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BathroomsRenovating my House

Maria’s Bathroom Renovation Plans: Lighting and Vanity Design

So I’m pressed for time, the demolition of both my main bathroom and master bathroom starts on July 10 and the electrician is coming July 12 to do all the wiring, this means I need to order my lighting ASAP.

I’m installing wall sconces with shades in both bathrooms because I like the soft light from fabric shades the best.  If you have a steamy bathroom, fabric shades are not recommended, but I am willing to replace them if and when necessary.

My master bathroom only has a tub, and I don’t bathe that often (though that might change when I have a new bathroom). I love to bathe, but I dislike our current bathroom so much that you’ll only find me in the bath if I’m sick, cold or really tired.

I’m installing a thin round brass mirror in the master bathroom with sconces on both sides.

I really liked this 34″ mirror from Lamps Plus (above) because the frame was more visual but it’s sold out (and deleted from their site so more is not on the horizon). Probably because Kate from Centsational Girl included it on a round up she did on thin framed round mirrors.

I spent all morning looking for another one and this 36″ (below) is the closest I could find (actually Jan Romanuk who is my kitchen/bath designer, project manager found it for me). If anyone has any leads on a mirror similar to this one (above), let me know! It drives me crazy when I CLEARLY insert in the search bars, 34″ or 36″ round mirror and you get EVERY mirror any given site is selling. What is the point of the search bar?? Aaaaaaaack. . . can you tell I’m getting a little tired of searching!

Maybe I’m missing the search gene. There must be a trick to it.

 

{source} CB2

I’m getting two of these for either side of the round mirror. My vanity will be turquoise to relate to my master bedroom colours.

Circa Lighting

 

Then I will have a chandelier above my tub that I still need to choose. I always wait until the very last minute to choose for myself because I need to ensure I’ve seen every single option out there.

I would be cranky if I had not turned over every stone and suddenly see something else that I like better. It’s a good thing I have a blog, otherwise renos and other decorating projects would probably take longer.

Speaking of time, Jan can make a bathroom renovation happen inside a month.

This is generally how it works:

First, everything has to be ready, delivered and on on-site, the day the renovation starts. All my plumbing was ordered on June 2.

Your countertop cannot be measured unless your sink is on-site. The inside edge has to be polished, sometimes the countertop people need the sink delivered to them.

First, the demolition happens, which is 2-5 days depending in how big your renovation is.  Then the electrical (or plumbing doesn’t matter which order), in my case we have new plugs, recessed lighting as well as sconce lights, we have to break up the drywall in order to run wires.

Now that I’ve been looking at bathroom lighting on Pinterest, you can tell by the sconce installation (and often the mirror too) that it was either not on-site when the wiring was completed or it was chosen later and the sconce is either too high or too low or the mirror is too big or too small.

Then the rough-ins for the plumbing take place, after that all the drywall repair needs to happen before the tile or anything else gets installed.

When you work with a project manager like Jan who runs a really tight ship, her trades know when she says “Be here Wednesday” that everything will be ready, so they are more likely to show up.

Without this, if you are managing your renovation yourself, the trades will say things like “Oh you told me to be there Wednesday but I didn’t think you’d be ready until Monday so I’m working on another job and I’ll be there next Thursday”.

My countertops will be installed 4 or 5 days after they are measured because Jan has a relationship with her guys, and they will work to make her happy to ensure she keeps them as her countertop supplier.

That is why most renovations take way longer than they should. On your own, no trade or supplier is going out of their way to make sure you are happy because you are a one-off job for them.

I will write a better post about plumbing and electrical later with Jan, she’s the expert.

Okay, so this is what’s happening in the master bath:

Before

This is what the master looked like when we took possession 5 years ago (above). The only thing I’ve done is paint the walls, change the towel rods and switch out the bar light. Otherwise, this beauty looks the same.

If anyone needs two gently used vanities from the 80’s for a basement bathroom, contact me 🙂

The bulkhead you see covers up a pipe from the fireplace in the family room which is located on the other side of this bathroom. I would have liked to drywall over all of it and eliminate the bulkhead but this would make the walls on the bay window uneven on both sides, so the bulkhead stays, but at least it will look intentional with lights in it.

This is the main bathroom (below). I spent more time decorating this room because it’s the one guests use. Plus how can you really hide that monster 80s tub in my bathroom? Not possible.

This is essentially Terreeia’s bathroom (below), there’s only two of us so she gets ready here, but I shower here because we only have a tub in the master bath.

 I’m not installing a shower in my master bathroom because it wouldn’t look as good because the longest wall is essentially a bay window. And NO ONE and I mean NO ONE is going to walk into this house when we sell it (as ridiculously over-decorated as it is) and NOT buy it because there is no shower here, so I’m not renovating with re-sale in mind.

