Chances are, you put more thought into the reflection than you do the mirror itself. Yet the vanity mirror is an integral part of your bathroom’s design, both functionally and visually. Selecting the right mirror for your bathroom is about finding the right balance between aesthetics, utility, and cost. To help you make the best decision when choosing from the wide selection of vanity mirrors, consider your options in terms of good, better, and best categories.
At Lamont Bros. Design & Construction, we guide homeowners through the bathroom remodeling process as they explore what features and products will best suit their homes. When it comes to vanity mirrors, we understand how the slight differences between products can have a huge impact on how your bathroom looks and feels.
In this article, we’ll discuss several different types of bathroom vanity mirrors, breaking them down by category into good, better, or best. Once you’re done reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of which vanity mirror might be best for you. The specific options we’ll cover include:
Good: Pre-Made Frameless Mirrors
When beginning your search for the perfect bathroom vanity mirror, the “good” category presents a practical and cost-effective option: pre-made frameless mirrors. These mirrors are the ideal choice for homeowners aiming for affordable functionality without the frills.
Frameless mirrors come in standard sizes and cannot be customized. They are commonly found in builder-grade spec homes and are favored for their simple installation and clean, minimalistic look. The simplicity of a frameless mirror lies in its unobtrusive style. They are usually held in place by clips or glue.
Advantages of Pre-Made Frameless Mirrors:
Easy Installation: The lack of a frame and simple mounting methods make these mirrors a go-to for quick and easy bathroom setups.
Low Cost: Frameless mirrors are often sought after as an inexpensive solution for bathroom vanities. As an entry-level option, frameless mirrors represent the lowest cost point in their category.
Subtle Aesthetics: For those who prefer a minimalist design, frameless mirrors provide a sleek and understated look. Some models feature a beveled edge, adding a touch of elegance without overwhelming the space.
Large Format Availability: If your bathroom has space for an especially large vanity mirror, frameless may be the way to go. Large format offerings in this category make it easy to find a mirror that spans the length of an extended double vanity.
Limitations of Pre-Made Frameless Mirrors:
Despite their practicality, frameless mirrors do come with some limitations. Their simplicity might be seen as too basic for those looking to make a statement. Additionally, the frameless edge can also leave them vulnerable to chips and damage.
Better: Framed Mirrors
The “better” category for bathroom vanity mirrors introduces framed mirror options. These mirrors balance aesthetic appeal and practicality, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a bit of personality and style to their bathrooms.
Framed mirrors are a step up in the design aspect, offered in a variety of sizes, shapes, and frame materials including metal, wood, and painted finishes.
Advantages of Framed Vanity Mirrors:
Aesthetic Diversity: Framed mirrors serve as a decorative element that enhances the room’s overall design. With many different stylistic options, it’s easy to find a mirror to match the vanity cabinetry or complement the bathroom’s color scheme.
Customizable Styles: Whether you prefer a rustic wood frame or a modern metal border, the variety of framed mirror options allows for greater personalization in your bathroom’s decor.
Enhanced Durability: The addition of a frame not only adds to the mirror’s visual appeal but also provides extra protection to the mirror’s edges, reducing the risk of chips and damage.
Limitations of Framed Vanity Mirrors
Despite the added design flexibility and protective benefits of framed mirrors, they come with their own set of drawbacks. The choice of material and style can significantly influence the price, making some framed mirrors more of an investment compared to their frameless counterparts. Additionally, while they offer more design options, finding the perfect match for highly specific bathroom themes or custom cabinetry might require a more extensive search.
Best: Custom and Medicine Cabinet Mirrors
In the “best” category of bathroom vanity mirrors, you’ll find custom mirrors and medicine cabinets. Both of these options offer significant improvements in functionality and design aesthetic. This category features far more customization options to make your mirror fit your bathroom design perfectly.
Custom Mirrors: Tailored Elegance
Custom mirrors represent the highest level of bathroom vanity mirror design. They offer the flexibility to match every aspect of a homeowner’s vision. From specific dimensions that fit unique spaces perfectly to a wide range of shapes and frame materials and finishes, custom mirrors ensure your bathroom reflects your style flawlessly.
Advantages of Custom Vanity Mirrors:
Perfect Fit: Custom mirrors can be designed to any size, ensuring a perfect fit for your bathroom space, regardless of its dimensions.
Unlimited Style Options: With the ability to choose every detail, from frame material to finish, custom mirrors allow for complete creative control over the aesthetic.
High-Quality Craftsmanship: Custom mirrors often feature superior craftsmanship, providing a durable and long-lasting addition to your bathroom.
Limitations of Custom Vanity Mirrors:
The main disadvantage of custom vanity mirrors is the cost. Because they are tailored to fit specific requirements in size, style, and material, they usually end up significantly more expensive than pre-made options. Customization offers unparalleled beauty and functionality, but it requires a higher financial commitment.
Medicine Cabinet Mirrors: Function Meets Style
Medicine cabinet mirrors combine the practical storage solutions of a storage cabinet into the design of a vanity mirror. This timeless yet innovative option is perfect for those looking to add extra storage without sacrificing style.
Advantages of Medicine Cabinet Mirrors:
Increased Storage: Offering a discreet way to store toiletries, medicine cabinet mirrors help keep countertops clutter-free.
Customizable Designs: Many medicine cabinet mirrors come with customizable features, including built-in lighting and adjustable shelving, to meet your specific needs.
Recessed Design Options: When people think of medicine cabinets, they often envision a bulky mirror box mounted above the sink. However, many contemporary medicine cabinets can be recessed into the wall, allowing your mirror to maintain a sleek, stylish look.
Limitations of Medicine Cabinet Mirrors:
While offering clever storage solutions, medicine cabinet mirrors might require some structural modifications for installation, especially if opting for recessed models.
This can result in rerouting plumbing or adjusting wall studs to accommodate the unit. These considerations can add to the complexity and cost of installation. If you’re considering a medicine cabinet to improve the functionality of your bathroom, make sure to evaluate the potential cost of integrating such a feature into the design.
Need More Design Inspiration for Your Bathroom?
Now that you understand more about the different vanity mirror options available to you, do you have the information you need to select one for your bathroom? If you’re still searching for inspiration for the perfect products and design features for your bathroom, check out our Bathroom Portfolio. There, you’ll find photos and descriptions of previous bathroom projects completed by our team at Lamont Bros.
Considering a bathroom remodel and think it’s time to speak with a professional designer? If so, click the button below to schedule a free design consultation with a member of our team. We’ll help you navigate the remodeling process so you never have to face the challenges alone.