Before making the switch to a decorative bathroom mirror, know the pros and cons
A decorative bathroom mirror can be the wow factor in a bathroom design.
These mirrors make small bathrooms feel larger, and some come with LED lighting.
However, they can limit storage space, are difficult to move, and take up wall space.
Consider your budget and bathroom size before committing to a decorative mirror.
A decorative mirror can take away as much from a bathroom as it adds to it. While unusual designs may bring a theme to life, they can also cut down on storage space and lighting and be a bit of a pain to clean and maintain. Consider the pros and cons of decorative bathroom mirrors before swapping yours out for a stylish—but slightly less functional—alternative.
A decorative mirror is more than just your average square or rectangular mirror. This type of mirror has eye-catching design elements, making it a popular addition in trendy bathroom remodels. Think beveled edges, etching, gilding, facets, framing, unique shapes, and sculptural features. There’s an almost limitless number of styles, from ornate framing to minimalist edges.
You can even customize decorative mirrors. Custom mirrors cost $150 to $1,000 on average, depending on the design and thickness, but intricate custom shapes cost more. A mirror installer can help you choose the right mirror style and size for your bathroom.
There’s a reason decorative mirrors are a favorite among interior designers. These pieces serve up form and function—as long as you choose the right design. Here are some pros of decorative bathroom mirrors.
Mirrors are an essential bathroom element often located right in the middle of the room. Swapping this centerpiece for a more modern option practically transforms your space single-handedly. Atypical shapes add an abstract flair to what might be an otherwise traditional layout. And quirky trims fill your bathroom with shades and textures that complement the rest of your decor—like brushed bronze to balance bright white countertops or lightwood to highlight your newly remodeled black sink.
Clunky vanities equipped with mirror-and-medicine cabinet combos can make a bathroom feel dated at best and claustrophobic at worst. Ditching this setup for a modern, decorative mirror is one of the fastest, low-lift ways to bring this space into the 21st century. A slim, flat design will make cramped areas feel more spacious. And clean lines and polished finishes will make cluttered spaces less chaotic.
If you have a particular theme in mind for your bathroom, the right decorative mirror can be just what you need to bring it all together. Finding an option for just about any theme is not difficult. A submarine window-style mirror will fit perfectly in a nautical space, while an ornate, dark wood frame will be the cherry on top of a royal interior.
Nowadays, it’s easy to find a stylish mirror with LED lighting. Available in just as many shapes, sizes, and flourishes as traditional bathroom mirrors, these options are especially great for dark spaces.
Decorative mirrors add style and flair. They can tie a room together, make it look larger, or evoke a certain design style, but they come with a few drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages to this bathroom feature.
The downside of eye-catching mirrors is that they aren’t always as functional as their ordinary counterparts. Options with small surface areas can make it difficult to check your reflection. And unique shapes often have nooks and crannies that can be hard to reach and clean. While hanging multiple small mirrors at different heights may be aesthetically pleasing, you’ll find that this trend is better in theory than it is in practice—especially when getting ready in the morning.
One of the cons of getting rid of the classic, in-mirror medicine cabinet setup is that you’ll instantly have less storage space. But let this be an opportunity to remodel your bathroom layout to be more efficient. Add a modern shelving unit or discreet cabinet system to accompany your sleek, new mirror. You can customize a design to suit your bathroom and build it yourself, or consider some prefabricated options—there’s something for just about every price range. A custom 36-inch mirror costs anywhere from $150 to $350.
While distinctive mirror styles can be perfect for themed bathrooms, they aren’t always very versatile. If you decide to change your setup, you may have to swap your mirror out all over again. On the other hand, DIYers will be happy to know that it’s possible to refurbish a mirror to update it to your current needs. You can make your vanity and mirror look brand new with a can of paint and a few smart tricks.
Large, decorative mirrors end up hogging a lot of the wall space that might normally house additional lighting. Having multiple light sources above and beside bathroom mirrors is an excellent idea to keep shadows from overtaking your view. This is true even if you’ve opted for LED mirrors, which aren’t powerful enough to be the sole light source in your bathroom.
Decorative mirrors make a statement, but sometimes other mirrors better suit your needs. Alternative bathroom mirror ideas tend to be more functional, while carefully chosen artwork can add creative flair. Here are some alternatives to choose from:
Acrylic mirrors: If you’re looking for a mirror alternative, try an acrylic mirror. Acrylic mirrors are lighter and more wallet-friendly than traditional mirrors, making them easier to hang on your own.
Medicine cabinets: A mirrored medicine cabinet can add much-needed storage space to a small bathroom for a household’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shaving equipment.
Door mirrors: If you need a functional mirror but don’t have space above your vanity, try installing a door mirror. Door mirrors are tall enough to check your outfit before heading out for the day, and you can choose options with different frames or edging.
Framed prints or photos: If you’re looking for an accent piece, try framing a photo or art print instead of hanging a decorative mirror. Artwork can add color and feeling to your space.
Desk or table mirrors: If you don’t have space for a full-sized decorative mirror, you can use a vintage-inspired desk or table mirror to evoke the same feeling.
Decorative mirrors can work in any bathroom with any design style because of the sheer wealth of options. Nonetheless, it needs to align with your vision for your bathroom remodel. Before you decide on a decorative mirror, consider the following:
Budget: The cost to remodel a small bathroom is anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. If you don’t have a big budget, consider a fresh coat of paint and a new mirror. This keeps costs low but has a large impact.
Size of bathroom: Mirrors can make a small bathroom look bigger, but decorative mirrors with chunky frames and intricate detailing can make a small space look cluttered.
Design style: Consider your bathroom’s design style since not all decorative mirrors suit every bathroom. An industrial mirror may look jarring in a French country bathroom.
Use: Most homeowners prefer at least one functional mirror in a bathroom. You can add smaller decorative mirrors as accent pieces if you already have a functional mirror above your sink.
Installation: Mirrors can be very heavy and difficult to install. You may need help removing your existing mirror and hanging a new mirror.
Remember, large mirrors are fragile and heavy. If you want to hang a decorative bathroom mirror, you can hire a local mirror installer to get the best results and transform the look of your vanity.
Audrey Bruno contributed to this piece.
Wall-to-wall mirrors have fallen out of popularity in recent years and have several drawbacks. They take up a lot of space, which can overwhelm small bathrooms. If you like the look, a wall of reflective medicine cabinets can add storage. Just keep in mind that a wall of mirrors requires more maintenance because smudges and splashes are more visible than on a wall.
There are a couple of different mirrors that can make a small bathroom look bigger. If you need a functional mirror in the space, choose a frameless option instead of a mirror with thick or intricate framing. Heavy frames can make the space feel cluttered. Additionally, you can swap a large mirror with small frameless mirrors to create the illusion of more wall space.
The size of your mirror depends on the size of your vanity and personal preference. Most people prefer a mirror that is 1 to 2 inches narrower than the width of their vanity, while others like a mirror that’s the same width as their vanity. Remember that the mirror should sit 5 to 10 inches above your faucet when choosing dimensions.
