What we’ll cover…
- Choosing the correct size: Guidelines to measure and select ideal mirror dimensions to fit your space.
- Types and styles: An overview of different mirror types, including illuminated, framed, and vanity mirrors.
- Shape considerations: A discussion surrounding various shapes (round, rectangular, etc.) and how they impact on bathroom aesthetics.
- Functionality features: Insights on additional features such as anti-fog technology and integrated storage solutions.
- Maintenance tips: Best practices to keep your bathroom mirror clean and in healthy condition.
Elevate Your Bathroom with the Perfect Mirror
When it comes to transforming your bathroom into a stylish and functional oasis, don’t underestimate the power of the perfect mirror.
Bathroom mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces; they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of your modern bathroom space.
In this friendly and insightful guide, we’ll explore why bathroom mirrors are an essential part of any home and provide you with valuable tips to make an informed decision when choosing the mirror that suits your unique needs and style.
Why Bathroom Mirrors Matter
Just imagine your bathroom without a mirror – it’s nearly impossible.
Bathroom mirrors have become an indispensable part of our daily routines.
They serve as our trusted companions during our morning rituals, helping us look our best and start the day with confidence.
But their significance goes beyond mere functionality; they contribute significantly to the overall ambience of your bathroom.
Reflecting Style and Personality
Bathroom mirrors are like decorative accents, allowing you to showcase your personal style.
Whether you lean towards a sleek and modern look or prefer a more traditional aesthetic, there’s a mirror that can complement your vision.
From framed mirrors that add a touch of elegance to frameless mirrors that exude contemporary charm, your mirror choice can speak volumes about your taste, so you’ll want to choose the right one.
Creating the Illusion of Space
For bathrooms with limited square footage, mirrors are game-changers.
They have the remarkable ability to make a room appear larger and more spacious.
By strategically placing mirrors, you can open up your bathroom, making it feel less cramped and more inviting.
This optical illusion is particularly handy for cloakrooms or cosy ensuite bathrooms.
Maximising Natural Light
Mirrors have the magical ability to bounce light around the room, which is a boon for bathrooms with minimal natural light sources.
By reflecting sunlight or artificial lighting, mirrors brighten up the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
This not only improves the functionality of your bathroom but also elevates your mood as you go about your daily routine.
Exploring Your Mirror Options
Now that we’ve established the importance of bathroom mirrors, let’s dive into the various options available to you.
1 – Wall-Mounted Mirrors
Why Choose Wall-Mounted Mirrors?
- Versatile and customisable to match your bathroom’s style.
- Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and frame designs.
- Easy to install and perfect for both large and small bathrooms.
2 – LED Mirrors
Why Choose LED Mirrors?
- Modern and energy-efficient, with built-in LED lighting.
- Provides even illumination for tasks like makeup application and shaving.
- Available in various sleek designs to enhance your bathroom’s contemporary vibe.
3 – Mirrored cabinets
Why Choose Mirrored Cabinets?
- Maximizes storage space while offering a larger mirror.
- Perfect for bathrooms with limited wall space.
- Keeps toiletries and essentials neatly concealed.
Finding the Perfect Size and Placement
Choosing the right size and placement for your bathroom mirror is crucial.
Here are some practical tips –
Size Matters
- Vanity Size: Your mirror should ideally be narrower than the vanity or sink it’s positioned above. This creates a balanced look and prevents overcrowding.
- Ceiling Height: Consider the height of your bathroom ceiling. Taller ceilings can accommodate larger mirrors without overwhelming the space.
- Lighting: Ensure that the mirror doesn’t obstruct any existing light sources or fixtures. The goal is to maximize the reflection of light to brighten up your bathroom.
Strategic Placement
- Eye Level: Install your mirror at eye level to ensure it’s easily accessible for all members of your household. This placement also guarantees a clear and flattering reflection.
- Centered and anchored: Position the mirror so that it is centered above the vanity or sink. Use appropriate wall anchors and hardware to securely mount the mirror, ensuring it remains firmly in place.
Perhaps consider a shaving mirror
Bathroom vanity mirrors and wall mounted shaving mirrors come in various designs.
These types of mirrors are usually fitted to the wall close to the sink, which saves on countertop space.
A vanity mirror or shaving mirror with lights provides essential illumination for make-up application and shaving, especially when there’s little or no natural daylight in your bathroom.
An illuminated LED shaving mirror uses a very small amount of power, lights up instantly at the touch of a switch and boasts a long lifespan.
When choosing a shaving mirror, it’s a good idea to opt for one with a magnifying mirror and an extendable arm. An extended shaving mirror can be pulled close to you to save you from leaning over the sink.
Maintaining the beauty of your bathroom mirror
To keep your bathroom mirror looking its best and functioning flawlessly, follow these maintenance and cleaning tips –
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your mirror regularly with a mild glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. This will remove smudges and keep it sparkling.
- Avoid Abrasives: Steer clear of abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage the mirror’s surface. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions for the best results.
- Inspect for Moisture: Periodically check the edges and backing of your mirror for signs of moisture or damage. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
How to defog a bathroom mirror
There’s nothing more annoying than trying to use your bathroom mirror after taking a shower, only for it to be completely fogged up.
