When decorating or remodeling a bathroom it is basically a
given you will be heading into the stores focused on the difficult task of
selecting a bathroom mirror. In traditional bathrooms the mirror was simply a
place to prepare yourself for the upcoming day, but now it has become the
opportunity to add function and style to your bathroom. Before grabbing your
checkbook here are a few things to consider and get the most out of your
mirror.
Consider Your Options
Framed Mirror: A framed mirror is a bathroom mirror which
comes with a frame already attached. These are typical as most homeowners would
rather spend less time shopping for both pieces separately. These are also
preferred for the ease of hanging.
Frameless Mirror: A frameless mirror comes without a
frame, and only the mirrored glass. Using a frameless mirror in a modern space
has become popular due to its “floating” effect. These are also easy to install
or hang but are usually glued to eliminate bulky hardware which is visible.
Custom Mirror: A custom mirror is created when the
mirrored glass and frame are picked separately for a custom look. The options
for this are endless, but time is a factor and attention to measurements and
detail is key. Installation and hanging is a bit extensive as it now becomes a
two-step process.
Determine the Size
Length
The size of your bathroom mirror will typically be dictated by the size (length) of your vanity countertop. A good rule followed by designers is at least 2 inches small in length than the vanity, and in most bathrooms could be more like 4 inches. This provides 1 to 2 inches on each side of the bathroom mirror and eliminates “the box” look that automatically cheapens the design of your entire space.
The size of your bathroom mirror will typically be dictated by the size (length) of your vanity countertop. A good rule followed by designers is at least 2 inches small in length than the vanity, and in most bathrooms could be more like 4 inches. This provides 1 to 2 inches on each side of the bathroom mirror and eliminates “the box” look that automatically cheapens the design of your entire space.
Height
After determining the measurement that specifies how long your mirror is you
must consider the height. A bathroom mirror should be no taller than your
vanity and placed at least 4 to 6 inches from the ceiling. If lighting is
located directly above the mirror space then this must also be factored into
the height of your mirror.
Test the Shape and Style
Bathroom mirrors come in literally hundreds of shapes,
sizes, and colors. Determining the best style for your bathroom can be tedious
and frustrating as you view these hundreds of ideas and have no possibility of
actually viewing your space completed to get the best result. Before getting
too stressed there are options to test your design pre-sight without making too
many mistakes on style before hitting the ideal look.
Create a template out of paper or poster board in the
shape that you feel would look best in your bathroom. Now, attach the template
to the wall using tape. This is the lower quality version of what your bathroom
will look like with this shape. If you love it, then get this style and you
will be thrilled to see it in higher quality. If you hate it, you just saved
yourself time and money, keep trying until you find the perfect fit.
Taking the time to really think about and research the
shapes and styles of mirrors can reduce the stress of selecting a bathroom
mirror. Get creative in testing shapes, sizes, colors, and styles to make sure
your minds eye is given a reality check and what you think will look great
really will look amazing.
Think About Function
Mirrors are no longer just for
reflections anymore, they are also very functional. Taking a look through the
mirror gallery of your home décor store will quickly reinforce this as there
are so many great features in bathroom mirrors.
Storage: Vanity cabinets with
mirrored fronts can be found in both traditional and modern styles. A mounted
box vanity cabinet is typically traditional in style, but modern designs are
often created with sunken cabinets that are completely invisible when closed.
Both are wonderful options if needing to add a little more storage space for
grooming products.
Lighting: Mirrors with built-in
lighting are great for cosmetic reasons. The lights provide that extra glow to
see what you will really look like when out and about in town. These must be
hardwired into the bathroom and may require a licensed electrician to install.
Research Mounting Styles
Permanent Installation
(Essentially Forever): If you are hanging your mirror in the bathroom and do
not plan on changing it for years, and by years I mean decades, then glue is
certainly the best option. This can be done with liquid nails or other glues
which are created to hold a heavy weight firmly in place for an extended period
of time.
Semi-Permanent Installation (A
good long while): If you are hanging your mirror in the bathroom and would like
to lessen the amount of work when you do your next update, say five to ten
years, the best option would be a less permanent glue which be loosened with
certain chemicals. These glues are created to react to the glue remover and
loosen when triggering this reaction. Check reviews to ensure the quality is
great and the risk of a broken bathroom mirror before intentionally removing it
is a risk.
Temporary Installation (Just
for now): Wire or Mirror Brackets are simply screwed in and attached to the
wall therefore never actually being bonded in any way. This can be the least
expensive, and easiest to install, as well as remove. This is ideal for those
leasing a home, apartment, or condo.
Tip: If installing your mirror with
glue it is crucial that the strength of your chosen glue is checked and
researched. Before applying your mirror to the wall you must know the mirrors
weight (located on the box), and match this to the strength (amount of weight)
the glue can support (located on the bottle). If in doubt, go up one step to a
higher strength to ensure that your mirror survives for years to come.
Quick Tips on Selecting a
Bathroom Mirror
Measure your space before
leaving to pick your mirror. A mirror in a store will look much smaller than
once placed in your smaller and more closed in bathroom. This is a common
mistake made by people considering eliminating a step by “eyeballing it”.
Determine the safety needs of
your bathroom before purchasing your mirror. Will this be a mirror for a
rambunctious child’s bathroom? Perhaps a safety glass mirror is the best option
to prevent an unsafe situation. Or maybe this is a purchase for a busy restroom
in your place of business? Again, safety first, quality a must.
Remember when selecting a
bathroom mirror that this is a fantastic opportunity to add value, style, and
function to your bathroom and take your time in researching the best choice for
your space.
Welcome to King David Gallery, an Online Mirror, Canvas and Glass Store for Glass Table Tops NYC, Canvas Stretching, Closet Doors, Custom Cut Glass, Custom Cut Mirrors, Custom Framing, Dry Mounting, Glass Shelving, Glass Shower Doors, Gold Leaf Frames, Manhattan Shower Doors and Mat Cutters in NYC
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http://www.kingdavidgallery.com/