Bathroom mirrors: types, pros and cons, how to choose, features, manufacturers

Bathroom mirrors are placed above the vanity, but there are also mirrored cabinets that fill a lot of space in the room. You can choose the appropriate configuration and shape of the models: round, rectangular, square, oval.

Depending on the decor, there are patinated, tinted and beveled mirrors.

When choosing, pay attention to the technical properties of the models: they should be moisture resistant, easy to use and easy to maintain. It is worth giving preference to easily transportable wall-mounted or cosmetic models.

You need to select products according to the dimensions of the room, taking into account lighting, temperature conditions and style.

Anti-fog mirror

Everyone has had to deal with mirror fogging. For example, when taking a shower, when cold air comes into contact with hot air, steam is formed. This condensation settles on the surface. The glass should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth, or wait until the bathroom is ventilated.

There are models with built-in lighting that performs a heating function. The temperature in the room and on the surface of the canvas is equalized. This prevents fogging. The backlight automatically turns on when the light is turned on. You can choose any suitable shape.

It is possible to use a special device that is attached to the back surface; it also helps solve the problem of fogging.

Size selection

After determining the place where the mirror will be located, you can begin choosing the shape and size. If you plan to hang it above the washbasin, then you should measure its width. The mirror should not extend beyond the boundaries of the washbasin. But this rule only applies to rectangular shapes. If the mirror is not standard, then there are no restrictions, the main thing is that everything looks harmonious.

When determining the dimensions in the bathroom, you need to measure the permissible deviations up or down to make it easier for you to find a suitable option in the store.

If desired, you can order a mirror in production workshops. In this case, you need to draw up a drawing with all dimensions. They also order mirrors for the entire wall.

Inspection of the premises

Before you go to the store to choose a mirror, you should carefully inspect the bathroom and analyze it. If it has a small area and it is difficult to fit all the necessary items, then it is advisable to opt for small mirrors. In this case, they are usually mounted above the washbasin. For those who are more fortunate with the size of the bathroom, that is, its area is large enough, you can expand your capabilities and buy even a full-length mirror so that you can see yourself well. The main thing is that there is enough free space next to it.

In addition to a regular mirror, you can buy mirror tiles, cornices or baguettes. Such decorative elements are suitable for absolutely any space, as well as covering the entire wall. But you should understand that mirrors need regular maintenance.

A round mirror is a great option for the bathroom

Undeniably, the round or round shape of mirrors is quite well known. But why? In the old days, mirrors were made only in a round shape, because people believed that it was the circle that had a beneficial effect on a person. Today's psychologists approve of the words of their predecessors and advise purchasing a round or circular mirror.

Just as 200 years ago, today the round shape has associations with the sun, moon, loaf, and everything that is considered pleasant for humans.

Professionals note: angular mirrors visually cut off the image, which has a bad effect on human health, which cannot be said about round and rounded canvases.

The mirror must be chosen to match the design of the bathroom.

A round mirror fits very easily into any bathroom design: from the usual classics to unusual avant-garde and country.

The round shape makes it possible to visually enlarge and enlarge the room, making it brighter and freer. And therefore, designers advise decorating the walls of each room with round or oval mirrors: thanks to the imaginary window, the walls become voluminous and bright.

Round or round glass without a frame will highlight each design. And with the addition of an elegant frame: in the form of flowers, sun rays, stars or other geometric shapes, your bathroom will sparkle with a new look and become exclusively beautiful.

In fact, it is the image of the frame that plays the largest role in the design of the mirror. The type of frame will depend on the dimensions of the room, the design of the bath and your desires.

The shape of the mirror is multifunctional; neither the image of the frame nor the size of the canvas will change the practicality and uniqueness of a round or rounded mirror.

And therefore, even for a small room with a bathroom, you need to purchase a round mirror of the required size and attach it above the sink.

Worth paying attention! The option with three rounded mirrors looks quite unusual, which is becoming increasingly popular among designers of our time. The essence is that one huge canvas is mounted on the wall and two small ones on the sides

Often small mirrors are intended for children who cannot reach a large canvas due to their short stature.

Such large round mirrors look great in a warm-colored bath.

