Mirrors are essential components of any bathroom design for function and beauty, and choosing from bathroom mirror styles can be a lot of fun.
Whether you’re remodeling or building, choosing mirrors for your bathroom can be as simple or in-depth as you’d like. Every detail is open to your preferences, including size, shape, lighting, mounting style, framing options, positioning, and orientation.
You can choose something from a showroom display, have mirrors shipped in, or have your mirrors custom-made.
There are so many bathroom mirror styles to choose from. A great way to narrow your choices down is by finding a few design elements that are most important to you. This is your ultimate guide to bathroom mirror styles.
General Styles of Mirrors
Wall mirror – As the name suggests, a wall mirror is mounted directly on the wall. Sizes vary from very small to large, and options range from mirrors above your sink to floor-to-ceiling options. It’s a simple, functional design but leaves room for many unique design elements.
Pivot mirror – This variation on a wall mirror extends a few inches away from the wall to give it space to pivot. It’s mounted on two hinges, usually horizontally, to allow you to angle the mirror up and down. It’s not only an interesting style element, but it adds some useful functionality.
Mirror cabinet – Also called a medicine cabinet mirror, this adds hidden storage space behind your wall-mounted mirror. Some mirror cabinets slide open, while others have hinges. A hinged mirror can function as a multi-angled mirror, allowing you to see yourself from different angles.
Ledge mirror – Also known as a shadow box, this mirror is wall-mounted but has a shelf or ledge extending below it. This provides a small amount of space for grooming products or decor.
Illuminated mirror – Lighting for your mirror is always an important consideration. Some mirrors come with their own lighting, which can be more direct and bring the light source closer. It can be in the frame, on the mirror’s surface, or in the form of backlighting.
Floor mirror – This is a mirror that sits on the floor rather than being mounted on a wall. It might be resting against a wall or be mounted on an easel mirror. These are nice because they can be portable and repositioned as needed.
Cheval mirror – Similar to a floor or easel mirror, this design is attached to a free-standing frame by horizontal hinges, which makes it similar to a pivot mirror. A mirror like this can add a Victorian flair to your bedroom or bathroom design.
Vanity mirror – This small tabletop mirror is meant to be used close up for applying makeup or other detailed grooming. Some of them are made with concave surfaces to provide magnification.
Extension mirror – A variation on the vanity mirror, an extension mirror is generally wall-mounted and attached to an extending arm for close-up use. It’s also sometimes called a swing arm mirror.
Mirror Size Options
Bathroom mirrors range in size from small vanity mirrors to wall-to-wall mirrors. The size you need depends on the purpose and the space you have in your bathroom.
Small mirrors are great for getting close and seeing a lot of detail. They are portable and don’t take up much space.
Large mirrors add accessibility and have the benefits of making a room appear larger. Full-length mirrors allow you to see your entire outfit from head to toe. You can also go big in both dimensions, as with a gym mirror.
Mirror Shape Options
While most mirrors are rectangular because this is a great functional choice, you can have a lot of fun by varying the shape for unique bathroom mirror styles.
Mirrors can be:
- Square
- Rectangular
- Oval
- Round
- Arched
- Hexagonal
- Octagonal
- Sculptural or freeform
Of course, mirrors can be almost any shape, allowing you to express yourself through your design choices. This can be a great way to add a personal style or classical touch.
Mirror Frame Options
Frames can add a lot of character to a mirror. They can be ornate and intricate or straightforward. A mirror can have no frame, giving it a clean, minimalist look. Here are a few of the choices you can make for your frame:
Material – A mirror’s frame can be made of many different materials. You can choose just about any material you like as long as it’s durable enough to hold up over the years of use. Here are a few standard mirror frame options.
- Wood (natural or painted)
- Stone
- Tile
- Acrylic
- Stainless steel
- Bronze
- Copper
- Wrought iron
- Glass (a Venetian mirror includes ornate designs etched into the glass around the edges, creating a frame)
Finish – The finish options depend, in part, on what material you choose, but here are a few of the possibilities.
- High gloss
- Satin
- Matte
- Textured or smooth (ex. metal can have a brushed texture)
- Transparent or opaque (ex. stains on wood)
Shape – Regardless of the shape of your mirror, you can do whatever you want with the shape of the frame. Here are a few choices to think about.
- Ornate or simple – You could make your frame flamboyant with many embellishments or go with something straightforward.
- Beveled or not – It’s a simple design feature, but it makes a difference in the feel of the final look.
- Thick or thin – You could make the frame take up as much space as the mirror or have no structure.
Mirror Configuration and Position Options
Where you place your mirrors in the bathroom and how you angle them can have as much impact as the kind of mirror you choose. Here are a few examples.
Single vs. side-by-side mirrors – Having one mirror in front of a sink is different from two mirrors or even a large pane mirror covering the whole wall.
Triptych or tri-fold mirrors – These are the mirrors you see in many high-end dressing rooms. They comprise three mirrors angled inward to show multiple angles at once.
Infinity mirrors – When you place two mirrors opposite each other, it can create a mind-bending effect, like you’re looking into eternity.
For Mirror Design and Installation, Come to Northern Utah Glass
Whether or not you know exactly what you want regarding bathroom mirror styles, we can help move your design and installation forward. We have some beautiful and functional mirrors in stock, but we can also help you create your unique vision with custom mirrors.
Contact us to discuss your bathroom project, and let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll give you a free quote and make plans to complete the installation quickly and efficiently. You can trust Northern Utah Glass with your bathroom mirror installation!