Magical Mirrors
Swap the Medicine Cabinet for a Bit of Bling for the Bath
When I started pulling this ideabook together I assumed I'd have to sift through hundreds of photos showing all kinds of boxy, surface-mounted medicine cabinets before finding the more unconventional options. Boy, was I wrong! I collected so many amazing images of gorgeous bathrooms with dazzling mirrors that I spent the majority of my time editing them down to the best options. Medicine cabinets serve a very important purpose, but let's face it: they are not always so pretty. If there's even an inkling of an opportunity to hang a show-stopping mirror over a sink and find other storage solutions, I always encourage my clients to take it. Clearly, I am not alone, as Houzz designers and architects have wholly embraced this approach. Whether masculine or feminine, ostentatious or subdued, glamorous or understated, mirrors — especially those in the bathroom — have ability to set the tone of a room.
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The Old-World effect of this antiqued mirrored wall is lovely. The narrow area appears a little larger, and the patina on all the metallic pieces makes it feel like it has been there for much longer than it has.
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Textures, color, excitement — this bathroom has it all. The bamboo mirror is the perfect natural element to coordinate with the artichoke wallpaper and green accents!
by Niche Interiors
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The juxtaposition of classic and graphic is pure perfection in this little jewel box. The tall, slim mirror works to heighten the bathroom even more — an interesting effect for such a narrow space. Get more bang for your buck by installing a console sink that doesn't disrupt the view of expensive wallpaper.
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Having just one sink for two (or more) people can be a challenge — one that many of us face daily. Installing an extra-wide mirror not only allows two people to use the bathroom at the same time, making it feel larger, but it also reflects more light. I've taken this approach in my bathroom and I must say, it has changed everything!
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This bathroom has all the makings for conventional suburban predictability, but the owner took matters into her own hands to create a glamorous lair fit for a Hollywood starlet — complete with a hand-stenciled ceiling, lovely shower curtain, unexpected industrial pendant, seagrass rug, art work and, of course, a perfectly fitting ornate mirror over the vanity.
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So you don't think I have beef with medicine cabinets, I wanted to point out the fabulousness that is this Venetian-syle mirror concealing one. Not only does this traditional bathroom have style, it functions, too!
by Kerrie L. Kelly
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Break up steady stripes with a fun, wonky mirror (and pendant)! Having a vanity with lots of useable storage (drawers, in this case) makes it easier to give up the precious stashing spots medicine cabinets provide.
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An enormous picture window over the tub brings light and nature into this serene bathroom while a subtle, modern recessed medicine cabinet adds storage without visual clutter.
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A traditional pedestal sink is the perfect base for a snappy mirror (and wallpaper and sconce, if you can swing it)!
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Designer Elizabeth Dinkel nails it every time. Layering a Greek key-style mirror over a bamboo motif wallpaper creates a pattern on a pattern, making this bathroom even more special.
by FORMA Design
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The floor-to-ceiling ribbon of tile provides an exciting backdrop for a very modern, quiet mirror.
by Lexi Tallisman
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Two are better than one! This design takes advantage of a corner with a mirror in front of the sink and a similar recessed medicine cabinet to the right, adding storage and two sources of mirror for your viewing pleasure.
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| Don't want a medicine cabinet, but need a landing pad for bathroom accessories? Consider a mirror with an integrated shelf. |
This bathroom is a result of an addition to a house. I love how the existing chimney was incorporated as a three-dimensional, textured backsplash that brings an alter-like quality to the vanity and mirror.
In this unconventional bathroom, Donna DuFresne made good use of every nook and cranny. Medicine cabinets were clearly out of the question, given the pitch of the vaulted ceiling, so she procured a small mirror that packs a high-style punch, and built in storage over the toilet.
by Filmore Clark
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I just love how the tile work is purposely interrupted by the integrated tile-framed mirror. Many times, we complete bathrooms, then hunt for the perfect mirror. In this case, the mirror was part of the plan from the beginning and was incorporated beautifully into the architectural details.
This is not a mirror, but still a brilliant idea: Frame a window (preferably with a great view) as if it were a mirror and celebrate all the natural light you get as you wash your hands and gaze out the window.
Next: Browse photos of beautiful powder room designs
Next: Browse photos of beautiful powder room designs
Ideabook updated on April 20, 2011.
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I think it is the dumbest, silliest and out of place thing I've ever seen! Don't know if this is just in Florida. I've never seen this in Massachusetts.
Now, I just renovated my 12x14 and did the same thing, but while we're on the subject of mirrors, I'd love all you opinions..
I put in a seven foot vanity made up of three cabinets, the two sink cabinets on the outside. I thought about putting up individual mirrors over each sink, but it leaves such a huge gap, that I've decided to put up one big mirror. Instead of wall to wall, though, I want there to be about 3 inches over the back splash, under the light fixtures and on either side. The question is how to frame it. As I see it, there are 6 choices:
Matching wood frame to the vanity
Matching black frame to the art work
Matching bath/shower tile frame
Using the stones from shower floor
Non-matching frame, (silver, glass, other?)
Combination
And, yes, I put my make up on in the bathroom and at my age, need to get as close to a mirror as possible!