Stylistic execution

The rooms, the interior of which has a recognizable “handwriting,” look original. The design of such a room consists of carefully selected details and thoughtful solutions for decorating the room. You can choose a similar style as a basis and use the appropriate accessories. When looking for special solutions, it is not necessary to start from glass shapes. Thus, a non-trivial decoration of a square-looking model can make it an element worthy of a high-tech style, and the use of a frame richly decorated with stucco and curls will emphasize the classic decoration of the bathroom.

Mirrors with decorative edgings are unique design solutions. For a bathroom designed in a modern style, it is better to choose patterns from simple geometric lines or shapes, and for a classic interior - ornate curls and floral patterns.

Wooden frames with a simple, laconic appearance will emphasize the loft style in the interior of the room, and carved elements on wood will give the bathroom a classic mood. Frames painted in light colors and artificially aged will bring a touch of Provence to the room.

The use of a set of mirrors without frames and in different sizes looks unusual and fresh. Elements on the wall are arranged randomly (the largest detail is placed above the washbasin) and create a unique image of the room.

A new direction in design is multifaceted mirrors. These unusual models add some contrast to traditional bathroom designs.

The need for a mirror in the bathroom

A mirror is a necessary attribute of the bathroom. Properly selected, it will harmoniously fit into the existing environment. You can order installation from professionals; the master will securely and firmly mount the canvas to the wall.

However, you can hang a mirror in the bathroom with your own hands. It is quite simple, accessible even to an inexperienced master.

Every person looks in the mirror several times a day. Women will need it more often to perform hygiene procedures, makeup, and hair styling. For men, this need is less, but they still wear it at least when washing and shaving.

Bathroom mirror design.

The ability to reflect everything that comes into its “field of vision” is often used to visually enlarge a small room. With the help of properly placed mirrors or mirror tiles, you can “raise” low ceilings and visually expand a narrow room.

It is most convenient to hang a vertically elongated mirror above the washbasin, the angle of which can be adjusted to obtain a more complete “picture”.

The shape of a bathroom mirror can be round or oval, square or rectangular, that is, absolutely any. Choosing a bathroom mirror opens up a wide range of options: backlit models, mirrors with hand-finished frames, with temperature sensors, etc.

Mirror inserts in the border can be placed around the entire perimeter of the bathroom.

A mirror located opposite the window will effectively diffuse sunlight.

However, to avoid ending up with a kaleidoscope instead of a stylish bathroom, the maximum use of mirrors must be carefully considered.

Mirrors with advanced functionality can be anti-fog, rotating, moisture-resistant, dome or mobile.

Form

Rectangular is the most common option, which is installed in a vertical or horizontal position.

Square - visually makes the room more proportional. This is a good choice for narrow and rectangular spaces.

Oval - like rectangular, installed in a vertical or horizontal position. Unlike the rectangular model, it has rounded corners, giving the interior a harmonious appearance.

Round - visually increases the volume of the room. Like the oval model, a round mirror makes the room more harmonious.

Figured - has an original shape (wavy, heart, cat, butterfly, sun, moon). Such a mirror will become a bright decorative accent that can transform the interior of the bathroom.

Important: to decorate the interior with an exclusive mirror, use mirror tiles - square, triangular, radius. These fragments, often decorated with bevels, are used to create a uniquely shaped mirror.

The best manufacturers of bathroom mirrors

Probably everyone will agree that one of the guarantees of product quality is purchasing it from a trusted manufacturer. Let's take a look at the leading brands.

Alavann

The company has been present on the Russian market since 2005 and successfully implements plans to improve the interior through its own production of bathroom furniture, accessories, illuminated mirrors and bath screens.

The main principle of work is the production of high-quality designer furniture at affordable prices. Products are created according to our own exclusive designs, taking into account European quality standards. The company uses reliable moisture-resistant materials, environmentally friendly paint, enamel, and fittings from the world's leading manufacturers. The manufacturer's warranty is three years: the company is confident in the quality of its products thanks to thorough checks at every stage of production. Another advantage is delivery both throughout Russia and to the CIS countries, wholesale and retail.

Villeroy & Boch

A company known for the consistent quality and attractive design of its products, including furniture and bathroom accessories. In addition to stylish design solutions, the products are distinguished by unsurpassed functionality and ease of use. Manufacturer's warranty – service life of ten years. The only disadvantages include, perhaps, the high cost of products and the lack of a developed dealer network in Russia.

