Mirror, Mirror

Mirrors have become integral and key elements in the bathroom, serving multiple functions. What would a bathroom be without a mirror, may it be over a sink, vanity or hanging on wall? It simply wouldn’t be complete. Most bathrooms you enter, regardless of size, have mirrors. Bathroom mirrors can make all the difference. Adding bathroom mirrors may not necessarily be for simply looking at your reflection, but they also add character and allow light and objects to be reflected. In most cases, they create the illusion of having a much bigger space, with the room appearing larger than it really is. 

The great thing about bathroom mirrors is that the options in selecting are almost limitless. Bathroom mirrors come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, types of glass, even colors and textures. They can either be fixed, hung or adjustable. Panel screens flanked by mirrors are also available. Oftentimes, fixed mirrors can be on cabinets for storage and these bathroom mirrors can even have their own light. Adjustable mirrors normally have their own light, magnifying effect, and as the name implies, ability to go into certain directions while being fixed on the wall.

Even in the olden days, large mirrors, bordered by frames, would be hung in great rooms. In a way, it gives a room a sense of grandeur. Some mirrors have frames with a variety of finishes such as wood and gold and colors such as red and silver. It really depends on how creative and bold you are. Framed mirrors provide a more classical and softer look while unframed ones give a more modern feel. Common bathroom mirror shapes are oval, circular and rectangular. They can even come in other shapes and patterns with abstract curves and angles! There is also an option to have them etched or beveled. Bathroom mirrors can be artistic pieces on their own. 

Other than the fact that countless times everyday we check how look in the mirror, it serves as a décor in the bathroom. In most cases, mirrors are used to make the room appear bigger or are simply there to make the room seem lighter.  One must remember that bathroom mirrors go hand in hand with the right lighting. You will not be able to perform tasks such as applying makeup properly. Imagine women putting on make up, fixing your hair or even men shaving without a mirror.  It could be a disaster. Make sure that the sources of light, bathroom mirrors and other pieces of furniture complement each other. It is critical that lighting fixtures be properly positioned to avoid any glare or shadows that will cease its function. For example, lighting fixtures such as wall sconces can be placed above the mirror or on opposite sides of the mirror above the sink.

Certain guidelines are followed in the selection and placement of bathroom mirrors. The size of the bathroom mirror should not exceed the size of the piece of furniture it hangs over. For example, if it is placed above a vanity, it is suggested that its size not be less than one-half to two-thirds. For small bathrooms, larger mirrors are suggested to open the room up. As mentioned above, the mirror should complement the rest of the pieces and design of the room. This includes the shapes. Try to match the shape of the mirror with the leading shape in the bathroom. If the vanity has a his and hers design, then two mirrors can be hanged over the sinks.

Somehow, you can never go wrong by adding mirrors to your bathroom. Mirrors are not just pieces of reflective glass; they are accented by designs and frames, making them both functional and fashionable.