The bathroom mirror serves a practical purpose: you need to see yourself clearly to get ready. To do its job, a mirror doesn't have to be large, but it must be well-positioned and properly lit. Mirrors are also part of bathroom design style. They come in all shapes and sizes. Mirrors create the illusion of more space, so they're an excellent addition to a smaller bathroom and reflect light to add brightness. Here's how to select the right one.

What Job Does the Mirror Need to Do?

The job differs from one bathroom to the next. In a large primary bath, the mirror has to accommodate regular use by potentially more than one person. It needs to be up to applying makeup evenly, shaving, and doing hair, while being easy to clean. If the bath has two vanities or a double vanity, make sure the mirror is extra-long, or use two separate mirrors so users don't have to take turns. We dig into bath layout in our bath layout guide.

An infrequently used guest bath or a powder room may not require as much attention to the size and type of mirror, which is an opportunity to get creative. A well-lit mirror is key, so think about how the mirror works with your lighting.

Space and Vanity Size

A small bathroom doesn't necessarily mean a small mirror, but you do need to know the dimensions to pick one that suits the room. The mirror should fit neatly above the vanity and complement its size. That said, the mirror can be larger; a mirror that dominates the wall works in almost any bathroom and makes a small bath feel larger and brighter.

Star or Supporting Player?

The mirror is part of your design and should complement other elements. Mirrors can blend in: a frameless mirror is glamorous but mostly reflects its surroundings. Some mirrors come framed to match the vanity. Others demand attention with intricate frames or etched glass and become a focal point. The advantage of using a unique mirror as a style statement is it's easier to swap when tastes change.

Talk through bath mirrors with a designer

If you're planning a bath and want to talk through mirror selection, we'd love to talk.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881