Aquatone

The full-cycle plant, registered in the Moscow region, is independently responsible for the design, production and sale of furniture, sinks and bathroom mirrors. The main advantage of its products is ergonomics and durability. The warranty period is three years or more. In cases where repairs are still necessary, they can be carried out at one of the many customer service centers.

Northa

produces mirrors and bathroom furniture, presented in three price categories. All mirrors are silver-plated and anti-corrosion coated. Mirror cabinets and shelves are made of high-class moisture-resistant chipboard. The warranty period for products is two years.

Dreja

The Czech company DREYA has been represented on the Russian market since 2004. Its main activity is the production of furniture and accessories for bathrooms. A variety of models, high quality, environmentally friendly materials and reasonable product prices are the main advantages of this manufacturer.

A well-chosen mirror enlivens and decorates the interior, making it both elegant and functional. Before choosing it, you need to decide which design concept you are going to follow. Searching for specific parameters and manufacturers will lead you to the desired result much faster.

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Advantages

Benefits of cosmetic mirrors:

compact;
not heavy;
easy to move and transport;
do not take up much space;
easy to use and maintain.

Advantages of wall-mounted models:

variety of sizes, shapes;
easy to use;
easy installation;
emphasize the overall decor of the room.

Advantages of mirrored cabinets:

functionality;
save free space in the room;
wide range of design solutions;
built-in lighting system.

Large mirrors.

A large mirror is always convenient, and in a small bathroom inherited from the Soviet era, it will be indispensable for visually increasing the space of the room.

To maximize the space of a small bathroom, you need to install at least two mirrors, the height of which is more than a meter. Mirror surfaces placed opposite each other, reflecting images, will bring the desired effect. Additional lighting will also help increase the volume of the room.

However, we must not forget that a huge mirror can make a large bathroom uncomfortable.

Style and functionality

Based on the design of the bathroom, you need to take a mirror in the same direction, taking into account the color and shape. It should fit harmoniously into the space and not stand out from it.

If the room is decorated in a classic style, the mirror should be a traditional shape with a beautiful and lush finish. As a rule, they do not have lights, so you will have to conduct wiring on the sides of the mirror or above it, but this must be done before decorating the walls.

Modern premises do not place restrictions on appearance, so you can safely buy the model you like in the appropriate size. They can be framed or without, with or without backlighting, possibly with shelves and other additions. There are models with a magnifying glass for convenient and comfortable use.

You can also find more modern models in stores. They have various functions, such as a heated mirror, which prevents fogging, or a monitor located behind the glass, by pressing a button you can watch a video or listen to music. There are models equipped with touch buttons and support communication with a mobile device for listening to music. But such models are much more expensive than a regular mirror.

Which is better

Best mirror:

suitable room size;
with a clean and smooth surface;
on a silver base and in a plastic frame;
with a thick layer of glass;
waterproof;
resistant to mechanical damage;
with a wide edge;
decorated in accordance with the style of the room;
equipped with shelves and cabinets.

Accessories for mirrors

When decorating a bathroom, great importance should be paid to the selection of accessories. This will help make the room more comfortable and give the renovation a finished look. To make the bathroom look stylish and impressive, the accessories need to fit correctly into the interior.

For decoration, use rhinestones, beads, and acrylic paints. Then they glue it to the frame or along the edges of the mirror canvas. Using them, you can give a simple specimen an original, unusual look.

The frame is decorated with colored or mirror mosaics. This mirror looks stylish and impressive.

If this suits the design of the bathroom, it is possible to decorate it with sea pebbles and shells.

instructions for installing a mirror in the bathroom After the mirror has been selected in shape and size, the desired frame and necessary accessories have been selected, it is time to mount it.

There are several ways to install mirrors in the bathroom. The main ones include: installation using fasteners and using adhesive mixtures

Material

Layer (amalgam)

Unlike a hallway mirror, a bathroom model must withstand moisture. That's why such mirrors have silver rather than aluminum amalgam. Models with a silver layer have better reflectivity and resistance to damage, but are more expensive.

Mirrors with an amalgam consisting of nickel, chromium and gold have the highest performance characteristics, but for most users they are not available due to their high cost.

Important: to avoid peeling of the aluminum amalgam, the back side of the mirror should be greased with a solution of turpentine and melted wax (2:1 ratio).

