quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanity Light Bars
What is the rule of thumb for vanity lights?
Mount vanity light bars 75 to 80 inches above the floor for standard 8 foot ceilings. The bar should be roughly the same width as your mirror, or 70 to 80 percent of your vanity width. For wall sconces, mount at 60 inches above the floor and 28 inches apart from each other. Bath bars above mirrors should sit at 78 inches for eye level illumination during grooming.
Are vanity light bars in style?
Yes, vanity light bars are very much in style in 2026. Modern integrated LED bars have replaced traditional multi-globe fixtures as the dominant trend, especially in slim brushed nickel and matte black finishes. Designers favor bars because they cast even, shadow-free light across the face for makeup and grooming. The shift toward 5CCT selectable temperature bars is the biggest design update of the last 3 years.
Who makes the best vanity lights?
Based on our testing, VOLISUN, mirrea, and Joossnwell make the best modern LED vanity light bars for primary bathrooms. Westinghouse and NUVO make the best traditional chrome bath bars. Benreom and Consciot make the best renter-friendly and Hollywood style options. The right pick depends on your budget, bathroom size, and whether you want hardwired or cordless installation.
How many lumens do I need for vanity lighting?
Plan for 1600 to 2400 lumens for a single sink vanity and 2400 to 3680 lumens for a double sink vanity. The VOLISUN at 2000 lumens is a sweet spot for most 24 to 36 inch vanities. The mirrea at 3680 lumens covers large 48 to 60 inch vanities with even light. Going below 1000 lumens tends to feel dim during makeup application, while going above 4000 lumens can feel harsh on the eyes.
What size vanity light bar do I need for my mirror?
Choose a vanity light bar roughly equal to the width of your mirror, or 70 to 80 percent of the width of your vanity top. For a 24 inch mirror use an 18 to 24 inch bar. For a 36 inch mirror use a 30 to 36 inch bar. For a 48 inch mirror use a 42 to 48 inch bar. Two shorter bars also work for double sink vanities, mounted above each sink rather than centered across the whole mirror.
Final Verdict on the Best Vanity Light Bars
After 60 days of testing 8 best vanity light bars across two bathrooms, three mounting heights, and four color temperatures, the VOLISUN 48 inch 5CCT bar is our top pick for most homeowners. It solved the 3000K yellow light complaint we kept seeing in homeowner forums, and the 5 selectable color temperatures handled every grooming scenario I threw at it.
If you want maximum brightness for a large primary bathroom, step up to the mirrea 48 inch with 3680 lumens. If you are on a tight budget or renting, the Westinghouse chrome bar or Benreom wireless option both deliver strong value without breaking the bank. Use the sizing guide and Kelvin explainer above to match the right fixture to your mirror width, ceiling height, and design style. Whichever option you pick, you will get noticeably better vanity lighting than the builder-grade fixture you are replacing.