My bathrooms will be classic and timeless enough by the time I’m done with them.

Here the radiator will also be replaced with Nuheat flooring (above). Currently there is a bad, pink beige tub/shower surround insert that you can’t see on the left side, we will be turning it into a walk-in shower instead.

I really hate this tower (above) and wanted to eliminate it, but we need a space to store towels, so Jan designed a vanity with two towers instead (below).

Both vanities will be manufactured by Quality Cabinet

By the way, if you have a bathroom in your house with no natural light, install a small table lamp on the countertop. This light is always on during the day so that when we walk by this bathroom, it’s not just a dark hole. You can get a glimpse of Terreeia’s office on the other side of the hall.

Related post: Tour my House; Learn the 6 Best Ways to Transition Colour

This single tower in this bathroom (below) is a way nicer design than mine. And it helps that it’s current of course.

via Pinterest

Here’s another vanity with two towers (below):

via Pinterest

Okay so I liked the Kate Spade sconces right away with the bows. That was easy for me to decide. Sconces for Terreeia’s bathroom, much harder.

There will be a small scale tile in Carrara with a black accent in this bathroom with a black countertop so I’m repeating the black again in the sconce lights.

Here are the lights I am thinking about, I need you to vote, this will help me decide.

Light #1

Circa Lighting

This light is in lots of bathrooms all over Pinterest because it’s got a simple, classic shape, I like the slightly tapered shade and the price point is really good.

Since my sconce lights will also be installed on a mirror, it’s something you’ll see four times instead of two. It has to be pretty.

Here it is in polished nickel:

Via Pinterest

Light #2

Circa Lighting

I like this one because it’s thin and it’s installed close to the wall or in my case, mirror.

Light #3

Bellacor

Light #4

Hudson Valley – Glenford

Light #5

Bellacor Lighting

This one is nice too! Looks like an oval shade, it’s 7″ wide so it would be a good size on either side of such a wide vanity with a single sink. Ack too many decisions!!

Light #6

Circa Lighting

By the way, I’m over looking for black. EVERYTHING is ‘bronze’, STILL. It’s like when I was looking for entry lighting five years ago. I wanted black, everything I liked was bronze, finally the lighting salesperson just looked at me and said “Maria, blink twice really fast and it’ll be black”.

And she was totally right. My entry fixture looks black to me.

Okay so last but not least, my powder room (below). The flooring is the same as what’s throughout my house and the toilet is new so the only thing that needs to be replaced is the vanity, mirror and lighting. I will install white penny tile on the splash going all the way up the ceiling. And it’s a narrow room, so the lighting has to be carefully considered.

I like this collection of globe pendants (below) but there’s no source for this light (below):

BHG

West Elm

These pendants come in singles or a grouping of 3 or 7. To get the look in the inspiration image, I’d need to install them separately in a row.

Coastal Living

Another option for a narrow powder room is to install sconce lighting on either side of the wall. I won’t be installing shiplap in my house, just sayin. You definitely have to measure how far the sconce lights stick out if you’re going for this look.

 

via Pinterest

If you have the traditional electrical box above your mirror like this image (above) this kind of light is a little more updated than a bar light. But it’s not super bright because it’s only one light.

Schoolhouse Lighting

I like this light with the black and white wallpaper, something to consider for my powder room.

If you need more light then I would choose this one with the fabric shades. You can get it in other finishes with 3 or 4 lights if you need one for a main bath, not just a powder.

Bellacor Lighting

Okay so, please vote on which sconce light I should order for the main bathroom.  More posts on this renovation will be coming.

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118 Comments

  • KMW says:

    Love, love, love number one, the others are a little “off” to me. The black tape on the shade is a perfect touch, considering the black accents and counter top. Good luck.

  • Ann says:

    In case you’re still interested, the cluster of globe pendants you spotted on Pinterest (the photo sixth from the bottom in this post) may be this fixture: The Firefly Pendant Light from CB2.

  • Anne says:

    Light number 3! Elegant!

  • Gail says:

    I vote for sconce #1 for your main bathroom. It is beautiful.

  • Diana McLean says:

    Hi Maria
    In order not to go crazy when you google, put parenthesis around what you are searching. This truly does help cull out a lot of stuff.
    Just a suggestion, when you put in an “only tub” in your bathroom, surround with subway tile and then have a European style handle so if someone wants to hold it for standing and rinsing off, it works great, also for shampooing your hair. Fell in love with this idea in Europe. Of course, the best idea is a drain in the floor, wouldn’t that be wonderful.

    • Maria Killam says:

      Hi Diana, I meant searching actual suppliers sites. . . you go into wayfair and insert 34″ round mirror and you simply get all the sizes. . . Maria

  • Diana McLean says:

    Sorry Maria, I meant “quotation marks” around search.

