The Right Things to Consider When Buying Bathroom Mirrors

If you don’t know what to look for in a bathroom mirror, chances are you will end up buying the wrong one. That’s because choosing the right one is not about what’s trending in bathroom mirrors, or one that looks most attractive to you; it’s about adding a piece that will suit your bathroom interior in terms of style and design, while also meeting your functional needs.

There are different types of bathroom mirrors to choose from, each of which come with their own set of features. For example, high-tech smart mirrors for bathrooms are growing in popularity due to their convenient features which include Bluetooth connectivity and in-built stereo speakers. On the other hand, you’ve got traditional bathroom mirrors in a multitude of designs, styles, shapes, and sizes, making it rather difficult to find the perfect bathroom mirror for your space.

With that in mind, we are sharing some important things to consider when buying a bathroom mirror to ensure that you pick the right one. Read on!

 

Style – Should it Match the Bathroom Interior?

Although it CAN be as simple as it sounds – modern bathroom mirrors suit modern bathroom interiors – there are some exceptions where mixing and matching styles is acceptable. Having said this, there is a fine line between contrasting styles and two styles that clash with each other. For example, a simple modern mirror will blend in with contemporary and beach-style interiors, whereas a decorative contemporary bathroom mirror in a farmhouse bathroom would be an eyesore! 

The key to successfully mixing and matching when it comes to the style of your bathroom and mirror is to stick with minimalistic designs while including other décor pieces in a similar style. If your bathroom interior is not one specific style, this gives you more freedom to play around with mirror designs. Before you decide to purchase a bathroom mirror, however, it is helpful to get a design consultation from the company for a clearer picture of how the mirror will look in your space.

 

Functionality – Does it Serve Other Purposes?

    

In days gone by, a bathroom mirror was either meant for decoration or grooming (or both). Fast-forward to the present-day and your bathroom mirrors can do a lot more for you! Of course, there are still traditional mirrored cabinets available which offer a discreet place to organise toiletries and other bathroom essentials. These medicine cabinets are typically suitable for small bathrooms or vanities with little counter space. 

Other innovative designs include different types of illuminated bathroom mirrors which give the space a modern, futuristic look. These backlit and frontlit mirrors feature low-energy LED lights that brighten up your vanity with their soft glows. Some of the luxurious models in this category feature Bluetooth connectivity with touch-sensitivity to adjust the brightness of the lights and volume controls (for mirrors with in-built speakers). Typically, these smart mirrors are also equipped with USB ports that can charge your phone since they are hard wired and do not run on rechargeable batteries. 

For anyone who would like the benefit of additional storage without the bulkiness of a cabinet, ledge mirrors are a great choice. They are typically equipped with a shelf at the bottom of the mirror which can be used to place a toothbrush holder, skincare essentials, or perhaps, a décor piece. So, to ensure that you are buying a bathroom mirror that meets your functional needs, ask yourself what you really want to get out of it.

 

Bathroom Mirror Size – Should it be Proportionate to the Bathroom Vanity Dimensions?

To decide what mirror size you need for your bathroom, you will need to take a few things into consideration. Firstly, the size of the mirror must meet your functional needs; if you prefer a large bathroom mirror for grooming and have space for it, that is an ideal choice. However, it should be noted that, for aesthetic purposes, the size of the mirror must be proportionate with your vanity. For example, a horizontal mirror that is wider than the vanity does not give the room a uniform look.

 

To give you a clearer idea of what bathroom mirror size and shape to buy for your bathroom, refer to the Luxe Mirrors bathroom vanity to mirror size & shape guide below:

 

Ultimately, the mirror size will largely depend on the size of your bathroom. Bear in mind that mirrors can make a small space look larger, so a wall-to-wall fit isn’t a bad idea if there are no obstructions. Otherwise, the advisable thing to do is purchase a small, yet functional, bathroom mirror for a small bathroom and, likewise, a large one for a bigger space.

 

Design – What to Look for in a Bathroom Mirror? 

   

As we mentioned earlier, the design style needs to match or complement the style of your bathroom interiors. Apart from this, there are a few other important aspects of bathroom mirror designs that one must take into consideration when looking for a suitable piece. For starters, there is a reason why specifically manufactured bathroom mirrors are different from decorative mirrors. They are typically made from copper-free glass while the frames are specially treated to prevent corroding or damage caused by high humidity and moisture. 

