bathroom fixture height

[derick hoffpauir]

I usually mount the bathroom vanity fixture at a height of 7' from slab. A homeowner told me that was to high. What height do you normally put the fixture when the homeowner isn't there to tell you the height?

I'm tall so I'd be happy with 7'. 6'-8" is a common height (same as door height). 6' is too low. Typically you'd be limited to between 6'-4" and 7'-0" unless it's an ADA or youth job.

Are you doing new jobs or remodel jobs?

If it's spec building and you're the builder then you're in the drivers seat. I'm trying to think of circumstances where there would be nobody who had the responsibility or opportunity to tell me how high to hang a fixture.

If it's a retrofit I ask the client to put a mockup of the fixture on their wall or ceiling. That way they can live with it and visualize the height. They usually find they want it lower than they first suspected.

[apauling]

in CA, there are requirements that one fixture be energy efficient (flscnt?)and the other(s) can be anything and almost anywhere. For facial detailing, like make-up or shaving, many prefer double, low, side lights. either side of the mirror, even as low as 6', but i liked owners to initial that they wanted it that low. otherwise bar lights dead on top of flat wall mirror.

"Salons" use very warm flourescents to make skin look good. single source, cool lights often create shadows and highlight skin irregularities, and are disliked by many homeowners.

ask wife, girlfriend, wife of friend, any woman who applies makeup can tell you what is best.

paul

[luke warmwater]

Basic lighting design for vanities:

If single bowl, best is fixtures on both sides, min. 28" apart, 60" center a.f.f.
If centered above, fixture 18"-24" wide
Double width for double bowl.

A general rule is fixture should be min. 1/3 width of total vanity as to illuminate both sides of face.

We mount our vanity fixtures at 86" center a.f.f. to accomidate taller mirrors that are used on our jobs.
Todd

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

We have our trim guys also mount fixtures at 86 center (vanity strips),canopy type might need a little more clearance room to the mirror.

[jimwalker]

There is no height that makes everyone happy.I always consult super first.A good way that i just learned a few months ago is make a loop behind fixture ,not tight,then at trim install cutin box or pancake.That way we can not miss and no hole to patch.

[aecjohn]

For single sink vanities I leave a tail centered over sink bowl at 81" off rough floor. I always cut the box in at trim out. I also drill across 1 or 2 bays on either side of the sink and run the wire in a loop from left to right and back to center. This way when the HO changes from one centered light to 2 lights on either side of the mirror all I do is cut in the boxes and grab the wire loops. Saves snaking/patching etc.......

[ June 18, 2004, 08:19 PM: Message edited by: aecjohn ]