How to Choose a Bathroom Mirror: Expert Buying Guide

Picking a bathroom mirror can be tricky. For some homeowners, it's merely a functional piece, for others, it’s a design statement. But no matter what bathroom interior you’re going with, a mirror comes out as an essential component. But with so many options out there, homeowners often wonder how to choose the right bathroom. 

This bathroom mirror buying guide discusses everything you need to know to choose the right bathroom mirror.

This blog breaks it down into bite-sized tips to help you choose the right fit for your bathroom.

Size Matters 

The first rule of mirror shopping is measuring the size of your vanity so you know what you’re looking for. Ideally, the mirror should be slightly narrower than the width of your vanity. It’s best if you aim for a mirror that’s 70-80% of your actual vanity size. You don’t need to overcrowd your wall with extra-large mirrors

As for the height, always prefer the mirror that is two-thirds the height of your vanity. If you have a 90cm tall vanity, choose a 60cm mirror for equal standoff. Don’ forget to leave 4-10cm between the mirror’s bottom edge and the countertop to prevent the splashes and leave sufficient elbow room.

In case of a small bathroom, do the contrary; install a larger mirror. A large mirror will reflect more light and trick the eye into thinking that the space is actually larger than it is.

Here we have a table explaining the right size of bathroom mirrors in the UK. 

Shape & Style of the Mirror

Rectangular mirrors are classic and pretty common in every household but more and more people are leaping onto the curved mirror bandwagon. A round or oval mirror would help soften the impact of sharp corners of your bathroom furniture. Not to mention, it will pair perfectly with your pedestal basins as well. If you want to create a space that holds time choose from the curved design frames that give your bathroom a vintage look. 

Many interior designers recommend matching the mirror shape to your basin. If, for instance, you have an angular sink, hang a square mirror on top to complement the look. Likewise, for curved sinks use rounded mirrors to create a cohesive overall look. But for modern spaces that best rely on minimalist themes, it’s better if you go with frameless mirrors. 

Mirror Types

Society has gone a step ahead from simple framed and squared mirrors. Now LED mirrors are widely praised for makeup or shaving. They provide even and shadow-free lighting. Some LED mirrors even come with anti-fog technology which prevents steam from building up on the mirror after every shower.

Some mirrors also come fitted with medicine cabinets. They have dual storage for all your bathroom accessories from toothpastes and pills to shaving kits and toiletries. More importantly, cabinet mirrors usually prove ideal for smaller bathrooms that are often limited on storage space. 

If you have enough cabinetry in the room already, freestanding mirrors could be your next pick. Freestanding mirrors are flexible when it comes to renters.  Not to mention, homeowners who are going for quirky design themes with a bit of industrial appeal.

While the above table explains the various types of bathroom mirrors in the UK, most of these types are generally available in framed or frameless styles. Both frameless and framed mirrors have their pros and cons.

Framed Bathroom Mirrors Vs. Frameless Bathroom Mirrors

As it's clear from the name, that framed mirror has a frame around the main mirror or glass. It can be made of any material, ranging from metal ( more popular) to wood (usually suitable for vintage-inspired spaces), or even hard plastic. Frameless mirrors, on the other hand, have no framing around their edges. The absence of the frame creates a minimalist and modern appearance. Now we come to the main point: whether you should choose a framed mirror or prefer a frameless mirror. There is no rule of thumb when it comes to making a choice between framed and frameless mirrors. While decorative frames around mirrors make them more suitable for vintage and classic settings, many come with rather minimalist or thin frames that can be suitable for even minimalist bathrooms. If you have a large bathroom or space where you want to create a classic look, a framed mirror is an obvious choice. 

On the other hand, with the right frame, you can also install them in a modern or contemporary space. However, it is important to note that a frameless mirror will look inappropriate in a vintage or traditional style bathroom. Frameless mirrors are considered to be more stylish yet are almost always preferred for a contemporary, modern, and minimalist space. 

Here we have a table comparing the pros and cons of framed mirrors and frameless mirrors

Materials & Frames

Design aesthetics are important, but make sure you buy a framed mirror that withstands humidity and temperature of your bathroom. Here are some types you can choose from:

Frameless mirrors: might cost a bit higher than framed versions but they provide a clean and modern look. They are ideal if you want to keep the aesthetics of your room minimal and sleek. Consider pairing them with textured tiles or against bold wall colours.

Wood frames: on the other hand, provide warm and natural tones to the entire bathroom. They go along perfectly with rustic or scandic styles, as long as you want an outdated look. However, humidity can put them at risk. Usually teak or bamboo are water resistant, but it’s better to seal your wooden framed mirrors once a year. 

Metal frames: Compared to wood, metallic frames look sleeker and are more durable. They won’t rust under humid conditions. Plus, if you’re eyeing a contemporary bathroom outlook, go with brushed nickel or matte black in contemporary spaces. Besides, brass and copper develop patinas over time which work like a charm.

Placement

When installing the mirror, you should follow the eye-level rule. So, the centre of the mirror should be at 165cm from the floor which is the average adult’s eye level.

Secondly, if your bathroom hosts double vanities, you should either use one wide mirror or two smaller ones to keep symmetry. Keep the gap between the two mirrors to 10-15cm to create a cohesive outlook.

If your bathroom features any awkward walls, purchase a suspended mirror that can be hung from the ceiling or a window frame. It may sound unconventional but it certainly goes along most retro bathroom setups.

Lighting 

A stylish mirror with bad lighting can ruin the entire look of the bathroom. It’s always better to flank the mirror for an even light. Some more futuristic mirror types have built-in lighting that creates a more aesthetic and brighter glow. Try choosing mirrors that offer adjustable colour temps that stay warm for evenings and cool for morning routines. Regardless of the mirror you choose, avoid placing lights directly above the mirror that might cause unflattering shadows.

Extra Features Worth Considering

Sometimes you want a mirror that does more than reflect, then here are the specialties you need to be looking for:

• Anti-fog coating: If you’re tired of wiping down your mirror after every shower, anti-fog mirrors would work wonders for you. They have built-in demisters with subtle heating pads that keep the glass clear. You can look for an illuminated bathroom mirror with the antifog feature. 

• Magnification: If you’re into detailed grooming, magnification mirrors with 5x-10x zoom on one side and standard reflection on the other would fit your needs.

• Smart tech: Some high-tech mirrors come with motion sensors, touch controls, or built-in demisters. Not to mention, some versions even display time and weather. They sure look fancy but aren’t as convenient.

Setting Up Budget 

We suggest setting a reasonable budget before you start looking for a bathroom mirror.  Bathroom mirror prices vary significantly and depend on integrated features and material. Having the specific amount of money you can spend on it will help you narrow down choices. Your budget should include mirror prices, costs of installation ( if hiring a plumber).

*Cost table does not include bathroom mirror installation costs in the UK. You should expect to pay £40–£100, depending on its complexity and whether electric work is required or not. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the right bathroom mirror in the UK, you will have to consider the requirements of the space ( for the right size), mirror style, type, and budget. Remember! The choice of the right mirror when combined with ensuite upgrade, may increase your property value up by 5%. Additionally, it will have a great impact on your bathroom experience. Therefore, It is always a good idea to take time, follow the advice in this bathroom mirror buying guide, and explore a variety of different options available before making a choice.