Frame

When choosing a mirror, pay attention to the frame material. The main requirement is moisture resistance.

The most beautiful, expensive and versatile wooden frame must be treated with special compounds that increase resistance to moisture.

Spectacular and moisture-resistant stainless steel/chromed metal can be called an ideal option, but such a frame will not fit into every interior.

Plastic also withstands moisture well and comes in a variety of shapes and colors, but is poorly suited for framing large mirrors (deformation is possible). And such a frame has a more modest appearance than its wooden or metal counterpart. Sometimes there are frames made of stone or glass.

The basis

As a rule, the base of the mirror is made of chipboard or MDF. Chipboard is a cheap material, but it is not moisture resistant enough - as a result, the product will quickly lose its original appearance. For the same reason, you should not choose a mirror cabinet/cabinet made of chipboard. More expensive MDF resists moisture much better.

How to choose the right mirror for the bathroom.

Choosing a mirror for the bathroom is a significant event, since most women and men cannot imagine this room without a mirror.

A wall mirror for a bathroom is the most convenient and common type of mirror. Such a mirror is usually mounted above the washbasin. Modern manufacturers of bathroom mirrors offer completely different wall mirrors.

Depending on the style of the room and the buyer’s preferences, you can buy an oval, round, rectangular mirror for the bathroom. In modern bathroom design, mirrors in the shape of stars, the sun, the month and various geometric shapes have gained popularity. A bathroom mirror with a shelf impresses with its convenience: frequently used items can always be kept at hand.

Cosmetic mirror for the bathroom. The main feature of such a mirror is the rotation of its surface in different directions. This possibility is due to a special holder that allows you to adjust the mirror surface by turning it all 180 degrees. The cosmetic mirror for the bathroom is produced single or double. The double version has a mirror surface on both sides - one shows a normal reflection, and the other shows an enlarged image.

A built-in bathroom mirror is mounted on the wall or is part of the furniture. Bathroom furniture often has built-in mirrors in the doors, which not only makes it comfortable, but also expands the space of a small bathroom.

An important advantage of such mirrors built into furniture is that their installation does not require free space on the wall. Often mirrors are built directly into the wall. This is commonly used for corner mirrors in the bathroom.

What necessary properties should a bathroom mirror have:

It should be practical and functional. If you don’t have enough space to store the necessary little things, you need to choose a mirror built into the cabinet

And in case of insufficient lighting, a round or oval mirror with a built-in lamp is installed. The mirror must be made with high quality and reflect the real image, and not just what we want to see in them. The selected product must be free of defects, manufactured in accordance with safety requirements, and the frame must be made from environmentally friendly materials. Strength, reliability of the product: you need to pay attention to fastenings and angles. A multifunctional mirror can be stylish and original: a mirror-cabinet or a mirror with original decor, anti-fog and anti-shock glass.

Conclusions.

So, there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for choosing a bathroom mirror, since many factors influence this important process. The optimal solution would be to study the advice on the basis of which, as well as focusing on your own intuition, taste and financial capabilities, to make the right choice.

Peculiarities

Features of cosmetic mirrors:

small dimensions;
saving free space in space;
easy transportation and care of products;
lightweight structures;
mobility;
low strength;
suitable for individual use.

Features of wall products:

wide choice of shapes, sizes;
easy installation and operation;
easy to use;
easily susceptible to mechanical damage from heat or moisture;
emphasize the style of the room.

Features of mirror cabinets:

saves free space;
functionality;
built-in lighting system;
wide choice of design solutions;
difficulty in transportation;
requires careful care.

Some help on choosing a cabinet with mirrors

First, you need to understand what future bathroom furniture should be like; you will need to find out what main requests it needs to meet.

A bathroom cabinet with a mirror should have a large capacity. It is very important that the distance between all shelves can be placed for each detergent and other hygiene products. It will be much more important if the height of each shelf can be adjusted.
Room cabinets can be used as a clothes basket. The special capacity can be made in the form of a cart or a box that is attached to the doors.
Each towel can also be hidden in cabinets, if they have specialized dryers inside. This can eliminate the need to attach some additional hooks to all the walls.
It will be necessary to take into account which direction the doors should open. They cannot cause various inconveniences and dangers to people. In small rooms, the best option would be special sliding doors or those that open upward.
A cabinet with a mirror in the bathroom with special lighting will be an excellent option for various procedures related to hygiene.

