Do You Need a Vanity Light with a Lighted Mirror?

These days, your bathroom can do a lot more than hold a sink, a mirror, and a toilet. With bidets that enhance hygiene, LED mirrors that light up your reflection perfectly, and subtle design upgrades everywhere you look, it’s quickly becoming one of the most high-tech spaces in the house.

But between smart features, sleek designs, and the rise of integrated lighting, homeowners are starting to ask a very reasonable question: do you need a vanity light with an LED mirror?

It’s a good one — and the answer depends on a few key things.

The lighted-mirror question comes up a lot during bathroom remodels — and for good reason. LED mirrors are sleek, energy-efficient, and packed with modern features.

But are LED mirrors worth it and also bright enough to light your entire bathroom on their own? Or do you still need traditional vanity lighting for tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or setting the right mood?

Let’s take a closer look at the differences, benefits, and when each type of lighting makes the most sense.

LED Mirror vs Vanity Lights: What’s the Best Bathroom Lighting Setup?

Before we dive into design decisions, let’s get a little clearer (a little mirror pun for you) about what we’re comparing.

A lighted bathroom mirror—also known as an LED vanity mirror—is a reflective surface with built-in LED lights. These can be front-lit or backlit and are often designed to reduce shadows, illuminate the face evenly, and integrate extras like dimmers, defoggers, and even motion sensors.

You can use them to apply makeup or trim your nose hairs. Whatever you like, really. The key is getting the clarity and illumination you need out of your mirror.

Vanity lights, on the other hand, are separate fixtures typically installed above or beside a bathroom mirror. They offer more traditional lighting setups, with the option to select bulb types, fixture styles, and light direction.

As with LED vanity mirrors, they’re here to help you get ready in the morning or for an evening out on the town. But comparing the two, here’s how they stack up:

LED mirrors can often replace vanity lights for functional tasks like basic grooming. Vanity lights, meanwhile, are often more about decorative lighting or adding warmth through layered design.

Is a Lighted Mirror Enough Light for a Bathroom?

If you’re wondering is a lighted mirror enough light for a bathroom?, the short answer is: it depends. (Sorry. A bit of a cop-out. But it’s true.) 

Before choosing between a lighted mirror and additional vanity lighting, think about a few key factors:

• How bright the mirror is (measured in lumens)
• How big your bathroom is
• How much natural light the space already gets

In general, a good LED mirror should put out at least 500-1,000 lumens. That’s typically enough brightness for smaller bathrooms and most medium-sized ones too.

But if your bathroom is on the larger side, or doesn’t get much daylight, it’s probably a good idea to add some overhead or ambient lighting.

Layering different light sources helps prevent dark corners and keeps the room feeling balanced. That’s especially true in spaces over 75 square feet.

Some models, like those from Electric Mirror, are built with dimmable controls and strong, even light. With the right setup, a quality LED mirror can absolutely stand on its own for daily routines like shaving, applying makeup, or getting ready for the day.

Why LED Vanity Mirrors Are Becoming the New Standard

LED mirrors are rising in popularity for a reason. They’re convenient. They combine mirror, lighting, and smart features into a single streamlined unit.

This makes them especially attractive in modern or minimalist bathroom designs where clutter is your ancient enemy.

Some of the biggest benefits of LED vanity mirrors lights include:

• ✅ Space-saving: No need for bulky overhead fixtures.
• ✅ Built-in technology: Many mirrors come with features like Bluetooth speakers, anti-fog capabilities, and motion-sensor activation.
• ✅ Easy touch controls: No switches required.
• ✅ Energy-efficient and long-lasting: LED bulbs can last for years with minimal energy use.

Their versatility makes them a smart pick for guest bathrooms, powder rooms, and primary baths alike. In fact, if you’re just a fan of versatility in general, you’ll probably like these benefits because there’s a whole range of uses that you can squeeze out of these products.

Explore LED Mirrors Now!

Choosing the Right Setup for Your Space

So how do you know if a lighted mirror will be enough, or if you still need vanity lights? Here’s a quick breakdown based on your bathroom layout and lighting needs:

When a Lighted Mirror Is Enough:

• Your bathroom is under 75 square feet
• You have good natural light or existing overhead ambient lighting
• You prefer a clean, minimalist aesthetic
• You’re using a high-lumen, dimmable LED mirror

When to Add Vanity Lights:

• You have a large or wide vanity (especially double sinks)
• You want to create mood lighting or a layered lighting effect
• Your mirror has lower brightness or limited lighting zones
• Your space lacks overhead lighting or windows

In short? Smaller, well-lit spaces usually do just fine with an LED mirror alone. Larger or more complex layouts benefit from the extra boost and ambiance vanity lights can provide.

It all comes down to your personal preference, your budget, and just what kind of bathroom you imagine you’ll end up with when everything is installed.

Speaking of which…

Installation and Practical Tips

Once you’ve decided on your lighting setup, the next step is to think about installation.

Lighted mirrors? They can be either plug-in or hardwired.

Plug-in models are easier to install but require access to an outlet. Hardwired mirrors offer a cleaner, more integrated look. Just keep in mind that they often require a licensed electrician for safe installation.

Here are a few other tips to keep your mirror setup functional and safe:

✅ Mounting height matters: The ideal height places the center of the mirror around eye level—typically 60 inches from the floor, but adjust based on your household’s needs.

✅ Avoiding moisture buildup: While most LED mirrors are designed for bathroom use, it’s still wise to clean regularly and keep vents open to reduce humidity.

✅ Using dimmers smartly: Adjustable lighting makes a big difference for multi-use spaces like master baths. Bright for grooming, soft for soaking in the tub.

Final Verdict: Are Vanity Lights Necessary with a Lighted Mirror?

So are vanity lights necessary? Not always.

Most modern LED mirrors provide more than enough light for everyday grooming and bathroom tasks. They’re sleek, efficient, and packed with modern features that traditional vanity lights just can’t match.

That said, vanity lights still have their place in today’s world. They’re helpful in larger bathrooms, when you need more ambient or decorative lighting, or when your lighted mirror doesn’t provide sufficient brightness.

Here’s a quick summary to guide your decision:

Still unsure which setup is right for your bathroom?

Browse our Electric Mirror LED Collection or contact us at 707-297-3991 for expert advice. Whether you’re upgrading a powder room or designing a spa-worthy master bath, we’re here to help you choose the perfect mirror lighting solution.

Brighten up Your Bathroom!