When it comes to bathroom mirrors, you can choose between framed and frameless designs. The former offers decorative perks depending on patterns, textures, colours, etc. Ornate, framed bathroom mirrors are great for dressing up a rather simple or plain bathroom interior, giving the room a beautiful focal point. As far as frameless mirrors are concerned, although simple in design, they are extremely elegant and classy to have in a modern or contemporary bathroom space. To further enhance their aesthetic value, frameless mirrors can be found in bevelled edge and polished edge finishes. 

 

Construction – Will it Rust or Corrode?

 

The last thing you want is for your new bathroom mirror to fall prey to rust or corrosion. This is why the quality of materials used in bathroom mirror construction must be prioritised when buying a piece for your home. You may find a suitable design, style, and colour, but the mirror won’t serve you for very long if it is poorly constructed from materials that are prone to humidity and moisture. Everything from the glass, backing, and frame must be treated or made from materials that will withstand these bathroom elements.

Two of the most important things to look for in your bathroom mirror are copper-free glass which is resistant to corrosion that typically occurs beneath the surface, and frame materials that are specially treated to prevent moisture or water damage. For example, wood framed mirrors for bathroom use (or otherwise) must be sealed properly to fully protect them from moisture and humidity.

 

Shape – Can You Mix and Match with Existing Shapes & Styles?

Bathroom mirrors are available in a variety of shapes including round, oval, rectangle, and square, as well as some unique designs like arched, oblong, and triangle shapes. So, how do you know what mirror shape is right for your bathroom? Well, a good rule of thumb is to create a theme for the décor or, in other words, stick to similar shapes in your bathroom. 

If the interior design and existing décor consist of sharp lines, a square or rectangle mirror will blend in nicely. Similarly, round or oval mirrors are best suited in bathrooms with curvy shapes and soft edges. When it comes to shapes, mixing and matching isn’t the best idea although some clever interior designers manage to pull it off.

 

Colour – Subtle or Bold?

While the colour of your bathroom mirrors will largely depend on personal preference, again, choosing one that does not clash with existing colours in the room is important! Everything from the style and design to the shape and style may be perfect but if you choose the wrong colour, it will throw the whole look off.

Two helpful tips for picking the right colour for your bathroom mirror is to match it to the colour of your bathroom fittings or choose a neutral shade for a beautiful contrast. 

 

Here are some examples of bathroom colour themes and suggested mirror frame colours for them:

Bathroom Colour	Mirror Frame Colour / Frameless
Predominantly Grey	Black, silver, white, frameless or illuminated
Earthy Tones	Gold, brown, bronze, frameless or illuminated
Predominantly White	Black, silver, gold, or bold shades to add a pop of colour, frameless or illuminated
Predominantly Black	Black, white, silver, gold, frameless or illuminated
Green	White, silver, black, frameless or illuminated
Blue	Black, white, silver, gold, frameless, or illuminated
Yellow	Brown, gold, bronze, black, frameless or illuminated
Red	Black, white, silver, frameless or illuminated

 

REMINDER: Before choosing the colour of your bathroom mirror, consider the existing colours of your fittings, tiles, wall paint, and other décor pieces to avoid clashing tones/shades.

If you’re in need of professional assistance to pick the perfect bathroom mirror for your unique interior and functional requirements, Luxe Mirrors Australia is happy to give you a free design consultation and discuss viable options with you!

At Luxe Mirrors, we supply, design and manufacture the highest quality bathroom mirrors and deliver them to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Every mirror we showcase in our large range is made to the highest standards of quality.

Luxe Mirrors carries a wide range of Premium Quality Bathroom Mirrors for all home décor styles, as well as mirrored furniture, wall art, and other decorative pieces. We are dedicated to bringing customers both modern and traditional bathroom mirror designs of the highest quality in Australia for home and commercial use. You can learn more about our premium custom made bathroom mirrors with LED lighting and shop other ‘off the shelf’ collections right here at our online retail store!

If you’re looking for more inspiration or information about Design & Decoration, Whats trending now or Care & Maintenance guides, check out more of our blog.