I'm an interior designer and have used this light for two different bathroom projects.  A double vanity master bath where I installed two.  More recently, I ordered for a small guest bath, with a 48" vanity.  In both cases, I hung the shades downward for maximum light.   The fixture can handle up to 3 - 100 watt bulbs, creating a very bright space if needed!  (Sorry, the pic loaded sideways & couldn't figure how to rotate.)