Modern accessory design and its place in the interior
Today, in addition to traditional square or round models, designers have come up with many original fantasy products. Which perform not only a practical, but also a decorative function. In particular, it can be a bright, beautiful frame, an unusually shaped shelf, or multi-colored lighting.
By the way, one of the modern trends is mirrors and cabinets with various LED lighting options, including adjustable luminous flux or color. They look very impressive and can magically transform the bathroom space.
The rays of light passing through glass decorated with a sandblasted pattern (also a fashionable finishing option) look especially beautiful. In addition, silk-screen printing is often used for decoration today. They also produce special decorative mirrors made of organic glass, made in the shape of butterflies, birds, and animals. They are well suited for bathroom decoration and can be easily attached to smooth walls with double-sided tape.
The following video will tell you about the variety of types of bathroom mirrors:
Which is better: a mirror or a hanging mirror cabinet for a bathroom?
Today, manufacturers produce, in addition to a wide range of flat mirrors, special cabinets made of moisture-resistant materials, in which the facade (also the door) has a mirror surface. Inside there may be niches, shelves, hooks, even built-in laundry baskets (if the model is floor-standing). Sometimes the cabinet is equipped with lighting - inside or outside.
Considering the strengths of such a piece of furniture, it is worth noting:
- Product versatility. Inside the cabinet you can store all kinds of “small things”, making the bathroom much tidier. And the reflective surface of the door successfully replaces a large mirror.
- Even if the closet is not equipped with lighting, then installing it there will not be difficult. Using, for example, spotlights or LED strip (which is as easy as possible to install).
- There are a lot of door opening mechanisms: from blinds to folding, lifting and swinging ones. You can always choose the most convenient one for yourself.
- The same cabinet can be used in different ways - depending on whether it is placed in the form of a cabinet or hung on the wall. And by turning a narrow pencil case 90 degrees, it can easily be turned into a mezzanine.
But:
- Naturally, a mirror cabinet will take up more space than a flat mirror. It's also a little more expensive.
- If the product is made of chipboard and covered with film, odors may be absorbed. Therefore, the internal parts will have to be regularly ventilated well and wiped thoroughly. However, metal and glass do not have this disadvantage.
- Unlike a flat mirror attached to the wall, there is a greater chance of accidentally breaking the mirror door. After all, it is constantly being opened and closed.
However, the few disadvantages are more than offset by the advantages of mirror cabinets. Thanks to the variety of sizes, you can find a similar piece of furniture even for a very small bathroom, so a small apartment is not a hindrance.
Many flat mirrors of modern models are also distinguished by their original design, the presence of convenient additions (shelves, lighting, heating) and are quite worthy of becoming a bathroom decoration. So choose according to your taste and in harmony with the overall interior.
Photo of a cabinet with a mirror in the bathroom
Ways to install a mirror on a bathroom wall
Often when you buy a new canvas, you receive fastening elements included with it. If you are not satisfied with the factory mounting, you can choose a different method and carry out the installation yourself.
Mirror installation options:
Fastening with decorative bolts. Often you can get such bolts included with the mirror. Experts say that installation with bolts or screws is the most reliable and high-quality option. The main thing is to take into account the fact that the bolts will always be visible. Despite their attractive and decorative cap, they will be visible to the naked eye. This fastening requires additional holes in the wall, which may also not suit the owners who are about to make repairs. When purchasing a mirror, pay attention to whether there are holes in the mirror itself. If they are not there, you will have to make the holes yourself, which is quite painstaking and troublesome. When thinking about which method to choose, remember that screws are troublesome, but reliable.
Special decorative mounts for mounting mirrors.
Installing a mirror with tile adhesive. A more aesthetic and attractive installation method, since it does not contain bolts, drills or drill bits. However, this method necessarily requires careful preparation of the wall: it must be cleared of tiles and leveled with putty. The mirror cloth should be chosen to be approximately the same thickness as the tile. The glue should be applied to the wall with a notched trowel, then apply a mirror and hold for 15 minutes. After the glue has dried, you need to rub the seams and the work is finished. Choose a special glue, since a simple one may not withstand regular exposure to moisture or damage the structure of the mirror.
Applying glue to attach the mirror.
Double-sided moisture-resistant tape. The method can be called an emergency or lifeline in repair. Double-sided cattle are used when the owners did not leave space for the canvas in advance or do not want to tear the tiles off the walls. To install the mirror, buy special double-sided and moisture-resistant tape. Be careful, if the material is not resistant to moisture, the mirror may fall onto the sink at any moment. Before using tape, you need to thoroughly clean the surface of the tile, then remove the protective film from the material and stick the tape around the entire perimeter of the mirror in vertical stripes. Please note that waterproof tape is suitable for mirrors of medium and small sizes; it simply will not withstand large canvases.
