LED Bathroom Lighted Mirrors – The Technical Aspects: What to Look For

LED mirrors are all the rage in bathroom mirror design, giving new meaning to ‘brightening’ up a space with bathroom accessories! These illuminated mirrors are carefully constructed pieces that are built to withstand high levels of moisture, humidity, and other bathroom conditions. With that said, how can one differentiate between poorly made bathroom lighted mirrors and those that are of superior quality? What should one look for when buying a bathroom lighted mirror? Well, to know all of this and more, you will first need to learn about the different types of LED lighted bathroom mirrors, what they are made of, and how to use them best.

So, without further ado, let’s get right to it!

What are the Different Types of LED Lighted Bathroom Mirrors

Yes, an LED bathroom mirror can be as simple as mirrored glass with light; however, their designs are a lot more versatile than that. Here is a quick look at some popular types of bathroom lighted mirrors.

LED Backlit Mirrors

Also known as ‘rear glow mirrors’, a backlit bathroom mirror is fitted with LED lights on the back, giving the piece a beautiful, halo-like glow all around it. Their signature frameless designs allow for an even distribution of light reflecting off the wall behind them and create a truly calming bathroom ambience. Like other types of LED bathroom mirrors, the backlit variant can be found in different shapes and coloured lighting including white and warm.

LED Frontlit Mirrors

One of the many benefits of a frontlit mirror includes the elimination of shadows on the face which can make self-grooming quite a task. Of course, in terms of design, the modern concept of frontlit bathroom mirrors adds a unique touch to the space while the extra light certainly brightens up the room to give it more of an airy feel. They are typically fitted with LED strips on two/four sides of the mirror, or one that runs along the edges of the glass, and make perfect vanity mirrors in both bathroom and bedroom settings.

 

LED Illuminated Mirror Cabinets

If you’re looking for more functionality without having to compromise on style (and light), that’s what illuminated bathroom mirror cabinets are for! Owing to the required depth of a functional medicine cabinet, you probably guessed that the lighted options come with LEDs on the front, however, some variants may include rear glow lighting as well. Lighted mirror cabinets are suitable for all bathroom spaces including master ensuites and master bathroom.

 

What to Look for in a Bathroom Lighted Mirror

Customers must be wary of appearances when it comes to buying LED bathroom mirrors. Unless you know what your new mirror is made of, you cannot guarantee its quality. So, what makes a good, high-quality bathroom lighted mirror? Let’s find out.

Copper-Free Bathroom Mirrors = No Corrosion

Have you ever wondered why some bathroom mirrors tarnish over time and others don’t? Well, that’s your first indication of a low-grade bathroom mirror. While they may appear to be high-quality on the outside, the inferiority lies in the reflective coating of the mirror. Unlike top quality LED bathroom mirrors, their inexpensive counterparts use copper in the coating which results in corrosion over time. 

Seeing this obvious downside to buying lighted bathroom mirrors with a shortened lifespan, the creation of copper-free mirrors was introduced to the market and yes, they are an absolute game changer! Along with a resistance to corrosion, these glass mirrors offer protection against moisture and chemical damage, too. Copper-free LED mirrors are excellent options for bathroom spaces due to their durability, uncompromising reflection, and quality that enable them to light up your bathroom for years to come!

Touch Sensor Glass or Light Switch Integration

While some illuminated mirrors can be hard-wired to a light switch, others feature touch sensor glass which may include one or more buttons to turn the light on/off, switch on Bluetooth, control the demister function, and adjust the brightness of the LEDs. For those who prefer not to touch their mirrored glass, light switch integration is certainly a favoured choice while other buyers prefer the latter option for the convenience of controlling the mirror’s functions with just a gentle touch on the glass. It should be noted that these sensors are located towards the bottom of the mirror, ensuring that no accidental finger smudges end up in the middle of the glass. Like most LED bathroom mirrors, the wiring for both touch sensors and hard-wired mirrors are neatly concealed on the back of the piece, typically behind a sleek board. 

When looking to buy a premium bathroom lighted mirror, you can’t go wrong with either of these high end designs! Therefore, your final decision will largely depend on your personal preference and requirements. If you want to create the perfect ambiance in accordance with your needs or current mood, LED bathroom mirrors featuring touch sensor glass with dimmable lights are the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes the bathroom light mirror turned on as soon as you walk into the room, this can be achieved with just a flip of a switch thanks to the light switch integration option.

Demister Pads

The frustration of a fogged up mirror is the last thing you want to be faced with after a relaxing shower or soak in the tub. Demister pads solve this problem by ensuring a fog-free LED bathroom mirror at all times! Of course, you will need to turn on the demister function and allow the pad anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes to heat up before it de-fogs the glass in a matter of seconds.

There is no need to worry about overheating when it comes to demister pads because they use very low voltage, and can be manually turned off in some models. Located at the back of the mirror, they possess a heat-conducting layer that is integrated with the lights so that when the mirror is turned on, the pads begin to warm up and prevent steam condensation on the mirror. Although their technical functioning is fairly simple, demister pads are highly effective in eliminating fog on mirrored glass in an instant!

