15 Ways a Mirror Can Light Up Your Morning
Reflect a Chic Look With (If Not In) Your Bathroom Mirror
Shawn Gauthier
May 30, 2011
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More
A mirror tends to be one of those bathroom givens, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it doesn’t deserve extra thought. Bathroom mirrors can do much more than provide a spot to check your reflection: They can enhance the space, be a design element themselves, pull the room together, and much more.
Plus, it’s not just the mirror itself you should consider, but also the benefits of the right presentation. Before you go out and pick up the first mirror you see, consider a few of the following thoughts. Even if you’re not so pleased with the bedhead staring back at you at 6 a.m., at least you’ll be happy with the mirror!
Plus, it’s not just the mirror itself you should consider, but also the benefits of the right presentation. Before you go out and pick up the first mirror you see, consider a few of the following thoughts. Even if you’re not so pleased with the bedhead staring back at you at 6 a.m., at least you’ll be happy with the mirror!
Use mirrors to designate different areas. If space allows for it, set up a vanity separate from the sink, and use mirrors to help designate different areas. You’ll appreciate having these separate spots, especially if you share the bathroom.
Frame a smaller section of a larger mirror. Instead of hanging a smaller framed mirror, mirror the entire backsplash of your vanity and then frame a smaller section. The larger mirror will amplify your space, and the frame is a chic addition that adds visual interest. Note: a Lucite Philippe Stark Ghost Chair is a great complement to this look; it almost fades away, letting the eye focus on the vanity.
Flank your mirror with side lighting. Install fixtures on both sides of your mirror versus overhead. Side-lit mirrors provide even lighting on your face, whereas overhead lighting can create shadows.
Consider a recessed mirror. This option is great for giving the vanity added dimension, as well as providing a ledge for chic accessories (or, in the everyday world, toothbrushes!).
Repurpose traditional cupboards for the medicine cabinet. There is no rule that says every medicine cabinet must follow the same staid style. Instead, refinish kitchen cupboards with a mirrored face for above the vanity. Great for storage, even better for the overall aesthetic.
Put your mirror on a track. This is a clever idea, and actually the first I’ve seen it. By putting your mirror on a track, you can use it off to the side while someone else is occupying the sink. When small spaces are shared, solutions like this will definitely make for smoother mornings.
Reflect elements of the bathroom. Frame your mirror in a material used elsewhere in the bathroom to create a harmony within the space. The tiling on this mirror can be seen on the side of the bath, connecting the two elements.
Break the rules. Who said you must have a mirror above the sink? If your sink falls in the center of your bathroom, a mirror above it may be interruptive to the flow of the space. Instead, hang a full-length mirror on the wall that’s appropriately lit. Perfect for wardrobe changes.
Make up for small space above the sink. This is another reason to put a full-length mirror in your bathroom. Sometimes the space above the sink simply does not allow for a large mirror. Make up for it with a full-length mirror; try a large-scale freestanding one like this for added glamour.
Choose mirrored storage units. Again, similar to the previous idea, if your mirror above the sink is small, sneak mirrors into the space in creative ways. When you mirror storage units, it will make the space look bigger and offer great storage. Plus, it’s a classic piece; you’ll use it forever.
Don’t forget the shaving mirror. If your mirror doesn’t stretch across the entire countertop, add a shaving mirror to the space where a larger mirror is lacking. That small of an addition immediately makes that area functional.
Mount light fixtures directly on the mirror. This requires installing wires and mounting blocks in the wall behind the mirror and carefully cutting into the mirror itself, but the result is a seamless.
Sneak storage in between your mirrors. If you’re not feeling the medicine cabinet look but are still vying for storage, designate an area in between your double vanity mirrors for a built-in. Best of both worlds.
When in doubt, go floor to ceiling. It’s chic, sophisticated, and will magnify the entire space.
More: Browse bathroom mirrors
More: Browse bathroom mirrors
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If your bathroom lacks natural lighting, energy saving LED lighted mirrors are the best alternative. Not only it will light up your bathroom but will only help you in doing things that you only do on bathrooms like shaving, putting make-up etc.
https://www.grandmirrors.com/