How Wide Should Vanity Light Be Compared To Mirror?

How wide should vanity light be compared to mirror? Also important is how high should a light be above a bathroom mirror? Adding a mirror in your bathroom is of the utmost importance. It’s hard to imagine a complete bathroom without a mirror in it after all.

You need to look at yourself in the mirror when you are styling your hair, applying makeup, or simply washing or cleaning yourself. It is one of the most important fixtures that you need to think about in your bathroom.

However, the right size for the bathroom is also equally important. Ideally, the mirror should be placed on top of the bathroom vanity, and it should be of an adequate size.

Getting the right mirror is of critical importance, and there are several things that you need to keep in mind when buying the right one.

If you buy a mirror that’s too big or too small, it’s really going to affect the look and feel of your bathroom. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right mirror for your place.

How Wide Should Vanity Light Be Compared To Mirror?

The size of the mirror primarily depends on the length of the countertop in the bathroom. Designers usually prefer selecting mirrors that are up to four inches smaller than the vanity.

As you can imagine, the size of the vanity is going to depend on the size of the bathroom, which in turn influences the size of the mirror.

The vanity usually includes the surrounding storage area, the counter, and of course, the wash basin/sink. If you have a spacious, large master bathroom, you can easily install a larger vanity with a double sink.

However, if you have a smaller bathroom, a single vanity might be a better choice. Narrow, smaller vanities are ideal for tiny bathrooms, and they usually consist of a small sink.

But, if you have more space, you can buy a vanity that runs along the length of the entire wall. They usually consist of at least two sinks, lots of storage space underneath, and a separate counter.

Now, you have a choice between installing a large mirror that’s placed centrally atop the vanity, or you can buy a big mirror that runs along the length of the entire wall.

Measuring the Space

Before you decide to buy a vanity mirror, it’s important for you to measure the space appropriately. To do that, you need to make sure that you carefully measure the space first.

You need to start by taking accurate measurements of the sink and the vanity, and then write them down. Make sure to write the height of the wall as well where the mirror will be hung.

Ideally, the mirror should be at least several inches smaller than the area of the sink or the vanity. This will make the place look much better and add a symmetrical touch.

For instance, if your vanity has a length of 50”, you should choose a mirror (along with the frame) that’s no longer than 46 to 48 inches.

If you don’t want the mirror to be the central fixture in the entire bathroom, opt for something smaller (no bigger than 44 inches in its entire length).

There are a few people who want a mirror that extends to the absolute edge of the vanity. That’s alright as well, but anything that exceeds the length of the vanity is going to look really bad.

It’s important for you to center the mirror carefully above the center of the vanity. Position it carefully so that it hangs properly.

How High Should A Light Be Above A Bathroom Mirror?

Before you decide to hang the mirror, you need to take some practical things into account. For starters, evaluate the average height of every person in the house who is likely to use the mirror.

For instance, the average height of a man is around 5’10”, whereas the average woman is five inches shorter. You can use this as a starting point for hanging the mirror.

But, if there are kids in the household, you will have to factor those in as well. If you have a family that’s shorter than average, hang the mirror low.

If not, hang it high. Just make sure to evaluate other things such as the lighting and fixtures that might get in the way.

For instance, many people want to use the electrical sockets or lights that are located around the vanity. It’s important for you to factor those in as well when making a decision.

If you are going to place a toothbrush holder, or any kind of shelf on the side or just above the bathroom vanity, you may have to extend the height of the mirror as well.

It’s important that you create a symmetrical, clean look with your mirror. The best way to do that is by making sure that the mirror doesn’t create an obstruction.

What Kind of Mirror Shape Should You Choose?

Mirrors come in plenty of different shapes and sizes. You need to make sure that you choose an appropriate mirror with a decent frame that really complements the look and feel of your bathroom.

It primarily depends on your imagination and the kind of look you want for your bathroom. Traditional bathroom remodeling companies usually prefer going for a rectangular or an oval shaped mirror.

They have been around for quite a while, and they look great in almost every setting. If you are interested in going with a standard sized mirror, you can’t go wrong with either of these two shapes.

You can also have mirrors built and fitted directly into the frame. They will sit neatly into the surrounding tile or molding, and will give the place a much blockier and integrated look.

If you want to make the mirror look slightly customized, this is the way to go. Most contemporary households generally feature highly minimalistic mirror designs.

Many even prefer going frameless for their mirrors because of their aesthetic appeal. If you want, you can also buy mirrors that come with an array of different technological enhancements, such as ambient lighting or a HUD that shows the weather forecast.

If you are slightly more creative, you can go for a unique shape or choose a different color to make the mirror look a bit whimsical. One important decision that you will have to make is regarding the frame.

Frameless mirrors look incredibly sleek, but if you want a border around your reflection (much like a photograph), a framed mirror will be your best choice.

Should the Mirror Always Hang Above the Basin?

The short answer is no. Usually, people hang their mirrors above the basin because it’s quite practical and pragmatic. After all, it’s where people look when brushing their teeth or washing their face.

But, you can always hang it somewhere else, though it will take a bit of time for you to get used to the weird placement. These are just a few tips to help you figure out the best position for your mirror.

The mirror plays an important role in your bathroom, so you need to be careful with your decision. Make sure you set a budget first before you decide to go ahead with your purchase.