Double-sided moisture-resistant tape.
If you want to install a large canvas of non-standard sizes in the bathroom, you can resort to fastening with liquid nails. The method is a little complicated and painstaking, but reliable. The main difference between the method: the mirror is attached not to the wall, not to the tile, but to a plasterboard base.
Which method you choose is up to you, the main thing is to be careful and carefully consider all the options. Choose the most reliable method, because a mirror is a fragile thing and may not withstand any fall. Maintain the correct mounting height and then the mirror will be the main decoration in the house.
What types of wall structures are there?
If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, you first need to decide what you will use to decorate the walls. Today there is a wide variety of finishing materials. Of course, you need to remember such qualities as good quality, hygiene, resistance to moisture, basic care, as well as resistance to various detergents and temperature changes.
This is where difficulties arise, since the walls are not the same everywhere, and the mass of the mirror is always different.
The main thing is that you create a cozy, unique interior in the bathroom.
What materials can be used as finishing
Material | Application |
Ceramic tiles | The most common material. This type of finish can be seen in almost every bathroom. Rich colors, variety of sizes, moisture resistance, reliability. Even if one tile is deformed, it can be easily replaced. The material has a smooth surface, so dirt is washed off quite easily. |
Mosaic | It has almost the same properties as tiles. It has the most varied and interesting shape, variety of texture and color. There is only one drawback - a considerable price equivalent. |
Painting | The most affordable and economical option. The paint, of course, must be moisture resistant. |
Plaster finishing | Allows you to create an original interior, ease of use. |
Wallpaper | Most people would never agree to wallpaper their bathroom walls. Of course, not all wallpapers are suitable here, only moisture-resistant ones. The positive aspects of this type of finishing include a unique interior, a large selection of colors, the lowest cost and time savings. They can be changed to another material at any time. It is best to use glass wallpaper, liquid wallpaper, in addition, acrylic and vinyl are suitable. |
Drywall | Not a very common option, but it will perfectly help hide unevenness. With the help of plasterboard you can recreate a new decoration in the bathroom. The advantages include low cost, low weight, excellent heat and sound insulation. It is worth using only moisture-resistant drywall - it is usually green. |
Plastic panels | They are also used when decorating the bathroom. They have a number of advantages: low price, variety of choice, easy to install, they can be used to disguise pipes and communications, serve for quite a long time, withstand temperature changes, are moisture resistant, and easy to care for. |
Natural stone | Very expensive, the safest material. Its structure allows the walls to “breathe”. One of the disadvantages is its large mass. It needs to be carefully looked after and has a low degree of resistance to products containing acid. |
Artificial stone | It differs from natural in a number of advantages: a large selection of materials, different colors, size and texture, reliability, ease of care and installation. It is not subject to mechanical stress and the appearance of fungus and mold, it is hygienic, and many times more economical than natural stone. |
Self-adhesive film | The cheapest and most original option. A variety of colors, easy to apply to the wall, waterproof, easy to care for. |
Decoration methods may vary.
Attention! Whatever option you choose, remember to ensure that the material meets all the necessary requirements for bathrooms.
Is it possible to increase the distance from the toilet to the riser?
In order to expand the available space in the toilet room, many people decide to take such a step as moving the toilet from one side to the other. Moving the device to another corner is possible, but in order for it to continue to function fully, you need to know some points.
As for the pipeline, certain requirements are also put forward for it, which must immediately be taken into account.
For example:
- You can use pipes with a diameter from 50 to 100 mm, the most optimal are pipes with a cross-section of 100 mm;
- The distance from the device to the riser should be a maximum of .5 m; if the length is greater, then the drainage power from the barrel will not be enough to push through the waste and a blockage will appear;
- Observe the correct slope, it depends on the cross-section of the pipe.
If the slope is too low, there is a high probability of clogging as the fluid flow is reduced. If, on the contrary, the slope is too high, then the flow rate will be excessive and solid parts will collect in the pipe, which will subsequently block the movement of water. You can learn how to move the toilet close to the wall, what the maximum distance should be from the wall and how far the toilet can be from the drain from the training video.
Lamps above the mirror
If the purchased mirror model does not have built-in lighting, then you need to organize it. To do this, it is very practical to use spotlights or LED strips. You can also hang sconces on the wall (or even candelabra, if they suit the interior).
When organizing lighting, we observe the following rules:
- We place the lamps either above the upper horizontal edge of the mirror, or on both sides of it.
- It is better to place long lamps (or strips) along a long mirror.
- A wide mirror prefers light pouring from above.
- Lamps must be protected from moisture. Better if not below IP55.
- We prefer safe lamps (optimally 12 volts).
