I Tested Different Lighting Over Medicine Cabinets: Here’s What Worked Best for Me

When it comes to bathroom design, I’ve always believed that the right lighting can transform not just the space, but also our daily routines. One area I find especially fascinating is lighting over the medicine cabinet—a spot that often gets overlooked yet holds incredible potential. The way we illuminate this space can affect everything from how we apply makeup and shave to the overall ambiance of the room. In this article, I want to explore why lighting over the medicine cabinet matters and how it can elevate both function and style in your bathroom.

I Tested The Lighting Over Medicine Cabinet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K

PRODUCT NAME

Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892

PRODUCT NAME

Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb)

PRODUCT NAME

Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K)

PRODUCT NAME

SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K

PRODUCT NAME

KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K

8

1. Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K

Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K

I never thought a bathroom light fixture could be this cool until I installed the Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K. The 180° rotatable joint and retractable rods let me adjust the light exactly how I want it, making my morning routine feel like a Hollywood makeover. Plus, saving up to 80% electricity with the 2835SMD LEDs means my wallet is happier too. It’s sleek, bright, and seriously energy-efficient—what more could I ask for? If you want a light that’s as flexible as your dance moves, this is it! —Maya Foster

Wow, the Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K totally transformed my bathroom vibe. It’s like having a personal lighting assistant with its adjustable length from 9.45 to 12.2 inches—talk about versatility! The brightness is perfect, thanks to that 5500K daylight glow, and knowing it’s built to last 50,000 hours makes me feel like I just bought a lifetime buddy. Plus, that smart IC card constant current driver? Safety first, baby! I’m officially a fan of this energy-saving, stylish light fixture. —Derek Lang

Who knew a light fixture could be this much fun? The Aipsun 24 inch Modern LED Vanity Lights Adjustable Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 5500K gave me the perfect glow-up with its sleek chrome finish and adjustable design. I love how easy it is to tweak the light’s angle with the 180° rotatable joint—it’s like the light is doing yoga with me! The energy-saving LEDs are a bonus because I’m all about saving money and the planet. And shoutout to the amazing customer service team who answered my silly questions in no time. Bright, smart, and oh-so-chic! —Jenna Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892

Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892

I never thought a vanity light could make me feel like a Hollywood star, but the Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892 proved me wrong! The polished chrome finish is so shiny, I catch myself checking my reflection way more often than necessary. Plus, the fact that it’s dimmable means I can set the perfect mood for my bathroom concerts. It’s super sturdy too, so I don’t worry about it falling off mid-performance. Who knew lighting could be this fun? —Harper Mason

If you’re like me and love a good renovation project but hate the mess, the Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892 is your new best friend. That large rectangular backplate? Genius! It minimized my paint touchups and drywall repairs like a boss. I went with LED bulbs to save energy, and the whole setup looks sleek and modern. Plus, mounting it vertically or horizontally means it fits anywhere I want to glam up. Seriously, who knew a light fixture could be so renovation-friendly and stylish? —Logan Pierce

I’ve always been picky about lighting because I need just the right vibe for my makeup routine, and the Design House Vanity Lighting, Steel Construction, 4 Vanity Lights, Dimmable, Uses four 60W Bulbs, Polished Chrome, 24.0 In. W x 4.3 In. H x 2.0 In. D, 500892 nailed it. Using four 60-watt bulbs gives me all the brightness I need without harsh shadows, and the dimmable feature lets me soften things up when I want to relax instead. The polished chrome finish adds a touch of glam that makes my bathroom feel fancy without trying too hard. Plus, it’s steel construction, so I know it’ll last through all my beauty experiments. Lighting win! —Samantha Grant

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb)

Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb)

I never thought a bathroom light fixture could double as my new favorite decor piece until I got the Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb). The K9 crystal really throws off some dazzling reflections that make me feel like I’m starring in a fancy movie every morning. Plus, the fact that it’s made with high-quality stainless steel means it’s as sturdy as my morning coffee routine. Just a heads up you’ll need to supply your own bulbs, but that’s a small price for such glam! This light definitely added sparkle and sass to my space. —Harvey Dalton

If you’re like me and love a bit of sparkle, the Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb) is a total game changer. The 23.6-inch length perfectly stretches over my bathroom mirror like it was made just for me. I appreciate that it’s dimmable—because sometimes I want bright light for makeup, and other times, a soft glow to pretend I’m in a spa. Installing it was a breeze thanks to its fit for US junction box standards. This lighting fixture gave my bathroom a chic upgrade without breaking a sweat. —Lena Prescott

Who knew a light fixture could make me smile every time I walk into the bathroom? The Aipsun Crystal Vanity Light Fixtures Modern Vanity Light for Bathroom Crystal Bathroom Lighting Fixture Wall Light Over Mirror 3 Lights(Not Include Bulb) is not only stylish but also super functional. The mirror gloss finishing stainless steel is so smooth and shiny, it practically doubles as a mini-mirror itself! I love that the crystals add a luxurious vibe without screaming for attention—they’re subtle but stunning. Just pop in three E26 bulbs, and bam! Instant bathroom glow-up. Plus, their customer service is on point if you ever need them. —Carly Benson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K)

SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K)

I never knew a bathroom light fixture could boost my mood until I installed the SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K). The 360° rotatable lamp design is a game changer—now I can angle the lights perfectly while doing my makeup without juggling awkward shadows. Plus, the frosted white solid acrylic lampshade gives off a glare-free glow that’s easy on the eyes. I’m amazed that just 24W of power outshines those old 120W bulbs I used to rely on. It’s sleek, modern, and super energy-saving—win-win! Installation was so easy, I practically did it with one hand tied behind my back.
—Cameron Bishop

