Make Style Magic in the Bathroom With the Right Mirror
Find the right style of bathroom mirror to suit your needs with this clear and helpful guide
The mirror is often at the bottom of the planning list when you’re updating your bathroom, or even starting from scratch, while the bigger fittings like baths and vanities take priority. However, given the amount of time you are likely to spend in front of the mirror every day, it’s worth devoting more thought to the style you choose to ensure you get it spot on.
But before you hit the shops, consider what the mirror’s main purpose will be. Will it be purely decorative, or will it need to incorporate storage behind it and task lighting for personal grooming? Also, the number of family members using the mirror at one time will determine its size and shape, as well as the best location for it. So take into consideration all these factors and check out this guide to help you make the perfect choice for your space.
But before you hit the shops, consider what the mirror’s main purpose will be. Will it be purely decorative, or will it need to incorporate storage behind it and task lighting for personal grooming? Also, the number of family members using the mirror at one time will determine its size and shape, as well as the best location for it. So take into consideration all these factors and check out this guide to help you make the perfect choice for your space.
Don’t restrict mirrors to their common spot above the basin – try hanging them in unexpected positions that will capture the attention.
When pairing a round mirror with a compact basin, think generous proportions so you guarantee yourself a decent reflection. Opting for a mirror design that matches the materials used for the basin and tap will create unity.
Get creative with mirrors and try hanging different sizes next to each other for a contemporary look. The asymmetrical positioning of these two mirrors brings instant focus to the subtle hexagonal tiles that might otherwise go unnoticed.
10 retro ideas reworked for modern bathrooms
10 retro ideas reworked for modern bathrooms
Mirrored cabinets
Storage is the key to a calm and organised bathroom, and wall-hung cabinets can provide a substantial amount of concealed shelving space. Combine both your storage needs with your grooming necessities by opting for mirrored units, and you’ll kill two birds with one stone.
If you go for generous cupboards that fit the length of your vanity unit, you’ll have a wall of dazzling reflection, which will make the space seem larger and brighter.
Storage is the key to a calm and organised bathroom, and wall-hung cabinets can provide a substantial amount of concealed shelving space. Combine both your storage needs with your grooming necessities by opting for mirrored units, and you’ll kill two birds with one stone.
If you go for generous cupboards that fit the length of your vanity unit, you’ll have a wall of dazzling reflection, which will make the space seem larger and brighter.
Make the most of a bathroom with low ceilings and fit mirrored cabinets all the way to the top of the wall without leaving a gap. The look will be sleek and streamlined, and you’ll have all the storage you could desire.
Define your look
If you are lucky enough to have plenty of storage below the basin and you don’t need to fit any wall cabinets, then you can use the space above to hang a decorative mirror and instantly define your interior style. Whether you are after a highly decorative design for a touch of glitz and glamour, or you’d prefer a simple timber-framed piece for its minimalist appeal, then a mirror is a great device for delivering your style message loud and clear.
If you are lucky enough to have plenty of storage below the basin and you don’t need to fit any wall cabinets, then you can use the space above to hang a decorative mirror and instantly define your interior style. Whether you are after a highly decorative design for a touch of glitz and glamour, or you’d prefer a simple timber-framed piece for its minimalist appeal, then a mirror is a great device for delivering your style message loud and clear.
A bathroom mirror can have a dramatic effect on even the plainest of spaces. Choose a mirror that will deliver a strong design statement and your bathroom will come alive with character and personality.
Twin mirrors
The trend for dual basins remains extremely popular in bathroom design, but the question is whether to have one or two mirrors above them. If you opt for individual mirrors for each basin then you’ll highlight this design feature, making the twin basins more noticeable and creating a greater sense of personal space.
The trend for dual basins remains extremely popular in bathroom design, but the question is whether to have one or two mirrors above them. If you opt for individual mirrors for each basin then you’ll highlight this design feature, making the twin basins more noticeable and creating a greater sense of personal space.
Complement his and her basins with his and her mirrored cabinets so there’s no more excuse for stealing the toothpaste! If you are able to recess the cabinet, the mirror will sit flush with the wall and create a streamlined finish.
Plain and simple
A basic sheet of mirrored glass is the ideal solution in small, compact bathrooms to keep the space simple and fuss-free. It’s also a versatile option that can be cut and fitted to whatever size works best for your room and your family – great if you have a combo of small kids and tall adults.
If the mirror sits directly behind the basin, be prepared for lots of water splashes. A good tip is to keep a lint-free microfibre cloth on hand so you can give it a quick wipe down after each tooth brushing session.
Maximise space in a teeny tiny bathroom
A basic sheet of mirrored glass is the ideal solution in small, compact bathrooms to keep the space simple and fuss-free. It’s also a versatile option that can be cut and fitted to whatever size works best for your room and your family – great if you have a combo of small kids and tall adults.
If the mirror sits directly behind the basin, be prepared for lots of water splashes. A good tip is to keep a lint-free microfibre cloth on hand so you can give it a quick wipe down after each tooth brushing session.
Maximise space in a teeny tiny bathroom
Simple mirrors can also perform practical functions, such as this bespoke design above that has a handy ledge for toiletries.
In bathrooms where other design details take centre stage, such as lighting, it pays to hang to a simple mirror that won’t distract from the main event.
Designer tweaks to make to your bathroom now
Designer tweaks to make to your bathroom now
Grooming zone
When a bathroom doubles as a cosmetic and grooming area, the mirror has to work doubly hard to meet all our needs. Some mirrors have magnifying areas for help with make-up application, while others have built-in task lighting. This example has angled side panels to help view hair from the back – a handy tool for creating the perfect up-do first thing in the morning.
When a bathroom doubles as a cosmetic and grooming area, the mirror has to work doubly hard to meet all our needs. Some mirrors have magnifying areas for help with make-up application, while others have built-in task lighting. This example has angled side panels to help view hair from the back – a handy tool for creating the perfect up-do first thing in the morning.
A mirror with built-in lighting is going to be costly, but the convenience it offers makes it priceless. As mirror lighting is usually soft and ambient, it’s ideal for ensuites to ensure partners aren’t disturbed in the middle of the night by the main light.
TELL US
What kind of bathroom mirror do you prefer? Does this style work for you? Tell us why in the Comments below.
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TELL US
What kind of bathroom mirror do you prefer? Does this style work for you? Tell us why in the Comments below.
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There’s something enticing about round mirrors and the pleasing reflection (though maybe not in the morning!) that is framed in a perfect circle. Round mirrors can have a danger of being too small for the space and feeling out of proportion to their surroundings, so be generous when choosing one for you bathroom. And try to stick to the rule of thumb that suggests the mirror should be the same width as, or slightly larger than, the basin.