Bathrooms are one of the most neglected areas when it comes to home renovation projects. Many people first focus on high-visibility areas like the kitchen or living room. However, you spend a lot of time in this functional room, so why not make it aesthetically pleasing too?
With most of us spending more time at home than ever before, bathrooms are transforming from simple bathing spaces to having a more spa-like ambiance. While a complete bathroom renovation is expensive and time-consuming, you can make small changes that change the way your bathroom looks and makes you feel.
Using mirrors in the bathroom
The two most important accessories in the bathroom are the mirror and lighting. They are functional accessories but you can select fixtures that are aesthetically pleasing as well. When it comes to mirrors, you are spoilt for choice. From large mirrors that take up the entire wall to smaller pieces that you can hang in multiple configurations, the options are plentiful.
The vanity is not the only space where you can use a mirror either. For larger bathrooms, you can hang mirrors in more than one location. A large mirror opposite a big window can provide a good view of the outside or make the space feel bigger than it is.
Equally important is the lighting. You need both task lighting near the mirror and possibly the shower, as well as ambient lighting for the bathroom in general. You cannot rely on ambient lighting when putting on makeup near the mirror. Conversely neglecting ambient lights means that getting ready in front of the mirror is fine but you don’t have adequate lighting in the shower or tub area.
Using LED mirrors
What if you could combine mirrors with lighting so that one fixture fulfills both functions? And if the results also look good, then you can have a bathroom that looks luxurious without having to break the bank. This is where LED mirrors come in. As the name suggests, they incorporate LED lights into the mirror itself.
LED mirrors have a few advantages over the traditional mirrors plus overhead light fixture combo. LED lights are more energy-efficient (typically lasting 50,000 hours!) compared to older light bulbs. You don’t have to worry about replacing the bulbs for ten years or more. Since the lights are distributed all around the mirror, it eliminates harsh shadows from above making it easier to check your hair and makeup before stepping out.
LED mirrors combine task and ambient lighting in one, meaning you don’t need multiple lights, especially in a small bathroom. If you have a half bath or powder room for guests, one large LED mirror can replace the overhead light fixture and ceiling lights. Modern LED mirrors also come with features like defogging, motion or ambient light sensors, the ability to dim and change light temperature, etc.
Backlit and lighted mirrors
You can buy LED mirrors in one of two styles – backlit and front-lighted mirrors. The best choice for a bathroom depends on a few factors such as hanging location, budget, and aesthetics.
Backlit mirrors
A backlit mirror uses LED lights installed behind the mirror, creating a subtle effect that is nevertheless sufficient for personal grooming at the vanity. Backlit mirrors look gorgeous and evoke a feeling of luxury, even in small bathrooms. Backlit mirrors come in both framed and frameless styles as well as several shapes including round, oval, square, etc.
Using a frame backlit mirror makes quite the statement and becomes the focal point of the bathroom. A frameless option is more suitable for a minimalist or modern/industrial bathroom style. Square or rectangle backlit mirrors look great in a bathroom with geometric tile patterns. But if you want a softer or more relaxing vibe, then a round or oval mirror will be suitable.
Front lighted mirrors
This type of mirror uses LED lights incorporated into the front of the mirrors to provide illumination. Here again, you can get framed or frameless options, although the latter is more popular as it suits most bathroom design styles.
Lighted mirrors with LEDs in the front are easier to install than backlit options, especially if you need a large mirror for your space. Since backlit mirrors use lights that are installed behind the mirror, moving one after installation can be quite a hassle. If you want two or more backlit mirrors in different locations, then the cost of professional installation can add up. Mirrors with LED lights in front are much easier to install, move or remove entirely.
Additionally, these mirrors don’t need to hang on a wall. For instance, you can get smaller makeup mirrors with LED lights that sit on the counter. Some are even foldable so you can move them to wherever you need the mirror. Backlit mirrors have to hang on a wall as the lights have to be installed behind them.