  • Karen says:

    My vote for your bathroom is Sconce #1 or Sconce #5.

    Maria, I love your newsletters! I’ve recommended you to two friends already and I’ve only registered myself this week.

  • Martha Hughes says:

    I like the #1 light option. To me it looks more balanced than the electrical box on the bottom and the light sticking up higher. If I knew I had to switch out the shades, I would pick a shade shape that would be easier to find later.

  • KATHYSUE says:

    I vote for the Thomas O’Brien Bryant fixture, I have it in my home in my great room and I also used it in a clients home in the nickel, both are simple, elegant and seem to go with just about anything you put them with,nice clean lines. ♥♥♥ mine.

  • Andrew says:

    After staying at a hotel with an illuminated bathroom mirror, I would consider it mandatory.

    It looks a bit futuristic when turned on, but it’s very handy for tweezing and (I assume) applying makeup. It’s basically mimicking a ring light, which is flattering for selfies, too 🙂

    When it’s turned off it looks like a normal mirror, because the lights are behind the trick mirror.

    There are also illuminated mirrors where the lights are behind the entire mirror structure, but those are pointed at the wall, not at your face. It’s a pretty effect, but not as functional.

    example:
    https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fghar360.com%2Fblogs%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F224.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fghar360.com%2Fblogs%2Flighting%2Fbacklit-bathroom-mirrors&docid=G5ls_cT1ZpLUAM&tbnid=P3_3sz84i9R9IM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwjS_uGjm9zUAhUCSz4KHdKgAto4yAEQMwgXKBUwFQ..i&w=736&h=552&bih=1103&biw=1909&q=illuminated%20bathroom%20mirrors&ved=0ahUKEwjS_uGjm9zUAhUCSz4KHdKgAto4yAEQMwgXKBUwFQ&iact=mrc&uact=8

    Here’s one where the lights aren’t behind the mirror, just surrounding it, covered in frosted glass:
    https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fghar360.com%2Fblogs%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F224.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fghar360.com%2Fblogs%2Flighting%2Fbacklit-bathroom-mirrors&docid=G5ls_cT1ZpLUAM&tbnid=P3_3sz84i9R9IM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwjS_uGjm9zUAhUCSz4KHdKgAto4yAEQMwgXKBUwFQ..i&w=736&h=552&bih=1103&biw=1909&q=illuminated%20bathroom%20mirrors&ved=0ahUKEwjS_uGjm9zUAhUCSz4KHdKgAto4yAEQMwgXKBUwFQ&iact=mrc&uact=8

  • Lucy HAINES says:

    Wow what a chore and so many decisions! I like sconce #5 for its simplicity and great with your floors. It is flat enough so you wont feel like you are bumping into it. Whatever you do will look great! I like all of your choices so far. Good luck!

  • Kathi says:

    Number 1 light is my first choice-Number 2 light second choice- I like the sleekness of #1- It is not a focal point, it won’t take away from the mirror-kind of loving those multi-globe lights- that bathroom looks quite festive!

  • Dee says:

    Hi Maria,
    I haven’t read through your entire post yet (will sit down tonight and devour it, haha) … but I wanted to share links to these round, brass-framed mirrors (30″ and 48″) from West Elm which are very similar to the one you crave — on sale now and “Safe for use in a residential bathroom” … I think they might have even been referenced in Kate’s post:
    https://www.westelm.com/products/metal-framed-mirror-circle-w1612/?pkey=e%7Cround%2Bmirror%7C64%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH
    https://www.westelm.com/products/metal-framed-oversized-round-mirror-rose-gold-w2105/?pkey=e%7Cround%2Bmirror%7C64%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH
    Options include antique brass, rose gold, and brushed nickel.

    I couldn’t find any round, brass mirrors at Pottery Barn but Rejuvenation has this one:
    https://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/collections/classic-framed-mirror-round/products/5939dbc078f2f266b77d97d8
    So excited you’re finally getting the bathrooms of your dreams!

    • Kathy says:

      https://www.westelm.com/products/modern-hanging-mirror-oversized-w2736/?cm_src=AutoRel for West Elm is 36″ (the links above are 30 and 48 inches) and it can be hung without the strap. Now $100 off for $299.

      I have pretty good luck with Google image searches too, and Pinterest has a similar pin function as well–might find source in another pin. And using quotation marks around your search terms usually helps narrow things down too. Sometimes it is best to only put quotes around the most important terms, and to try different keyword combinations. Some sites are better than others in this respect. Size limitation are the hardest because dimensions can be ” in, in. or inches, hyphenated, or even metric or .x feet, and very close items, say 34″ as your example instead of 36″ wouldn’t come up. Sometimes you have to back up and clear the cashe or delete the history to start over.

  • Gail M says:

    Light #3 gets my vote.

