Should you choose your bathroom vanity mirror or lighting first? Designers share their advice for an easy design process

Your vanity mirror and lighting are important features when it comes to designing your bathroom vanity area, but which should you choose first? From style to scale to finish, there's a lot to think about.

And while we often focus on buying a bathroom vanity that ticks both boxes, your bathroom vanity mirror and lighting are a huge part, too. They need to complement the vanity, but as the two accessories, they should add a more decorative element.

To find out how the experts make the right decisions in the right order, we've asked interior designers if they choose the vanity mirror or lighting first, and the advice they have for choosing features that feel cohesive and timeless.

Should you choose your bathroom vanity mirror or lighting first?

Your bathroom vanity might be only a portion of your space, but these small design decisions have a big impact on the overall look and functionality of your space, so getting it right is really key. So, where should you start?

'I almost always choose the lighting first! Electrical boxes are typically already in a fixed location, so I like to start by selecting the perfect sconce (or sconces), since their placement often dictates size and shape,' says Louise Copeland, founder and lead designer of L.B. Copeland Interior Design.

If your wiring is already in situ, the spacing you have to play with is already set. Whether you have space for lighting above or on either side of the bathroom mirror, the size of your fixtures will dictate how large your mirror can be.

'From there, it becomes much easier to determine the right mirror – one that complements the lighting in both scale and style. If you're aiming for a more polished, classic look, I usually match the sconce finishes to the plumbing and choose a mirror or medicine cabinet with a simple, timeless profile,' Louise explains.

'However, if there's room to be more playful, I enjoy mixing finishes and materials –think ceramic sconces with a rattan mirror or fabric sconce shades with a lacquered frame,' she adds.

But what if you're in control of where your electrics will be wired? 'I typically select vanity lighting first because the wiring needs to be located in advance,' says interior designer Martha Mulholland.

'If that wasn’t the case, however, I’d suggest sourcing them both at once, along with the taps and bathroom hardware, to ensure the finishes are considered and cohesive. I also tend to follow a “rule of twos” when it comes to metal finishes in a bathroom, as it can look a bit disjointed to have more than two in a small space,' she adds.

While designers prefer to prioritize the lighting for those very practical (and equally aesthetic) reasons, there are some scenarios where choosing your mirror first might be more beneficial from a design perspective.

'The decision often comes down to which element is doing the talking. If the mirror is going to be a strong feature, whether it is oversized, shaped, or framed in a distinctive finish, it makes sense to choose that first and build around it,' says Hayley Bowman, design manager at Frontline Bathrooms.

'But in some spaces, especially where lighting is used to add character or warmth, a standout fitting might lead the way instead. What’s important is not treating the mirror and lighting as separate afterthoughts. They work best when chosen together, with careful attention to scale and how they interact,' she adds.

However, if you're going simplistic for your bathroom vanity lighting – something that is typical in a modern or minimalist bathroom – your mirror will naturally become the main focal point, so choosing it first makes more sense.

'The mirror naturally becomes the focal point above the basin or vanity unit and sets the tone in terms of height, width, and overall balance. Once that’s in place, it is much easier to choose lighting that works around it,' says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

Whether you choose your vanity mirror or lighting first will depend entirely on your space and the pieces you are most drawn to. If you have a beautiful light fixture in mind, leading with it and then choosing a mirror that pairs well with it is the best way to create cohesion, and vice versa.

'What matters most is that the pieces feel connected, not necessarily by matching finishes or shapes, but by how they sit together in the space,' adds Louise Ashdown. 'In bathrooms where space and natural light can be limited, getting the scale and placement right is just as important as the style.'

And while we often think about the aesthetic elements that dictate our design decisions, Louise Copeland notes that you really can choose your mirror and lighting in either order, as long as you get the practical things right.

'There are no strict rules, in my opinion. As long as the lighting suits the space and the mirror is hung at the correct height and serves its purpose, you're in business.'

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Overall, designers always choose their lighting first, unless a statement mirror is taking center stage, but it's important to consider both as a cohesive pair, rather than as individual elements.

Designing a bathroom, especially the vanity area, is about seamlessly mixing elements that suit your desired interior design style, so consider creating a mood board of options before you start sourcing.