There’s no denying that a bathroom mirror is a necessity in any home. But have you ever stopped to think about where it should be placed? When it comes to that, most people opine that the bathroom mirror should be centered over the sink, but is that the best option?
As you will come to see as this article unravels, the position of your bathroom mirror, though not set in stone and therefore very flexible, is still very fundamental to the purpose for which you installed the mirror. So where is the best position for your bathroom mirror and why?
Should you just go with the popular opinions on the matter or Is there a better position? Should mirrors be centered over bathroom sinks?
The answer is that you can place your bathroom mirror anywhere in the bathroom, whether it’s over the sink or elsewhere, as long as the position serves the purpose for which the mirror is installed.
However, it is important to note that there are some other factors to consider when you are looking to install a mirror in your bathroom.
In this article, we’ll explore these other factors in their entirety, so that you can make the best decision when installing your next bathroom mirror.
Should I Go For Sinks Or Vanities?
Just before we delve into the matter of factors to consider before placing your bathroom mirror, there’s a small matter that must be examined. The matter – do bathroom mirrors fit better with sinks than with vanities?
This matter has been the cause of some argument among décor enthusiasts all over the world and we will try to do justice to it once and for all. The argument is that bathroom mirrors look better when centered on vanities than when installed over sinks.
Sinks are no different from vanities, as vanity is merely a sink with a cabinet attached to it. It is normal to see that such a cabinet will occupy most of the space under the sink and in some cases, would require more than one sink over it (especially if it is a double cabinet).
ALSO READ: 36 inches Bathroom Vanities Under $500
So, since vanities are just sinks sitting atop a cabinet, how can anyone now say mirrors centered over vanities have a better fit than those centered over sinks? How is one different from the other?
Ideally, one difference between the two is that vanities are usually used in home bathrooms while ordinary sinks could be used in a variety of places including public bathrooms.
And by the provisions of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), public bathrooms are expected to have some space under the sinks for wheelchair access, which means that there would be no need for a cabinet under such sinks.
So, if you are confused about which to go for, the answer is that it depends on where you want it. Vanities will have a better fit in residential homes, while sinks will work better in public bathrooms.
Centering Your Mirror
By now, we expect that you would have decided on what will work for you!
And since you now know that any of the two would work just fine, what would likely be on your mind now is – how to centre your bathroom mirror in the best possible way.
To be honest with you, there are no rules to this. Whether you have decided to go for sinks or vanities, the question is ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re undecided.
For one, centering a mirror over a sink can create a more symmetrical look. This can be especially pleasing if your bathroom has other symmetrical features, like dual vanities or identical sconces flanking the mirror.
Another consideration is considerations that border on functionality. If you have a single-sink vanity, centering the mirror means it will be easier to get a good view of your entire reflection. However, if you have a double-sink vanity, you may want to offset the mirror so that two people can use it at once.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide where to place your bathroom mirror. Just make sure you take into account both aesthetics and function when making your decision.
Where Should Bathroom Mirrors Be Placed
There’s no yes or no answer to this question, as it depends on the layout of your bathroom and the placement of your sink. However, many people believe that mirrors should be centered over bathroom sinks, as this creates a more symmetrical look.
Others believe that mirrors should be placed at eye level, so you can see yourself clearly when you’re looking in them. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide where you want to place your mirror, and there’s no wrong answer.
Where Do You Put A Full-Length Mirror In A Bathroom
As with the previous question, the answer is the same. Where or how you place a full-length mirror in your bathroom depends on the layout of your bathroom and what appeals to you. However, some tips to keep in mind are that you’ll want to avoid placing the mirror directly above the sink (or too close to it), as this can be uncomfortable for users.
You’ll also want to make sure the mirror is placed at a height that is comfortable for you when you sit before it, taking into account both the average height of users and any taller users who may need to use the bathroom.
Should You Put A Mirror Opposite A Window?
It’s a common design dilemma: should you put a mirror opposite a window? From a purely practical standpoint, it makes sense to reflect light and make the room feel brighter. But there are other considerations to take into account. Here, we explore the pros and cons of placing a mirror across from a window in your bathroom.