In conclusion, we can say that the entire choice will depend on the size of your bathroom and the needs that you want from your future cabinet with a mirror.

Installation types

“Into a niche” - at the stage of repair work, they prudently leave a recess in the surface of the wall where it is planned to place the mirror. To ensure that the glass fits under the tiles, the niche is deepened by the thickness of the canvas plus 2 mm.

“Free size” - the parameters are set by the dimensions of the furniture (the area of the cabinet door or decorative panel), the location of the seams (for a harmonious look, it is desirable that the boundaries of the tiles and the edges of the glass coincide).

Instructions for installing mirrors

Before you hang a mirror in the bathroom, you need to inspect it. Errors during transportation may leave chips or cracks on its surface. Such a mirror cannot be used.
Mark the installation location using a building level. Calculate the required height and make marks with a pencil.
Drill holes in the wall at the required height and insert a plastic dowel. To prevent the tile from cracking when drilling, you can stick a piece of construction tape on it. Then screw the screws in there.
Place rubber gaskets between the back surface of the canvas and the wall.
Hang the mirror on the screwed fastener.

An installation guide is usually included with purchase. The necessary fastenings are also included in the kit. If not, they can be purchased at any hardware store.

Sometimes the mirror is installed using hooks. The hook is located on the back surface of the canvas. In this case, it is enough to attach the screw to the wall in the manner described above and hang the mirror structure on it.

A simpler option on how to glue a mirror in the bathroom, instructions:

Make sure of integrity.
Make markings.
Degrease the desired section of the wall. To do this, wipe it with a cloth moistened with alcohol.
Apply glue or double-sided tape to the surface. It is better to apply the glue with a special spatula.
Press the mirror tightly against the wall and hold for 15 – 20 minutes. If the mirror is large, then it must be carefully supported with wooden spacers for 12 o'clock. This will ensure reliable fastening of the canvas to the wall.

A cement solution, special glue or liquid nails are used as an adhesive. If installation is carried out using double-sided tape, then it is advisable to choose one that is moisture resistant. When installing a large mirror, you should use outside help. It will be difficult for one person to hold a heavy canvas.

Exploitation

Product operating instructions:

If the mirror is mounted on a flat surface with an adhesive applied, make sure that the adhesive is evenly distributed over the area. Small discrepancies will result in image distortion.
Be sure to use the rubber backing before placing the mirror on the floor. This is necessary to preserve the appearance of the product.
The humidity level in the bathroom is 45-55 percent; deviations from this norm will lead to a deterioration in the consumer properties of the material.
When moving mirror surfaces, make sure that the load is distributed evenly.
Protect the mirror from direct sunlight; when exposed to high temperatures, the surfaces become dull. Do not place surfaces closer than 1 meter from heating appliances.

Recommendations for caring for mirror surfaces:

Do not use window glass cleaners to clean surfaces. The thin layer of silver that covers the product is sensitive to ammonia, moisture and chemicals.
To give the mirror a shine, wash the surface with water diluted with a small amount of blue.
You can clean the products by wiping the surfaces with a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol. After this, you need to wipe the structures with newsprint. You can get rid of stains using a strong vinegar solution - 1 tablespoon per glass of water.
If the back of the mirror is not protected, do not wipe the surface with a damp cloth. It is better to wipe the products with a dry soft cloth; Clean your mirrors a couple of times a month with a cloth soaked in vinegar.
To clean heavily soiled surfaces, prepare the following mixture: add 50 g of vinegar and 50 g of chalk to 2 glasses of hot water, stir it and let it sit.

Then pour the liquid into a bowl and wipe the mirror with it, then wipe them dry with a soft cloth. It is advisable that liquid does not get on the back side or frame. Wipe frames with a dry cloth.

To avoid stains caused by drops of aerosol polish, wipe the mirror with a cloth soaked in cologne.
When caring for decorative elements, use dry or wet cleaning with a soft cloth; Do not use chemically active cleaning agents.
When connecting the backlight, follow the technical safety regulations. Give preference to double-insulated wiring and place the outlet away from the sink. The minimum distance is 0.5 meters.