  • PMK says:

    36″ round mirror
    https://www.wayfair.ca/Umbra-Hub-Wall-Mirror-UMB2718.html
    Several more round mirrors on this site.

  • Shawna says:

    #1 would be my first choice followed by #3. I also like #5, but would be concerned that finding oval replacement shades could be difficult. If the proportions of #5 would work better than #1 I’d be tempted to order spare shades with the fixtures just to be safe.

  • Wilma Longman says:

    Hi Maria: Nothing like remodeling, exciting times! I like #1 sconce with your two tower vanity. The round mounting plate is a nice counterpoint to all the rectangles of the vanity and the fixture itself is well balanced vertically. I am absolutely sure whatever you choose will be great!

  • Vicki Kennedy says:

    I would have to vote for either sconces one or three!

  • sandyc says:

    Been waiting for this serious start to your bathroom renovations, Maria. My own reno will be on a much smaller scale but I’m looking for inspiration and I’ve already got some today. My guest bath off the hallway to the bedroom is the dark hole of Calcutta and I’ve been using a small lamp in there for a while – finally found something in the right color so I’m good there. Also, I do have the electrical box above the mirror in both baths and my budget situation says they going to stay (at least in the master). So thanks for that pic of the Bellacor bar fixture with the two lamp shades that also comes in three. I love the controlled bling on this fixture. My 1980’s “master bath” is that dreaded 6’ wide niche open off the bedroom with carpet right up to the vanity (gone when I get my new flooring). Can’t close that area off so I’ve decided to embrace and grace it and have it make a statement. This light fixture could be the perfect finishing touch.

    Regarding the sconces, I like #1 from Circa Lighting the best – it somehow seems just right for your description of the room with the tile and countertop. One question, however: Since this is Terreeia’s bathroom, which sconce does Terreeia like?

    • Maria Killam says:

      She looks at me and says “Whatever you like hon, I just want more light in that bathroom”. The perfect spouse for a decorator!
      Maria

  • Stephanie Nagel says:

    For what it’s worth, I love light #1. Can’t wait to see after photos. I know it will be beautiful.

  • Carol says:

    The sconces on the side walls are so different. That’s the way to go. A real conversation piece.

  • diane says:

    When you say “timeless” does that mean the cabinets will be white and the floor a marble?
    thx!
    Diane

  • mrsben says:

    Favourite sconce is #2 but much would depend upon other lighting within the room, namely because they will be positioned upwards, installed on a mirror and presumably be positioned in accordance with ‘your (barefoot ?) height’ in order to be functional/purposeful but perhaps not so much to someone else. (Please forgive Maria, but I am D/C personality … °Û° … so I can’t help myself and hopefully I don’t sound like I am being critical.) Secondly re searching; I have found by often clicking on a photo; the google search engine will give you the option to ‘search google for image’ / ‘visually search images’ / ‘sub titles to choose from’. Last but least, re ordering from B**lacor; highly recommend that you read the reviews as myself was not impressed with their customer servicing. Good luck on your hunt as after renovating four bathrooms, I can relate to the challenges you are facing. -Brenda-
    P.S.: Re the cluster/clear/globe lighting; try Copy Cat Chic Blog as she may have something listed. Know I have seen a grouping of three; finish in black. Source — Walmart of all places (@$154.70 US currency) but can’t vouch for the quality. Description was UPTOWN -3 light glass modern clear globe if that helps.

    • mrsben says:

      Maria, forgot to mention if searching Copy Cat Chic’s Blog; search with the word ’round up’. i.e.: Copy Cat Chic Blog – cluster lighting roundup or round mirror round up etc. Usually there are least twenty pages to scroll through. -Brenda-

  • Gina says:

    Light #1

  • Karen says:

    Hi Maria,
    I’m neutral on your light fixtures as far as which one is best, but I did have a visceral reaction to using black for something that hangs that high on the wall. I feel a black fixture will “date” your bathroom. This is an opinion from someone who loves black touches in her home and who wears black often!

  • Miranda says:

    I vote for light # 1!!! Classic and simple.

  • Susan Dahlstrom says:

    For your Master Bathroom lighting I was really drawn to Light No. 2 – in the gold finish. I felt it was classic yet felt a touch modern with the loop knot. Also, it looks like it will not stick out from the wall too far. Whatever you choose will be gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the rest of your picks! I had to laugh at the cabinets in your Main bathroom…we still have the exact same ones in our Laundry Room, including that huge tower cabinet; our house was built in 1987! The Laundry room is the last room in the house that I have not remodeled, but it’s on my “to do” list!

  • Kimberly says:

    I love sconce #1. Simply elegant. Looking forward to seeing all the finishes in place – sounds lovely!

  • Barbara says:

    Funny how styles from the 1960s are considered current now….

