Should my NB bathroom use sconces beside the mirror?

Sconces beside the mirror are an excellent choice for bathroom lighting in New Brunswick homes — they provide flattering, even illumination for tasks like shaving or applying makeup, eliminating the harsh shadows that overhead-only lighting creates.

The key advantage of flanking sconces is that light hits your face from both sides at eye level, which is far more practical than a single overhead fixture. For most bathroom mirrors, you'll want sconces mounted roughly 60–65 inches from the floor (measured to the center of the fixture), positioned about 24–36 inches apart depending on your mirror width. If your mirror is wider than 48 inches, sconces work beautifully on either side; for narrower mirrors, a single bar light across the top may be more proportional.

Electrical Requirements for NB Bathrooms

In New Brunswick, bathroom lighting must meet the Canadian Electrical Code as enforced by TSANB. The most important rule: any receptacle within 1.5 metres of a sink requires GFCI protection (CEC Rule 26-700). While sconces themselves aren't receptacles, if you're adding new wiring or circuits for them, a TSANB permit is required and the work must be done by a licensed electrician.

Sconces should also be rated for damp or wet locations depending on placement — fixtures near a shower or tub need to be rated appropriately. In New Brunswick's humid Maritime climate, this matters more than in drier regions, as bathroom condensation can degrade fixtures not designed for moisture exposure.

Practical Considerations

Sconces typically require a junction box in the wall, which means running wire through the wall cavity. If your bathroom already has wiring roughed in at the right location, installation is straightforward. If new wiring is needed, expect to pay $150–$250 per sconce for installation, potentially more if drywall work is involved. Replacing an existing fixture at the same location is simpler and less expensive.

Don't attempt to run new wiring yourself — in New Brunswick, adding circuits or moving electrical connections requires a licensed electrician and a TSANB permit. Even a seemingly simple sconce installation can involve work inside the wall that must be inspected.

If you're renovating your bathroom and want sconces added or relocated, New Brunswick Electrical can match you with a local licensed electrician for a free estimate — it's a quick job for a pro and makes a real difference in your daily routine.