It is better if the socket is equipped with a cover and is equipped with additional protection in the form of a grounding conductor. In bathrooms, do not use wiring with metal sheathing or without insulation.

Installing mirrors in the bathroom:

We select the location of the structure, use a level to measure a line, and drill holes in the wall. The number of holes is equal to the number of fasteners, weight and size of the mirror.

We insert dowels into the prepared holes and screw in the screws.

Lightweight products are attached to a flat wall with liquid nails, and the joints are treated with sealant. If the facing material is laid on a thick layer of adhesive, use a metal profile.

Before mounting the mirror on the tile adhesive, make sure that it is covered with a protective layer. This will prevent the reflective surface from darkening.

Illuminated mirror.

A favorite trick of magicians is a duet of light and mirrors. Designers become illusionists by playing, reflecting, refracting and multiplying light rays. A mirrored wall fills the bathroom space with reflections when the lighting is dim.

The interior of a bathroom with a modern mirror with LED lighting becomes spectacular and stylish, creating a radiant effect in the room. In addition, such a mirror is convenient because the face is illuminated at the right angle and is reflected more clearly in the mirror.

The lighting can be built into the mirror or purchased and mounted separately.

Mirrors with built-in lighting give the room a special charm. Light sources are located on top or on the sides of the back of the mirror, and sometimes around the entire perimeter.

For external illumination of the mirror, matte lampshades of small sizes are used. In this case, fluorescent lamps operating in rooms with high humidity are convenient and effective.

Halogen lamps with bright and even light, which can be turned on individually, are also popular. Such lamps are convenient for adjusting lighting, since they can change the angle of inclination.

Choosing a glass shape - an informal approach

A variety of mirrors helps in creating a stylish bathroom interior, and the right choice of model can visually change the geometry of the room.

Rectangular or square - a classic version of the shape of a mirror sheet. Somewhat conservative, but the most popular and widespread. A vertically elongated mirror visually raises the ceiling, while a horizontally located mirror makes the room wider. Square - softens the proportions of rectangular and narrow rooms.

Round/oval - can also be classified as a classic option. These forms of canvas give the room a harmonious look and soften the lines of laconic and strict interiors.

A complex geometric or figured shape reflects the original design preferences or creative tastes of the owners. Such models can act as the main element of the interior.

Types of bathroom mirrors

There are many models of mirrors.

According to the type of mirror design, they can be:

With a shelf.
Combined with a cabinet or cabinet door.

The first option is the simplest. You can put personal hygiene products and bottles of shampoo on the shelves.

Furniture with a mirror design on the door is the most popular. It is a set with an addition in the form of a cabinet or table. In the second option, a sink is mounted into the table. The functionality of such a kit is due to its spaciousness; all objects located there will be hidden from prying eyes. The option with a cabinet is the most practical solution for the bathroom.

Products must be selected in such a way that they are ideally combined with interior items. Depending on the size and shape, you can make the main emphasis on the mirror. Or successfully complement an existing style.

For bathrooms with low ceilings, rectangular or oval models located vertically are better suited. They will visually stretch the room upward.

According to the method of installing mirrors, there are:

Wall-mounted. Suitable for small, quiet rooms. Can be located directly above the sink or bathtub. Often used when decorating a bathroom in a traditional style.

Structures with legs. Using this model, you can admire yourself in full height. Well suited for spacious rooms. Equipped with wheels. They can be rolled from place to place. Such options look decent and presentable.
Built-in. They are installed only during major renovations in the bathroom, along with laying tiles. They are usually made in large sizes, covering the entire wall. Another option is to lay out a niche and then install a mirror structure there. It looks very impressive.
Cosmetic. Small in size, with a magnifying surface.

Mirror designs come with aluminum coating (amalgam) or silver. For the bathroom you should choose the second option. It better withstands high humidity.

There are models made of special tinted glass in different shades.

Flaws

Disadvantages of cosmetic mirrors:

small in size;
used only for individual needs;
The glass layer is thin, so such products are easy to break.

Cons of wall products:

used only in the designated place;
are quickly damaged because they are located near sources of heat and moisture.

Disadvantages of mirrored cabinets:

heavy and bulky;
they are difficult to transport;
large mirror area requiring special care.

How to choose the right mirror with a shelf for the bathroom