Bathroom

Bathroom illuminated mirror: varieties, selection recommendations

Bathroom illuminated mirror: varieties, selection recommendations
Content
  1. Features, pros and cons
  2. Kinds
  3. Backlight Types
  4. Varieties of lamps
  5. Ways to turn on the light
  6. Sizes and shapes
  7. Design
  8. Functional
  9. Manufacturers Overview
  10. Selection tips

Mirror is a constant attribute of a bathroom. Many today choose backlit models, and this is not surprising. This addition has a lot of advantages. In addition, the range of modern stores offers such a variety of options that everyone can choose the product to their liking. Let’s figure out why illuminated mirrors are so good, and what types of them exist.

Features, pros and cons

A backlit mirror is a good choice for decorating a bathroom. First of all, in such an accessory you will be able to see yourself well thanks to the additional light. In some situations, this is especially important. For instance, women often apply makeup and do hairstyles in this room. Moreover, for many, the impeccability of the image is very important. A perfectly shaved face is the goal of many men. Here, the backlight will also be very helpful.

This option will come in handy in the dark. If necessary, you can enter the bathroom, including only mirror lighting. So bright light will not irritate the eyes.

Practicality is not the only advantage of such models. The design of the room when they are added is also being transformed. The room becomes brighter and seems larger due to specular reflection and the shine of the lamps. In addition, products equipped with light look expensive and stylish regardless of design. Modern interiors are especially well emphasized with such an accessory. Even the simplest illumination turns a mirror into a spectacular element of decor.And if you choose an option with curly luminous elements, then the mirror canvas can become almost the center of the interior composition.

As for the minuses, he has only one such model. Illuminated mirrors are more expensive than conventional options. However, the beauty and usefulness of the subject undoubtedly outweigh this nuance. Moreover, such accessories are bought with the expectation of long-term use.

Kinds

Wardrobe mirror

One of the practical solutions ideal for the bathroom is a mirror combined with a small hanging cabinet. This allows you to hide toothbrushes and hygiene products from prying eyes. At the same time, a reflective surface appears above the washbasin, allowing you to put yourself in order at any time.

The models are different. In the assortment of manufacturers there are lockers with frosted or glossy doors, combined with a mirror canvas. As a rule, such models also have a small open shelf. In addition, you can purchase a cabinet with fully mirrored doors. Such products look very impressive. Due to the reflective surface, they seem weightless. In this case, all the advantages of a conventional mirror with backlight are also available here.

The sizes and shapes of the cabinets are different. The number of compartments and doors also varies. On sale you can find one-, two- and three-door models, horizontal, vertical and angular options.

Plain wall mirror

A simple mirror can also be highlighted. This option is suitable for owners of spacious bathrooms with the presence of floor cabinets or other storage systems.

Heated

Many modern mirrors are equipped with a heating function. The practicality of this innovation is difficult to overestimate. First of all, you will forget about fogging the accessory. Regardless of the temperature in the bathroom, you will clearly see yourself in it. There is no need to wipe the surface of the product after a shower. The likelihood of harmful fungi that may appear due to condensation will also decrease.

The system is very economical. The energy consumption in your house will increase only by a very small part, so if saving money when buying is not a priority for you, you should think about this option.

With shelves

A mirror with a shelf is a good alternative to the model with a closed cabinet. This option is more compact, but still allows you to place some little things. You can use the product as a stand for detergents or cosmetics, or you can leave the shelf empty just in case. For example, you can put chains and other jewelry on it that you take off before taking a shower. Or perhaps your guests will need a place to accommodate some little things.

The market offers a variety of options for such products. Often used the bar located at the bottom of the item. It can also be small holders with sides located on the edge of the mirror canvas, or just mini-shelves on the sides of the accessory.

Backlight Types

There are two main types of mirror illumination.

External

In this case, lighting is realized using lamps located either on the sides of the product, or in its upper part. It can be lamps on metal brackets or point light sources.

Internal

In this case, the lamps are built into the mirror sheet itself. It looks very impressive. It seems that the mirror just glows for no apparent reason. The quality of such a backlight is not worse than the previous version. On the contrary, the light is distributed softly and evenly, which eliminates eye irritation. Such products cost more, but many choose them because of their beauty and convenience.

Usually, the built-in backlight is located around the entire perimeter of the product. Sometimes luminous stripes are only on the sides. Decorative options are interesting. The lamps in them form various patterns on the surface, which turns the accessory into a special decor element.Models with a “tunnel” backlight are capable of, among other things, creating an interesting optical effect. Of course, the interior lighting with a pattern looks more expressively on large mirrors. On medium-sized models, the usual diode strip located around the perimeter looks more appropriate.

It is important to note that some models with decorative lighting do not add light to the room. The drawings only glow in them, but they do not perform a practical function. Therefore, when buying, specify this point. Specialists and original models with colored lamps do not recommend it. Despite the beauty, using them is extremely inconvenient.

The best choice is ordinary yellow or white light.

