DIY Hollywood Mirror: How to Add Lights Around a Makeup Mirror

Already have a mirror you love but the lighting is not good enough for makeup? The good news is that you do not necessarily need to buy a completely new Hollywood vanity mirror. You can turn a regular mirror into a practical makeup mirror with lights simply by adding the right lighting around it.

The easiest solution is to place two separate makeup lights on both sides of the mirror. For a more permanent Hollywood-style setup, you can use wall lights – for example, two lights beside the mirror and an additional light above it.

LED strips are another option, although a beautiful illuminated border does not automatically provide the best working light for applying makeup.

In this guide, we look at three ways to add lights around a makeup mirror, how to position them correctly and which DIY vanity lighting setup works best for a rental apartment, a small makeup space or a permanent Hollywood-style beauty corner.

How Does Hollywood Mirror Lighting Work?

The idea behind a Hollywood mirror is not simply to have lots of visible bulbs around the frame. For practical makeup mirror lighting, the direction of the light is much more important.

When light comes from both sides of the mirror, the left and right sides of your face are illuminated at the same time. This can reduce strong one-sided shadows and make it easier to judge foundation, bronzer, blush and eye makeup.

That is why, in a DIY setup, side lighting is usually more useful for makeup than relying only on a light above the mirror.

If you are still comparing a DIY setup with buying a complete illuminated mirror, our Hollywood Vanity Mirror Buying Guide explains how to choose mirror size, lighting and placement before buying.

Option 1: Place Two Makeup Lights on Both Sides of the Mirror

The easiest way to add lights to a makeup mirror is to use two separate lights:

LIGHT    |    MIRROR    |    LIGHT

With this setup, your existing mirror stays exactly where it is and the vanity mirror lights are positioned on the left and right sides.

Advantages include:

• you do not need to buy another mirror
• you may not need to drill into the wall
• the distance between the lights can be changed
• the lighting can be adapted to mirrors of different widths
• the lights can be moved later
• the same lights can also be used for videos and beauty content.

This is particularly useful if you already have a good wall mirror or tabletop mirror and the only thing missing is proper makeup lighting.

Explore Lamps4Makeup makeup lights →

Where Should Makeup Lights Be Positioned Beside a Mirror?

When positioning makeup lights beside a mirror, the goal is to illuminate your face rather than simply make the wall around the mirror brighter.

A useful starting point is to position a significant part of the light roughly around face level when you are sitting in your normal makeup position.

If both lights are positioned very high, too much of the illumination may come from above. This can create shadows under the eyes, around the nose and beneath the chin.

For a more detailed explanation of light placement, read our guide to proper makeup lighting.

How Far Should Vanity Lights Be From the Mirror?

There is no single perfect measurement because the best distance depends on:

• the width of your mirror
• the size of your vanity
• how far you sit from the mirror
• the brightness of the lights
• the direction of the light.

What matters most is that the light actually reaches your face rather than simply illuminating the wall or the outer edges of the mirror.

One advantage of separate makeup lights is that you can test the position in real life. Move them slightly closer or further apart and check whether the shadows on your face become softer and more balanced.

If you are choosing between Basic 4+4, Premium 5+5 and PRO 6+6 for a specific mirror, our Makeup Mirror Lights by Mirror Size guide compares the sets using practical mirror, vanity and cable measurements.

Option 2: Add Wall Lights Around the Mirror

If you want a more permanent and built-in Hollywood look, you can create lights around the mirror with wall-mounted lights or vanity sconces.

A practical starting point is two wall lights, one on each side of the mirror. If you want more overall illumination and a more traditional Hollywood appearance, you can add a third light above the mirror.

This type of setup can look very clean and keeps the vanity surface completely free.

For any fixed electrical installation, follow the product instructions and local electrical requirements, and use a qualified electrician where required.

Two Side Lights or Two Side Lights + One Top Light?

Both arrangements can work, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Is One Light Above the Mirror Enough?

One light above the mirror is certainly better than having a dark makeup area, but it is usually not the ideal solution on its own.

Light coming primarily from above can emphasise natural shadows and make the areas beneath the eyes, beside the nose and under the chin appear darker.

If you want a top light, consider combining it with lighting on both sides of the mirror.

2 side lights = the foundation
2 side lights + 1 top light = a fuller Hollywood-style setup

Can You Turn a Regular Wall Mirror Into a Lighted Makeup Mirror?

Yes. In fact, this is one of the easiest ways to create your own DIY Hollywood mirror.

You do not necessarily need to modify the mirror itself. Instead, build the lighting around it.

Possible options include:

• two separate makeup lights beside the mirror
• two wall sconces on either side
• two side lights + one top light
• integrated LED lighting around the mirror.

