By Kerry Hale

Bathroom Mirror Buying Guide

  • Tuesday 17 December 2024
  • 5 minute read

A mirror is a key bathroom accessory that can boost the room’s overall appeal, helping it feel bigger and brighter. But how do you choose the right design for your space?

Our buying guide covers the most important things to consider when buying a mirror, including size, shape, placement and maintenance. Read on to find the perfect mirror for your bathroom.

Do I need a mirror in my bathroom?

As well as helping you get ready in the morning, having a mirror in the bathroom can enhance the room’s look and feel. Here are some of the benefits:

Creates the illusion of space

Mirrors reflect the bathroom’s surfaces and décor, making the room appear larger. They’re the perfect addition to smaller bathrooms where you want to maximise the available space.

Reflects light

When positioned correctly, bathroom mirrors can reflect natural light around the room, brightening the space and bouncing light into dark corners. This can help it feel airier and more inviting. For best results, try placing your mirror opposite a window.

Adds style and personality

Mirrors are a great way to refresh your bathroom and enhance your wall décor. There are many designs, shapes, sizes and colours to choose from, with something to suit every taste. Pick a mirror that reflects your style to add a unique touch to the room.

Types of bathroom mirrors

With all kinds of mirrors to choose from, finding the right option for your space can be challenging. Here are some of the most popular mirrors for bathrooms.  

Wall mirror

A wall mirror is one of the most common types you’ll find in a bathroom. Wall mirrors come in various shapes – including rectangular and round – and are available with or without frames. Asymmetrical mirrors are one of the top current trends and can add a fun touch to bathrooms.

Cabinet mirror

If you want to combine a mirror with storage, opt for a bathroom cabinet mirror. Cabinet mirrors help keep your bathroom clutter-free, with plenty of space for toiletries and other essentials. They’re also one of the best bathroom mirrors for small bathrooms with limited wall space.

LED mirror

LED mirrors feature lights around the edges and can help illuminate your bathroom – this is particularly useful in rooms that lack natural light. They provide a clear view for tasks like brushing your teeth and applying makeup, and they offer a gentle ambience to help your bathroom feel cosy and welcoming. 

These mirrors come in battery and mains-operated designs, and some feature demisting technology to keep the glass steam-free after a shower

 

Shaving mirror

Shaving mirrors are typically small in size and are fitted to the wall near the sink, with an extendable arm for ease of use. Many feature LED lights and magnification, ensuring precision while shaving.

Freestanding mirror

Freestanding mirrors are a versatile addition to small and large bathrooms. Because they aren’t mounted on a wall, you can move them around and place them in different areas of the room. Many freestanding mirrors also have magnifying features, helping you see your reflection more clearly.

Bathroom mirror considerations

Struggling to decide on the best mirror for your bathroom? Here are some key points to consider.

What is the best shape for a bathroom mirror?

You’ll need to think about which mirror shape best suits your bathroom: 

  • Rectangular mirrors are the most popular shape and perfectly complement all types of bathrooms, whether big or small, modern or traditional. 

  • Oval mirrors can add a stylish touch to modern bathrooms, acting as an eye-catching focal point.

Round mirrors are another popular option, ideal for small bathrooms where you may not have much wall space to play with. The curved lines add a soft touch to the room, making it feel calm and tranquil.

How to choose the right size for a bathroom mirror

It’s important to choose the right size for your bathroom mirror to ensure it fits with the rest of the room. 

  • Bathroom mirror width: As a general rule, your mirror should be slightly narrower than your vanity unit – around 80% of the vanity’s width.

  • Bathroom mirror height: The height of your bathroom mirror depends on the height of your ceiling and those who will be using it. The bottom of the mirror should ideally sit around 4 to 10 inches above your vanity unit. 

Where should you place a bathroom mirror?

Make sure that your bathroom mirror is easily accessible at eye level for those who will be using it. If your mirror is going to sit above the sink, ensure that it is positioned centrally and attached firmly so that it stays in place.

How many mirrors should you have in a bathroom?

The number of mirrors you have in your bathroom depends on personal preference and available space. It’s generally recommended to limit the number of bathroom mirrors to no more than two.

FAQs

How to clean and maintain a bathroom mirror

You should clean your mirror every few days to keep it sparkling and prevent stains from building up. One of the best ways to clean a bathroom mirror is with a solution of one part white vinegar and four parts water. Spray the solution onto a cotton cloth and wipe the mirror thoroughly, then wipe it dry with a microfibre cloth. 

Explore our bathroom mirror cleaning guide for more information.

How to defog a bathroom mirror

An easy way to defog a bathroom mirror is by using a hairdryer on a low heat setting, pointing it at the glass. You can prevent your mirror from fogging up by placing a towel over it before showering.  

How to install a bathroom mirror

Once you’ve decided on mirror placement, you can hang your mirror by drilling a hole in the wall and adding wall plugs or nails to hold it in place. Browse our guide to installing a bathroom mirror for a detailed overview of this process. 

Visit our blog for more bathroom design guides, inspiration and tips.

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