Bathroom Mirror Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Mirror for Your Space

A bathroom mirror might seem like a pretty simple thing to choose, but there's actually quite a bit to think about. It's not just a case of finding one you like the look of and putting it above the basin. The size, shape and position can all make a big difference to how your bathroom looks and feels, while things like lighting and electrics are worth considering before you buy.

The good news is that there isn't one mirror that's right for every bathroom. A large mirror can help a smaller space feel bigger, while a more compact design might work better if you have a narrow vanity unit. You'll also want to think about how the mirror works with the rest of your bathroom, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

In this guide, we'll run through the main things to consider when choosing a bathroom mirror, from getting the size and positioning right to understanding what you need to think about when it comes to LED lighting and electrics.

Size Matters More Than You Think

When it comes to bathroom mirrors, size really does matter. And yes... we're still talking about bathroom mirrors. Too small and it can look a little lost above your basin, while something too large can overwhelm the wall and make the room feel more cramped.

A good place to start is with your vanity or basin. As a general rule, your mirror should be roughly the same width as your vanity or slightly narrower, so everything feels balanced. That doesn't mean you have to stick rigidly to this, though. A wider mirror can work really well if you want to create more of a statement or make a smaller bathroom feel more spacious.

You'll also need to think about what's around the mirror. Wall-mounted taps, wall lights, shelving and windows can affect how much room you actually have. Measure the available wall space before you start shopping, and don't forget to check the mirror's overall dimensions rather than just the glass area.

If you're replacing an existing mirror, it's worth measuring that too. It gives you a useful starting point, but don't feel like you have to choose the same size again. A new mirror can completely change the proportions of a bathroom, especially when paired with a new vanity.

Where Should a Bathroom Mirror Go?

The obvious answer is above the basin, but there's a little more to it than that. You want your mirror to be in a position that's practical to use, while also looking balanced with the rest of your bathroom.

Height is important too. You'll want the mirror positioned so it's comfortable for the people using it, with the centre of the mirror roughly around eye level. There's no one-size-fits-all measurement here, particularly if the people sharing the bathroom are different heights, so think about who will actually be using it.

If you're fitting a mirror above a wall-hung vanity, a useful guideline is to leave around 10-20cm between the top of the basin and bottom of the mirror. This gives you enough space to avoid the mirror feeling too low, while keeping everything visually connected. There's a little flexibility here depending on the layout of your bathroom, so don't worry about sticking to the measurement down to the last centimetre.

And if you're planning on adding wall lights either side of the mirror, make sure you leave enough room for them when deciding on the mirror width. It's much easier to work all of this out on paper before the tiles are down than after you've drilled the first hole.

Round, Rectangle or Something a Little Different?

This is where you can have a bit more fun. Once you've worked out the size and position, the shape of your bathroom mirror is really down to the look you want to create.

Round mirrors are a great way to soften a bathroom, particularly if you've got lots of straight lines from your tiles, vanity and other fittings. They work especially well above a single basin and can make the space feel a little less boxy.

Rectangular and square mirrors are a classic choice and tend to work well with most vanity units. A landscape mirror can help a wider vanity feel more balanced, while a portrait-shaped mirror can work well in a narrower space or above a compact basin.

Then there are the slightly more interesting options. Arched, pill-shaped, organic and oval mirrors can add a bit more character without needing to change anything else in the room. If your bathroom is fairly simple, an unusual mirror shape can be an easy way to make a statement.

There's no right or wrong answer here. Think about the overall shapes you already have in your bathroom and decide whether you want your mirror to blend in with them or break things up a little.

What About Lighting?

A bathroom mirror can do more than give you somewhere to check your hair before you leave the house. The right lighting can make it much easier to see what you're doing, whether that's applying make-up, shaving or just trying to work out why you suddenly look so tired.

If you're choosing a mirror with integrated LED lighting, think about where the light is coming from and what you actually want it to do. Front-facing illumination is particularly useful for reducing shadows across your face, while backlit mirrors tend to create more of a soft glow around the mirror and add a bit of atmosphere to the room.

You could also pair a standard mirror with wall lights on either side. This can give you a really even illumination and works particularly well with larger or double-basin setups.

There's no need to go into all the ins and outs of LED mirror features here - we've covered those in more detail in our guide on are LED bathroom mirrors are worth the high price tag. For this guide, the important thing is to think about lighting early on, as it can affect both the type of mirror you choose and where it needs to be positioned.

Don't Forget About the Electrics

If you're thinking about an illuminated mirror, the electrics are something you'll want to consider before the bathroom is finished, rather than something to worry about when the mirror arrives.

Many LED mirrors are hardwired into the wall, so your electrician will need to know where the mirror is going and where you want the connection point. This is particularly important if you're renovating, as it's much easier to get the wiring in place while the walls are being worked on than after they've been tiled.