If you are still deciding whether to keep your current mirror or buy a complete Hollywood model, read Hollywood Mirror or Regular Mirror + Makeup Lights?

DIY Hollywood Mirror Without Drilling

If you live in a rental or simply do not want to make permanent changes to your walls, separate makeup lights are one of the easiest solutions.

Keep your existing mirror and place two freestanding lights on a stable surface beside it.

If you move later, your mirror, furniture and room layout may all change – but the same lights can simply be repositioned around the new setup.

This is also useful if you are not yet sure what kind of permanent vanity area you want in the future.

DIY Hollywood Mirror for a Small Bedroom or Apartment

A Hollywood-style makeup space does not require an enormous mirror or a full-size vanity table.

In a small room, you can work with:

• an existing wall mirror
• a small tabletop mirror
• a mirror above a chest of drawers
• a narrow console table
• a small section of a desk.

When the lighting is not permanently built into a large mirror, the entire setup becomes much easier to adapt to the available space.

If you later move to a larger mirror, the same separate makeup lights can still be used.

For more ideas on creating a practical beauty space with a small table, compact mirror and smart storage, see our Makeup Vanity Ideas guide.

What About LED Strip Lights Around a Mirror?

LED strip lighting is a popular DIY option because it can create a clean, modern lighted vanity mirror.

But there is an important difference between:

decorative mirror lighting and working makeup lighting.

If an LED strip mainly shines backwards onto the wall, it may create an attractive halo effect while providing relatively little useful light on your face.

If you want LED strips to provide actual makeup lighting, consider:

• whether the light is directed toward your face
• brightness
• dimming
• colour temperature
• colour rendering
• flicker when filming.

If filming matters as much as applying makeup, our Best Lighting for Makeup Videos & Beauty Content guide covers flicker, camera-facing placement, colour temperature and creator setups in more detail.

What Colour Temperature Is Best for a DIY Makeup Mirror?

For everyday makeup, a balanced neutral light that resembles natural daylight is usually a useful starting point.

Very warm light can make skin and makeup colours appear warmer than they actually are, while extremely cool light can sometimes feel harsh.

If your lights offer several colour temperatures, you can apply makeup under neutral light and then check the finished look under warmer or cooler settings.

Read more in our complete makeup lighting guide.

DIY Hollywood Mirror: 3 Easy Ways to Create the Look

1. Regular Mirror + 2 Makeup Lights

The easiest option. It may require no drilling, and you can change the position of the lights whenever you want.

2. Mirror + 2 Wall Lights + 1 Top Light

A more permanent solution that creates a classic Hollywood look while keeping the vanity surface free.

3. Mirror + LED Lighting

A clean and modern option. Just make sure the LED lighting is strong and well-positioned enough for actual makeup application.

Which DIY Vanity Lighting Setup Should You Choose?

Before Adding Lights Around Your Mirror: Checklist

• Mirror size: how much space is available on both sides?
• Face height: will the side lights sit at a useful level?
• Vanity space: can freestanding lights sit safely on the surface?
• Power outlet: where will the lights be plugged in?
• Light direction: does the light actually reach your face?
• Colour temperature: is the light suitable for applying makeup?
• Colour rendering: do makeup colours look natural?
• Dimming: can brightness be adjusted?
• Video: do you want to use the same lights for content creation?
• Flexibility: do you want a permanent or movable setup?

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Hollywood Mirror Lighting

Can you turn a regular mirror into a Hollywood mirror?

Yes. You can add separate makeup lights, wall lights or LED lighting around an existing mirror. You do not necessarily need to replace the mirror itself.

How do you add lights to a makeup mirror?

One of the simplest options is to place two makeup lights on the left and right sides of the mirror. For a permanent setup, you can use two wall lights beside the mirror and optionally add another light above it.

Should vanity lights be on both sides of the mirror?

For makeup, lighting on both sides of the mirror is often useful because it brings light toward both sides of the face and helps reduce strong one-sided shadows.

Is one light above a makeup mirror enough?

A top light adds useful illumination but can create shadows beneath the eyes, nose and chin when used alone. For makeup, consider adding light to both sides of the mirror as well.

Can LED strips be used around a makeup mirror?

Yes, if they provide enough high-quality light toward the face. Decorative LED strips that mainly illuminate the wall behind the mirror may create a beautiful halo effect without providing enough working light for makeup.

How can I make a DIY Hollywood mirror without drilling?

Keep your existing mirror and place two freestanding makeup lights on a stable surface beside it. This creates Hollywood-style lighting without a permanent wall installation.

What is the best lighting for a makeup mirror?

Good makeup mirror lighting should illuminate the face evenly, reproduce colours naturally and have a suitable colour temperature. Light position is just as important as brightness.