How to choose the best bathroom mirror: insights from a Turnbull designer
Emily Tilley joins us to talk about how using mirrors in your bathroom can not only help you get ready in the morning but also serve to improve the overall design and lighting within your space.
As a bathroom designer at Turnbull Kitchens and Bathrooms, I have had the pleasure of working with numerous customers and their bathroom projects over the years. One element of design that is often overlooked is the bathroom mirror. Many acknowledge the practical functions, but mirrors can play a crucial role in the overall look and feel of a bathroom too.
Designing a bathroom is not just about sourcing the ultimate power shower, splashback tiles or dreamy free-standing bath. As an essential part of the whole package the bathroom mirror will be on your list – however the choice is huge and the price range can be equally as wide, so where do you begin?
Bathroom Mirror Shapes
Take into account the shape and style of a mirror and how that will affect the overall feel of the room. A large bathroom mirror positioned near a window reflects natural light and makes a small bathroom feel lighter and airier. Round bathroom mirrors are stylish and modern as well as providing the best quality face illumination.
Arched bathroom mirrors, often with period wooden frames, suit a bathroom with vintage style. They complement traditional bathroom furniture and heritage colour schemes.
Soft square mirrors have contemporary rounded edges. With or without frames, they add a more organic look to the modern bathroom and complement wood finishes and vanity units with curved profiles.
Think about the possibilities of pairing the shape of your mirror with the style of your other bathroom products – if you love rounded profiles or a geometric linear look, pick a mirror that is in keeping with the rest of the design.
Double vanity units are a fabulous luxury feature in a bathroom – but do you go for an extra-long bathroom mirror to match or how about a pair of matching mirrors to give the whole vanity area a real sense of style?
Mirror cabinets
The obvious bonus of mirror cabinets is the storage they provide. Expect handy 2-pin charging sockets concealed inside, along with some USB and wireless charging points too.
For a sleek, space-saving design, look at part-recessed mirror cabinets, or even a model that is fully recessed into the wall. The perfect seamless flush design for the uncluttered contemporary bathroom, creating a storage solution with all the practicalities of an LED Mirror.
Bathroom Mirror Placement
Of course, how you place your mirror is important so that everyone can use it comfortably. But it also has an effect on the design of the whole room. Its height and width in relation to the proportions of your bathroom furniture, and the best way to light it are worth some careful thought.
As part of Turnbull’s free design service, our consultants work closely with you to create 3D plans to demonstrate how a mirror can be a focal point in your new bathroom. Using this software, we can show you what reflections are created and give you a feel for how natural light will spill in from a window, be reflected by the mirror and brighten up the room.
Latest Mirror Functionality
When choosing the best mirror for you, think about some features you might like to have, each with benefits. For example, fogless mirrors with built-in demister pads are a great option for those who like to take long steamy showers, whilst a mirror with an inbuilt magnifier is perfect for tasks like applying makeup or using tweezers.
Mirrors that come with 2-pin charging sockets, discretely placed on the sides or underneath the mirror surface, allow the charging of toothbrushes/shavers without having to have additional sockets in the walls. Some mirrors now have integrated home assistants allowing you to control smart home functions.
Illuminated LED Bathroom Mirrors
LED bathroom mirrors are a very popular choice for new bathrooms with designs offering superb levels of lighting to suit your mood.
What kind of LED illumination is best? Dual light fields on the left and right sides of a mirror provide direct, consistent high illumination. Mirrors with top-edge lights are great for direct illumination and daily tasks. Some mirrors are designed to offer softer ambient or general light from all four sides. You’ll get atmospheric illumination, but you’ll need additional spots or downlights for certain tasks.
What do you mean by LED light temperatures?
Warm White – a soft soothing glow for gentle relaxation
Natural Light – an authentic daylight for shaving or applying makeup
Cool White – a fresh bright light to invigorate and energise your morning
Why not explore the extensive range of mirrors on display in our showrooms and try out their latest functionality? The team at Turnbull Kitchens and Bathrooms are always happy to talk through your ideas whether it’s for a new mirror or a complete bathroom suite. Happy designing!
Want to have your space designed by an award-winning showroom team?
We have an expert team of designers at all our showrooms who are skilled in creating bespoke kitchen designs and bathroom designs for our customers. They’ll take your ideas, chat about your lifestyle and produce your perfect personalised space.
