Illuminated mirrors are a great way to instantly update and modernise your bathroom. But, unlike other mirrors there's a lot to think about when it comes to buying one. There's a range of designs and styles to choose from, but there's also a lot of practicalities to consider.
To help you find out how to choose illuminated mirrors, we've put together a quick guide to answer your most popular questions in just under 5 minutes.
Contents:
1 - Illuminated Mirror or Cabinet?
2 - Different types of lighting styles for your bathroom mirror
Backlit
Illuminated Frame
Inset LEDs
3 - Optional mirror extras to consider
Wires or Battery?
Smart Mirrors
1 - Illuminated Mirror or Cabinet?
Illuminated Mirror
LED bathroom mirrors are super stylish and energy efficient too. The mirrors are fitted with lots of small LEDs (light emitting diodes) which provide great light for shaving or applying make-up. LED mirrors utilise modern technology and look modern too, but you may be surprised at the variety of different styles available.
Editors choice LED mirror:
The versatile Kali LED bathroom mirror, comes in on trend colour finishes, brass and black. Alongside 3 shapes, portrait, round and landscape in multiple sizes to go with any bathroom.
Illuminated Cabinet
If you're looking to add more light to your bathroom and need some added extra storage an illuminated bathroom cabinet is a great option. Multi-functional, mirrored LED cabinets work on the same principle as an LED mirrors with the practical addition of somewhere to hide your lotions and potions.
Editors choice LED cabinet:
The Grace LED bathroom cabinet, with adjustable shelves comes in a double or single door version. Do you love to listen to music in the shower? Then the Grace LED bathroom cabinet with bluetooth is for you. Available in both single and double door versions.
2 - Different types of lighting styles for your bathroom mirror
Backlit Mirrors
Backlit mirrors feature LED lights installed behind the mirror, casting a soft glow around its edges. This lighting style creates a modern, ambient effect, perfect for a relaxing bathroom atmosphere. They are a popular style for upcoming interior design trends, making them a popular choice for contemporary bathroom designs.
Illuminated Frame Mirrors
Illuminated frame mirrors, also known as front-lit mirrors, have LED lights integrated into the frame or the front surface of the mirror. These lights provide direct illumination, ensuring your face is evenly lit without harsh shadows. This style is excellent for detailed grooming activities or makeup application. The illumination can highlight the mirror's frame, making it a striking focal point in your bathroom.
Inset LED Mirrors
Inset LED mirrors have LED lights embedded within the mirror itself, often around the edges or in strategic patterns such as rows of dots or squares. This design offers a sleek, minimalist look, with the lights seamlessly integrated into the mirror.
Ambient Light Mirrors
Ambient light mirrors are designed to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. These mirrors feature LED lights that cast a soft, indirect glow, often around the perimeter of the mirror or from behind. This type of lighting is perfect for creating a calming environment for unwinding after a long day. Ambient light mirrors are also great for providing supplementary lighting that enhances the overall mood and ambiance of your bathroom.
3 - Optional mirror extras to consider
Added Extras
Illuminated mirrors can come with a whole host of extra bits. The beauty of having an electrical item in your bathroom means it can house things like shave sockets or a digital clock, so you know exactly when you need to get out of the shower! Most illuminated mirrors also have a demister pad and a hands free on/off switch to make life even easier.
Wires or Battery
The main practical issue you'll face when it comes to choosing an illuminated mirror is the electrics. Mirrors can be wired into the mains or battery operated, each having its own benefits. If you already have electrics in your bathroom it's certainly worthwhile considering a wired option, however you may need an electrician to install it. Battery powered mirrors are much less hassle to install, but they tend to come with less features, to prolong the life of the battery.
Smart Mirrors
Smart mirrors combine advanced technology with sophisticated lighting. These mirrors often come with features such as dimmable lighting, motion sensors, touch controls, and even built-in displays for weather updates, news, or other information. Smart mirrors typically offer adjustable lighting settings, allowing you to customise the light intensity and colour temperature to suit different tasks and moods. This flexibility ensures you have the perfect lighting for any activity, from a bright start to your day to a relaxing evening routine.
Where to place my bathroom mirror?
The final thing, and possibly the most important thing to consider is where you will hang your mirror. As an electrical item in a room with lots of water, illuminated mirrors can't just go anywhere. Each mirror will have zone indication, stipulating how far away from showers and other water sources it needs to be.
Be sure to check out everything before investing in an illuminated mirror, so you know it will look great for years to come. If you want to know more, check out our UK Bathroom Electrical Zones & IP Ratings Explained blog.