Whether you want to brush your teeth or apply beauty products, you’ll have to use your towel to wipe down the glass, or even open the window on a freezing cold morning and wait for it to clear.
Surely there must be a better solution? The answer is yes! Here’s how you can defog your bathroom mirror quickly and prevent it from fogging up.
- Before taking a hot shower, try running it cold for 30 seconds to help keep the surrounding area cool, which helps to prevent the fog forming quickly. But it will eventually form, so keep your shower as short as possible.
- Cover the bathroom mirror with a towel before showering. The towel prevents the mirror from collecting moisture during a shower.
- Apply shaving cream to the surface of the mirror and wipe down with a paper towel. The residue acts as a barrier to the condensation and therefore prevents the mirror from steaming up.
- Pour some shampoo onto a piece of folded kitchen roll and wipe over the mirror. Then take a clean paper towel and wipe the mirror dry, making sure the glass is completely dry. When you next shower the mirror should be fog free.
- Before showering, lightly run a bar of soap over the glass, and then use a cloth to remove any residue. This trick will keep your mirror fog free following a shower.
- Pour a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water into an old spray bottle and add in a couple of drops of washing-up liquid. Spray the solution onto the mirror and wipe with a cloth. Leave the glass to dry or wipe down with another cloth. Your mirror should remain fog free for a couple of days.
- More top tips and tricks for battling condensation in the bathroom.
Installing a bathroom mirror
Fitting a bathroom wall mirror is a job that you can easily do yourself – just follow these steps and you’ll have your new mirror up in no time –
- Decide where to install your new mirror ensuing the wall is suitable. Make sure the wall is strong enough and use a pipe finder to check there’s no pipes concealed in the wall behind.
- Hold the mirror up to the wall and mark where it will be fitted. Use a spirit level to check it’s straight and mark the drill holes on the wall.
- Before drilling the holes, choose a drill bit that’s suitable for the wall type. Use some masking tape to mark how far up the drill bit a wall plug will go, so you can drill to the correct depth. If you are drilling into a tiled wall, take two pieces of masking tape and place in a cross over each hole to help prevent the drill from slipping. You can now drill the holes and insert the wall plugs.
- Get someone to help you hold the mirror while you screw the mirror onto the wall. Peel off the protective film and admire your new bathroom mirror!
Cleaning your bathroom mirror
Cleaning the bathroom mirror doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task.
Just follow our top tips for a perfectly clean, streak-free mirror, every time!
- Use white vinegar and a soft cloth to spot clean any toothpaste and grime.
- Clean around the edges with vinegar and cotton buds or an old toothbrush.
- Mix four parts water with one part vinegar and pour into a spray bottle, and then spray the solution onto a soft cloth or directly onto the mirror.
- Wipe the mirror from side to side with the cloth, but never wipe in circles.
- Next, dry the mirror with a clean cloth using the same side to side action, your mirror should be sparkling clean and free from streaks.
- To remove limescale from a bathroom mirror use lemon or lime juice, or white vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mirrors are an excellent choice to create the illusion of extra space in a compact ensuite bathroom area – they can be included in the form of numerous smaller bathroom mirrors or a single large mirror.
Modern mirror designs include those with rounded edges, whilst sharp angular moderns are more reflective of traditional styles if a period aesthetic is preferred.
To find out more, explore our dedicated blog, 13 Beautiful Ensuite Bathroom Ideas for 2023.
Bathroom mirrors can steam up quickly as a result of condensation, but some measures can be taken to combat the occurrence. A heated demister pad can be fitted to keep your mirror surface warm and prevent condensation from forming. Or, if you aren’t keen on investing in a new or improved bathroom mirror, you can choose to lace the reflective surface with shaving foam before wiping it clean using a towel, ensuring a fog-free frame for some time.
Another means for wiping down your mirror is to do so with a half-and-half water and vinegar solution. You should pour these contents into a spray bottle and add a couple of drops of washing up liquid then wipe down with a towel or cloth to make the mirror steam-free for a few days. A newspaper can be used as an alternative to guarantee a streak-free finish.
To discover more handy hints and tips on tackling bathroom condensation, take a look at our dedicated blog, How To Deal With Bathroom Condensation.
Generally speaking, bathroom mirrors should span a good few inches less than the bathroom vanity unit or basin area they tend to be positioned above.
For instance, if you opt for a bathroom vanity with a width of 1200mm or 48 inches, you should typically select a mirror (frame inclusive) that doesn’t exceed 1200mm or 48 inches. This is to ensure that the mirror doesn’t become an overbearing feature in comparison with other bathroom furniture.
If you would like more advice regarding bathroom layout pertaining to bathroom vanities, take a look at our Buyer’s Guide To Bathroom Vanity Units.
John trained in journalism before joining the Big Bathroom Shop team. His exceptional journalism skills (and modesty) allow him to meticulously research bathroom topics and bring you the very latest news and views on all things bath and shower related. He’s a dab hand at Scrabble and is currently undertaking a domestic plumbing course to be sure he actually does know what he’s talking about!
