Whilst a bathroom mirror may appear to be a mere accessory to some, a great mirror can play a crucial role in any bathroom. Mirrors are essential for checking one’s appearance, applying makeup and shaving, amongst other uses. In fact, mirrors are probably one of the most used utilities within any home.

However, the importance of a bathroom mirror goes far beyond reflections alone; they enhance your bathroom by adding style and light, and in some cases can even provide additional storage space behind them. Finding the right mirror can really make your bathroom, so here is our guide to give you an idea of what might suit you best.

Shapes

There are hundreds of mirror shapes out there to choose from, but we’ll give you an overview of the main ones you will be likely to encounter. Finding the right shape for your bathroom mirror is a massively contributing factor which will affect the overall style and effect.

Having a long mirror, for example, will help to lengthen the look of your bathroom as the eye will stretch out along its length. Round mirrors will add a touch of softness as they will blend with your existing bathroom without disrupting the flow of the décor.

For something a little different, consider rounded rectangles, dome-shaped, pull-shaped or popsicle-shaped mirrors. These will add a quirky touch to your bathroom, and additionally work well in twos or threes.

Asymmetrical mirrors can add a contemporary touch and feel to your bathroom, and will be incredibly unique.

Unique mirror styles

There are also some unique mirror styles that you can choose from, offering something a little bit different to a regular mirror – whether that’s better magnification or space-saving functionality.

Convex and concave mirrors

Most conventional mirrors are flat, and these will predominantly be those you’ll see in most home décor. However, you can also find convex and concave mirrors that can play with the light in your bathroom, to make it look bigger and brighter.

Concave mirrors will bend the light they reflect inwards and toward the image, producing a larger view of the image which provides magnification. This works really well for makeup application, so you’ll likely see these on cosmetic mirrors.

Convex mirrors come with a curved surface that bends the light it reflects outward, making the reflected image look smaller and leaving more room for the image itself.

These aren’t the most common mirror types, but they can work well in the right bathroom.

Folded corner mirrors

Again, these aren’t necessarily the most common kind of mirror. Room corners can make mirrors look somewhat awkward, and folded corner mirrors challenge this by eliminating the problem altogether.

This type of mirror is perfect for those with less space in their bathroom. The design can enhance the décor in your space, and also utilises the corners into something both beautiful and convenient.

Double mirrors

Double sinks often mean double mirrors. If you want more than one mirror in your bathroom, you should opt either for long, angular shapes, or the softened versions we mention above.

Double mirrors can bring symmetry and balance to your bathroom, whilst also allowing for extra space for lighting between them.

Frames

When it comes to mirror frames, we’re spoiled for choice. There really is something for everyone on the market.

You can find classic wooden frames, in a range of colours and grains, which can bring a rustic feel to your bathroom. Additionally, you can find painted wood and even plastic frames in every colour of the rainbow.

Brushed metal frames bring an element of sophistication to your bathroom with a contemporary design.

Alternatively, frameless mirrors are an elegant and minimalist statement, usually designed with a polished or bevelled edge. These provide more surface area because they don’t have a frame taking up the space, which can make your bathroom look bigger overall.

Frameless mirrors can also be installed with LED lighting behind them. LED-lit mirrors are a more economical form of mirror lighting, as they conserve electricity whilst emitting a pure white light – perfect for shaving and applying makeup.

Mirror sizes

It’s entirely up to you what size you want your bathroom mirror to be. However, you should measure your space appropriately and try to find something to fill it, as opposed to overpowering it.

If you choose a mirror that is too small, it may look misplaced and disappear in you décor. Conversely, if your mirror is too big it can end up creating an unintended focal point.

If you would prefer to have a smaller mirror, consider having a few around your bathroom to blend them. If you want a big mirror but aren’t sure of the space, you might want to combine a few smaller mirrors to create a larger one.

It can be difficult, so if you’re stuck simply choose a mirror that is somewhere in the middle. And, if you’re worried about installing a mirror onto your bathroom wall panels, don’t worry! We’ve already covered this in an article, which you can read here.