Measuring for a Bathroom Mirror
When designing your bathroom, your bathroom mirror is a great opportunity to showcase personality and style. But picking the perfect piece often becomes an afterthought. While making sure that your wall color compliments your flooring and your fixtures enhance your vanity, selecting a mirror for your bathroom is just as important.
Your bathroom mirror helps to achieve a balanced and visually appealing design.
One of the most common questions that we find when it comes to choosing a bathroom mirror is understanding what size and shape would be best for your space and vanity, as well as the correct way to mount it. While every space varies, here are some tips to help you select the best bathroom mirror size and placement to complement your vanity:
Determining Width
The first thing that you’ll want to do in finding the appropriate width of the bathroom mirror is to measure the width of your vanity. Your bathroom mirror should ideally be wider than the sink, but slightly narrower than the width of the vanity or match its width for a balanced look. It’s standard to leave around 1-2 inches of extra space on either side of the vanity. However, if your mirror is larger, your mirror's width should not exceed the width of the vanity. For wider vanity options with single sinks, be sure to choose a mirror that is, at minimum, wider than the sink.
If the bathroom mirror you're considering has a broader, decorative frame, remember to account for the frame's height and width when measuring the total size of the mirror. You’ll also want to consider the wall space around the vanity. The bathroom mirror should fit comfortably within the available area without looking cramped.
Height of the Bathroom Mirror
For a well-balanced appearance, the height of the bathroom mirror should be proportional to the height of the vanity. There isn't a rule or recommendation that says you should have a mirror at a certain height. Some designers will recommend having a bathroom mirror that is at least ⅔ the height of your vanity (for example, a vanity with a height of 36" from floor to countertop with a 24" tall mirror minimum). Others might recommend a mirror that is tall enough to show your torso and at least 6" above your head while standing at your vanity.
The bathroom mirror height should make the vanity feel balanced and give plenty of clearance between the top of the mirror and your ceiling. This creates visual harmony between the two elements and allows the mirror to compliment the size of the bathroom as well as the vanity.
Keep in mind the type of lighting that you have around your bathroom vanity – sconces on either side of the bathroom mirror give you more room for height, while an overhead fixture may require a specific measurement.
Proper Placement
Where you hang the bathroom mirror in relation to your vanity and countertop can vary depending on a few factors: ceiling height, wall moldings, faucets, and of course, personal preference. However, it’s standard practice to position the bottom edge of the bathroom mirror approximately 4 to 10 inches above the vanity countertop. You’ll want to ensure that the mirror is positioned at a height that allows most family members to see their reflection comfortably, so avoid hanging the mirror too high.
Many bathroom mirrors offer versatility in the way that they are hung, allowing consumers to place them horizontally or vertically on the wall. The orientation of your mirror can make a big difference in the aesthetic of your space, with horizontal mirrors creating a wider feel and vertical mirrors giving the illusion of taller ceilings. While this is important, you will also want to consider the placement of your vanity lights when measuring for the perfect mirror – a horizontal orientation may be the perfect option!
Styles and Shapes
Bathroom mirrors can come in an array of sizes, shapes, and features. In most bathrooms, a rectangular or round mirror is standard – however, decorative styles like arched mirrors, ovals, and even octagonal frames have become increasingly popular.
Understanding the aesthetic of your space is important when choosing your bathroom mirror. For Modern spaces, sleek, sophisticated mirrors are a great option. Consider finding a bathroom mirror that is frameless and features LED lighting or magnified sections. If your bathroom is designed with more traditional details, framed mirrors are a great option.
The size of a round bathroom mirror should follow the same rules as a square or rectangular bathroom mirror: at least the size of the sink, and no wider than the width of the vanity.
Double Vanity Bathroom Mirrors
If you have a double vanity, there are two ways to consider placing your bathroom mirrors. You can either opt for one large mirror that spans both sinks, or choose two separate mirrors with a gap in between. If you decide to hang two separate mirrors, each mirror should be at least the width of the respective sink to allow for enough room on either side of the mirror. You should be mindful of the space between the bathroom mirrors, preferably 4-6 inches or more between the frames. In many cases, a frameless or mirror with a thinner frame is suggested if the gap between both mirrors is less than 4 inches. Follow the same guidelines as single mirrors for height placement to make sure that they are hung properly.