As for the backlight connection method, there are 2 options. You can connect the product to the mains. This option is more economical and is used more often. Battery-powered models can work without a wall outlet.

Varieties of lamps

Fluorescent

Such lamps give diffused light that does not blind the eyes. Lighting in this case turns out to be close to natural. Lamps are quite economical, but they also have disadvantages. Products flicker slightly. Therefore, if you stand near them for a long time, fatigue in the eyes may appear. They also flare up not immediately.

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the ban on breaking these products. Due to the mercury content, this can be life threatening.

Halogen

Such lamps shine brightly and serve for a long time. They are not afraid of high humidity. The only caveat is the fragility of products. They should not be shaken. It is also not recommended to touch them with bare hands during installation.

LED

Such lamps can realize both external and internal illumination. Only advantages are noted here - good light, no flicker, instant start-up, economy, durability, safety. Products with internal LED lighting look very beautiful. LEDs are mounted on the rear surface of the glass. Thus, the effect of light in the mirror is obtained. Lighting in this case is soft, diffused.

Ways to turn on the light

The convenience of using the item depends on how the light turns on. There are several options.

  • Button. This is the most affordable method. So the outdoor lighting is turned on.
  • Touch inclusion. This option is a little expensive. But this technology allows you to turn on the backlight with just one touch.
  • Remote controller. Usually such an addition is attached to Led models.
  • Motion Sensor. To turn on the light, you only need to bring your hand to the subject.
  • Synchronization with opening the front door or turning on the main light. Very convenient and practical method.

Sizes and shapes

The shapes of modern mirrors are different. The most popular are rectangular. Since most often a reflective surface is placed above the washbasin, customers choose horizontal models with a predominant width. Vertical mirrors are more suitable for installation in free space.

Those who like flowing shapes prefer round and oval mirrors. In a shining edging, they resemble planets from outer space, which makes the interior of the room more expressive.

There are curly options. Mirror cloth can be in the form of a rhombus, horseshoe, eggs, clouds, waves, an arbitrary geometric figure with sharp or rounded corners. Such models look very original, but from a practical point of view they are not always convenient. This should be considered when buying.

As for the sizes, their choice is also wide. There are 3 options for the standard height of mirror paintings:

  • 120 cm model reflects a person to the knees;
  • 60 cm products allow you to see yourself waist-high;
  • 40 cm mirrors show the user's reflection to chest level.

Usually, 2 and 3 options are used to design a bathroom. Although the range is not limited to them. There are intermediate options with a height of 45, 50, 55 cm.

The width of the mirror depends on its shape. The largest square products suitable for the bathroom are 70x70 cm, 80x80 cm. Of course, such accessories fit only into spacious rooms. Rectangular models can also be quite large. The average width of such a product is 65 or 70 cm. However, if the area allows, you can purchase a larger version (80, 90, 100, 110 cm).

Mirror cloths with a width of 1200 mm or more are on sale. Usually they are chosen for the decor of bathrooms with a double sink.

When choosing the dimensions of the accessory, the location of the mirror is of great importance. If you plan to hang it above the washstand, it is worth measuring the free space above it. It is unlikely that you will be able to place a large-sized model 100x80 cm or 100x120 cm in this zone. Even a mirror with a format of 80x90 cm may not fit here.

If you plan to mount the accessory on a free wall, your choice is unlimited. You can buy a model of 120x90 cm or even 1200x800 mm. If you wish, you can even decorate the room with a full-length mirror. For example, for some, it is important to assess the level of their physical fitness, and doing this in the bathroom without clothes is the easiest.

Design

When choosing a suitable mirror, it is important to think not only about its size and shape, but also about the design as a whole. It all depends on what atmosphere you want to create in your bathroom. If the room is spacious, and the mirrors hang in different places, you can experiment. For instance, above the dressing table you can place a model with makeup room in the form of large lamps located around the perimeter of the model. So you will feel the star of a Hollywood movie, preparing for the premiere.

If you want romance, you can choose a mirror with decorative lighting in the form of flowers or the Eiffel Tower. If you are a fan of marine themes, you can choose a model with the image of fish swimming among beautiful algae. In the bathroom, such a picture can be very useful. To please the child will allow a mirror canvas with a luminous kitten or the hero of some cartoon.

Another interesting option is a round mirror in the form of a shining sun with rays diverging from the center.

If you are a supporter of strict classics, you can choose a mirror canvas in a wooden frame that has passed moisture-proof processing. The built-in elegant LED-backlighting in the form of a thin line does not interfere with the design at all. You can also choose a model with a lamp in the form of a sconce on a thin metal support fixed at the top of the product.

If you prefer laconicism and minimalism, for you manufacturers offer mirrors in frames made of anodized aluminum. It closes the end part of the subject and is not conspicuous at all. It seems that the mirror canvas has no frame at all. In such cases, the light complement looks especially impressive. The backlight can be located on the sides, top or around the perimeter. It can clearly stand out from the background of the canvas and be embedded in it or look like a blurry glowing haze. In the latter case, contour illumination ambilight comes from the back of the mirror. Due to this, an interesting illusion of "soaring" of the subject is created.