  • Kathy says:

    Regarding the powder room, I assume your toilet is across from the sink/mirror and lighting. I personally don’t like sitting on the “pot” and seeing the insides of the light fixture which would occur if you choose a sconce with the shade unless the shade fits into the sconce.
    Also I would not choose the clear glass hanging bulbs – they look like a maintenance nightmare to me. They would always be dusty and require cleaning more than other choices.
    I like all the sconces you have selected for the master bath, just be aware of what happened to me. I had to have my installer put a piece of tile on the wall under then scone (kinda like a frame) because they did not project far enough away from the wall and were touching it. Looks great though – kinda like I designed it that way! But my fav is Number 1
    Regarding wanting black – you could always spray paint them matte black. My painter sprayed my shiny brass piano lights with a silver paint and they look great. Just saying….

  • Susan says:

    I think Studio McGee’s shop has several round mirrors, but am not sure of the size. It’s worth a try…Think I’ve also seen them at Wisteria, but may have been in the store..

  • MJM says:

    Sconce #2.
    I like the smaller escutcheon plate and the candle detail.

  • Kim says:

    I can’t wait to see your finished bathroom renovations, Maria! I have an 80’s bathroom that I want to renovate but must save up some money to do it the way I want. Here’s my thoughts on your lighting:
    Main bathroom:
    #1 my favorite; love that the black is repeated at the top and bottom of the shade, it looks balanced and elegant
    #3 is a bit more edgy looking
    #5 with the oval shade is very nice too
    Powder room:
    Love the look of sconces on both sides but then where would you put a towel bar? Plus I think the lighting on either side of your face would be more flattering and even.

  • Betty says:

    I vote for light #2; a bit more unique…just like you.

  • Sandra says:

    light #1 and light # 3 – polished nickel
    but the best lighting is the large side mounted sconce on shiplap in Coastal Living

    polished nickel is more light reflective – and softer

    good luck – plans look great !

  • Jenny Golay says:

    Light #5 (Bellacor Lighting) is my favorite although they’re all nice. I just saw polished nickel fixtures at Pottery Barn that are very attractive and sort of look like sterling.

  • Catherine says:

    Studio McGee has an Earhart mirror that is 36″ and meets you specs. It looks lovely.

  • I’m getting ready for bathroom makeovers as well, so great timing! I vote for #2, I love the loop. It’s unusual and whimsical to me. Don’t feel bad about outdated bathrooms, my powder room has a deep rose colored countertop and sink! The cabinet and wainscot are olive green, and the walls are a lighter khaki green. Actually, it works since they’re all muted and earthy, it’s just not my choice. Want to lighten it all up!

  • Fran W. says:

    I vote for light #2. Interesting and elegant. Hope the bathroom renovations go very smoothly! I can’t wait to see the ‘after’ photos!

  • Lisa B says:

    Well, I was thinking of new lighting for my MBR and I’m in love with the ribbon sconces! Great choice. As for Terreeia’s bathroom, number 3 is by far my favorite. Good luck! This is very exciting all at once.

  • Brenda says:

    Wait, what? Did I read above that one of your vanities will be turquoise? To relate with your master bedroom colours? Do you mean that the actual bathroom vanity will be painted turquoise? Or just the walls? Was this a little trick inserted in there to see if people are reading closely? I am just in shock because I would have been certain that you would be going with all white cabinetry… What if you get sick of turquoise? What if your master bedroom colours change! The horror! Actually, I am writing a little tongue in cheek, but I did have to read that sentence twice… please clarify!

  • Christine says:

    I love number 6!!

  • sue says:

    Maria,
    The best towers I ever saw were in the master bathroom of an AIRBnB we rented last year for a reunion. There were windows on all four sides of the towers. Yep…I said all FOUR sides. You could see outside through them…very fun. This same house had a Jack ‘n Jill closet as well. Very cool. If you’d like more information about either of these, shoot me an e-mail.
    Here are my votes for your lighting:
    Terreeia’s Bath: Bellacore lighting with the 7″ shade.
    Powder: Coastal Living sconces on either side of the wall.
    I tried to find you a mirror online, but I struck out. I don’t have the gene, either… Ha!

  • Diane says:

    Love #2! Very elegant yet stylish!

  • Mary-Illinois says:

    Maria, please don’t be mad but I don’t care for any of the lights you selected as options. I guess I have a different aesthetic than you do. I tend to gravitate to more modern or contemporary lighting. I like mixing modern lighting with traditional or vintage furnishings. I like a lot of the lighting that’s sold at Rejuvenation. And West Elm.
    And FYI…Rejuvenation also sells 36″ round mirrors.

