How to choose and correctly install a mirror in the bathroom

Types of mirrors

Choosing a bathroom mirror can take several days. And this is not surprising: manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Mirrors come in various sizes and shapes, with or without lighting, with built-in elements that make using the accessory more convenient.

By shape

The configuration of mirror surfaces for a bathroom can be very different:

• circle;

• oval;

• rectangle;

• square.

The shape may be completely unusual. In this case, it is developed according to an individual design.

The color of the mirror surface should be combined with the overall color scheme of the room. There are the most unusual shades of mirrors on sale that will fit well into any interior.

To size

Depending on the area of ​​the bathroom for which the mirror is selected, the size of the product will depend. Mirrors of small sizes, such as 40x50 cm, 60x60 or 50x70 cm, are bought for small bathrooms.

Mirror Dreja.eco Tiny 40*50. Cost - 3360 rubles.

Mirror ARBI HO.ME Less S605 60*74. Cost - 14,000 rubles.

Mirror BelBagno BB600DSAS 60*60. Cost - 5200 rub.

In spacious rooms, mirror surfaces measuring 90×90, 100×100 cm or 100×120 cm can be installed. Mirrors in the bathroom can occupy the entire wall from floor to ceiling.

Mirror with clock Vigo Elen Luxe 100*70. Cost 8900 rub.

The size of the product also depends on its functionality. If the mirror will be used only for its main purpose, then its size depends on the wishes of the owner of the bathroom. If a mirror is also purchased for the purpose of visually enlarging a small bathroom, then its size may be larger than average, for example: 70×70, 80×80 cm.

Mirror Mixline Style Meridian 70*70 with backlight. Cost - 4800 rubles.

It is considered practical to place medium-sized mirrors in the bathroom, 60×90, 70×80 cm. Such mirror surfaces are easy to use.

Mirror Sanflor Rumba 60*90 wenge. Cost - 7000 rubles.

By functionality

Designers distinguish several types of mirrors, depending on whether this interior detail has additional functionality. These include:

1. Mirror surfaces with special magnifying elements. Very convenient to use when shaving, applying makeup, and performing daily cosmetic procedures.
2. Mirrors equipped with built-in sockets. In the bathroom with such an accessory it is convenient to dry your hair with a hairdryer or use other devices powered by electricity.
3. Mirrors with built-in clocks. Bathroom procedures sometimes take a lot of time. It can be very convenient to find out what time it is without interrupting your pleasant pastime.
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4. Mirror surfaces with shelves for storing small items.

5. A special type of mirror with anti-fog glass. Such accessories are recommended for use in bathrooms where a large amount of steam is generated, which turns into condensation. Regular mirror surfaces require maintenance after every shower or bath. And heated mirrors do not fog up, and there is no need to wipe them every day.

Additional features make using bathroom mirrors more convenient. Such accessories cost an order of magnitude more than conventional mirror surfaces, but over a long service life they usually justify the investment.

Bathroom mirror - what shape and design to choose?

The mirror is not only used for perfect makeup, but also ideal as decoration. Entering the bathroom, it immediately catches your eye, bringing light and radiance to the interior. It is worth choosing a mirror depending on your needs and the style of the bathroom - with the right shape and design. How to do it right?

First, pay attention to the shape of the furniture. If the sink, toilet, bathtub or bathroom fittings have a light design, with delicate, even streamlined shapes, choose a round mirror . In turn, if the design of plumbing fixtures is based on straight and angular shapes, then, of course, it is better to buy a rectangular . The most important thing is that all the elements of the bathroom fit together and that none of them introduce unnecessary chaos into the interior.

The frame is as important as the shape of the mirror. Mirrors with shiny silver or gold frames are suitable for glamorous bathrooms.

Mirrors with shelves and cabinets

Shelves are needed to store the necessary little things in the bathroom.

It is very convenient when they are built into a cabinet with a mirror surface.

A mirror with shelves will save space in bathrooms. Such mirrors are produced in a wide range by different manufacturers.

Mirror style

When choosing a mirror for the bathroom, you should rely on the chosen interior design. For example, classic design involves the use of volumetric frames with popular mirror shapes - ellipsoid or diamond-shaped. A mirror with wenge-colored shelves will complement your bathroom interior.

Provence or country style will be emphasized by a mirror with a wooden frame in a hand made style. A mosaic or forged frame will fit into the interior without small elements.

Modern interior designs involve the use of clear and precise lines. The frame in one color looks laconic. A small life hack is to buy a mirror with a magnifying effect.

