Choosing a mirror for the bathroom

Among the functional accessories for the bathroom, the mirror plays a special role. It is hard to imagine how we can do without it, bringing ourselves in order in the morning or before going to bed.

Choosing a mirror in the bathroom, you should take into account the peculiarities of this room: high humidity, condensation, which appears due to temperature differences and flying during bathing splashes, especially noticeable on reflective surfaces.

It is safe to say that the best option for the bathroom will be models with heating, built-in LED lighting and shelves for storing cosmetics or personal care products. It is also important that the mirror canvas is characterized by increased moisture resistance, then it will last much longer than usual.

What else do you need to know, so that you do not make a mistake with the choice?

Types of mirrors for the bathroom

It’s not enough for us just to see our reflection, we want the object that creates it to look stylish and aesthetic, perfectly fitting into the interior. The desired effect can be achieved by choosing the right shape of the mirror, frame and lighting for it. Let’s dwell on each item in detail.

Shape of the mirror

It can be:

• round
• oval
• rectangular
• trapezoidal
• polygonal
• asymmetrical
• shaped

The first three varieties are suitable for any style of bathroom, the rest look better in modern interiors.

Round mirrors are especially popular. This is a universal model, the style of which is determined by the decorative design. The only disadvantage is the size limitation, the whole wall such an accessory will not make. The way out is to use two or more copies, which is very convenient in spacious rooms in the presence of paired washbasins

On the photo — round mirrors in the bathroom:

No less attractive and models in the shape of an oval. They are practically no different from the round ones, except that they are not so actively used.

Those who want to visually increase the space of the bathroom, it is better to pay attention to rectangular mirrors. They can occupy almost the entire wall above the washbasin, creating an impressive illusion of perspective, especially if they are used without baguette (see photo):

If you like shaped models, you should check whether our reflection fits in them before buying. Otherwise, it may turn out that part of the face or body will be «out of frame» and we will have to wiggle around to see the whole of ourselves. And this is uncomfortable both physically and psychologically.

Mirror in a frame

Without a decorative design, mirror surfaces look like part of the wall decoration. It is the baguette that turns them into an accessory, a separate object, necessary not only for reflection, but also for interior decoration.

The frame is selected in accordance with the style of the whole environment.

• Mirror in a baguette with a complex carved ornament, generously decorated with gilding is designed for classical rooms.

Loves «gold» and Art Deco, only the frames for it will have an original design, reminiscent of the sun or stars with diverging rays. In addition, the so-called «Venetian mirrors», encased in an exquisite frame of glass, most often also with a reflective effect, will fit here perfectly.

• Vintage metal frames look good in loft, retro and Scandinavian interiors.

• Artificially aged wooden baguettes with carvings are suitable for shebby-chic and Provence.

• Art Nouveau is a laconic frame with unpretentious relief. Instead of expensive wood can be used polyurethane or polystyrene foam, which are much better adapted to the microclimate of the bathroom.

Mirrors for the bathroom with a shelf

If the bathroom is equipped with a washbasin without a countertop, for example, suspended or model «tulip», there is a problem with the placement of toothbrushes, cosmetics and other no less necessary «little things» that should always be at hand.

A shelf under the mirror comes to the rescue. It can be bought separately, but it is much more convenient when both accessories come as a set. Before purchasing it is necessary to check the quality of fastening elements, so that the shelf does not break off under the weight of the items placed on it. If there is a fence, the probability of falling our jars and bottles is significantly reduced.

Shortage of storage sections? It is worth buying a mirror with several shelves in the bathroom. It does not take up a lot of space and will allow you to put the arsenal of personal care products in perfect order.

Design with a shelf further on the photo:

Mirrored hinged cabinet

This piece of furniture is simply necessary in small bathrooms, where floor cabinets are an unacceptable luxury. Another thing is the walls, which are not involved in any way in our movements. Hanging mirror cabinet performs a double function: serves as a wonderful organizer and helps to visually expand the space.

It comes in two varieties:

1. Bathroom mirror cabinet. It is a mirrored canvas, on both sides of which are attached closed compartments. The second option — when a large mirror is superimposed on a small cabinet. In both cases, we will be able to store a minimum number of things here, which is not very convenient.
2. The actual locker with mirror doors. Can consist of one or several sections, additionally equipped with open shelves.

