Types of mirrors
Choosing a bathroom mirror can take several days. And this is not surprising: manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Mirrors come in various sizes and shapes, with or without lighting, with built-in elements that make using the accessory more convenient.
By shape
The configuration of mirror surfaces for a bathroom can be very different:
- circle;
- oval;
- rectangle;
- square.
The shape may be completely unusual. In this case, it is developed according to an individual design.
The color of the mirror surface should be combined with the overall color scheme of the room. There are the most unusual shades of mirrors on sale that will fit well into any interior.
To size
Depending on the area of the bathroom for which the mirror is selected, the size of the product will depend. Mirrors of small sizes, such as 40x50 cm, 60x60 or 50x70 cm, are bought for small bathrooms.
Mirror Dreja.eco Tiny 40*50. Cost - 3360 rubles.
Mirror ARBI HO.ME Less S605 60*74. Cost - 14,000 rubles.
Mirror BelBagno BB600DSAS 60*60. Cost - 5200 rub.
In spacious rooms, mirror surfaces measuring 90×90, 100×100 cm or 100×120 cm can be installed. Mirrors in the bathroom can occupy the entire wall from floor to ceiling.
Mirror with clock Vigo Elen Luxe 100*70. Cost 8900 rub.
The size of the product also depends on its functionality. If the mirror will be used only for its main purpose, then its size depends on the wishes of the owner of the bathroom. If a mirror is also purchased for the purpose of visually enlarging a small bathroom, then its size may be larger than average, for example: 70×70, 80×80 cm.
Mirror Mixline Style Meridian 70*70 with backlight. Cost - 4800 rubles.
It is considered practical to place medium-sized mirrors in the bathroom, 60×90, 70×80 cm. Such mirror surfaces are easy to use.
Mirror Sanflor Rumba 60*90 wenge. Cost - 7000 rubles.
By functionality
Designers distinguish several types of mirrors, depending on whether this interior detail has additional functionality. These include:
- Mirror surfaces with special magnifying elements. Very convenient to use when shaving, applying makeup, and performing daily cosmetic procedures.
- Mirrors equipped with built-in sockets. In the bathroom with such an accessory it is convenient to dry your hair with a hairdryer or use other devices powered by electricity.
- Mirrors with built-in clocks. Bathroom procedures sometimes take a lot of time. It can be very convenient to find out what time it is without interrupting your pleasant pastime.
- Mirror surfaces with shelves for storing small items.
- A special type of mirror with anti-fog glass. Such accessories are recommended for use in bathrooms where a large amount of steam is generated, which turns into condensation. Regular mirror surfaces require maintenance after every shower or bath. And heated mirrors do not fog up, and there is no need to wipe them every day.
Additional features make using bathroom mirrors more convenient. Such accessories cost an order of magnitude more than conventional mirror surfaces, but over a long service life they usually justify the investment.
Dimensions
The choice here is also great. Mirrors are available in the market in various shapes and sizes. If a mirror of the required dimensions is not available, you can always order it.
But before choosing (ordering), you first need to decide what dimensions the mirror should have. Here it is worth, first of all, starting from the possibilities of the bathroom, and not from your desires.
In the case of a small area, the mirror must be placed above the sink along with a shelf for household items. The same width of these pieces of furniture will add harmony.
Of course, this principle applies to square or rectangular mirrors. If you want a circle or oval shape, then the only important thing is that the mirror fits well into the interior of the bathroom.
If you are lucky enough to have a large bathroom space, then the choice becomes more difficult as the range for you increases. It is worth remembering to save free space in front of the mirror.
If you have enough space, you can make one of the walls in the room mirrored, but for this you need to make a custom-made mirror and it will cost much more than the standard version.
You can also use mirror elements. For example, replace some of the wall tiles with them and install a screen under the bathroom. Any of these methods will significantly increase the visual perception of space.
Mirrors with shelves and cabinets
Shelves are needed to store the necessary little things in the bathroom.
It is very convenient when they are built into a cabinet with a mirror surface.
A mirror with shelves will save space in bathrooms. Such mirrors are produced in a wide range by different manufacturers.