On the plus side, a mirror opposite a window can help to brighten up a room. If yours is a small bathroom or one that does not get much natural light, you could have a big advantage on your hands. The mirror will reflect both the light from the window and any artificial lighting in the room, making the space feel more open and airy.
On the downside, a mirror opposite a window can create excessive glare. If the sun is shining directly into the window, it can reflect off the mirror and into your eyes. This can be annoying when you’re trying to get ready in the morning or do your makeup. Another potential downside is that reflected light can make it difficult to see clearly what’s outside.
So if you’re hoping to enjoy a nice view from your bathroom window, you might be disappointed.
Should Mirrors Be Hung Vertically Or Horizontally?
If you’re unsure about whether your mirror should be hung vertically or horizontally, a good rule of thumb is to just determine the center of the wall directly above the sink and center the mirror. This is because the mirror will maintain a more symmetrical balance when it is centered over the sink than when it leans more to one side than the other
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision. For instance, if you have a double sink, you’ll want to hang two mirrors side-by-side so that you can see your reflection if you are standing in front of any of the two mirrors.
You might also want to take into account the size and shape of your bathroom when making your decision. If you have a small bathroom, hanging a large mirror horizontally could take up quite a lot of space, thereby making the space feel even smaller.
In general, it’s best to exercise caution and go with a classic, timeless look by centering your mirror over the sink.
Big Or Small: What Mirror Size Should I Consider?
Again, there’s no straight answer to this question, as it depends on the size and layout of your bathroom. However, a good rule of thumb is that your mirror should be at least as wide as your sink, and ideally no more than twice as wide. This will ensure that you have a clear view of yourself while you’re getting ready, without the mirror taking up too much space.
What We Recommend
When it comes to centering your bathroom mirrors over the sink, the trick is to consider getting a mirror that has width close to the width of your sink. And what better way to achieve this than to buy a sink that comes with its custom mirror?
This will guarantee you symmetrical balance as well as design and colour balance. You will agree that buying a mirror that has a different design to the sink over which you want to place it could leave your bathroom looking disjointed and ugly.
A sink or vanity that comes with its own mirror will is the best thing that can happen to any bathroom and there’s no denying that.
Some sinks that have this feature and will serve you well include:
1. The Vanity Art Single Sink Bathroom Vanity Set
This vanity set comes in 24, 30, 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches and is one that will appeal to just about anybody. Made of oak, ceramic, plywood, and brushed nickel, Vanity art sets, available in single and double sets have been lauded by many for their beauty.
The good thing is that it even comes with a free mirror that fits perfectly with the vanity set itself. That means that the mirror is already perfectly centered and there is no need to stress yourself over that.
2. Dorel Living Monteray Beach Bathroom Vanity
This vanity set is made of solid wood, engineered wood, and fine wood veneer and is finished with brushed stainless steel hardware, solid wood feet, and solid wood drawers complete with a well-balanced mirror.
Its multiple paint coats and lacquer coating finish for additional durability makes it ideal for your master bathroom, guest bathroom, or powder room.
Composite granite countertops are durable, non-porous, and simple to clean and maintain. It also has a back panel cut-out for easy plumbing access.
3. Vanity Art 48 Inch Single Sink Modern Bathroom Vanity Combo Set With 2 Side Cabinets and 1 Shelf
This 8-inch single bathroom vanity set with mirror and ceramic vanity top comes with two large folding doors, one shelf, three cabinets, and eight drawers.
It also has soft closing doors and dovetailed drawers, making it the ideal combination of elegance and value for your bathroom. Your bathroom renovation would be incomplete without this double-sink vanity set, which includes a perfectly balanced mirror.
Any of these sink sets will do your bathroom a world of good as they all come with a mirror that goes well with them. And for this reason, it would make a lot of sense if you could check them out. It might just be your best decision ever!
Conclusion
Should mirrors be centered over bathroom sinks? Well, that was your initial question, and we have done justice to that. We have touched on the factors that must be considered to get the best out of your bathroom mirrors.
Now that you know the factors that go into the placing of your mirror, we hope it helps you get a beautiful bathroom design. Don’t forget that bathroom mirrors can be placed anywhere in your bathroom, be it over the sinks or anywhere else depending on what you are trying to achieve.