Hinged mirror cabinets further on the photo:

Corner mirrors for the bathroom

We are talking about two mutually perpendicular mirror panels, which expand the view and allow you to see yourself in profile. They are fixed above the corner sinks in small-sized bathrooms.

Examples of such designs are shown in the photo below:

However, it is much more practical to use a corner hinged cabinet with mirrored doors. It is compact, but quite capable of accommodating shampoo and our favorite cosmetics:

There are also combined variants, when the sides of the corner section have one or two symmetrical mirrored panels, as in the following photos:

Mirrors with special functions

For the bathroom it is better to use reflective surfaces:

• internally illuminated
• magnifying
• heated

What are their features and advantages?

Illuminated mirror

The overhead lighting in the bathroom is not enough to see ourselves in detail in the mirror. If the ceiling lamps are behind our back, we will only see our silhouette in the counterpane, and the face will turn into a dark oval.

The mirror needs additional illumination. It can be:

• external

In the first case, usually use sconces, symmetrically located on both sides of the mirror, less often, directly on its surface.

If the mirror is large, it makes sense to additionally install spots above it to increase the brightness in the central part.

Examples of using sconces are shown in the photo below:

Internal (or built-in) illumination is carried out due to LED spot lamps with frosted glass or ribbons.

Advantages of LED lighting fixtures:

• Low power consumption.

• Ability to adjust the clarity of reflection. The warm, yellowish light softens the contours and minimizes the small imperfections of our appearance.

Daylight lamps — with a white and sometimes bluish tint, on the contrary, will reveal the smallest details, which is important when applying complex makeup or some cosmetic procedures.

• Uniformity of illumination.

• The mirror turns into an interesting art object.

• There is no need to make additional mounts for outdoor lights, speeds up the installation process.

However, mirrors with LED lighting are inappropriate in interiors of classic or «rustic» style.

On the photo — examples of the use of LED-lamps:

Heating function

When we take a hot bath, condensation settles on the surface of the mirror. It not only leaves traces, but also prevents us from seeing our reflection.

The solution to the problem is artificial heating, which works in the same way as underfloor heating. A film with wires is applied to the back side of the mirror sheet. When switched on, the elements heat the surface to 450ºC, as a result of which water droplets instantly evaporate.

Cosmetic mirror

It is very convenient to take care of yourself using a mirror with a magnifying effect.

Its varieties:

• Desktop. It is convenient in that it can be carried.

• Wall-mounted, on a retractable bracket. Usually located next to the main large mirror and can change position, allowing us to look at ourselves from different angles.

• With a clip-on stand. Attaches to any surface.

• With stand-alone lighting — the most expensive, but comfortable to use option.

Cosmetic mirrors in the interior of the bathroom, photo:

How to choose a mirror bathroom

1. It is desirable that the mirror has a silver, not aluminum coating. This will improve its reflectivity and significantly extend its service life in a humid environment.
2. Before buying, you should check the mirror surface for chips, cracks, bubbles, irregularities and other defects.
3. The reflection should be clear, without blurred contours, «ripples» or distortion of proportions.
4. It is necessary to make sure that the layer of sputtering on the back side is homogeneous. If the coating is applied unevenly, in places where it is thinner over time will form abrasions and the quality of the mirror will deteriorate.

Unusual bathroom mirrors

Luxurious and unusual look mirrors in the whole wall. They seem to open for us new worlds, admiring which, we lose the sense of reality, distracted from the usual fuss.

Even more impressive are the mirrored panels made up of slabs stacked straight or diagonally. The reflection in them fractures, losing the usual proportions, and it seems as if we are inside a huge, sparkling crystal (see photo):

Today it is fashionable to decorate the bathroom with mirrors of small size and different shapes, which occupy the entire wall. Of course, such accessories are more of a decorative than a functional element. But they look creative, especially in retro style interiors.

Small mirrors for the bathroom, photo:

Want a unique design of the mirror in the bathroom? Let’s choose a non-standard frame for it:

Or shape:

Mirrors equipped with technical innovations, amaze the imagination. For example, a surface that removes condensation with a glass cleaner. Or a mirror with a built-in TV. You can groom yourself and watch your favorite channels:

Beautiful mirrors completely change the look of our bathroom, making it stylish, attractive and functional. The main thing is to choose this accessory responsibly and we will be able to use it for many years, every time being happy with our reflection.