Here is a quick round-up of technical aspects to consider to narrow down your search for the perfect bathroom lighted mirror:

• Copper-free glass – to ensure a long lifespan of the mirror
• Touch sensors – for the added convenience offered to the user
• Dimmable lights – to adjust the brightness to your liking and needs
• Demister pads – for an anti-fog glass before, during, and after a hot shower/bath 
• LED lighting options – Choose your preferred ‘Warm’ or ‘Cool’ coloured LED lights to match functionality and decor

 

How to Distinguish Between Cheap and High Quality LED Bathroom Mirrors

Manufacturers of poorly made lighted mirrors do not typically offer a warranty on their products. This includes a ‘no guarantee’ on the lifespan of the LED lights which is exactly what you need to be looking for. Bear in mind that any high-quality bathroom lighted mirror will come with a minimum 1-year warranty while some guarantee periods can extend up to 5 years.

The glass should have a decent weight and feel solid as opposed to ‘tinny’ when you tap it with your finger. The ideal thickness is typically between 5-6mm while the weight of the glass depends on the size of the piece (and frame). It is also advisable to look at the mirror’s reflection from all angles to check for warping; low quality lighted mirrors are usually constructed from cheap materials in order to cut costs. 

The edges of the mirror can also be a major giveaway of poorly made LED mirrors; reputable mirror makers ensure that the finish of the edging is very smooth and even to the touch, as well as the eye. 

Lastly, the LEDs should project the true colours of a reflection, otherwise known as the Colour Rendering Index (CRI). LED lights with higher CRI offer an accurate colour reflection rather than a false white/warm glow. Apart from this, the lights should glow evenly and not flicker at any point (this could also mean there is a loose connection in the wire box concealed behind the mirror). High-quality pieces feature LED lighting strips that are tastefully concealed inside a housing with a diffuser cover. Bear in mind that LED lights are meant to be low-heat and low on energy; therefore, if you find heat emanating from the lighted panel, this indicates that the LEDs used are of lower quality.

Using Bathroom Lighted Mirrors the Right Way

You may be wondering if there even is a wrong way to use bathroom lighted mirrors; well, the answer is ‘yes’! In fact, knowing where, when, and how to use these illuminated mirrored pieces can be rather tricky when looking to get the most out of your new LED bathroom mirror. Let’s learn a little more about that below.

Where are LED Lighted Bathroom Mirrors Used?

No, they are not just limited to bathroom spaces; LED mirrors are very often seen in bedrooms and living rooms, as well as commercial settings such as hair and beauty salons, dressing rooms, hotel rooms, powder rooms, and toilet amenities. Owing to their functional and aesthetic purposes, large lighted mirrors are ideally used in master bathrooms and ensuites while smaller designs are the perfect addition to an in-house vanity room. As lighted mirrors are becoming more popular it is not uncommon to find large full-length illuminated mirrors in bedroom wardrobes, as having adequate front lighting to check your outfit is a must.

When are Bathroom Lighted LED Mirrors Used?

Yes, LED mirrors are higher-end products and therefore, may not be the ideal alternative to regular bathroom mirrors, especially for anyone on a tight budget. With that said, illuminated mirrors offer aesthetic and functional benefits that traditional mirrors do not. For example, if you are looking to brighten up your bathroom space or modernise it, LED mirrors take it up a few levels. They also serve as great statement pieces so if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to the space, that’s when a bathroom lighted mirror is the need of the hour! 

How are LED Lighted Bathroom Mirrors Used?

Much like Hollywood vanity mirrors, illuminated bathroom mirrors are often used as makeup mirrors or shaving mirrors because they offer even lighting (a must for self-grooming). In small bathrooms, lighted mirrors can also be used to create a more spacious and airy looking room with the added bonus of elegance and style. While traditional mirrors are no different (in creating the illusion of more space), the additional light from illuminated mirrors certainly gives them a one-up in this aspect. Yet another perk is how users can set the perfect ambience for their bathroom space with the mirror’s dimmable lighting function.

Getting to know the technical aspects of a lighted bathroom mirror will not only help you make an informed decision but also ensure that you get everything you need out of the piece — aesthetically and functionally. So, before you buy LED lighted bathroom mirrors for your home or commercial space, use the information from this buyer’s guide to determine the quality of the mirror, the technical aspects to consider and, of course, the right way to use it!

At Luxe Mirrors Australia, we have strict quality measures in place, ensuring that each piece from our manufacturers and suppliers meet these high standards. We manufacture and carry only the finest quality of lighted bathroom mirrors in a wide variety of types and styles for your unique residential and commercial spaces. Rest assured that Luxe Mirrors is looking after you to protect your purchase through and through, having already supplied hundreds of quality mirrors to hotels, resorts, homes, and businesses across Australia.

At Luxe Mirrors, we supply, design and manufacture the highest quality warm and natural light LED illuminated 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!

To View Our Full Range of Premium Bathroom Mirrors CLICK HERE!

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