  • Ann says:

    Maria, how fun to get new bathrooms! I love the style of the vanities. I have to say I’m so jealous! Our bathroom cabinet is falling apart and we don’t have enough money to do a full remodel. I’ve been considering doing a partial remodel with just the cabinet, sink, counter and faucets. We replaced the 80’s looking lights when we moved in. I wish we could do the flooring and tile.

    I love light number 1. So classic and simple! I can’t wait to see your beautiful new bathrooms!

  • susan says:

    I prefer sconces one & two. Feeling a wee bit envious. Happy for both of you!!!

  • Susan S says:

    # 2 curlicue!

  • Maria,
    West Elm has the large round mirrors. In fact there is one in my studio waiting to be installed at a client’s house! -Karen

  • Lynn says:

    Sconce #1 or Sconce #3 would be the better choice for your project.
    These have a true, classic sconce “appearance”..

    #4 and #6 look to be appropriate for the bedroom wall

    #5 looks unfinished, like something is missing, and needs balance

    #2 looks nothing at all like it should have been a sconce, it renders the idea of a candlestick repurposed into a sconce..

  • Christine E Kite says:

    #2!

  • Kathy says:

    I like options 1-3 the best, and if I had to pick, I think the chunkiness of #3 would look good with the black liner tile and the faucets you have chosen. And it appears to be the closest to black.

    I rather like the existing mirror and light in the laundry room. If you really like the clustered pendant look, it would be relatively easy to install your own version using an inexpensive (mismatched?) assortment from a big box store and installing separate electrical boxes (I think 3 is ample, perhaps off to one side). Of course that would increase the cost of installation, but shouldn’t be too horrible. You mentioned a long time ago that you wanted a large sink and an high arc faucet so it could be used for laundry, so that is a consideration too. I wouldn’t want anything that could be in the way.

    Instead of rather glam like the other bathrooms, you might want to go more old-fashioned with a wall-mounted faucet, nice utility or even a smallish apron-front sink, or perhaps a large semi-vessel rectangular sink, and the black shaded sconce from schoolhouse lighting could be doubled if you really need the light. Or you might find a less expensive utility type light elsewhere.

  • Sneeze01 says:

    #5 or #1

  • Melissa says:

    #1. Can’t wait to see it finished!

  • Charlene Martin says:

    I vote on lighting #3!!!!?

  • Mary says:

    #1 Circa for main bathroom

    For the Powder, I think I would look for a light that has the globes/shades pointing down toward the mirror and sink. Anyone using the powder room needs to just wash their hands and leave, it isn’t a makeup room. The side sconces, while they are interesting I could imagine them getting knocked around.

    Please don’t install those individual globe lights. They remind me of the 1970’s.

    Looking forward to seeing your new bathrooms. I know they will be lovely!

  • Heather C says:

    Lovely selections, how much fun!
    My pick is #1 – absolutely classic and timeless.
    If you decide to go with #2, consider changing out the candle sleeve (it can be done) – you’ll be surprised how faux and yellow it may actually be.

  • How exciting, getting new bathrooms – we have yet to do that, but look forward to the big day.
    For Teerria’s light might she like gold and black? If so, this is gorgeous and so well priced. https://shop.jilsoniainteriors.com/shop/lighting-sconces/821-glenolden-sconce
    Otherwise I like #1 – definitely!

  • Patti Lukon Wudi says:

    The towers sure look like a repeat of the 90’s

  • Shandra says:

    West Elm has the exact mirror you want in 30″ and 48″ but no 36″

    • Stacy G says:

      I like the oval shade sconce the best. #2 looks cheaper with the plastic looking candlestick.

      A few weeks ago, I ordered a round mirror from Target. It’s only 28″ in diameter. I haven’t opened the box yet to see how the gold/brass finish is, maybe because I haven’t decided which of two places to hang it yet. Target’s website features it in one picture as a bathroom vanity mirror. That’s not how I plan to use it but I did think their example looked appealing. I hope you find your perfect one. Can’t wait to see it all.

  • Bonnie Roetscher says:

    Light #2

  • Dale Roy says:

    The simplicity of sconce #1 is glorious! If, however, you see them from the side, rather than straight on, #2’s knot loop is simplicity plus whimsy; The powder room MUST have the pendant lights! I am anticipating the after photos, Maria. How thrilling for you!

  • Julia says:

    Black metal with classic black and white finishes sounds great but might send your master bathroom into a different era. I would choose # 1with silver finish also because the rest of your house looks light and fresh. Is it possible to use black accent in a thin art frame or black and white photography instead?

  • Debra says:

    I like #1 or #3

  • Debra says:

    #5 like you said, nice scale for a wide vanity.

  • Mary Anne says:

    #5

  • Diane says:

    So excited to see this project! I vote for #1 for scones. As far as your towers go, I think the towers would be great for displaying beautiful items, but not towels like you said you need to store and the other kind of bathroom items you want behind stored closed drawers. Is there any place to create a very thin cabinet between the studs for make-up, medicine, etc?

