Are you looking to update and replace your vanity mirror or new to the market? Maybe you are new to the market and planning to spruce up your bathroom with a lovely vanity? If you didn’t know, choosing a mirror for a vanity must follow specific rules to guarantee that it will complement and complete the perfect aesthetic. Besides the shape of the vanity mirror, the other most crucial factor is its size. So, how big should your bathroom vanity mirror be?
Bathroom vanity mirrors need to be slightly smaller than the vanity but broader than the sink. There is a sweet spot there that differs for each vanity model. An excellent place to start is a vanity mirror between 2 to 6 inches wider than the sink.
While there are no set rules when it comes to vanity mirrors, there are recommended guidelines designed to improve the overall experience regarding comfort and style. Continue reading down below to know all the dos and don’ts of choosing vanity mirrors.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Vanity Mirrors
First and foremost, you can’t just pick a bathroom vanity mirror randomly or whichever you fancy. There are several elements that you must consider to ensure that the mirror complements your vanity and offers optimum comfort and functionality. Below are factors that you must consider when choosing a vanity mirror.
Vanity Width
If you are to ask where to start when choosing the right vanity mirror, we highly recommend you start with the vanity itself. It is highly recommended that you pick a mirror that is narrower than the width of the vanity. Measure the width of your vanity and select a mirror that is 70 to 80% narrower than its width.
Stay within the 70 to 80% range, though, as anything smaller than that might cause a proportional discrepancy.
Ceiling Height
Another bathroom element that you need to get measurement is the height of the floor to the ceiling. The typical bathroom ceiling height is between 7 to 10 feet high. Ideally, the vanity mirror’s top should at least reach above 4 feet. We also recommend taller bathroom vanity mirrors for their functionality and the balance it creates if you have exceptionally high bathroom ceilings.
Space Between the Countertop and Vanity Light Sconces
If you have vanity sconces installed, this is another element that needs to be considered when choosing a vanity mirror. You have to consider the wiring of the vanity light, which is built into the wall. If you do have vanity light sconces, your options for vanity mirror sizes will be pretty limited.
Bathroom Size
Depending on your bathroom size, you might want to go with different types of vanity mirrors. For example, if you have a large bathroom and double sink vanity, you might want to splurge a bit and go with dual vanity mirrors to complement the available space fully.
We suggest going with a frameless vanity mirror or installing additional large mirrors on the opposite side for those with limited bathroom space.
Other Bathroom Vanity Mirror Considerations
Besides the main factors written above, other less common bathroom elements can affect your vanity mirror decision making.
Sconce Light
If you want to add some accent lightings in your bathroom, we recommend you position it above the vanity mirror. You can install sconces on the sides but keep in mind that this will limit your mirror options in the future.
Wall Cabinets and Shelves
If you have wall-mounted cabinets in your bathroom, it is best to place the vanity mirror a couple of inches away from these fixtures. However, depending on the position of your vanity and wall-mounted cabinet, positioning the mirror in the middle can get a bit tricky. If this is the case, then you will need to compromise a bit.
Vanity Mirror Size Guide
Now, to further help you narrow down your options for choosing the correct vanity mirror size, we listed below a guideline as to the recommended mirror sizes for different vanities.
24-Inch Vanity – The smallest vanity size available measures around 24-inches, and you will need a slightly smaller mirror. Ideally, we recommend a 22-inch mirror as it provides a balanced allowance of space on both sides.
30-Inch Vanity – Next up, we have a 30-inch vanity. For this size, we recommend you pick mirrors that range between 24 to 28 inches in width. Again, this will leave an even space of around 2 to 4 inches on each side of the mirror.
36-Inch Vanity – Applying the exact computation, a 32 to a 34-inch mirror will complement a 36-inch vanity as it offers a nice balance between the two fixtures.
40-Inch Vanity – For a 40-inch vanity, you should look for a 36 to the 38-inch-wide mirror.
60-Inch Vanity – Larger 60-inch vanities will require almost equally large mirrors as well. The sweet spot here is a mirror with a measurement of around 56 to 58-inches.
72-Inch Vanity – The largest vanity out there are the 72-inch models and are best suited for larger bathrooms. When it comes to the best mirror size for these luxurious vanities, we suggest you go for 66 to 68-inch mirrors to complement the large size.
Vanity Mirror Type and Shape Guide
Now that you have a clear idea of the correct size of mirror for your vanity, it is time to look at the various mirror styles and shapes that you will find in the market. Each mirror shape will deliver its specific charm, and knowing which type will complement your bathroom’s interior the best is crucial.
Rectangular and Oval Mirrors
If you have a traditional bathroom design and vanity, then the classy rectangular and oval mirrors will complement this type of setting.
Framed and Frameless Mirrors
Choosing between the two is also a matter of the overall theme of your bathroom. Are you going for something more traditional? Go with a framed mirror. For those looking for a more contemporary appeal, a frameless mirror is a perfect fit for you.
For tech-savvy homes, you might want to consider frameless mirrors with a real-time display showing several details such as weather forecast and time.
Custom-Made
Finally, there are custom-made bathroom mirrors that offer a unique charm. You can opt for something wild and funky to more intricately designed mirrors. For this option, you will need to find stores that offer this type of service. Additionally, custom-made mirrors are considerably more expensive than ready-made ones.