Mirror over the bathroom sink: pros and cons


A mirror is one of the permanent accessories in any home, and it’s hardly possible to imagine a bathroom without it. Whatever the shape and size of the mirror in the bathroom interior, it can either fit into the style or turn out to be an inconvenient and impractical thing. To avoid the last unfortunate outcome, you need to know what characteristics you should pay attention to.

In the same style as the furniture Source assets.thefurnish.ru

Form, parameters and placement

How large a mirror should be in the bathroom is largely determined by the size of the room. Moreover, we are talking, rather, not about the shape (it can be any), but about the size and location.

Most bathrooms have limited square footage, so the traditional placement is above the sink. Here they rarely choose a mirror surface for half the wall. More often, the choice falls on a practical mid-size model or a product of a non-standard shape that can create an unusual composition.


In a decorative frame Source designingidea.com

Mirror decor in a spacious room has completely different possibilities. Here you can treat yourself to a floor-to-ceiling mirror, or arrange a collage of mirrors of different shapes and sizes.


With a mirror wall Source st.hzcdn.com

Manufacturers offer mirror models in any format (large - up to 2.5 m); bathroom options are described by the following parameters:

  • Form. Rectangular, round, oval models, as well as with rounded corners, are common; curly ones are made individually.
  • Framing. There are options without a frame, with a frame made of aluminum, steel, wood, glass.


With rounded corners Source st.hzcdn.com

  • Size. The models are simply large and full-length, and also custom-made if you want to have a mirror on the entire wall in the bathroom.
  • Type of instalation. Classic wall; for a large room also floor or tabletop.


Interior with a claw-foot bathtub Source mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net

  • With backlight. A fluorescent or LED lamp (with LEDs) can be used.
  • Facet. An edge is removed from the edge of the mirror (at a given angle, thickness from 5 to 40 mm). Thanks to the facet, the mirror has a more interesting look and gets a volume effect.


Backlit Source img.archiexpo.it

  • Additional options. Heater, ambilight (circuit lighting), lamp. Some manufacturers provide their products with a template for marking the wall, which simplifies installation. A 1:1 scale template is applied to self-adhesive film and helps to mark the installation locations for fasteners.


In Provence style Source avatars.mds.yandex.net
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the construction of turnkey country houses

Frame

You need to pay attention not only to the material from which the mirror itself is made, but also to the material of the frame. The bathroom is a place with high humidity, where not all materials will feel comfortable. Give preference to frames made of stainless steel, chromed metal or plastic. As we have already said, you can choose a mirror without a frame, especially since it will fit perfectly into any bathroom.

Separately, you need to focus on wooden frames, since this material is especially susceptible to water. Choose frames only from natural wood, which has been treated with a special water-repellent solution, or from moisture-resistant chipboard.

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How to choose

The purchase will be successful if a beautiful mirror in the bathroom not only pleases the eye, but also meets a number of requirements and criteria. For a modern product, it is desirable to have the following properties:

  • The key is high moisture resistance. A damaged mirror cloth with smoky spots and rusted amalgam is good only for the shabby chic style. A mirror made from silver will last longer than others, but it will also cost more than aluminum. An additional water-repellent layer on the ends helps extend the service life.


In the original frame Source media.decorateme.com

  • The reflection should be free of distortion caused by an uneven surface; Wrong color shade of glass is also unacceptable.


In eco-style Source i.pinimg.com

  • Electrical safety. For safe use in the bathroom, backlit products are made according to the IP44 protection standard.
  • Additional options. Built-in heating will help avoid fogging in high humidity.


Everything is at hand Source australianwild.org
When choosing a mirror, take into account the following recommendations:

  • The size is determined by the location. If you plan to hang the mirror above the sink, its width is selected according to the width of the sink. If the sink is built into a cabinet, the size can be increased to match the size of the furniture.
  • The shape will help adjust the visual proportions of the bathroom. A vertical model will raise the ceiling, a horizontal one will add volume.


Mirror gallery Source media.decorateme.com

  • Additional features (heater, lighting) should be decided in advance. You also need to take care of a shelf for a large mirror - you will have to purchase it separately.
  • If you like the mirror in the frame, check whether it is designed for use in high humidity conditions. For a baguette, a material that is resistant to warm, humid air (for example, laminated chipboard) is suitable.


