A bathroom is no longer a conglomerate of utilitarian sanitaryware with any old mirror slapped up on the wall above the sink. Today’s bathrooms are statements of style and even environmental concern, places where we can be renewed and refreshed, havens of relaxation and respite from a hectic schedule. As such, each installation and accessory is chosen with care and intention. Water saving commode or bidet? Frameless or Grid style shower glass? Floating or furniture style vanity? The options are practically limitless, and each choice you make impacts the room’s functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic. While a vanity mirror serves a practical purpose – it’s hard to fix your hair without one! – the mirror is fundamentally a wall hanging and should be chosen with as much care as any other room adornment.
There’s no one answer to this question, but some shapes are more popular than others. A rectangular or square mirror is a safe choice. You can give it character by way of edgework or framing, and the shape is unlikely to ever go out of style. These shapes also work well if you want to maximize mirror space. Circular mirrors are quite popular as well. Bathrooms have lots of straight lines on the shower enclosure and vanity, so a round mirror provides a pleasant contrast. You can also draw from both styles by choosing a square or rectangular mirror with rounded corners. Bottom line, a custom glass shop like ABC Glass & Mirror can cut mirror glass in most shapes you could imagine. Points to consider as you decide on one for your bathroom include:
It really depends on the style you are going for, but mirrors with some kind of frame are very on-trend these days. One way to achieve this look is by ordering a mirror with a thin metallic frame around its exterior. ABC Glass & Mirror offers these finishes:
Your choice of finish for the metal defines the mirror’s style. For example, matte black metal ties the mirror in beautifully with the black framed glass showers that are so popular today, while a chrome border almost blends in with the glass for a “barely there” frame that subtly dresses up the mirror.
If you already have a frame you’d like to use around your vanity mirror, you can have a piece of mirror glass cut to fit inside it. Ornately framed mirrors are popular in various trending home décor styles including maximalism, grandmillenial, and transitional. You can hang the framed mirror as you would hang a picture, rather than gluing it to the wall, to keep your options open if you redecorate the bathroom in a different mode later on.
At the same time, frameless mirrors are also a classic option and one that looks fabulous in a contemporary bathroom. If you haven’t ever had a frameless mirror installed, these FAQs might be helpful:
Do I have edgework options for a frameless mirror?
Yes. Frameless mirrors can be polished edge or beveled. A polished edge mirror has a completely flat exterior, and the mirror edges are simply machine polished until very smooth. A beveled mirror also finishes in thin polished edges, but a bevel is cut around the perimeter of the mirror. Because of their beveled border, these mirrors look a bit fancier.
What are some bathrooms that call for polished edge mirrors?
Polished edge mirrors are often used to create a very streamlined modern look. You’ll see them in minimalist, spa-inspired, and contemporary bathroom designs. When a vanity mirror is installed from wall to wall and/or from floor to ceiling, polished edge mirror glass is often used.
What are some bathrooms that call for beveled mirrors?
Beveled mirrors actually adapt beautifully to many decorating styles – it’s hard to picture a bathroom where a beveled mirror would clash. They can provide contrast in a room with lots of perfectly flat surfaces or enhance the luxe feel of your master suite.
How are frameless vanity mirrors installed?
Frameless mirrors are typically held in place by a highly adhesive glue called mirror mastic. Mirrors with a flat lower edge will also rest on an existing surface or a strip of J-channel or U-bar that has been attached to the wall. U-channel leaves a thin strip of metal visible at the bottom of the mirror, while J-channel keeps the frameless look going. Clips with screws going through them (mirror clips) may also be used, especially with round or oval mirrors.
Vanities with a single sink can be narrow or wide, and you find them in bathrooms large and small. The best mirror for your situation will depend on factors like available wall space, vanity width, and design goals.
The choice between one or two mirrors over double sinks can be a difficult one. Current style trends seem to favor two separate mirrors. These look more like wall hangings, so they add personality and an upscale vibe to your sink area. Also, dual mirrors open up more design possibilities:
Most often, though, double sinks are served by two identical round, rectangular, or square mirrors – one centered over each basin.
However, some couples prefer to give themselves as much mirror space as possible, and this may be best achieved with one wide mirror.
Of course hanging two mirrors above a double vanity is standard, but what if you don’t have a double vanity? Or how about hanging more than two mirrors in your bathroom? Adding more than the normal amount of mirror to your bathroom can be a win; just be sure to do it thoughtfully.
Absolutely! New mirror glass can be given an antique look by the application of an acid wash. This is the perfect product if you want a vintage appearance without taking the time to scour antique shops. It’s also ideal for filling an heirloom or antique-style picture frame. Finally, including some “antique mirrors” in a gallery wall gives it a “collected over time” feel. Specific applications for antique mirror include:
Keep in mind that antique mirror will not give you the same crystal clear view of your reflection as a standard mirror. If this is a concern, you might want to include both normal and antique mirror glass in your master suite.
Is it possible to get an asymmetrical mirror or one with a unique shape like trapezoid or half-moon? Yes. Custom glass shops can create a non-traditional mirror. Whether you want something completely custom or just a less commonly requested geometric form, this is usually possible. The main caveat is that the specially shaped mirror can still be safely and securely adhered to the wall. Do you want to see whether your mirror idea will work? Set up a free consultation with a mirror specialist from ABC Glass & Mirror – (703)257-7150. You’ll want to put together the following information in preparation for the meeting:
You can buy vanity mirrors with lighting already included, but what if you want a customized mirror size or shape? There are a few ways to achieve this by purchasing the lighting and mirror separately. Here are a few examples:
Going the route of a custom vanity mirror doesn’t just allow you to choose the precise size and shape of the mirror. If your vanity mirror will be right up against a wall or other surface, a custom mirror might be necessary for a good finished look. Why? Houses commonly have small irregularities like out-of-level surfaces and out-of-plumb walls. These aren’t obvious until a square or rectangular mirror is hung beside or above such a surface. Gaps can be visible that highlight the irregularity or make things look misaligned. A custom glass shop like ABC Glass & Mirror will check for these issues and then make minute adjustments to the mirror dimensions as needed for a proper fit and professional look.
Working with glass professionals takes the guesswork out of the project in other ways, too. You can start by calling us at (703)257-7150 to set up a free in-home consultation. You’ll then receive an emailed price quote so you can make your selection at your convenience. Order your mirror(s), and we’ll contact you when everything is ready. Finally an installation appointment is made, and glaziers put the mirrors in place. All you need to do is enjoy your updated bathroom!
Pro tip: To keep your bathroom mirror looking its best, clean it regularly with an approved glass cleaner and soft cloth or paper towel. Stay away from ammonia based cleaners, and remember that it’s best to apply the cleaner to the rag or paper towel rather than spraying it onto the mirror as this will keep cleaner from dripping down the mirror and possibly damaging the backing.