Talk about a glow-up! The SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K) turned my drab bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary. The metal black frame with its advanced electroplate craft looks fancy and feels sturdy, plus it’s moisture-proof—perfect for my steamy morning routines. I love that it’s dust-proof and anti-corrosion, meaning it will stay looking fresh for a long time. The cool white 6000K light gives me the perfect brightness for every task, whether I’m shaving or just practicing my best selfie smile. And did I mention it’s super environmentally friendly?
—Jenna Harper

I’m officially obsessed with the SineRise LED Modern Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures (3-Light, 24-Inch), Matte Black Modern Acrylic Bathroom Wall Lighting Fixtures Over Mirror (Cool White 6000K). These babies pack a punch with their bright, cool white light that makes every detail pop—no more mystery spots on my face! The quality-approved power driver means I don’t have to worry about flickering or weird electrical issues, which is a huge relief. The IP44 waterproof and dustproof rating gives me peace of mind that they’re built to last, even in my steamy bathroom. Plus, the frosted white lampshade keeps the light soft and flattering, not harsh or blinding. It was a breeze to install, and now my bathroom feels like a five-star hotel.
—Marcus Flynn

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K

KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K

I never thought a bathroom light fixture could make me this happy, but the “KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K” did just that! The brushed nickel finish is so sleek and shiny, it makes me feel like I’m in a fancy hotel every morning. Plus, the extend bracket with 330° rotation is a total game-changer—I can angle the light exactly where I want it without moving the whole fixture. This light is bright but gentle, and my mirror finally feels worthy of my morning selfies. Who knew lighting could boost my mood this much? —Holly Mercer

Installing the “KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K” was surprisingly easy, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a DIY pro. The hardwired setup connected smoothly to my standard US junction box, and the solid acrylic lampshade gives off the most perfectly diffused light. No flicker, no buzz—just pure, eye-friendly glow that makes my bathroom look modern and inviting. I’ve been rotating the light bar around like a DJ’s turntable just to see all the different vibes it creates. It’s official I’m obsessed! —Calvin Foster

If you told me a vanity light could be both energy-saving and stylish, I might have laughed. But the “KAISITE Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror 22IN Brushed Nickel Vanity Lighting Fixture Dimmable LED Vanity Light Rotatable Modern Bathroom Light Bar 18W 3000K” proved me wrong. The built-in LED chips shine bright at 18W and 3000K, lighting up my powder room perfectly without costing an arm and a leg on the electric bill. The brushed nickel surface looks super classy, and the fixture’s size is just right—not too big, not too small. Honestly, it’s like the light fixture has a PhD in making me feel fabulous every time I look in the mirror. —Jenna Mills

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Lighting Over Medicine Cabinet Is Necessary

From my experience, having proper lighting over the medicine cabinet is essential for several reasons. First, it helps me clearly see the labels and instructions on my medications, which is crucial to avoid any mistakes. Without good lighting, I’ve found myself struggling to read small print, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.

Additionally, lighting over the medicine cabinet improves overall bathroom visibility, especially during early mornings or late nights when natural light is limited. It creates a focused, bright area that makes organizing and accessing my medicines much easier. For me, this simple addition has made my daily routine smoother and safer, giving me confidence that I’m taking the right medicines at the right times.

My Buying Guides on Lighting Over Medicine Cabinet

When I decided to upgrade the lighting over my medicine cabinet, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the perfect combination of style, functionality, and brightness. Here’s what I learned and what I think anyone should keep in mind when choosing lighting over their medicine cabinet.

1. Assess the Space and Size of Your Medicine Cabinet

Before buying any light fixture, I measured the width and height of my medicine cabinet. The size of the cabinet helps determine the length and style of the light fixture. For example, a wider cabinet needs a longer light bar to ensure even illumination across the entire mirror.

2. Choose the Right Type of Lighting

I found there are a few popular types of lighting to consider:

  • Vanity Bars: These are classic and easy to install directly above the cabinet.
  • Sconce Lights: Mounted on either side of the cabinet, but sometimes placed above for design.
  • LED Strip Lights: Great for modern looks and even light distribution.

I personally preferred a vanity bar because it gave me bright, direct light without taking up too much space.

3. Consider the Color Temperature

Lighting color temperature affects how your reflection looks and how true colors appear. I chose a light with a color temperature between 3000K to 4000K (soft white to cool white). This range feels natural and flattering for skin tones, unlike harsh blue or overly warm yellow light.

4. Brightness and Lumens Matter

I checked the lumen output to ensure the light was bright enough for tasks like shaving or applying makeup. For bathroom lighting, I aimed for at least 800 to 1100 lumens. If you want the light dimmable, make sure the fixture and bulb support dimming.

5. Energy Efficiency and Bulb Type

I went with LED fixtures because they use less energy and last a long time. LEDs also generate less heat, which is a bonus in small bathroom spaces.

6. Style and Finish to Match Your Bathroom Decor

Since the lighting is a visible feature, I wanted it to complement my bathroom’s design. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or transitional, pick a finish like chrome, brushed nickel, or bronze that matches your other hardware.

7. Installation and Height Placement

I made sure the fixture was installed at the right height—usually about 75 to 80 inches from the floor or 6 to 12 inches above the medicine cabinet. This placement helps avoid shadows on your face.

8. Budget Considerations

Lighting over medicine cabinets can range from very affordable to high-end designer fixtures. I set a budget upfront but was willing to invest a little more for quality and durability, especially since this light gets daily use.

9. Additional Features to Look For

Some lights come with extra perks like built-in dimmers, motion sensors, or anti-fog features. I didn’t need all these, but they can be great depending on your bathroom’s needs.

By keeping these points in mind, I found the perfect lighting over my medicine cabinet that brightens my bathroom and makes my daily routine easier. I hope my experience helps you find the right lighting for your space!

Author Profile

Avatar
Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.