Product quality

The easiest way to determine whether the selected product is of high quality is to carefully examine the mirror and exclude the presence of defects. They can be: small chips, visible upon close inspection, cracks and small inclusions. An object in motion must always be clearly reflected in it.

The recommended moisture-resistant coating layer is at least 0.3 cm. The service life of the products will depend on the coatings applied.

When choosing a bathroom mirror, it is important to pay attention to the width of the edge, which protects its coating. The long service life and strength of the product directly depend on the quality of edge processing.

Types of mirrors by mounting type

Bathroom mirror with suction cups

The type of fastening directly depends on the chosen type of mirror. Popular products are those built into the wall, as well as those mounted on suction cups and brackets.

Suction cup

Rectangular mirrors, small accessories with a magnifying effect, and lightweight mirrors with plastic shelves are attached to suction cups in the bathroom. However, you should not install an oval or round model on suction cups.

The reliability of fastening depends on:

• size, shape, weight of the canvas;
• availability of additional accessories (shelves, stands, lighting);
• wall surfaces;
• quality of fastening, availability of additional fasteners.

When choosing a model with suction cups, pay attention to rectangular-shaped devices with a minimum of elements. Make sure the wall you are attaching the accessory to is level and dry. Additional fasteners will help strengthen the suction cups and extend their service life.

Advantages of vacuum suction cups:

• installation does not require special skills or tools;
• instant installation;
• can be re-hanged or removed at any time;
• do not leave marks on surfaces.

Minuses:

• Only light, small models are hung this way;
• cannot be supplemented with weighting accessories;
• may turn out to be of poor quality, which is why the accessory falls after a while - even one detached suction cup is enough to cause it to fall.

If you decide to use suction cups for fasteners, contact a reputable dealer to ensure the strength of the vacuum fasteners.

Built-in wall

Structure built into the wall

A mirror inserted into the tiles looks modern and attractive. It can be installed using special glue: no other means will be effective in this case. A simple way to illuminate such a mirror is to take the wire above it out of the wall and attach a lamp there. The canvas can be mounted using special screws, which will simplify further dismantling.

Pros:

• neat appearance;
• long service life;
• absence of cloudiness and darkening with proper selection of materials and installation;
• The screw-mounted mirror is easy to remove.

Minuses:

• A non-moisture resistant mirror will turn black without special treatment;
• glue strips may be visible through glass;
• cutting cloth or tiles;
• an accessory installed with glue is difficult to remove;
• The shape is only a rectangle or square; it is difficult to cut a hole for a circle and an oval.

If you make a deeper niche in the wall and glue a mirror there, you won’t have to buy a shelf.

Angular

Angular product model

A corner mirror is suitable for small rooms and is often installed on a special shelf. But pay attention to corner cabinets with mirrored doors - this way you get a 2in1 design: both a storage cabinet and a full-fledged mirror.

For installation, it is better to use plastic or chrome holders with screws, or elements made of galvanized steel.

The advantages of the corner model are that it does not take up much space and often comes with a shelf. The disadvantages are that it is necessary to install backlighting to improve visibility, but this parameter depends solely on the owner.

On the bracket

Brackets are used when it is necessary to strengthen a retractable accordion mirror. Thanks to this fastening, the canvas can be rotated and the angle changed. Since this type involves frequent friction and movement of elements, the brackets must be as strong as possible.

Pros:

• Ease of use;
• suitable for small baths.

Minuses:

• use only round and oval models;
• size restrictions.

Often these mirrors are double-sided, with one side having a magnifying glass.

Frame

The material from which the frame is made must be in harmony with the chosen interior style.

Manufacturers offer a wide selection of different materials:

1. Natural wood. This frame looks beautiful in a spacious bathroom with wooden furniture in a classic style.

2. Metal . Metal frames will be a good interior decoration in a modern style. Harmonizes with metal lamps on the walls.
3. Plastic. A mirror in a plastic frame can become a real highlight of the interior due to its unusual decor.

4. Fiberboard, laminated chipboard – these frame materials are matched to match the selected shelves and bathroom cabinets.

When choosing a frame, it is important to remember that the more refined the frame chosen for the mirror, the more original the product looks. The greater its width, the better the strength of the mirror surface and its durability.

How best to choose: basic parameters

Which mirror to choose so that it is beautiful and original? When choosing a mirror for the bathroom, you need to take into account a number of criteria that relate to both interior design and the quality characteristics of the product itself in order to properly decorate the bathroom with your own hands.

