The best ways to incorporate mirrors into your bathroom design

Mirrors are an essential element in a bathroom, but they’re more than just a tool for getting ready in the morning. With the right design, a mirror can completely transform the space and ambience of your bathroom.

Let’s take a look at some of our favourite bathroom mirror design ideas – and how they can help you elevate your space (no matter the size).

Mirrors for small bathrooms

While you may have a small bathroom, it doesn’t need to feel cramped. Small can still be cozy—and with the right mirror configuration, it can even feel surprisingly spacious.

Installing a large mirror in a small bathroom can create the illusion of space. It’s a clever, yet simple, way to trick our brains into thinking the bathroom is bigger than it is. That’s because a mirror reflects light. And while we logically know that it’s a small room, our brains see the space in the mirror as an extension of what’s actually there.

Going larger, such as extending the mirror from wall to wall, can elongate a narrow bathroom, creating an even greater feeling of space while offering more room to use your vanity.

Mirrors & lighting

As well as being a space to relax, your bathroom is also a workspace. You need light to be able to see what you’re doing. Whether it’s putting on makeup, brushing your teeth, or shaving, good lighting is critical to going about your day.

Lighting your bathroom mirror correctly can elevate your bathroom experience. Using LED lights to backlight your mirror creates a sleek, modern look while also providing gentle light to help in your daily routine. Installed behind the mirror, they create a light that comes front-on, reducing shadows and providing a clearer reflection.

Sconce lighting installed on the sides of your mirror performs a similar job, while also adding an extra touch of personality to your bathroom. But be sure to install one on each side; otherwise, one side of your face will permanently be in shadow.

When installing a new bathroom sconce, choose a dimmable bulb, too: this gives you more control over the ambience in your bathroom.

• Frameless mirrors provide a minimalist feel, which pairs well with a clean, crisp monochrome style. It’s a look that’s both contemporary and timeless.
• Round mirrors in bathroom spaces can add an elegant touch, the curved edges softening the design while breaking up tiling lines and creating a focal point for the room. We loved how a round mirror really pulled together the design of this bathroom renovation in Padbury.
• A tall mirror works particularly well in a small bathroom, working to draw the eye upward and again creating a feeling of space and height.
• If your bathroom has a more modern style, you could also look at a mirror with a unique shape: perhaps an arched mirror (as used on this South Guilford Reno), or an asymmetrical design, to create a big hit of personality.
• Or take a step back in time and look at a framed mirror. Whether it’s a sleek, simple frame – or a big, bold gold frame – the style and design will create a lasting impression on your guests.

Functional mirror solutions

When looking at bathroom mirror design ideas, function should always be a key consideration. But this doesn’t mean form has to take a back seat.

A beautiful mirror can also hide extra storage, which is a huge benefit in any bathroom. Mirrored cabinets serve a dual purpose: both as a useful addition to your space, while also hiding the everyday items that, without proper storage, can clutter your bench space. Mirrored cabinets are typically wall mounted, recessed, and can be installed anywhere in the bathroom: a convenient option for adding a second mirror plus extra storage to your bathroom, without taking up valuable floor space. In addition, having them installed at eye level make mirror cabinets a more ergonomically accessible storage solution. 

See examples of mirrored cabinets in our East Victoria Park (Cunningham) and Rossmoyne Flynn renovations.

Practical bathroom mirror design ideas

When choosing your bathroom mirror, there are some practical considerations that should be taken into account.

• Alongside size and shape considerations, you need to think about which materials will work best. Not all mirrors are created equal: make sure your mirror has a moisture-free backing such as copper-free or vinyl backing. These options prevent moisture build up which can cause tarnishing over time. And if it has a frame, choose a durable, corrosion-free material.
• In terms of installation,, mirrors should not be mounted directly to the wall with no space between the wall and the mirror as this can create condensation and moisture build-up over time, causing damage to the mirror finish
• When positioning your mirror, be sure to place it at eye-level for most users (you don’t want someone to be ducking down every time they need to do their hair). If placed above a benchtop, a good rule of thumb is to have the bottom of the mirror 300mm above the top of the bench.
• When placing your mirror, you should also consider where it can make the best use of light. Positioning it so it catches and reflects natural light can help to create a lighter room. But be careful not to position your mirror so that it catches the sun directly, creating awkward glare.
• Cleaning is also a must for bathroom mirrors. Choose a mirror that maximises your space while not being too onerous to clean. Preferably at a height that’s easily reached while standing, but not too low as constant water splashing from the basin can make cleaning more difficult. Some mirrors also come with demisters built  in to prevent fog and help keep the mirror dry.

We’ll help you choose the right mirror for your bathroom

The type of mirror you install in your bathroom can make the difference between a space that works and one that feels cramped.  By selecting a mirror that’s the perfect blend of form and function, you can create a bathroom space that perfectly suits your daily use, now and for the future.

Want to know more about the best bathroom mirror design ideas for your space? Get in touch with us today for a free in-home consultation and estimate to help bring your bathroom to life.