DIY bathroom mirror
- Making the mirror moisture resistant
- DIY decor
- Available materials
- Fabric frame
- Decoupage
- painting
- Mosaic
- Adviсe
When the large-scale construction work on renovating the bathroom is completed, the most enjoyable stage of arranging the room remains - the choice of furniture and accessories. Homemade interior items make your home truly cozy. Only homemade things can be fully considered unique.
And, if not everyone can make a cabinet or chest of drawers for the bathroom on their own, then anyone can build an unusual decoration for the home from scrap materials. Surely you have old, no longer relevant, but favorite things at home that you would hate to throw away. We suggest giving these things a second life by working on them a little. In this article we will talk about how to make an original and stylish bathroom accessory from an old mirror.
Making the mirror moisture resistant
All furniture and decorations purchased for the bathroom must meet one main requirement - to be moisture resistant. In this room, the “climatic conditions” are significantly different from all other rooms of the house: high humidity is constantly maintained here, temperature changes occur, and all furnishings come into contact with water and steam.
Condensation that forms on the surface of furniture and accessories will not harm them if the interior items have a coating that protects them from moisture. For the bathroom, it is recommended to purchase mirrors whose surfaces are treated with a special composition that preserves the mirror coating in its original state. Such mirrors cost significantly more than ordinary ones and it is impossible to achieve a similar effect at home. But you can protect the frame and back of the mirror from moisture. To do this, you need to treat the surface several times with waterproof paint or varnish.
DIY decor
The easiest way to update an old mirror is to decorate it with various decorative elements. You can decorate both the frame and the mirror canvas itself. Using various techniques of decorative and applied art - from the most basic to the more complex, you can decorate a mirror in any style you like.
Available materials
To decorate a bathroom mirror, you should choose decorative elements that are resistant to moisture. These could be beads, buttons, old jewelry, rhinestones, waterproof stickers, etc. All this will probably be found in your craft box. Glue for fakes must be chosen depending on the material, the main thing is that it does not lose its qualities from constant contact with water.
A mirror decorated with decorations taken from the depths of the sea looks harmonious in the bathroom. Having been on vacation, we often bring shells, corals and shells with us, which then gather dust somewhere on a shelf. All these marine wonders tolerate exposure to water and humid air very well. They can be glued to liquid nails or any other waterproof construction adhesive.
Fabric frame
Pictures and photographs inserted into soft textile frames look very interesting. Why not experiment and make such a frame for your bathroom mirror?
It is very important to choose the right material - it should be moisture resistant, like the one from which bath curtains are sewn. The base for the frame can be made independently (from plywood, laminate, chipboard, etc.). You will also need padding polyester, glue, scissors, thread and a needle.
First, you need to cut out a kind of “cover” from the fabric with which we will cover the frame. Then we coat the frame with glue and wrap it with padding polyester (the more layers of padding polyester you use, the more voluminous the frame will be). Now the frame needs to be packed in a fabric case. To make the product look complete, the fabric must be carefully stitched along the outer edge. The finished frame can be decorated with buttons, beads or fabric flowers.
Decoupage
Decoupage is decorating things using paper cutouts. The image is cut out of paper, glued with PVA onto a pre-painted surface and varnished. Using decoupage technology you can decorate almost any interior item, and a mirror is no exception. It is best to start mastering this technique with special decoupage cards. With a little practice, you can move on to napkins, photographs, magazine clippings, etc.
Products decorated using the decoupage technique do not tolerate high air humidity very well, so if you want to hang a mirror decorated using this technology in the bathtub, first coat it with several layers of waterproof varnish (ideally, there should be 10-12 layers, but try to apply at least 5).
painting
Those who know how to draw at least a little will surely cope with the task of painting on a mirror with ease. The choice of drawing can be anything from landscapes and scenes to simple abstract drawings, depending on your artistic abilities. It is best to paint with acrylic paints, as they withstand bathroom conditions well.
In addition to paints, you will need a palette for mixing, a set of brushes, contours and varnish for the final coat. To create different textures, experts also use a foam sponge, cotton swabs, toothpicks and other improvised means.