  • Mid America Mom says:

    Hi! Lovely set for your bath. I am not sure someone brought this up. What is going on the wall .. behind (reflecting back at her)? Closet or towel rod? Art? Paint or wallpaper.. color and textures. If she was to take a selfie – would whichever sconce or lamp is desired – look like it fits that view? (Like Oops the sconce overlaps art at a strange angle! The different whites from wall to shade drive me nuts etc!). I’d hate for that to clash with choices there. Mine is to an original vintage door in solid white and I feel comfortable with it. In one bath, in my past, it was to louvered orangy pine closet doors .. not good for my coloring. A friend of mine likes art but then I feel I am a part of it and again is that coloring etc flattering as my backdrop everyday?
    These choices influence makeup too! I love #1 and it is that banding in black for me. The darker finish and banding means these will standout right? I would coordinate it with your lamp. I love ginger jar style lamps for a classic feel. Looking forward to seeing this done!

  • Lorri says:

    For your particular house, I think SCONCE LIGHT #5 is most compatible.

    It’s a freaking hard choice!

    Also, congratulations for not putting up overhead lighting, which casts ugly shadows on faces and makes everyone look like an ogre. The best facial lighting is level on each side of the face.

    This mirror is cool, though it is Rose Gold – https://www.wayfair.com/Majestic-Mirror-Simple-Circular-Textured-Framed-Glass-Wall-Mirror-MMR1543.html?piid%5B0%5D=14072043

  • Lorri says:

    Also like SCONCE LIGHT #4 for your house. I was looking for some similarities with what you’ve chosen for your own bath.

    • Lorri says:

      At first I said LIGHT #5 and then I said LIGHT#4. After looking at them again, I prefer LIGHT #4.

      The others look too traditional for your house, and LIGHT #4 is the most related to the ones going in your bathroom.

  • Claudia says:

    Whew, a lot of decisions and work, for sure! I hope you keep your cool 😉

    I like #1 in polished nickel the best.

  • Kim says:

    Sconce #1 gets my vote!

  • Jennifer Walker says:

    A bath remodel, how exciting! I can’t wait to see the finished product. I vote for fixture #2.

  • Aleksandra T says:

    Hello Maria,

    Kathy had a great idea about spray painting to black, if you can’t find one with black accents you like. But given the choices, I don’t think you’ll need to think about spray painting. All sconces are very elegant. My favourites are #3 and #1. I like that shade in #3 is all white, but what I like in #1 more is height of shade compared to the wall attachment, it’s just a bit short in #3. Can’t wait to see after photos!

  • Linda says:

    #1. The simplicity and black banding on the shade are nice.
    #5. The oval shade is interesting.

    Good luck on your reno. We’re doing our bathroom as well. Lots of choices to be made.

    I thought you picked out a chandelier from Restoration Hardware.

  • Cheryl says:

    It all looks so nice, congratulations! I shouldn’t help because I am not good with decorating. But I’d like to kindly suggest that while you are opening walls and hiring a plumber, you do consider putting in a shower head over the master tub. I am one person that WOULD bypass a house with no shower in the master unless I was buying with a renovation in mind – and your new bath will be too nice to otherwise need one. I have also never met a man who takes a bath. And I don’t either. Part of the reason I chose the house I did was because the master had a walk in shower. The tub/shower is in the guest/main bathroom, and, in almost 8 years, has never been used (which keeps my guest bath cleaner). Even the few overnight guests have chosen to use my walk in shower over the tub shower – but a tub shower is better than none. If the provision is made and even just a hand held installed, it’s nice to rinse off after a bath or soak with soapy water and might help expand the potential buyer base for resale later. I’m in a warm climate and it could be different where you are … I could also be the only person in the world to think this way, but thought I’d throw it out for re-consideration.

    • Cheryl says:

      Just re-read and realized you aren’t doing this for resale, so please ignore my above comments – and moderate them out if you’d like!

  • Kristine says:

    Target has an amazing, yet affordable round mirror…I’ve used it before on some design projects and it’s amply sized, yet smaller than the dimensions you posted. It’s 28″ diameter. Might be worth checking out.
    https://www.target.com/p/round-decorative-wall-mirror-brass-threshold-153/-/A-50301089?lnk=rec|plp|top_sellers|plp|50301089|0

  • Tiffany says:

    I vote for sconce #1 because I love the black trim on the shade. My second choice would be #3 because it is such a rich deep black. My last choice (by far) is #2. It looks way too colonial farmhouse to me. I’m sure your bathrooms will be gorgeous!

  • Connie says:

    I don’t see how black countertops and other fixtures relate to anything in your house at all?
    Also curious about the painted cabinetry in master?
    One more question: you are able to see well-enough (i.e. make-up application) with shaded sconces?