Some mirrors can also be operated from a wall switch, while others have features such as touch sensors or built-in controls. Check how your chosen mirror is powered before buying so you know what your electrician needs to allow for.

It's also worth checking whether the mirror needs a shaver socket or another type of electrical connection, rather than assuming they all work in the same way. The exact requirements will depend on the mirror, so always check the manufacturer's installation instructions.

And if you're planning your bathroom from scratch, tell your electrician about the mirror early on. It's one of those little details that's much easier to sort out at the planning stage than when your tiles are already on the wall.

Do Bathroom Mirrors Need an IP Rating?

If you're choosing a bathroom mirror with integrated lighting, a demister pad or other electrical features, you'll need to pay attention to its IP rating. This tells you how well the electrical components are protected against things like water and moisture.

Equipment in Zones 1 and 2 generally needs protection against water splashes, with IPX4 or higher being the relevant level of protection. The exact requirements can depend on the equipment and installation, so always check the manufacturer's instructions.

If you're not sure which zone your mirror will sit in, ask your electrician before ordering it. They can check the position and make sure the mirror and its electrical installation are suitable.

And if you're going for a plain, non-electrical mirror, you don't need to worry about IP ratings in the same way, as there are no electrical components to protect.

What Mirrors Work Best in a Small Bathroom?

When space is limited, the right mirror can make a surprisingly big difference. It won't magically add a few extra square meters, sadly, but it can make the room feel brighter, more open and less cramped.

A larger mirror is often a good choice in a small bathroom, particularly above a compact vanity. Reflecting light and more of the room can help create the feeling of a bigger space, while a mirror that's too small can make the wall feel a little cluttered.

Round and softly curved mirrors can work particularly well in smaller bathrooms. They break up the straight lines of tiles, furniture and sanitaryware, helping the room feel less boxy without taking up much visual space.

If your bathroom is narrow, consider the shape of the mirror too. A portrait-style mirror can make better use of a tall section of wall, while a wider landscape mirror can work well above a broader vanity.

And if natural light is limited, a backlit or illuminated mirror can help brighten the room while giving you another source of light. Ultimately, don't be afraid to go bigger with your mirror just because your bathroom is small. Sometimes a generous mirror is exactly what the space needs.

Making Your Mirror Work With Your Vanity Unit

Once you've chosen the size and shape of your mirror, it's worth thinking about how the two pieces work together as a whole. Your vanity and mirror are usually the main focal point of the bathroom, so this is a good opportunity to bring some of your design choices together.

Think about finishes and details. A framed mirror can pick up the colour or material of your vanity, while a black or brushed brass metal frame can tie in with your taps and other finishes, you don't need every element to match exactly - mixing finishes can actually make the room feel more considered.

The style of your vanity can also help guide the type of mirror you choose. A traditional vanity might suit a more decorative or framed design, while a contemporary unit can work well with something simple and understated. That said, mixing styles can be just as effective if you want to create a bathroom with a little more personality.

If your vanity has open shelving, handles or decorative detailing, take a moment to look at how these features interact with the mirror. You want the area to feel intentional rather than like you've simply put two separate products on the same wall.

Sometimes it's the smaller details that make the biggest difference - and your mirror is a good place to bring them together.

Need Somewhere to Hide the Toiletries?

If you're short on storage, a mirrored cabinet can be a smart alternative to a standard bathroom mirror. You get the reflective surface you need, along with somewhere to keep toiletries, skincare and all those smaller bathroom essentials that tend to find their way onto the basin.

They're particularly useful above a vanity unit, but they can be just as handy if you have a standard pedestal basin without any built-in storage. The wall space above the basin might otherwise go unused, so a mirrored cabinet gives you somewhere to keep everyday essential without taking up valuable floor space.

Some designs are surprisingly slim, too, so you don't necessarily need a huge amount of room to benefit from the extra storage. Look for features such as adjustable shelves if you want to make the most of the space inside.

There's also the option of a recessed mirrored cabinet, which sits partly or completely within the wall for a more streamlined look. This can be particularly useful if you're renovating and have the opportunity to plan for it, although you'll need to check what's possible with your wall construction and any pipework or wiring behind it.

If you already have plenty of storage elsewhere, a standard mirror might be all you need. But when cupboard space is at a premium, a mirrored cabinet can make that otherwise unused wall space work a little harder.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Mirror?

Choosing a bathroom mirror might seem like a small decision, but the right one can have a big impact on the finished space. From getting the proportions right to choosing a shape that suits your style, there's more to consider than simply finding something you like the look of.

Think about how you'll actually use your mirror, how it works with your vanity or basin, and whether you could benefit from extra features such as integrated lighting or hidden storage.

Once you've got those practical details figured out, the fun part is choosing the design. Round, rectangular, framed, illuminated or something a little different - there's a mirror to suit every bathroom.

Now all that's left to do is find the one that makes you want to look in it. Even if it's just to check whether you've got toothpaste on your face.