Do you have a regular mirror that you want to use when renovating your bathroom? Or is it that you’re thinking of getting one but are worried that it might not work for you?
Well, you should be worried. We all know that bathroom mirrors are the most iconic pieces in any bathroom, hence the need to figure out every detail keenly.
So, can I use a regular mirror in the bathroom? Never use a regular mirror in the bathroom. It can’t survive the humidity of a bathroom. Remember that bathrooms are full of moisture, right?
Actually, when shopping for a bathroom mirror, you need to be extra careful. Any mirror will look great in the beginning, but as days go by, any mirror that isn’t moisture-resistant will get dark spots or start getting discolored.
And if the mirror frame isn’t moisture-resistant, you’ll be in for bigger problems in the future.
Difference Between a Regular Mirror and a Bathroom Mirror
Listed below are the differences between a bathroom and a regular mirror
- Type of Glass
Bathroom mirrors are specifically made of tempered glass, also known as toughened glass. This glass is designed with safety considerations hence the best to use in any bathroom.
Tempered glass doesn’t break with ease, and when it does, it breaks into tiny round shards limiting the risk of injury. You can never compare this to regular glass.
When a regular glass breaks, the results are large glass pieces with sharp edges. And remember, you’re in the bathroom with zero or minimal clothes, so, the potential of nasty injuries is very high.
Therefore, placing a regular mirror in your bathroom is dangerous for you and your family. You might break it accidentally when using the shower or doing your routine cleaning.
These mirrors tend to break on their own due to pressure build-up and temperature changes when you take a hot shower.
And did you know that ordinary glass is prone to getting greasy and foggy with ease? Yes, it won’t work for you, especially if you like fixing your hair or putting on your makeup in the bathroom.
- Bathroom Mirrors Counter Moisture
Bathroom mirrors feature anti-misting technology, which makes them very convenient to use. You don’t have to wait for the mirror to clear up for you to put on your makeup or shave.
This isn’t the case with regular mirrors; they don’t have this feature.
- Moisture-Resistant Frame
Anything in the bathroom is subjected to repeated and prolonged exposure to moisture. This is why most bathroom mirrors come in a frameless design. And those that feature frames boast moisture-resistant ones.
Regular mirrors come in frames, which can be made of metal or wood that isn’t treated to withstand the moisture levels in your bathroom.
- Built-in Illumination
Most bathroom mirrors feature built-in illumination. The lighting makes it easy for you to put on makeup, shave, insert contact lenses, fix your hair, among other things.
You’ll rarely find a regular mirror with built-in illumination.
- Electrical Sockets Housing
Some bathroom mirrors come with a plug point for your hairdryer or electric razor. And because water and electrical appliances aren’t the friendliest of combinations, these mirrors feature wiring that’s safe to use in bathrooms.
And you guessed it right! This feature isn’t present in regular mirrors.
Types of Bathroom Mirrors
Wall Mirrors
Wall mirrors are specifically designed for mounting on the bathroom wall. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although the most popular ones are round and rectangular mirrors.
Bathroom wall mirrors are easy to install and available in different designs to match every type of décor. They are also more versatile, meaning that you can move them around when needed.
These mirrors can be framed or frameless.
Framed models come in different styles and can give your bathroom a pop of color, while the frameless ones give your room a more open look.
Single/Double Mirrors
If you have a vanity cabinet with a ‘his’ and ‘her’ sink, you’ll fall for double bathroom mirrors. A single wide mirror will also work magic in such a setup as well.
Also, if you have a single basin and a large vanity unit, multiple mirrors will make your bathroom look more balanced.
Illuminated Mirrors
Illuminated bathroom mirrors come with built-in LED lights that illuminate the entire bathroom. The lights are usually positioned on the top or around the sides of the mirror to provide enough lighting for applying makeup and shaving.
These mirrors are available in 2 designs: plug-ins for mains or with a battery pack. If yours is a bathroom without a natural source of light or a window, you’ll love an illuminated mirror.
And did you know that most illuminated bathroom mirrors feature auto-demisting technology? This technology comes in handy on a cold day when it’s all foggy.
The demister pads remove the patches of steam on the mirror, enabling you to get on with your grooming tasks with ease.
Full-Length Mirrors
Full-length mirrors are usually installed near the bathroom’s entrance or on shower doors for those with tiny bathrooms.
To create an illusion of more space, mount the mirror directly opposite your vanity mirror.
Decorative Mirrors
Just like the name suggests, these mirrors help to improve the aesthetics of any bathroom. They come in beautiful designs and change the overall look in the bathroom.
These mirrors come in all shapes, including square, round, oval, hexagonal, asymmetric, triangular, among others. And the best part is that you can always get a customized one from most hardware shops.
Pivot Mirrors
With a pivot mirror, you can view yourself from a variety of angles. They are extremely handy when styling your hair or applying makeup.
You can mount a pivot mirror on any of your bathroom walls, as most come with built-in lighting options.
Mirrors with Shaving Sockets
Bathroom mirrors with shaving sockets come in handy for persons looking for a multi-functional mirror. They come with a cleverly integrated socket that allows you to charge your shaver.
When shopping for this type of mirror, check to ensure that the sockets meet industry safety standards.
FAQs
Q. Do you need specific mirrors for a bathroom?
Q. What makes a mirror suitable for a bathroom?
Q. How do you waterproof a bathroom mirror?
Clear silicone caulking prevents water from getting underneath the mirror as it is waterproof.
Q. Can you put a decorative mirror in the bathroom?
Q. Should bathroom mirrors be the same width as the vanity?
Q. How do I choose a bathroom mirror?
Q. Can you put a wood mirror in the bathroom?
Q. Is there a difference in mirror quality?
Q. How does moisture affect a bathroom mirror?
Get a mirror that is moisture-resistant as it’ll last longer.
Q. How high should you hang your bathroom mirror?
• It should go a few inches above the faucet
• The mirror should be centered between the sink and lighting
• Hang it roughly 5 to 10 inches above the sink
Conclusion
Your bathroom is unique, and thus the need to get an exceptional mirror for it as well. The mirror should be safe since you don’t want to hurt yourself while in there.
Your bathroom mirror should have a moisture-resistant frame, tempered glass for safety or one with laminated glass. A frameless mirror would also work great as it’s not subject to moisture damage.
Although you might be tempted to use a regular mirror in the bathroom, avoid it at all costs. It’s neither safe nor durable enough to withstand the harsh temperatures in the bathroom.