Guidelines for Choosing the Correct Vanity Mirror

Budget

• Set a price point for the vanity mirror and stick to it. If you are filling multiple bathrooms or have a smaller budget, consider single panels mirrors with simple lighting rather than ornate vanities and Tiffany lamps. Shop around for a good deal and visit second-hand or antique stores to locate a vanity that requires a fresh coat of paint or new knobs.

Size

• Keep the size of the room in mind when choosing the vanity mirror. Don’t purchase large glass panels that overwhelm a smaller wall and small vanities or pedestal sinks. Instead, opt for two smaller mirrors or medicine cabinets that are appropriate for the room’s size. A longer wall or higher ceilings can accommodate large mirrors or two to three smaller medicine cabinets or framed mirrors.

Style

• Purchase a vanity mirror based on the room’s style. Opt for ornate mirror frames, rounded or beveled mirrors, or antique wooden medicine cabinets for a shabby chic or classic bathroom styles. Stick with large glass panels accentuated by track lighting or large fixtures on longer walls. Also keep the utilitarian purpose of the mirror in mind when choosing the style. The mirror must not only be functional enough to use for make-up application and shaving, it should also be beautiful. For this reason, avoid frosted or heavily-etched glass.

Material

• Avoid decorating your bathroom with mirrors intended for use in other areas of the home. Many brands of bathroom vanity mirrors are constructed for materials intended to withstand temperature changes and humidity. A bedroom mirror in the space cannot withstand the bathroom’s environment and will eventually become discolored, cracked or broken from the excessive moisture.