Finding the Right Bathroom Mirror
POSTED ON Wednesday, June 26, 2019 IN Bathroom
Style and function are both important aspects of bathroom mirrors
A mirror is a mirror, right? Well, not so much. Today’s homeowners have no shortage of choices when it comes to finding the right mirror for their bathroom. How tall or wide should the mirror be? What style of mirror best fits the space? Is one mirror enough? What shape should it be: round, oval, rectangular, or square? The good news is that for every question concerning your bathroom mirror, there are plenty of good answers to choose from. It comes down to determining what you like and what you want for your space.
Custom bathroom mirrors can match other finishes, fit seamlessly into even the most unusual of spaces, and provide a truly unique look. All you have to do is explore your options and identify what best suits the style and function of your bathroom.
Sizing up the mirror for your bathroom
Size matters, especially when you are choosing a mirror for your bathroom. It is important to consider not only function but also proportion, meaning the size of your mirror relative to that of your bathroom vanity. The general rule of thumb is to keep your mirror at least one inch smaller on both sides than the width of the vanity, creating a more balanced look.
This is where being able to customize your mirror becomes an invaluable tool. You may not be able to find a pre-made mirror of your exact desired width. When you work with a manufacturer that creates custom mirrors to your specifications, perfect balance becomes possible.
As far as the height of your mirror, the minimum reach is considered about a foot above and below the eye line of whomever will be using it. But don’t be afraid to reach higher. More height means more viewing angles, in addition to creating a more open look for the space.
Choosing between one or two bathroom mirrors
Are two bathroom mirrors better than one? It generally depends on the size of your bathroom or the size of your bathroom vanity. But the number of mirrors best suited for your particular bathroom space can also depend on what look you are trying to achieve.
If you have a wide bathroom vanity with two sinks, you can either opt for a single mirror that is wide enough to fit over both or install a single mirror above each sink. The latter would certainly give the space a more designer look. If your bathroom has high ceilings, two vertically-long mirrors can also be the most effective use of that space.
But don’t underestimate what a single mirror can do for your space. One wide-reaching bathroom mirror can help emphasize the spaciousness of your bathroom. Reflective surfaces can add to the feeling of space and openness, helping to ensure that your guests are able to appreciate how big and wide your bathroom is.
Framed Mirrors vs. Frameless Mirrors
To frame or not to frame? That is the question homeowners are frequently faced with when choosing a mirror for their bathroom. Frameless mirrors are certainly the more popular choice among today’s homeowners, for reasons that range from style to affordability.
Frameless mirrors are generally less expensive than their framed counterparts, but their chief appeal seems to stem from their seamless integration into contemporary or modern spaces. Even as part of a more traditional bathroom design, frameless mirrors can offer homeowners a modern touch that contributes a clean, airy, spa-like look and feel.
Framed mirrors are better suited to traditional spaces that are very detailed and decorative. They can certainly bring a lot of personality to a bathroom. If you have more eclectic tastes, consider incorporating an ornate framed mirror into the space as a statement piece.
Decorative wall mirrors can add style to your space
If you are interested in experimenting with different types of framed mirrors, consider exploring the decorative wall mirror options available to you. Not every framed mirror has to be rectangular. Decorative wall mirrors can be crafted in unique shapes, with elaborate carved wood details or painted accents. These decorative mirrors are frequently paired with traditional or antique style bathroom vanities to help bridge the woodwork between the two.
Even homeowners who prefer simple modern decor can find a place in their bathroom for a stylish art piece mirror, providing a unique touch for the space.
Brighten your bathroom with lighted mirrors
Too often, the lighting of your bathroom is relegated to an afterthought, with more attention invested in the lighting of your living room or kitchen. But the bathroom is, after all, where you start and end your day, so don’t underestimate the impact of inadequate lighting.
Lighting is especially important to consider when choosing your bathroom mirror. Will you have a separate lighting fixture installed above or would you want a unit that can do both? Lighted mirrors are a contemporary touch that can serve as a sophisticated centerpiece of your modern bathroom. Vertical fixtures or sconces mounted on either side of the mirror are an especially popular choice because they are considered best for casting an even light across the face.
If you have two mirrors above your bathroom vanity, light fixtures or sconces placed between the mirrors can add a layer of depth and variety to the space, as well.
Fulfill bathroom storage needs with mirrored medicine cabinets
Storage needs are as important to consider as aesthetic needs when it comes to your bathroom mirror, especially if you are deciding between a mirrored cabinet or a freestanding mirror.
Mirrored medicine cabinets, having been considered an antiquated aspect of bathroom design in recent years, are making a comeback, surging in popularity. The design is simple, with a mirror-fronted cabinet that can either be mounted to the wall above your sink or recessed into it, providing hidden storage for your bathroom needs. But there are even medicine cabinets now that have mirrors built inside the door or behind the shelves to give you a different look.
And we’ve yet to even broach the high-tech advancements of today’s mirrored cabinets, which can come equipped with luxury features like built-in TVs, sound systems, and power outlets. Clearly mirrored medicine cabinets have become a source of innovation in bathroom design.
For a closer at our bathroom mirror options, visit our nearest showroom.
RECOMMENDED