Mosaic
The most common material for finishing bathroom floors and walls is ceramic tiles. From the remnants of tiles preserved after renovation, you can make an original frame for a mirror. The more different elements there are in the mosaic, the more impressive it will be. Therefore, you can go to hardware stores and pick up fragments of tiles there; fragments of ceramic dishes, glass pebbles, and shells and beads also look impressive.
The mosaic elements are glued to the mirror or frame, and the space between them is filled with matching grout. Choose a pattern based on the overall style of the bathroom: it can be simple geometry, floral patterns or a marine theme, or you can simply scatter mosaic pieces in artistic chaos.
Adviсe
Even a child knows how to hang a framed mirror on the wall, but what to do if you decide to do without this decorative element? A mirror without a frame can be fixed to the wall using liquid nails, the main thing is to apply enough adhesive so that it can support the weight of the mirror. You can also hang the mirror on screws fixed in the wall. True, to do this you will have to take the mirror to a workshop so that holes for fasteners can be drilled in it.
Stores sell special wall mounts for mirrors. They are mounted to the wall in such a way that they remain virtually invisible, while at the same time holding the mirror securely. The mirror looks glued to the wall, but in fact it is firmly fixed to the holders.
And if you fix the mirror on the wall so that it is flush with the tiles, the effect will be simply amazing. This way you can visually enlarge the space and create the impression of an endless bathroom. The main thing is not to frame the mirror in any way, let it “merge” with the wall.
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Product quality
The easiest way to determine whether the selected product is of high quality is to carefully examine the mirror and exclude the presence of defects. They can be: small chips, visible upon close inspection, cracks and small inclusions. An object in motion must always be clearly reflected in it.
The recommended moisture-resistant coating layer is at least 0.3 cm. The service life of the products will depend on the coatings applied.
When choosing a bathroom mirror, it is important to pay attention to the width of the edge, which protects its coating. The long service life and strength of the product directly depend on the quality of edge processing.
Illuminated mirror.
A favorite trick of magicians is a duet of light and mirrors. Designers become illusionists by playing, reflecting, refracting and multiplying light rays. A mirrored wall fills the bathroom space with reflections when the lighting is dim.
The interior of a bathroom with a modern mirror with LED lighting becomes spectacular and stylish, creating a radiant effect in the room. In addition, such a mirror is convenient because the face is illuminated at the right angle and is reflected more clearly in the mirror.
The lighting can be built into the mirror or purchased and mounted separately.
Mirrors with built-in lighting give the room a special charm. Light sources are located on top or on the sides of the back of the mirror, and sometimes around the entire perimeter.
For external illumination of the mirror, matte lampshades of small sizes are used. In this case, fluorescent lamps operating in rooms with high humidity are convenient and effective.
Halogen lamps with bright and even light, which can be turned on individually, are also popular. Such lamps are convenient for adjusting lighting, since they can change the angle of inclination.
Frame
The material from which the frame is made must be in harmony with the chosen interior style.
Manufacturers offer a wide selection of different materials:
- Natural wood. This frame looks beautiful in a spacious bathroom with wooden furniture in a classic style.
- Metal. Metal frames will be a good interior decoration in a modern style. Harmonizes with metal lamps on the walls.
- Plastic. A mirror in a plastic frame can become a real highlight of the interior due to its unusual decor.
- Fiberboard, laminated chipboard – these frame materials are matched to match the selected shelves and bathroom cabinets.
When choosing a frame, it is important to remember that the more refined the frame chosen for the mirror, the more original the product looks. The greater its width, the better the strength of the mirror surface and its durability.
How to fix a mirror with tile adhesive?
This method is the most commonly used in the process of installing mirrors. First, you will need to purchase glue, which is most often available in powder form in hardware stores. The packages of this glue are quite large, so it is not practical to use it just to attach a mirror to the wall. But if you have previously renovated a bathroom or other room using tiles and you still have adhesive powder for tiles, then it would be wise to use it for these purposes. The glue is applied to the back of the mirror, but it is better to do this using a notched trowel, which provides better adhesion of the mirror surface to the wall. Having chosen the most suitable place for the mirror, you need to lean it against the wall and press it down well.