Concept

The choice of bathroom mirrors offered by manufacturers is quite large, and the first thing you need to do is decide on the concept and design.

You can refer to the following recommendations:

• If the bathroom is small, a mirror mounted on the front of the cabinet located above the sink will do.
• If you have two sinks in the bathroom, two mirrors arranged symmetrically may be a good choice.
• If the bath is replaced by a shower, the mirror can be placed on one of its doors.
• A mirror product can act as the accent of a room. Then you can choose the option of a mirror mosaic or an entire mirror wall. In addition to the accent, this will help add volume to the interior.
• For country style, products in wide rounded wooden frames may be suitable. Weaving and imitation wood are also appropriate.
• For shabby chic or Provence styles, artificially aged frames are suitable.
• For an interior in Victorian or Rococo style, it is appropriate to use elements of stucco, gilding, forging and chasing.
• High-tech style loves clear shapes, frames made of aluminum, plastic and glass.
• A symmetrical mirror will fit optimally into a classic interior. If it is closer to modern, pay attention to options with LED backlighting.
• A mirror made of organic glass will help make the interior expressive. Such elements can be fixed directly to the tiles. They will beautifully shade the main mirror and visually make the space larger.
• Colored mirrors look very unusual and can become the highlight of the bathroom. The same applies to “chameleon” products, which can change shade depending on the angle.

If for a long time you cannot find a suitable option, you can purchase a mirror without a frame. In the future, it can be purchased separately or made to order.

Quality

How are bathroom mirrors different from regular ones? Quality characteristics are important for a bathroom mirror. When purchasing, you need to consider the following characteristics:

• Spraying three layers of coating are applied to mirror glass.
  The first one is reflective. It is best that it be made of silver, since it is the most moisture-resistant metal, which, in addition, guarantees good reflection quality and resistance to mechanical damage.
• The second layer is needed to protect against corrosion and is made of copper or other metals.
• The third layer is either a polymer coating or paint. It protects the product from moisture and mechanical defects.
• The frame must be made of moisture-resistant materials. It can be glass, plastic, stainless steel or chromed metal.
• The heating function is useful and will prevent the glass from fogging up. A cheaper alternative is to use a special solution for mirrors.
• Cracks, chips, and foreign inclusions are not allowed on the mirror surface. It should reflect objects, including moving ones, clearly and without ripples.
• The moisture-resistant coating must have a thickness of at least three millimeters. A moisture-resistant film must be present on the back of the mirror - this determines the quality of reflection and service life.
• Good mirrors are made on the basis of silicate glass with a thickness of at least 4-5 mm. When choosing thickness, keep in mind that an excessively thin or uneven surface may distort the reflected proportions.
• The edge of the mirror can give it expressiveness. But its main task is to protect the coating, so you also need to pay attention to its quality.

Size

How to choose the right mirror size? The size of the product is directly determined by the area of ​​the room . If the bathroom is small, then it is unlikely that a large and long, wide or narrow full-length mirror up to the ceiling will fit in it. As a rule, the width of the mirror and sink should be similar.

Sometimes it is not possible to find an option in the required size. Then it is better to focus on broader indicators, for example, a width of 65-85 cm and a height of 70-90 cm. It is important to take into account that the optimal height for placing the product is 35-45 cm from the sink.

To protect the mirror surface from water, you can place a small shelf above the sink.

Form

When choosing the shape of a mirror, you can focus on your preferences. But its compatibility with the design is also important:

• Rectangular mirrors have maximum reflective surface. They fit perfectly into the design of the entire wall.
• Square ones attract attention with their regular shape and can visually make the space more proportional.
• Round variations are popular in modern style. They seem to soften the room and act as a decorative element.
• Oval mirrors are universal, they allow you to save space in the room.

There are also shaped mirrors, which are individual design developments. They are used in creative, non-trivial interiors, and what their shape will be is limited only by the customer’s imagination.

Mirror lighting

If the bathroom in an apartment is small and there is not enough lighting, then you should think about choosing a mirror with built-in lighting.

If the product model you like is not equipped with additional lighting, then you can make it yourself. To do this, wires are laid along the back of the surface and provide access to the electrical network.

The illumination of mirrors can be very different: from the usual white light, then cold blue or warm red.

It is recommended to select the color of lighting not only for a certain color scheme of the interior, but also from the point of view of comfortable daily use.

