Bathroom Mirrors

How to Choose a Bathroom Mirror

The bathroom mirror does double duty: it sets the visual centre of the vanity wall and it gives the right light for grooming. Pick the size, then the style, then decide whether you want backlighting and anti fog features.

Size

Match the mirror width to the vanity or sink width. For a 36 inch single sink, a 24 to 32 inch mirror centred over the basin looks balanced. For a 60 inch double sink vanity, two 24 to 30 inch mirrors over each sink look better than one wide mirror. Height should match ceiling and tile lines: most bathroom mirrors are 28 to 40 inches tall.

Style

• Lighted LED mirrors. Built in light strip around the perimeter or behind the glass. Adjustable colour temperature from warm to daylight, often with anti fog and dimmer.
• Framed mirrors. Wood, metal or rattan frame in matte black, brass, walnut or white. Matches modern, transitional, farmhouse and traditional bathrooms.
• Frameless mirrors. Cleanest modern look. Pair with sconce lighting on either side.
• Round and arched mirrors. Soften a bathroom dominated by hard rectangles and tile lines.

LED Lighting and Anti Fog

Built in LED lighting around or behind the glass eliminates the need for separate vanity lights. Adjustable colour temperature lets you switch from warm 2700K for relaxed evenings to daylight 5000K for makeup and shaving. Built in anti fog heaters keep the mirror clear after a hot shower; they draw 20 to 40 watts and are well worth the small electric cost.

Match a mirror to the rest of the bath suite: bathroom vanities, bathtubs, toilets or showers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mirror do I need for a 60 inch vanity?

For a single sink 60 inch vanity, choose one mirror 36 to 48 inches wide. For a double sink 60 inch vanity, two mirrors 24 to 30 inches wide centred over each sink work better than one wide mirror.

How are LED bathroom mirrors powered?

Most plug into a standard wall outlet. Higher end models hardwire into a junction box behind the mirror. Always check the install spec; hardwired mirrors need a licensed electrician unless an outlet is already in place behind the wall location.

Do anti fog mirrors really work?

Yes. They use a low wattage heater behind the glass to keep the surface temperature above the dew point. After a hot shower, the rest of the bathroom mirror fogs up but the heated zone stays clear.

How high should a bathroom mirror hang?

The bottom edge of the mirror should be 4 to 6 inches above the highest point of the faucet, with the centre of the mirror at average eye level (about 60 to 65 inches off the floor). For double sink vanities, centre each mirror over its own sink.