In most cases, the recommended height for the mirror is one at which you will feel comfortable looking into it. In this state, the bathroom mirror should hang for 1 day, after which you can check how reliable this mount is. If everything is in order, then the work is completed. If any problems arise, you will need to resort to other methods and means of installing the mirror. This could be the well-known hanging of a mirror on a nail or screw.
Mirror lighting
If the bathroom in an apartment is small and there is not enough lighting, then you should think about choosing a mirror with built-in lighting.
If the product model you like is not equipped with additional lighting, then you can make it yourself. To do this, wires are laid along the back of the surface and provide access to the electrical network.
The illumination of mirrors can be very different: from the usual white light, then cold blue or warm red.
It is recommended to select the color of lighting not only for a certain color scheme of the interior, but also from the point of view of comfortable daily use.
Mirrors with touch-sensitive lighting are especially popular. Their cost is rather high, but the convenience and efficiency of using the products justify the money spent on the purchase.
Also, you should pay attention to the separate lighting of the mirror. These can be small lamps, matched to the overall interior of the room.
Or spotlights mounted into the surface above the mirror.
An original solution would be pendant lamps above the sink.
Lighting ideas
Properly selected lighting options will not only create an exquisite design, but will also bring harmony, comfort to the environment and place the necessary accents.
Interior lighting
Thanks to the soft light emanating from the internal LED or ice lighting, a romantic and slightly mysterious atmosphere is created in the room. This type of lighting highlights the accent area especially well.
The photo shows a modern bathroom and a rectangular mirror with built-in lighting on the wall.
Sconce
It is a classic solution, which represents a huge variety of lighting structures with a variety of designs, suitable for any interior style. Sconces can be installed both on top and on the sides of the mirror surface.
Lamp above the mirror
This option for local lighting allows you to add additional convenience when using a mirror or other objects located near it. In addition, lamps give the setting a more intimate and romantic look.
Light bulbs around the perimeter
The mirror canvas, perimeterally decorated with light bulbs, provides the correct angle and direction of the light flux. Due to its high aesthetic qualities, such decor looks especially original in the interior.
Spot
Creates complete, maximally bright and uniform illumination of the space located in front of the mirror, and at the same time creates a very cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Accommodation options
Mirror surfaces in the bathroom are most often placed above the sink. Before starting installation, it is important to take into account the height of each family member living in the apartment. According to housewives, it is impractical to hang the product directly above the sink. This arrangement of the mirror will require daily washing and wiping its surface from splashes and soap stains. The mirror surface should be placed at a level of 30-40 cm from the sink.
Using a full-wall mirror surface will visually expand the room. But when installing it, it is important to remember the possibility of accidental damage, as a result of which the mirror may become unsafe for people living in the apartment.
Using multiple mirrors in the bathroom can be an interesting design solution.
The products do not have to be placed next to each other. It is important that their use in daily life is convenient.
In spacious rooms with high ceilings, designers advise using horizontal mirror surfaces.
A small bathroom with a low ceiling will be visually expanded by a vertical mirror.
Which mirror is better to choose for the bathroom: basic parameters
The following characteristics are of primary importance:
Spraying. The mirror consists of glass, onto which three layers of coating are applied. The first layer is reflective. It is optimal if it is made of silver, since it is recognized as a more moisture-resistant metal than, for example, aluminum. In addition, it compares favorably in terms of reflection quality and is less susceptible to mechanical damage. The second layer protects against corrosion and consists of copper or other metals. The third layer - paint or polymer coating - prevents mechanical damage and also protects against moisture.
Mirror size. It directly depends on the area of the room. For example, a mirror that reflects you at full length is unlikely to fit in a small bathroom. Usually the width of the mirror matches the width of the sink.
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right size model. Then it makes sense to set broader parameters: for example, width from 65 to 85 cm and height from 70 to 90 cm. It is worth considering that the optimal height for placing a mirror is considered to be a distance of 35-45 cm from the sink. And to protect the mirror surface from splashes of water, you can hang a small shelf above the sink.
