Every item in the bathroom is essential, be it lighting, vanity or curtain, for functionality as well as for aesthetics because the bathroom is a private space where we unwind and spend some “me time”, so it should look luxurious and soothing. A mirror is one such statement item in the bathroom where we tend to spend time over-grooming activities like shaving, hair styling and applying makeup. However, the primary concern is the right size and placement of the mirror. If you are also struggling to find an answer to “How big should a mirror be over vanity?” Here we are with the information that can help you.
Tips to Select the Best Mirror Size for the Bathroom
The common concern is the size and shape of the mirror and its placement above the vanity. We discuss the different factors below:
Measure the Width of the Vanity
The first thing to do is measure the width of the vanity because knowing the dimensions of the vanity is crucial to sizing the mirror. The perfect alignment of the mirror is when it is wider than the sink and narrower than the vanity. Try to leave one or two inches of space on both sides of the vanity. If you are considering a broader mirror frame, measure its height and width to check the fitment above the vanity. The placement should not look overwhelming.
Measure the Height of the Mirror
There’s no rule regarding the proportion of the height of the bathroom and vanity, but to extend a balanced look, the height of the mirror and the height of the vanity should be in proportion. Some homeowners prefer to fix mirrors at a height of ⅔ the height of the vanity, while others prefer a height of 6’’ above the head. The height also depends on the height of the user and the ceiling. No matter what your choice is, always consider the proportion for a balanced and cohesive look.
Placement of the Mirror
The placement of the mirror is one of the most important criteria. The placement depends on the height of the ceiling, wall moldings, vanity countertop and faucets. It should be hung at a height where all the family members can see their reflection comfortably. The common practice is to place the bottom of the mirror at 4-10 inches above the vanity countertop. The orientation of the mirror has a great impact on the visual appeal of the bathroom. For example, the horizontal mirror has a wider feel, and the vertical gives the illusion of a taller ceiling.
Perfect Shape and Style
Understand the aesthetic of your space and fix the mirror. There are various mirror shapes available, such as oval, square, rectangle, or arched. Buy one that suits your style and taste. Opt for sleek pieces to extend the modern look and framed ones for traditional-style bathrooms.
How to Place Dual Vanity Bathroom Mirrors?
In the case of a double vanity bathroom, there are two different ways to place the mirror; one is to hang a large mirror covering both vanity, and the second is to fix two separate mirrors covering separate vanity. If you opt for two separate mirrors, there should be a gap of at least 4-6 inches between the mirror and for placement of both mirrors individually above the vanity, follow the guidelines discussed in the above line.
Modern Bathroom Mirrors
Here are some of the modern mirror styles for bathroom:
Unique-shaped Mirror - Usual shapes like rectangles and squares are commonly seen, but unique shapes like ovals look equally good to add softness and elegance.
Mirror With Built-in LED Lighting - A built-in lighting mirror transforms the bathroom into a modern space. LED lights are either backlit, from the top or sides. Buy one with a dimmer to have control over the intensity of the light.
Vanity Mirror With Storage Space - These mirrors give a golden opportunity to create some additional storage space between the vanity and the mirror.
Ceiling-mounted Mirror - Deviate from the usual wall-mounted mirror and opt for a mounted mirror, but look for a place from where sufficient light falls on the user.