    • Maria Killam says:

      All the accents in my living room are black. We will have recessed lighting in the main bathroom as well we plan to have a tube skylight installed.

      My master bathroom will have white hex tile on the floor and white subway tile wainscotting all around it.

      In the end. . . it’s much easier to paint a cabinet than take out tile should I tire of the turquoise.

      Thanks for your comment, Maria

  • Lorri says:

    Maria, you’re in luck! One King’s Lane has your mirror! Or something like it.

    https://www.onekingslane.com/p/4614544-ella-36-beveled-wall-mirror-gold.do?refType=&from=fn

  • Kate says:

    I like sconce number 1 – very classic and elegant look.

  • Margaret says:

    I like #6 or #1. I like the other choices, too. But they have too long of an “arm” for mirror gazing.

    Whichever you choose, I know it will look beautiful.

  • Shannon says:

    I love #2. But can’t go wrong with #1.

    We just completed an entire house reno and went through the same mirror dilemma. I searched and searched for a 34-36″ thin metal framed round mirror. Ended up with the cb2 mirrors in silver. They are perfect for the guest bath. My only complaint is that the mirror could be a little higher quality. I find a little distortion in the reflection when you stand back few feet. But right at the sink they are great.

    Btw- I used your e-books to pick my interior paint and cabinet colors. Love them all and learned a ton thank you! And I have a white subway kitchen backsplash, the only pattern in my kitchen is my superwhite quartzite countertops!

  • Beth says:

    #1 or #3.

  • Janet says:

    I agree with Cheryl and others. I think a master bathroom with only a tub is odd. That would be a deal breaker for us.

  • Pursuit says:

    Wow, so many choices. Best of luck and I’m sure you will have a beautiful result. I had a vanity with the towers on each side and loved it but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have enjoyed clear glass exposing all the clutter and mish-mash that seems to occupy my shelves. Everything on the shelves looks so pretty having been styled for photos. So the mirrored doors get my vote.

    • Maria Killam says:

      Hi Pursuit, the vanity will have mirrors with X’s on them so we won’t see into the cabinets. That would also drive me over the edge given I need storage not decorative space. . . I have enough decorations in my house, haha. Maria

  • Shari says:

    #1 lights in polished nickel will carry less visual weight than the black armed sconces and will look lovely with the new tile and mirrored tower doors. All light and reflective. If you look at the photo of that sconce in the nickel and then imagine eight horizontal back stripes from the sconce trim and four vertical black arms in the mirror….they will become visual clutter and may even be the focal point of the room.
    I love your bow sconces and the black and white paper idea for the powder room.
    Looking forward to the finished design.

  • Johnna says:

    I would vote for Sconce #5 and #1 is my second choice. LOVE the multi-globes for the powder room, and I don’t agree that they would be a nightmare to clean…..think it will bring an unexpected surprise to your guests!!

  • Franci says:

    Rejuvenation has a 36″ aged brass round mirror with a slightly bigger frame than the CB2 option and is on sale today for $349.

  • Ronda says:

    I like lights 1 & 5. Pretty and fewer places for dust to gather. A good art frame store might be able to do a mirror for you.

    Looking forward to the after pictures.

    • Lori Laporte says:

      I agree with you Ronda – my vote is with 1 & 5. I love the simplicity of both these fixtures. 🙂

  • Maribeth says:

    Check out Restoration Hardware’s fixtures. They are amazing!!!!
    Here is one I would recommend:

    https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod3110091&categoryId=cat4980014

  • Patricia says:

    I can’t wait to see your bathrooms completed! Would you know anything about glossy vs mat tile on a bathroom floor? I read that there are glossy non-slip tiles? I would like to get large glossy tiles for my bathroom floor but am not sure if it will be a slipping hazard.

  • Lauren says:

    I like light #1

  • Nancy says:

    My votes on the lighting . . .

    Sconce #2 — My first choice. I love the curl — a modern shape which plays homage to traditional loops and swirls, but is much less fussy. Best of all, since you’re mounting it on a mirror, we get four times the fun!

    Sconce #1 — My second choice. The striped edges on the shade give nice definition, and it looks like the height of the sconce might be adjustable. Added functional flexibility is always a plus in my book, especially if the aesthetics are right!

    Sconces #4, #6 — I’m a fan of both these options. Just don’t like them as much as #2 and #1.

    Sconce #3 — Okay. It has great proportions, but the double taper makes this one less appealing for me.

    Sconce #5 — The only one I’d veto. The shade is low in relation to the sconce back plate which makes it look too claustrophobic for my taste.

    Can’t wait to see the finished product. Love the direction in which you’re headed.

  • Sue says:

    Will your sconces be incandescent, LED, halogen? Which is best for makeup etc

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