The mirror frame should also be made of moisture-resistant material. For example, it could be plastic, chromed metal or stainless steel, glass.
The heating function will solve the problem of a foggy mirror. A budget alternative is a special solution for mirrors, which also prevents fogging.
Lighting. A light source placed above a mirror is the most convenient option. A lamp placed at the other end of the room can be shaded, which will negatively affect the quality of the reflection. In addition, lamps located close to the mirror surface heat it up a little, thereby partially eliminating the problem of fogging.
An original and functional solution is LED lighting for the bathroom mirror. This way the mirror frame becomes an element of bathroom decor, achieving the effect of an even, harmonious glow and clear reflection.
Ikea mirrors
The Ikea store offers a wide range of bathroom mirrors. Advantages of Ikea mirror surfaces:
- Experimental experience proves that all products can withstand high humidity.
- The buyer can choose spacious cabinets with built-in mirrors in the store.
- The store's assortment includes beautiful large mirrors that will help visually expand the space and make it more expressive.
- Mirrors with magnifying elements will become indispensable when carrying out cosmetic procedures and applying makeup.
All Ikea products are of high quality and practical for daily use.
Style and functionality
Based on the design of the bathroom, you need to take a mirror in the same direction, taking into account the color and shape. It should fit harmoniously into the space and not stand out from it.
If the room is decorated in a classic style, the mirror should be a traditional shape with a beautiful and lush finish. As a rule, they do not have lights, so you will have to conduct wiring on the sides of the mirror or above it, but this must be done before decorating the walls.
Modern premises do not place restrictions on appearance, so you can safely buy the model you like in the appropriate size. They can be framed or without, with or without backlighting, possibly with shelves and other additions. There are models with a magnifying glass for convenient and comfortable use.
You can also find more modern models in stores. They have various functions, such as a heated mirror, which prevents fogging, or a monitor located behind the glass, by pressing a button you can watch a video or listen to music. There are models equipped with touch buttons and support communication with a mobile device for listening to music. But such models are much more expensive than a regular mirror.
Other popular manufacturers
produces high-quality mirror surfaces according to individual sketches. The production uses wear-resistant materials, harmless paint, and fittings from well-known European companies.
guarantees the durability and quality of its products. A distinctive feature of mirror surfaces is their ergonomics. Products are sold with a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase.
has excellent recommendations in the market. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of bathroom mirrors with built-in cabinets and lighting fixtures, convenient shelves and spectacular decor.
known for its high quality products and unusual product designs. The guaranteed service life of mirror surfaces is at least 10 years.
produces mirror surfaces with a special anti-corrosion coating. Bathroom cabinets with mirrors are made from moisture-resistant chipboard material.
Some help on choosing a cabinet with mirrors
First, you need to understand what future bathroom furniture should be like; you will need to find out what main requests it needs to meet.
- A bathroom cabinet with a mirror should have a large capacity. It is very important that the distance between all shelves can be placed for each detergent and other hygiene products. It will be much more important if the height of each shelf can be adjusted.
- Room cabinets can be used as a clothes basket. The special capacity can be made in the form of a cart or a box that is attached to the doors.
- Each towel can also be hidden in cabinets, if they have specialized dryers inside. This can eliminate the need to attach some additional hooks to all the walls.
- It will be necessary to take into account which direction the doors should open. They cannot cause various inconveniences and dangers to people. In small rooms, the best option would be special sliding doors or those that open upward.
- A cabinet with a mirror in the bathroom with special lighting will be an excellent option for various procedures related to hygiene.
In conclusion, we can say that the entire choice will depend on the size of your bathroom and the needs that you want from your future cabinet with a mirror.
Original ideas
What can be used in the decoration of a mirror to make it unusual?
- Choose a stained glass mirror. You can make stained glass decoration yourself using special stencils.
- Frame the mirror frame with tiles.
- Use an unusual installation method. For example, hang it on thick threads from the ceiling.
- Play with mirrors of different shapes and sizes.
- Make glass decor with your own hands using natural materials.