When choosing a bathroom product in the style of minimalism or hi-tech, you can stay on the model with a pendant lamp. Unlike the classic versions, where the light source has an elegant frame, in modern models it is modest flat lamps on chrome plates.

Functional

With clock

If you want to combine several functions in one subject, this is entirely possible. For example, a clock built into a mirror will be very useful for many. Sure, if a person uses this room only for showering and morning washing, knowledge of the time at these moments may not be important to him. But the girls who apply morning makeup in the bathroom will be pleasantly surprised that they will not have to be distracted from the process in order to look at the phone or watch. The same applies to men shaving before work. The watch can also be useful in cosmetic procedures (for example, when applying a mask to the face or hair).

Sometimes a built-in sensor is attached to the watch, which shows the air temperature in the room. This option will be relevant for young mothers bathing babies.

With outlet

This is another practical addition. The socket can be integrated into the side of the product. Also, it is often mounted in a visor (if any) and is adjacent to spot spots. If the mirror is combined with a cabinet, there may even be several outlets.

Such a solution will make it more convenient to use electrical appliances (hairdryer, curling iron, razor, epilator, etc.). Also, this will avoid the need to mount the outlet in the wall. After all, there are times when there is simply no place for her or the interior does not imply her presence next to the wash zone.

With increase

This is an exclusively feminine addition. Cosmetic wall models are equipped with an area that enlarges the image. This area is usually framed by a small backlight in the shape of a circle. Such a solution allows ladies to carry out hygienic procedures (for example, to do facial cleansing) or to apply complex types of makeup, where every touch is important.

A magnifying mirror can be a separate small item. In this case, it can be in addition to the main reflective element. Such models are equipped with metal brackets that allow you to press the product against the wall at normal times, and if necessary push it to the desired level.

With radio

A reflective element of decor with music is a godsend for those who like to soak in the foam bath while enjoying melodic compositions. During morning procedures, you can also cheer yourself up with vigorous rhythms. Built-in audio speakers give excellent sound quality. Such devices have Bluetooth, make it possible to configure using a smartphone or tablet. At the same time, the musical installation is completely invisible, so it does not spoil the appearance of the mirror canvas.

Manufacturers Overview

Today, many manufacturers produce illuminated mirrors. From Russian companies can be distinguished J-Mirror and Zelux. Both brands offer a wide range of models of various sizes and designs. Products with additional features are also available. Some buyers prefer Italian firms. For example, beautiful mirrors produce Belbagno company. Polish products are also interesting. Dubiel Vitrum brand.

Selection tips

When choosing a bathroom mirror, you should pay attention to several key points.

The size

First of all, it is worth deciding on the future location of the product. Its minimum and maximum size depends on it. It is worth considering the area of ​​the room. A small mirror in a large bathroom is simply lost and will look ridiculous. At the same time, a very large mirror sheet in a cramped room will appear bulky.

Only a model with optimally selected dimensions can visually expand the space and emphasize the advantages of the interior.

Light intensity

This indicator depends on the purpose of the purchase. If the mirror will be only a decor item, which you will occasionally look at, you can limit yourself to a dim LED backlight. This can be a regular or decorative option.

If you consider a mirror canvas as an additional source of light, you should evaluate the models based on this. Perhaps you choose an external backlight. Some fixtures can be rotated as needed, illuminating other areas of the bathroom.

You can choose the LED option, but with good brightness.This will qualitatively illuminate the area next to the reflective element.

Backlight On Method

Earlier we talked about possible options for turning on the lighting coming from the accessory. About how you would like to turn on the light, it is worth considering at the purchase stage.

The need for additional options

Think about whether you need a heating system. It may be worth a little more to pay, but get the perfect anti-fog mirror. If you want to have advanced functionality, consider models with a built-in clock, thermometer, socket, radio.

Design

Of course, the purchased accessory should fit perfectly into the interior of the room. Choosing the shape of the product, decorative frame, lighting option, consider the decoration of the bathroom and the furniture that is present in it.

This also includes the selection of the type of product. Think about whether you need shelves. Or maybe you will choose the option with an attached cabinet?

If you are sure that the mirror should be an independent element, not complicated by additional designs, think about where you will put toothbrushes and other useful accessories.

Quality

    If possible, pre-determine the manufacturer. Read reviews about its products. Remember that if the goods are expensive, this does not mean that they are of high quality. If desired, you can find a very decent option at an affordable price.

    When buying, make sure that the selected mirror has a silver base. Only such models are suitable for rooms with high humidity. The frame must also be moisture resistant. Carefully inspect the product.

    Chips and scratches on it should not be.

    See how to install a backlit mirror in the next video.

    Write a comment
    Information provided for reference purposes. Do not self-medicate. For health, always consult with a specialist.

    Fashion

    beauty

    Relaxation