Bathroom Wall Mirror

Bathroom Mirror Basics

Bathroom mirrors are available in several sizes, shapes and styles. Knowing how to balance those features with your design theme and your personal style can make a tremendous difference in the room’s ambiance.

Size Rules for Bathroom Mirrors

Always choose a mirror that’s sized properly for the vanity you’ll use it with. Standard bathroom mirrors are 24 inches, 30 inches and 36 inches, but they’re available in all kinds of variations. You can match your mirror’s width to your vanity’s width or choose something that’s about 6 inches smaller – but anything smaller than that may be too small for its purpose. Picking a mirror that’s wider than your vanity almost always results in a clunky, awkward look, and most bathrooms aren’t large enough to make up for a size faux-pas.

Bathroom mirror height is another matter, though; it’s okay to choose a ceiling-high mirror if that meets your design needs. Regardless of the height you choose, center it between the ceiling and the top of the vanity, directly above the sink.

The Right Mirror Shapes for Bathrooms

Most bathrooms have rectangular mirrors, but you can always buck tradition and choose something unique. It’s your space, so outfit it with an eclectic mirror that reflects your appearance and your personal style. There are several interesting, out-of-the-ordinary shapes for bathroom mirrors, including: Circular, Oval, Square, Arched or Geometric.

Framed or Frameless?

Framed mirrors add an element of elegance to any bathroom, but many mirrors – including those with unique shapes – look spectacular without them. A good rule of thumb: The mirror frame you choose should match your cabinets or hardware. You can choose between mirrors framed in wood, aluminum and several other materials, or you can pick a frameless mirror if it’s a better fit for your space.

Beveled vs. Flat Mirrors

Beveled bathroom mirrors don’t need frames – they feature cut, polished edges that give them a framed look on their own. The glass on a beveled mirror is thinner around the edges, and it always looks best if there’s at least an inch of space between the mirror and the top of the vanity.

Flat bathroom mirrors can hang with or without a frame. The edges are the same thickness as the rest of the mirror (standard mirrors are 0.25 inches thick). Like beveled mirrors, they’re available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and styles.

LED Lighted Mirrors

Mirrors with built-in lighting are increasingly popular. These mirrors can add dramatic style to a luxury bathroom.