Mirrors with touch-sensitive lighting are especially popular. Their cost is rather high, but the convenience and efficiency of using the products justify the money spent on the purchase.

Also, you should pay attention to the separate lighting of the mirror. These can be small lamps, matched to the overall interior of the room.

Or spotlights mounted into the surface above the mirror.

An original solution would be pendant lamps above the sink.

Unusual mirrors for the bathroom

Full-wall mirrors look luxurious and unusual. They seem to open up new worlds for us, admiring which we lose our sense of reality and are distracted from the usual bustle.

Even more impressive are mirror panels made from slabs laid straight or diagonally. The reflection in them is fragmented, losing its usual proportions, and it seems as if we are inside a huge crystal sparkling with its edges (see photo ):

Today it is fashionable to decorate the bathroom with mirrors of small size and different shapes, which occupy the entire wall. Of course, such accessories are more a decorative than a functional element. But they look creative, especially in retro-style interiors.

Small mirrors for the bathroom, photo:

Do you want a unique design for your bathroom mirror? Let's select a non-standard frame for it:

Or the form:

Mirrors equipped with technical innovations amaze the imagination. For example, the surface from which condensate is removed with a glass cleaner. Or a mirror with a built-in TV. You can take care of yourself and watch your favorite channels:

Beautiful mirrors completely change the look of our bathroom, making it stylish, attractive and functional. The main thing is to take a responsible approach to choosing this accessory and we will be able to use it for many years, each time enjoying our reflection.

Accommodation options

Mirror surfaces in the bathroom are most often placed above the sink. Before starting installation, it is important to take into account the height of each family member living in the apartment. According to housewives, it is impractical to hang the product directly above the sink. This arrangement of the mirror will require daily washing and wiping its surface from splashes and soap stains. The mirror surface should be placed at a level of 30-40 cm from the sink.

Using a full-wall mirror surface will visually expand the room. But when installing it, it is important to remember the possibility of accidental damage, as a result of which the mirror may become unsafe for people living in the apartment.

Using multiple mirrors in the bathroom can be an interesting design solution.

The products do not have to be placed next to each other. It is important that their use in daily life is convenient.

In spacious rooms with high ceilings, designers advise using horizontal mirror surfaces.

A small bathroom with a low ceiling will be visually expanded by a vertical mirror.

Additional functionality for bathroom mirrors

For several decades, the mirror itself was a valuable part of the interior, but now it won’t surprise anyone. Therefore, mirrors began to be supplemented with other necessary functionality.

1. Mirror with magnifying elements. For example, a mirror with magnifying elements. This is very convenient in the bathroom, for example for shaving, applying makeup or performing any cosmetic procedures.

2. Built-in sockets. Mirrors with built-in sockets are also quite popular. It is also convenient on the scale of the bathroom - for carrying out hygiene procedures using special equipment powered from the mains, or even a banal hair dryer. Most often, the socket complements the illuminated mirror.

3. Lighting for the mirror. Lighting is an important function! After all, in fact, what difference does it make whether the mirror is beautiful and what size it is if nothing is visible in it? That's right, initially each product must fulfill its intended purpose. And since bathrooms are rarely equipped with natural light in the form of a window, and overhead light may not be enough, lighting is needed for almost any mirror.

The easiest way is to choose a model with ready-made lighting, and if it is not available or is not suitable, then do it yourself - laying the appropriate wires and ensuring access to electricity.

You also need to pay attention to the color of the lighting - now the options are quite varied, from simple white light to blue or red. A variety of options are possible, but when choosing a backlight shade, select it not only to match the color of the interior, but also for comfortable use.

The light should be bright, but not distort the image in the mirror. White light is suitable for obtaining the clearest images - it looks natural.

A mirror with touch-sensitive lighting is also a popular model - of course, this is not a cheap pleasure, but the effect of the convenience and economy of such a product fully justifies its cost.

4. Mirror with anti-fog properties. Such models have been relevant for a long time, and especially for bathrooms - after all, they have a high level of vapor formation, causing condensation on surfaces. Ordinary mirrors will need to be wiped every now and then with your hand or a towel, leaving unsightly marks or stains on the surface. But mirrors equipped with special heating do not fog up even in the warmest and most humid bathroom. This type of heating is quite simple and does not require any special expenses; a heated mirror can be installed independently. It’s nice that the price of anti-fog mirrors is quite reasonable and affordable for every buyer.