In a metal frame Source st.hzcdn.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior remodeling

Additional functions

Technological progress has come so far that ordinary mirrors resemble transformers. Models with additional features are much more expensive, but the expense is worth it. Today mirrors may include the following features:

  • heated glass - thanks to this, the mirror will never fog up, even if the room is very hot and humid;
  • hidden monitor function - when you press a button, the mirror will turn into a screen resembling a TV. While you brush your teeth, you can watch your favorite video clips or news;
  • mirrors with Wi-Fi function - thanks to this mirror you can connect to your phone and listen to your favorite music;
  • built-in touch clock - with such a mirror you can forget about being late forever.

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How to play in the interior

Creative thought has developed many creative techniques to help fit a large mirror into the bathroom interior; Popular ideas include the following:

  • The larger model is built into the wall. Choose a square or rectangular mirror cloth; tiles or mosaics are used for finishing. A built-in mirror in a bathroom is extremely difficult to replace or move, so for this solution, models with a silver reflective layer are chosen.


Original solution Source st.hzcdn.com

  • Sometimes there is a shallow niche in the room. This space is simply intended to be filled with a mirror surface, and a small shelf will form on its own in front of the accessory.


Instead of a frame - mosaic Source st.hzcdn.com

  • Doubling mirrors. A simple and effective technique that gives the room an exclusive look. One large mirror is replaced by two smaller ones. The technique works for both two sinks and one.


Double style Source t.realgeeks.media

  • Hanging option. A large floating mirror above the sink looks unique and creates an unusual atmosphere. The structure can actually be hung, or just create an image and be firmly fixed. In any case, the suspension can be designed in accordance with the style of the room: ropes are suitable for the Mediterranean style, wire or chains are suitable for the loft style.


Oval model Source st.hzcdn.com

  • Original form. It is enough to simply make the design unique if you choose (order) a non-standard shape of the mirror cloth. Another technique that does not clutter up the interior is lush decor on the frame, especially suitable for classical styles and art deco.


In the form of a deer's head Source media.decorateme.com

Common installation methods

In fact, we need to fix a glass sheet of certain sizes on the wall; a reflective surface is an additional option. There are several methods, but there are 2 general directions, this is removable, when the glass is mounted in such a way that it can be removed and a stationary mount.

Removable option

Here the instructions are extremely simple; this option is often chosen, since it can be done much faster. If necessary, the mirror can be dismantled, plus it does not require deep professional knowledge.

Set in natural wood.

Most of the ready-made headsets sold are equipped with special loops or holes for fastening. The owner just needs to drill a hole in the wall and secure the set. You should start as usual with markings; to do this, just attach the frame to the wall and mark the mounting points.

After this, construction tape is glued to the location of the future hole; it is necessary to protect the tile from splitting. The drilling point needs to be punched, that is, a small notch must be made. Next, using a conventional drill with a Pobedit drill bit, a hole is made and a dowel is inserted, an anchor or a special fastening screw is screwed into it, on which the structure is hung.

Location of headset parts.

Stationary option

This installation is carried out once and until the next mirror replacement, it will most likely not be possible to remove the sheet without damaging the surface.

If you want to make the sheet recessed into the tile, then the thickness of the glass must be selected in accordance with the thickness of the tile, this is 6 - 10 mm. After this, the tiles are knocked down, the surface is cleaned and puttied. We will glue it using tile adhesive. It is applied with a notched trowel with a tooth height of 6 mm, without gaps, in a continuous ball. (See also the article Sealant for sewerage: features.)

Bookmark in tile.

You can stick a border along the contour, crosses are placed between the tile and the sheet, after which the sheet is pressed tightly and fixed for 10 - 15 minutes. The next day, when the glue has set well, you will need to pull out the crosses and rub the cracks.

In the video in this article you can familiarize yourself with materials on this topic.

Combined with style

Any mirror can and should serve as a full-fledged decorative element, and not just allow you to see your appearance. In this regard, frameless models are lucky - they fit into almost all styles. They are often decorated using sandblasting, when a matte, slightly rough floral or geometric pattern is applied to the surface. Engraving gives things an interesting look without changing over time.


