How to Buy a Bathroom Mirror

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Bathroom mirrors combine both style and function, and can have a big impact on the small but important space of the bathroom. Deciding on an approximate size, style and placement of the mirror, and taking into account your budget and existing bathroom decor, will make your trip to the mirror store easy and efficient.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Size and Location

1
Decide on a general placement for your mirror. Knowing where you want your mirror is the first step. This will help you take the correct measurements of your space and accurately consider aesthetic questions before going into the store.
- Most bathroom mirrors are placed above the sink. It’s not a requirement, although hanging your mirror elsewhere, such as to the side or behind your vanity and sink, might take some getting used to.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Emma Oberlander
  Interior Designer
  Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.}
2
Measure your vanity or sink. The width of the vanity will determine the width of your mirror. Your mirror can be as wide as your vanity or smaller, but is usually not larger than your vanity.
- A typical rule of thumb is to keep your mirror at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) smaller on both sides than the width of the vanity.^{[2]
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- If you have or are planning to install lights alongside the mirror, factor their width into your measurements.
- If you are installing a round mirror, you don’t need to worry as much about matching the width of your vanity.
- If you have 2 sinks, consider installing a mirror above each sink instead of just 1 big mirror above both sinks. This will give the space a more designer look.
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3
Measure the area above the vanity or sink. This will help to determine the desired height of your mirror. Bathroom mirrors are typically placed at least 4-6 inches (10-15cm) from the ceiling and are not usually taller than the vanity. ^{[3]
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- Consider both the height of the wall and the height of the people who will be using the bathroom most often.^{[4]
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- For example, a bathroom used only by adults will probably have a taller mirror than one used frequently by children. Make sure your mirror is tall enough to accommodate people at least of average height (5’5” or 165 cm for women, 5’10” or 178 cm for men) and slightly taller and shorter.^{[5]
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4
Install sconces alongside the mirror or lights above it for a bathroom with no window. Make sure the lighting source will provide enough light to see your reflection clearly but won’t create a glare on the mirror.^{[6]
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- Sconces vary widely in size, but in the bathroom you should go with a smaller model, about 8-10 in. (20-25cm), or thin and elongated. Your sconces should be about 1/3-2/3rds the length of the mirror.
- Buy 2 of the same model and place them at least 4 in (10 cm) away from the mirror on either side. Factor their size and distance from the mirror into your measurements.
- Take care not to place the sconces too high or too low. Line them up with the center of the mirror.
5
Place the mirror a few inches (several cm) above the sink to lessen backsplash. If your sink is prone to splashing water out, place your mirror high enough above the vanity so that it won’t get hit. ^{[7]
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Research source} Remember to factor this into your measurements for the height of your mirror.
- Make sure the mirror clears your faucet!^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emma Oberlander
  Interior Designer
  Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.}
6
Accommodate accessories and/or electrical outlets. If you plan to install sconces or have electrical outlets around your mirror, factor them into your mirror’s size and placement. Make sure to leave a few inches or several centimeters of space between the mirror and electrical outlets to avoid cluttering the space.
- If you plan to put décor or practical objects on your countertop, make sure to place them so they won’t collide with your mirror.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Deciding on Style

1
Buy a frameless mirror if you want a contemporary look. Frameless mirrors create a sleek, "floating" effect that suits a modern bathroom.
- Frameless mirrors will usually need to be glued onto the wall to avoid the appearance of bulky hooks.
- You can also use picture wire or mirror mounting clips to seamlessly mount or hang a frameless mirror.
2
Choose a framed mirror for easier hanging. Make sure to choose a frame that matches the décor in your bathroom. For example, choose a cherry wood frame if your bathroom cabinets or vanity are done in cherry, or choose a tiled frame to match your bathroom tiles.
- The mirror in your bathroom can also be a fun statement piece. Consider a mirror with a brightly colored or mosaic-style frame, or try a mirror with a unique shape (like a crescent moon or heart) to add flair and style.
- Narrow frames are best for smaller mirrors and create a sleek, modern look for the space. Thicker frames tend to be richer and more ornate.
3
Buy a custom-cut mirror and frame for an unusually-sized space. Though it's typically more expensive and less convenient to buy a custom-made mirror and frame, they can create a unique effect.
- If you're framing your mirror separately, ask for frame samples from a framing website or frame/mirror store to decide whether a frame is the right look for your mirror and bathroom.
4
Create a template for the shape of the mirror. Cut a piece of paper or poster board in your desired shape and hang it on the wall using tape to get an idea of how a style will look in your bathroom.^{[9]
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- This will save you time and money if you decide the style isn’t what you’re looking for.
- Making a template can also help you determine if the mirror you have in mind will be the right size for your space.
5
Choose a vanity cabinet with a mirrored front for more storage. You can save space by having your mirror also serve as a medicine cabinet.^{[10]
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Research source} You can choose a mounted cabinet, which stands out from the wall, or a recessed one, which is set into the wall so the mirror is flush with the surface of the wall.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Emma Oberlander
Interior Designer
Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.}
6
Choose a mirror with built-in lighting if your bathroom is poorly-lit. This can save you the hassle of buying lights or sconces separately.^{[12]
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Research source} For those looking to achieve a sleek, modern look, mirrors with backlit LED light borders are an elegant, futuristic-looking choice.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Buying Your Mirror

1
Stick to your budget. Mirrors can range widely in price, so take into account your desired size and style when determining a budget. Mirrors with more accessories, such as built-in lighting or technological features, will be more expensive than simpler models.
- You can also cut costs and create a unique piece by adding your own trim to a frameless mirror.
2
Head to the specialty mirror store if you want professional help. The staff can give you advice about style, sizing, and accessories if you need guidance. Make sure you bring in your measurement information to aid with selection.
3
Purchase online if you're confident in your decision. Buying online can be cheaper if you know exactly what you want. Be sure to read the labeling carefully and know the exact dimensions of the mirror before you buy, since you can't see it in person.
4
Try the clearance section, but know the return policy first. Finding a cheap mirror on clearance can be great, but it can often look different on the wall than it did in the store. Make sure you can return it if necessary.

Expert Q&A

Question

How much does a bathroom mirror cost?

Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016.

Katherine Tlapa

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Bathroom mirrors range in price. You can buy mirrors at garage sales or thrift stores for a very cheap price or you can get expensive custom mirrors made - whatever your budget is, you should be able to find something you like.
Question

Can any mirror be used in a bathroom?

Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016.

Katherine Tlapa

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Yes, most mirrors are fine for a bathroom. However, if you want to mount it on the wall, be sure to choose a mirror that is designed for that purpose.
Question

What is the standard size of a bathroom mirror?

Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016.

Katherine Tlapa

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

There is no standard size -- you just want one large enough that you can see your face and torso in.