Bathroom Mirrors Buying Guide
A mirror's effect on a bathroom goes beyond its practical use. Because it reflects whatever sits opposite it, tiles, a feature wall, or the room's existing lighting, a mirror can act as a focal point in its own right, not just a fixture bolted to the wall above the vanity. Choosing a mirror that complements the existing vanity and light fitting matters as much as choosing the shape or finish itself.
Types of bathroom mirrors
- Non lit mirrors rely on the room's existing lighting and suit bathrooms where a wall light, downlight or pendant is already positioned to illuminate the vanity area well
- LED mirrors integrate lighting directly into the mirror, which is useful in bathrooms without dedicated vanity lighting, or where a softer, more even light is wanted specifically for grooming tasks like shaving or applying makeup
- Mirrored cabinets combine a mirror with concealed storage behind it, keeping toiletries and grooming products out of sight while still within easy reach. This is a practical option in smaller bathrooms, since it adds storage without using any additional wall space, and a tidier surface reads as a larger room
- Magnifying mirrors are worth considering as a secondary mirror where a large wall mirror isn't practical, or alongside one, for closer detail work that a standard mirror at a distance doesn't allow for
Backlit mirrors: how they work
Backlit mirrors are generally installed with a back box fixed to the wall, with the mirror itself hung on the front using hooks secured to the back box. LED backlit models include a 12-volt transformer within the unit, while fluorescent-lit models connect directly to 240-volt power. Wiring typically runs through the centre of the back box and needs to be hard-wired to a wall switch, either through the room's existing light switch panel or via a switched power point, which means an electrician is needed for installation.
Beyond the grooming benefit, a backlit mirror left on at a low level can double as an energy-efficient night light in the bathroom. Backlit mirrors in this collection are compatible with demister pads, which clear condensation from the mirror's surface after a hot shower.
Choosing a mirror for your bathrooms design
A mirror's shape and frame, or lack of one, should echo the room's overall style rather than compete with it. A modern bathroom with clean-lined tiling generally suits a simple rectangular or round mirror without a heavy frame, letting the tile and vanity carry the visual interest. A more traditional or heritage-style bathroom can accommodate a framed mirror with more presence, particularly where the frame finish matches existing tapware or cabinet hardware.
Mirror size also plays a design role beyond simple function. A large mirror, sometimes spanning most of the available wall space above the vanity, reflects more light and makes a small bathroom feel considerably more open. A mirror sized closer to the vanity's own width, by contrast, creates a more contained, tailored look that some renovators prefer for a sense of cohesion between the vanity and the mirror above it.
What size should a bathroom mirror be?
There's no fixed rule for bathroom mirror size; it depends on personal preference and the room's available space. Many renovators now choose a large mirror that takes up most of the wall above the vanity, since it makes it easier to see a full reflection and reflects more light around the room. Where space doesn't allow for a large mirror, a magnifying mirror is a practical alternative for detailed grooming tasks.
Should a bathroom mirror be the same width as the vanity?
There are two common approaches. Some designers recommend keeping the mirror the same width as the vanity, or slightly narrower, for a more cohesive, tailored look. Others favour a larger mirror that extends beyond the vanity's edges, which tends to give the room a more spacious, open feel. Neither approach is inherently more correct; the choice comes down to whether a contained or an expansive look suits the room.
How do I choose a bathroom mirror?
Start with the room's overall style, modern or traditional, and choose a mirror shape and frame finish that complements it rather than working against it. Then consider who uses the bathroom and for what: a backlit or LED mirror suits makeup application, a flexible or magnifying mirror suits shaving or close detail work, and a mirrored cabinet is worth considering if the bathroom needs additional storage. Settling on function first makes the remaining decision, shape, size and finish, considerably more straightforward.
Mirror care
Clean mirrors using a mix of 30% methylated spirits to 70% water, avoiding harsh chemical cleaning products, which can damage the mirror's coating over time. Keep water away from the back and sides of the mirror, since moisture reaching the silver backing can cause visible damage. In coastal areas, wiping around the mirror's edge once a month helps prevent salt build-up, which can lead to silver creep, a gradual deterioration of the mirror's reflective backing starting from the edges.
Completing the bathroom
A mirror is easiest to choose once the vanity and lighting are settled, since its size, shape and frame finish all respond to those earlier decisions. The Blue Space's Vanities and Lighting collections are worth reviewing alongside a mirror choice, so the finished vanity wall reads as one considered look rather than separate decisions made in isolation.