In a modern style Source roomester.ru

A bathroom with a large mirror can be decorated in any style; For the mirror itself, the following decorative techniques are used:

  • Bathroom in a classic style. For such an interior, choose a classic-shaped model: rectangular or oval. For framing, a smooth (straight) frame or a frame with a neat carved pattern is suitable.


Classic design Source static.wixstatic.com

  • Palace luxury. Styles such as baroque or shabby chic are rare in the design of a small bathroom, and the main emphasis falls on the frame, which is decorated with stucco, carvings and gilding. In a spacious bathroom, such a mirror can be as large as desired, and it will be complemented by a painting in a similar frame and a multi-tiered “palace” chandelier.


White splendor Source st.hzcdn.com

  • Country, retro, Provence. A mirror in a simple wooden frame with scuffs should have a homemade look. The decoration will be mosaic, brass, bronze or forged elements. The oval model will have a harmonious look; From rectangular ones, it is better to choose options with rounded corners.


In retro style Source pistoncars.com

  • Minimalism, modern, loft. A model of a strict rectangular shape with a dark one-color frame or without a frame is suitable. The illumination of the mirror cloth looks good; it can be replaced with a lamp (sconce) in the appropriate style.


Loft Source archidea.com

  • High tech. The modest frame (or lack thereof) and simple shape are also appreciated here. Large mirrors in a high-tech interior are complemented by a frame made of polished stainless steel, unusual contour or LED lighting built around the perimeter.


In high-tech style Source media.decorateme.com

Material

When choosing a mirror for the bathroom, it is better to give preference to models with a silver base rather than an aluminum one. Such mirrors are not afraid of exposure to steam and moisture deposition, plus they are much more attractive. Be sure to pay attention to the back of the mirror - it should be perfectly smooth.

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Preparatory stage

Before installing a mirror above the bathroom, it is important to understand all the intricacies of choosing the piece of furniture itself, as well as the features of its installation and surface preparation.

If you initially plan to install a large mirror mounted into the wall, then you must leave space for the product when laying the tiles. Accordingly, the mirror itself must be purchased in advance to determine the size of the recess. The surface allocated for the mirror panel must be perfectly level.

If the thickness of the tile together with the glue is large enough, then there is a risk of obtaining the effect of a recessed mirror. To avoid this effect, you need to attach special strips under the mirror that will allow you to adjust the installation level.

Mirror installation process

The installation procedure for the product depends on the selected installation method.

Glue mount

The advantage of this method is that there is no need to use fasteners that may be visible on the front of the mirror.

Special liquid nails or adhesive-sealant are used as fasteners. You need to choose only those compounds that are suitable specifically for fastening mirrors.

Any unsuitable glue will damage the surface of the mirror or not provide a reliable result.

Before gluing, it is necessary to apply putty and primer to the wall surface. It is prohibited to mount the mirror on top of acrylic paint and plaster, as they have a negative effect on the moisture-resistant coating. If installation is planned to be carried out over tiles, then it must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased.

The glue should be applied to the back surface of the mirror, after which the product is pressed against the wall for 10-15 minutes until the glue has completely hardened.

Screw mounting

This fastening method is chosen when the product weighs significantly. Screws can be included with the mirror or purchased separately. The number of screws is calculated based on the size and weight of the mirror.

In addition to the screw and dowel, rubber gaskets must be available. Also, to achieve greater aesthetics, you should use special decorative plugs that best suit the style of the bathroom.

If the mirror is sold with ready-made holes for fastening, then all that remains is to attach it to the wall with screws. The absence of such holes greatly complicates the task.

You can drill them using a diamond drill of the required diameter. While drilling, it is necessary to constantly cool the surface of the mirror so that it does not crack. The resulting holes should be sanded.

Be sure to use rubber gaskets on the back side between the wall and the mirror, as well as between the mirror and the plug on the front side of the product.

How to decorate a bathroom using shelves with a mirror and lighting? Read the link.

Advantages of waterproof lamps for bathrooms over conventional ones.

Is it possible to place a washing machine under the sink? https://vannaja-komnata.com/tehnika/stiralnaya-mashina/s-rakovinoj-v-komplekte.html There are special kits. Find out about them by following the link.

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