5 tips to help find the perfect bathroom mirror
03.2022
A bathroom mirror is a key decor element that should be functional and stylish
5 rules for choosing the perfect bathroom mirror
When it comes to renovating a bathroom or thinking about a makeover, mirrors are definitely a key element to take into consideration.
Beyond their purely functional role, in that you need to be able to see what you’re doing when you’re applying make-up, shaving or doing your hair, they play a big part in the overall aesthetics of a bathroom.
You might say that a bathroom mirror is the equivalent of a gorgeous living room picture in that it completes the look and improves the perception of space.
This means that choosing the right mirror for your bathroom is particularly important, so we’ve put together 5 simple guidelines to help with that choice.
Choose the appropriate size
The first thing to do before deciding upon a mirror is think about the size of your bathroom. This doesn’t mean that you should choose a small mirror for a small bathroom, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. One of the greatest benefits of mirrors are their capacity to make a space seem larger than it is, which is why you should think big. Not only will your bathroom appear more spacious, it will also be lighter and more elegant.
However, if you do have a small bathroom, it’s best to opt for a simple mirror with no frame or a very discreet one. Place it along the entire wall, or as much of it as you can cover, and this will increase the perception of both depth and height. Our Quadro, available in four sizes, is ideal and comes with an added advantage, as its deep burnished brass frame is perfect for placing items such as shaving cream, moisturiser and perfume. It can also be hung vertically or horizontally.
If you are fortunate enough to have plenty of space to play with, you can experiment with various options such as unusually-shaped mirrors, elaborate frames and oversize pieces. The only rule here is to take the height of the ceiling and width of the basin into consideration.
Find the perfect position
The next crucial step is to decide exactly where you will hang your mirror. The starting point is generally the basin and a wall mirror should be no wider than the basin it is positioned above. It should also be perfectly aligned with the cabinet or vanity unit for a balanced effect.
The distance between the basin and bottom of the mirror should be between 10 and 20 cm, unless you have a particularly small mirror, in which case you can leave up to 30 cm.
It’s also useful to think about the average height of the household members who are most likely to use the bathroom. The rule of thumb is that there should be 30 cm above and below the sightline, or that the centre coincides with the average height of an adult which is considered to be 165 cm.
In terms of the height of your mirror, as we mentioned above, there are no particular limits apart from the amount of wall space available. The higher it is, the deeper the bathroom will seem and you will also enjoy a wider range of vision.
Opt for an elegant shape
The most common shape for a bathroom mirror is the classic rectangle, but there is a wide range outside this, including unconventional forms that inject personality and a striking décor touch into the entire environment. As a rule, the mirror should have some type of consistency with the shape of the basin, but there is also a design school of thought that says a mirror is a distinct stylistic element that can also be “disruptive”, and in that case, it should be completely different.
An example of a stylish take on a simple geometric form is our Archimede mirror which has a hinged structure that allows it to fold in on itself. Available in both a round and rectangular version, its complete lack of frame makes it ideal for a minimalist-style bathroom.
If, on the other hand, you prefer a more traditional look, why not consider square, round or oval mirrors? The classic circle is an easy way to add class and elegance to your bathroom, as its curves soften the entire look and, unsurprisingly, it works perfectly with basins with similarly curved forms. Another advantage of a round mirror is that there is plenty of reflective surface but at the same time, it doesn’t take over the entire wall, so the lovely tiles or paint colour you so carefully chose are not completely covered up.
Think about lighting
The daily rituals we perform in front of the bathroom mirror call for great lighting. One of the most important things to think about when planning your lighting scheme is the area immediately above the basin so that you have optimal visibility without creating dark corners or changing how you see your skin tone.
To create a uniform distribution of light over the entire face, adjustable spotlights are an ideal solution, while backlighting or LED lighting on the mirror itself offer reliable illumination and are also energy-efficient. Our Mirari mirror is a popular choice for both these reasons, but also adds design flair to your bathroom.
One last thing to consider is the type of light bulb you use in the vicinity of a bathroom mirror. Warm lighting is great for hiding imperfections but can play havoc with colour perception, whereas cool lighting offers greater assistance for activities such as shaving or applying make-up, with the downside that it is not always flattering. Ideally, you want to opt for neutral lighting that provides visibility without a glaring effect.
Play with more than one mirror
If you want to accentuate the sensation of airiness, if you have a large enough bathroom, the trick here is to use more than one mirror.
This approach is always recommended if you have a double basin or a particularly long bathroom. In the latter case, you could hang a mirror on the two main walls, facing each other. This will not only make the room immediately appear much larger, but will offer greater visibility as you will be able to see the back of you head and neck, meaning you miss nothing when doing your hair.
Another popular choice is to add a secondary mirror, either attached to the wall or in the form of a table mirror, such as this one from the Fontane Bianche collection. With its tilting design, it makes shaving and applying make-up just that bit easier.
Paris has been known as the ‘City of Light’ since the mid-1600s. Under Louis XIV, an extensive network of street lighting was installed throughout the city in an effort to restore law and order, but La Ville-Lumière could just as well be named for its wide light-filled boulevards and stately Haussmanian buildings, faced in the distinctive, luminescent, Lutetian limestone.
While today Shanghai is an extraordinary multicultural metropolis, it has come a long way from its roots as a simple village.