Of course, there are also completely individual, one might say, exclusive solutions for decorating the bathroom interior with mirrors - it all depends on your imagination and financial capabilities.

The mirror has been and remains the most important accessory in the bathroom. It should not be neglected or taken lightly. This product can decorate and significantly transform a room, and if placed poorly, it will create a lot of unnecessary problems. Choosing a mirror is not difficult if you take into account all the features and important factors - even beginners in terms of interior design can do this. When planning a renovation in your bathroom, pay due respect to the choice of such an important decorative element as a mirror!

Ikea mirrors

The Ikea store offers a wide range of bathroom mirrors. Advantages of Ikea mirror surfaces:

1. Experimental experience proves that all products can withstand high humidity.
2. The buyer can choose spacious cabinets with built-in mirrors in the store.
3. The store's assortment includes beautiful large mirrors that will help visually expand the space and make it more expressive.
4. Mirrors with magnifying elements will become indispensable when carrying out cosmetic procedures and applying makeup.

All Ikea products are of high quality and practical for daily use.

Bathroom mirror - why choose an illuminated model?

The mirror is not everything - its correct lighting is also important. Of course, it is best to choose bathroom lighting that looks as natural as possible. This is natural light that contributes to the functionality of a room while enhancing its aesthetics. Considering this aspect, many people are increasingly choosing illuminated mirrors.

Mirrors of this type are usually equipped with panels that, although they emit a subdued light, provide excellent illumination of the face, for example, when applying makeup. Mirrors equipped with LED strips are also great; Unlike halogen lights, which emit too much light that doesn't interact with the mirror, causing shadows and discoloration on the face.

However, if for some reason you do not choose illuminated mirrors, remember that the mirror must be illuminated in any case. The best candle holders for the bathroom are located on both sides of the mirror.

It is worth remembering that a bathroom that uses LED technology is energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Think about this when you're choosing a new bathroom mirror.

Other popular manufacturers

produces high-quality mirror surfaces according to individual sketches. The production uses wear-resistant materials, harmless paint, and fittings from well-known European companies.

guarantees the durability and quality of its products. A distinctive feature of mirror surfaces is their ergonomics. Products are sold with a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase.

has excellent recommendations in the market. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of bathroom mirrors with built-in cabinets and lighting fixtures, convenient shelves and spectacular decor.

known for its high quality products and unusual product designs. The guaranteed service life of mirror surfaces is at least 10 years.

produces mirror surfaces with a special anti-corrosion coating. Bathroom cabinets with mirrors are made from moisture-resistant chipboard material.

Technical characteristics of mirrors

The bathroom is one of those rooms in the house that is characterized by high humidity. It also has a detrimental effect on ordinary mirrors, which use aluminum amalgam as a reflective layer.

A bathroom mirror should not be afraid of exposure to steam and moisture deposition. If it is framed, then the frame material should also be highly moisture resistant. Otherwise, an expensive purchase will result in disappointment.

Mirrors created using silver amalgam, a material that is an alloy of mercury with tin, zinc and silver, are ideal for decorating bathrooms.

Silver-coated mirror surfaces have excellent optical properties. Their perfectly smooth surface produces images without any distortion.

You can try to order a mirror with amalgam with added gold. The so-called “Venetian mirror”, the secret of its manufacture was kept secret by glass masters for several centuries. These mirror sheets are expensive and are made to order.

In a modern interior, the following can be used as a basis:

• Silicate glass - the material is famous for its good reflective properties, but is characterized by increased fragility. This drawback can be eliminated by choosing impact-resistant tempered glass as the mirror base.
• Plexiglas is a mirror-like plastic, which is a type of synthetic polymer. Amalgam-coated acrylic has a specularity of 98%. Reflective polymer is 5-6 times stronger than ordinary glass.

Acrylic products have become widespread in interior decoration.

Reflective panels made of plexiglass are especially in demand for installation on walls in areas where the use of conventional mirrors is limited due to increased danger.

A significant disadvantage of plexiglass is its low mechanical strength. If handled carelessly, scratches may appear on its surface, which are almost impossible to get rid of.

Original ideas

What can be used in the decoration of a mirror to make it unusual?

1. Choose a stained glass mirror.

   
   You can make stained glass decoration yourself using special stencils.

2. Frame the mirror frame with tiles.

3. Use an unusual installation method. For example, hang it on thick threads from the ceiling.
4. Play with mirrors of different shapes and sizes.

5. Make glass decor with your own hands using natural materials.

Photo selection in the interior