As for the mounting method, small sconces can also be attached to a mirror surface. So, by the way, there will be more light due to reflection. Hanging lamps placed on both sides will give the same reflective effect.
We will tell you where and how you can buy a bathroom mirror inexpensively in the next section.
Photo of a lamp above the mirror in the bathroom
Height of mirror above sink
Why even maintain a certain distance between the mirror and the bathtub when installing the canvas? First of all, the structure located close to the sink does not look the best from a decorative point of view. Secondly, if the glass is located too close to the sink, drops of water will constantly fall on it. As a result, you will have to regularly wipe the glass from drops, which is not very convenient.
The optimal distance between the mirror structure and the bathroom sink is 30 centimeters. This will protect the glass from splashing water and visually differentiate both elements, which will have a good effect on the interior.
Ergonomics bathroom layout
You should not fill a small bathroom with equipment and objects, because if it is impossible to properly dry yourself with a towel and get dressed in the bathroom, this will cause discomfort. It should be possible to spread your arms freely to the sides to dry yourself - for this you need at least 170 cm
free space. In addition, the bathroom should have enough space for a person to bend over while standing on the floor (apply cream to his feet, dry himself, undress and get dressed).
It's better to leave room to spare by purchasing a walk-in shower or sitz bathtub instead of a large jetted tub. Installing a compact shower enclosure will save space. The washing machine can be placed under the washbasin.
Washing machine Candy Aquamatic
Solving the bathroom layout
, keep in mind whether right-handed people will use the bathroom or left-handed people.
If there is little space, try to place shelves and other elements on the side of the leading hand. If there is a lot of space, do not remove those shelves from the bathtub on which hygiene products will be located. A person should be able to easily reach those items that he may need while taking a shower or bath. This distance should be no more than 70-90 cm
. Towels should be hung at the same distance from the shower stall or bathtub.
Must be provided in the bathroom
storage system
. Even if the bathroom is very small and
bathroom furniture
There is nowhere to put it, you can find a way out: for example, raise the bathtub and equip a storage place under it. Above the washbasin you can always hang not just a mirror, but at least a small cabinet with a mirrored door. By the way, in accordance with ergonomic requirements, it is necessary to develop a bathroom lighting scenario. In addition to the central light, the bathroom should have an additional lamp (or preferably two) near the mirror above the washbasin
This is important, especially if the bathroom is used by a man who shaves in the morning
If this is a combined bathroom, then it is advisable to place the washbasin between the toilet and the bathtub
(or between the toilet and shower) - it’s more convenient.
Rules for installing mirrors in the bathroom
It is most convenient to determine in advance where the mirror surface will be mounted in the bathroom. Of course, in most cases this is the place above the sink. And, it would seem, nothing could be simpler; I tried it on by eye, how it looked and installed it.
But take your time, the correct reflection affects your vision, that is, your health and even your mood. Therefore, when determining the exact location for the mirror, follow the recommendations of experienced specialists.
At what height should you hang a mirror in the bathroom:
The bottom edge of the mirror should be at a height of 1.2 m from the floor. This value is minimal; the height must be increased based on the parameters of each apartment resident. The top edge of the panel should be equal to the top frame of the bathroom door. The approximate height is about 2 m. Like the lower height, the upper one can also be changed in accordance with the height of each household member. The distance between the sink and the mirror should be at least 20 cm. This is the optimal distance that allows the child to look into the reflection and the height at which the canvas will not get dirty so often. If the mirror is small or small, it should be placed at the person's eye level.
These are general recommendations for the most convenient location of the mirror above the sink. However, there are decorative canvases that differ in shape and design and do not fall under the standard criteria. If this is your case, try to follow the installation technology and then your bathroom will shine with a new look.
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Correctly installed mirror.
Types of mounting mirrors above the sink in the bathroom
Attention! When installing reflective surfaces, preliminary marking is required - determining the horizon and vertical levels. To do this, use a universal building level and plumb line.
If the room has uneven walls, you still need to hang it at the points marked with a level, and you can choose an oval or curved mirror. It will hide the disproportionate ratio of walls and horizontal lines.
When purchasing or installing mirrors, it is important to ensure that the product does not distort the image, has the desired shape and optimal size, and also fits the overall style of the bathroom.
Methods for attaching a mirror.
- A removable or hanging option, it is very convenient as temporary bathroom equipment when the renovation has not yet been completed or if the shape of the mirror has not yet been decided. Many hanging mirrors sold in finished form have hanging loops attached to the frame or directly to the back surface. For installation, two strong screws on dowels are enough.
- A self-made accessory or bathroom shelf can be secured to special fittings. Wall brackets with holders can be found at any hardware store.
- The trimmed mirror can be mounted with glue directly to a smooth wall. In this case, the glue is applied with a mesh, and silicone sealant is needed along the edge, which will protect the amalgam from decomposition in a humid environment.
