From brushing your teeth in the morning to your evening bedtime routine, you spend a lot of time in front of your bathroom mirror. Because of this, the style and features of mirrors for bathroom vanities are important considerations when designing a luxury bathroom. The correct sizing is also critical for the aesthetic. Let’s take a look at how to get this essential element right.
WHAT SIZE SHOULD YOUR BATHROOM MIRROR BE?
Whether you have a small vanity, a large vanity with dual basins, or two separate vanities with twin mirrors above, the size and position of your vanity matters. When your vanity mirror doesn’t blend with the space and the dynamics of the room, you’ll notice it. If it’s too small, you might not be able to use it in the way you want to. If it’s too large, it could dominate the space. If it’s positioned too high or too low, it also impacts functionality and aesthetics. This is why choosing the right mirror for your bathroom is so important.
Nailing down the right size starts with knowing the dimensions of your vanity. From there, you can size the mirror using some standard guidelines:
- The mirror should be no wider than the vanity itself.
- The ideal maximum width is two to four inches narrower than the vanity.
- The mirror should be no more than four inches less than the width of the vanity.
The same rules apply if you’re placing a large mirror over a vanity with dual basins. If you want to put two mirrors over dual basins, use a similar approach. Determine the midpoint of the vanity and treat each half independently so that each mirror is inset an inch or two from the edge and centered over the basin.
For the height, one approach is to position the center of the mirror about five feet above the floor; this can vary depending on the ceiling height, how tall the users are, and other lifestyle factors. A good guideline is to position the mirror at least a few inches above the vanity—but if you have a vessel sink, wall-mounted fixtures, or a backsplash, you’ll want to leave enough space to avoid a crowded look.
EXPLORE MODERN BATHROOM MIRRORS
In addition to sizing mirrors for bathroom vanities, you also want to choose a style that aligns with your aesthetic theme and features that enhance usability.
Contemporary Shapes
It’s not hard to find a vanity mirror in a square or rectangular shape, but you might also want to consider circular and oval options as well. These rounded shapes can add softness to a contemporary space that is dominated by sharp lines or amplify the presence of other curves in the room.
LED Lighting
Many modern bathroom mirrors come with built-in LED lighting, either backlit or from the top and/or sides. With lighting temperature options from cool to warm, you can choose the option that best suits how you use your space. Consider a lighted mirror with a dimmer that allows you to control the brightness depending on how your needs change throughout the day.
Storage Frames
If you need a little extra shelf space—or just like the look of a framed mirror—the vanity mirror is a design opportunity that you can take advantage of. Whether it’s just a single shelf below the mirror or offset integrated shelving, it’s always a plus to have a place to keep your items handy or on display.
Mounting Style
You probably picture most bathroom mirrors as being wall-mounted, but that’s not your only option. A ceiling-mounted mirror can add flair and a unique design element to a luxury bathroom. They’re also a great option when wall space is limited or there are other obstacles to mounting.
Optional Features
Many mirrors come with optional features that allow you to personalize based on your lifestyle. These might include:
- A magnifying mirror
- A defogger
- A dimmer
- An on/off sensor
- A folding mirror
GET GUIDANCE FROM THE HASTINGS DESIGN TEAM
Not sure which style of mirror best goes with your vanity? Need a little guidance on sizing your bathroom mirror? The Hastings team is here to help. We’ll help you navigate our extensive collection of Italian-designed bathroom mirrors to determine which style and size best match your design theme and lifestyle. All you have to do is schedule a consultation to get started.
If you’d like to get tips like this directly to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to our blog today!
