Mirrors

Every bathroom needs a mirror. And depending on your preferred aesthetic, you might choose a sleek, modern look, a vintage-inspired ornate mirror, or anything in between.

Not sure how to choose from the multitude of bathroom mirrors out there? Here’s a quick guide.

Different Types of Bathroom Mirrors

Before you buy, it’s wise to know a bit about the types of mirrors on the market: 

Beveled

These mirrors have slightly slanted edges instead of a frame.

Framed

These mirrors include a decorative frame. You can coordinate the frame style and color with the rest of your bathroom decor.

Polished 

Polished mirrors are flat with buffed, shiny edges. They’re great for modern, minimalist looks.

Standing 

If you have the space, you can include a standing mirror. This is a good choice if you want a full-length mirror.

Wall-Mounted

Most bathrooms have mirrors that are affixed to walls. They take up less space, and they’re much less likely to fall!

Finishes and Materials

Most bathroom mirrors are made of durable, non-fogging tempered glass. However, there’s a wide variation in the frame materials used:

• Wood
• Aluminum
• Stone
• Bronze
• Acrylic
• Frameless

These different materials come in an impressive range of colors, so you’re almost certain to find something that fits your bathroom.

Features to Consider 

Not sure what type of mirror to get? Here are some great features:

Backlights

Backlit mirrors feature LED lights mounted behind them. The lights create an attractive, modern glow. They also clearly illuminate your face, making them perfect for applying makeup.

Medicine Cabinet Storage

Having extra bathroom storage is never a bad thing. If you want space to store medicines and personal hygiene products, this one is a good choice.

Magnification

This is a common bathroom vanity mirror feature. These mirrors include a small magnifying section perfect for precision makeup application.

Is an LED Backlit Mirror Right for Me? 

If you prefer bathroom mirrors with a modern touch, you might like one with an LED backlight. Backlit mirrors give you a clearer view, helping you make sure you look your best.

But that’s not all — LED lights are the most energy-efficient way to light a mirror, so you can save money on your electric bill, do your part for the environment, and enjoy upgraded features all at once.

Tips for Installing Your New Mirror

Once you’ve chosen a mirror, it’s time to install it. Here are some tips.

Replacing an Existing or Broken Mirror

Removing an existing mirror, especially if that mirror is broken, is harder than it looks. Here’s how to replace a broken glass mirror:

• Lay down plastic or cardboard to protect the sink or other areas under the mirror
• Completely cover the mirror with duct tape to prevent pieces from falling and causing injury
• Use a blow dryer to soften the glue
• Ask a second person to be a spotter in case the mirror falls
• Pry the mirror from the wall with a putty knife
• Take a guitar string, a piano wire, or another type of durable wire and make a sawing motion between the mirror and the wall (this loosens the glue)
• Use a pry bar to pry the mirror from the wall
• Carefully lower the mirror

Make sure to take your time during this process — rushing may further crack the mirror, cause an injury, or damage the rest of the bathroom.

Hanging the New Mirror

Wondering how to hang a bathroom mirror? The exact process varies depending on the type you’re installing, but here are some tips:

• Make sure your mounting hardware is rated for the weight of your mirror
• Install mounting brackets on a level plane
• If at all possible, use wall studs to support your mirror
• Mark the mirror’s location on the wall before installing

Of course, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for hanging as well.

Other Bathroom Essentials

Once you’ve chosen the perfect bathroom mirror, you might find that your other bathroom fixtures and essentials need a facelift. Check out the range of affordable bathroom accessories at Seconds & Surplus!