A mirror in the bathroom can be either a separately hanging item or combined with a cabinet or shelf.
Changing the situation: how to turn the toilet 90 degrees
Sometimes situations arise when you want to completely change the design of the bathroom and purchase a new toilet; in this case, you can rotate the toilet 90 degrees. The work is very simple, the main thing is to know some technical nuances, rules and subtleties.
To carry out the rearrangement, it is not at all necessary to digest the pipes.
Corrugated pipes are best suited for deploying a toilet in an already installed place. If you not only unfold the device, but also move it to another place, then it is more advisable to use pipes of the required diameter, which are made of plastic. Using such methods, you can easily not only unfold, but also move the toilet to the desired location. But make sure that the corrugation is not subjected to excessive stretching, as this can lead to rupture. This method will help not only to turn the device around, but also to move it in another direction, for example, closer to the sink, or move it as much as necessary.
Preliminary preparation for installing a new mirror in the bathroom
Before fixing the canvas to the wall, treat the required area with a waterproof chemical and a special anti-fungal liquid. This is a necessary measure that will prevent the negative effects of moisture on the fastening and the appearance of harmful microbes behind the mirror.
Pay very close attention to the front surface of the reflective sheet. It can be damaged very easily and unnoticeably. If there are substances such as lye, acrylic or sulfur left in your bathroom after a renovation, remove them immediately. Even the slightest contact with acrylic paint, putty or plaster can damage the mirror surface.
To properly install the mirror, prepare the following tools: level, tape measure or ruler. It is these tools that will help you choose the optimal angle, level and distance between the sink and the mirror.
A level is a necessary tool for high-quality mirror installation. loading…
If you do not check the position of the mirror with a level, you can expect, at a minimum, an unstable position of things that will stand on the shelves, and, at a maximum, an uneven load on the fasteners, as a result of which one of them may not withstand and then your bathroom will again be left without a reflective sheet.
Necessary materials
We will need the following materials for work: a mirror, “liquid nails”, glue for gluing tiles and mirrors, a degreaser for treating tiles, a U-shaped galvanized profile, moisture-resistant drywall (if you decide to mount the mirror surface on gypsum plasterboard), self-tapping screws, screws , dowels, individual mirror mount, rubber gaskets, tape.
Don't miss: Leveling the ceiling with plaster compounds
Today, there are several ways to mount a mirror covering on a wall.
How best to place the product
Design tips
The traditional place where you just want to hang a brand new mirror is above the sink in the bathroom. Most people do this. Because it is convenient and functional. And if the model is equipped with a lower shelf, then toothbrushes and everything you need will be at hand. And the shelf itself will also protect the mirror surface from splashes.
By the way, about splashes. There is one of the fashionable options when the entire wall is equipped with a large mirror - from the corner where the bathtub begins. Effective, no doubt, but is it practical? Firstly, it will be difficult to mount a mirror here and achieve the required degree of insulation of the joint between the wall and the bathtub. And secondly, the splashes will have to be removed regularly, and quite often - after each bath.
- Some designers experiment by decorating not only the walls with mirrors, but sometimes the ceiling as well. This is done more for beauty than for any functional needs. However, this option is unacceptable in a small bathroom - an unpleasant “well” effect will appear, creating a feeling of crampedness and depression.
- But two mirror planes that form any corner, on the contrary, add light and space to the room. In a large room, the “mirroring” effect can look interesting when two mirrors are hung on opposite walls.
The following video tutorial will show you how to properly place a mirror on the bathroom wall:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=W-MbjyOue_Q
Harmonious mirror arrangement
The mirror must fit into the existing interior. Therefore, when selecting and installing it, you need to take into account the size of the room, its design and the location of furniture and plumbing itself. It is important to hang the canvas correctly; this will add light and harmony to the room.
If the interior allows, you can install a large or small mirrored cabinet, which will eliminate the need to attach open shelves for cosmetics, soap, etc. In small bathrooms, such a cabinet installed above the washbasin will save space, and in large bathrooms, a tall cabinet with reflective doors up to the ceiling with lighting will also be a wonderful decoration.
A reflective surface with an original frame or colored coating will help create a harmonious space. Sometimes designers recommend installing small matte additional mirror surfaces next to the main one.
The mirror can be of any shape:
- Square or rectangular. This is a classic option and has a larger reflective surface compared to others.
- Round or oval, which are best suited for small rooms.
- Complex shape. Suitable only for large rooms, made to order and preferably after consulting a designer.
The reflective surface must be installed so that it is completely open. A shelf with accessories under the mirror or other objects should not block visibility.
When choosing, it is better to give preference to moisture-resistant mirror canvases or heated ones; they last longer in conditions of high humidity and look more aesthetically pleasing.