One large mirror or two individual mirrors over double vanity?

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

We're in the process of doing a master suite addition onto our 1928 house. We're going for a restoration hardware/traditional/comfortable theme. Most of the rest of the house is original and we want to stick with the lived in look.

We have the vanity, it's the shutter double in brown with honed carrera marble on top from restoration hardware, it's 72" wide and its counter top is 34" tall and has a 4" back splash.

We're looking at the weathered oak mirror from restoration hardware, also in brown. In either of these two sizes:
One large mirror - 66"w x 32"h
or
Two small mirrors - 24"w x 36"h

I did a quick cut and paste of the two options in the bathroom space (90" wide and ceilings are 9.5ft). Also have the space empty and just the vanity.

I'm worried that the one large will not be tall enough, but it would be more practical as the center of the vanity opposes our new walk-in closet and would be nice to be able to see ourselves in the mirror while in the closet (I was in the closet taking this picture, you can see the top of door frame).

The mirrors:
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod20263&categoryId=cat1520039

The vanity:
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?link=ShutterBrownOak&categoryId=cat2170010

Featured Answer

Ed

11 years ago

One big mirror makes the space feel lighter and bigger; two small mirrors make the space feel smaller. I vote for one giant mirror. Also, if you are open to the idea of going without the thick oak trim, you can also consider getting a frameless mirror (beveled, or a clean cut-off). If you custom order a frameless mirror, you can make it as tall and as wide as you want, even all the way to the ceiling -- it would make the room feel very spacious indeed. Please post photos of your progress! Good luck! :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (41)

rfharmon
11 years ago
I like the look of two smaller mirrors.
catz1
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Do you use the mirrors and how? If you sit and primp or glance at yourself, it changes. How many people use the mirror and for what? What does each person need for their grooming? Are you trying to just build a pretty bath or a working one?
Related Discussions
Help with lighting & mirrors over double vanity
Q
Comments (5)
Tricia, go for the two mirrors and use the current electrical box as a junction box. Check with your local inspector for further details on adding two additional *remodel* electrical boxes. Codes are different everywhere, but he'll know what's safe for sure. I know this because hubby must have been tired when he wired the master bathroom and put in a centered electrical box for lighting our 84 inch vanity. You may have to use conduit or a special covered wire, but there is a way to make it work. Good luck! ~Becky
...See More
Bathroom mirror size over double vanity - single or double?
Q
Comments (10)
I prefer two mirrors as well because I think it gives a more balanced look and it provides defined spaces, his and hers in our case. Your statement about wanting to make it so that 3 people can use it is what has me curious though, is this a what if type scenario or is a 3rd person actually going to be in there all the time? The reason I ask is because DH and I used to make choices based on the what if's a lot. We'd spend the money or compromise on what we really wanted only to never have those "what if's" materialize. We bought a crew cab truck so if we needed to we could tote people but never once did anyone sit back there. We turned a room (that could have been my craft room) in to a guest room and in 10 years it's only been used a handful of times and an air mattress would have worked just as well. So if you want the big mirror because it will actually be used in the context you're planning for, great...then there's a need and that would be the more functional choice for your situation, but if you're just thinking well maybe 3 people might need it, then don't focus on that and do what is more practical for your every day living. KWIM? (And Ida is right, about the two lights)
...See More
Bathroom vanity mirrors; one or two and lighting
Q
Comments (7)
Thanks all or your input! I'm going with two. Two is what I originally thought but then fell in love with the PB Astor Double-Width Mirror (a 58" X 40 beveled mirror framed with beveled mitered pieces of mirror). It's the only large mirror that fit the idea I had in my head for how I pictured the space with "one large mirror", but it seems to have been discontinued on PB and there is no duplicate to be found (I even went to a glass store to see if they could make it and they cannot). So two mirrors it is. My base tile that was on backorder (giving me more time to work through all this) gets installed tomorrow so now I just have to figure out/order the lights....either overhead, or sconces that would be squeezed in. There will only be 6" of space next to the right-side mirror so I'm leaning toward overhead.
...See More
What size mirror(s) should I use over a 60” double sink vanity?
Q
Comments (5)
One thing to keep in mind if you're going with Theresa Peterson's recommendation is location of any power outlets, if you have any - need to make sure that they remain accessible. You can always hang the mirror(s) above them, but then the mirror(s) may be too high. I have that issue with my currently remodeled master (this is the "before" photo) - because of the power outlets, and because each mirror needs to be centered with its respective faucet, I cannot do wider mirrors (even though I have the space, theoretically):
...See More
Related Professionals
Ashwaubenon Interior Designers & Decorators · Bloomington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · College Park Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Commerce City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Georgetown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · United States Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jacksonville Furniture & Accessories · Kirkland Furniture & Accessories · Medford Furniture & Accessories · Simpsonville Furniture & Accessories · Hoboken Furniture & Accessories · Burlington General Contractors · Millville General Contractors · Rolling Hills Estates General Contractors · Sulphur General Contractors
vjs12
11 years ago
I prefer the single mirror for this space.
lrhallpage
11 years ago
If you want a lighter feel, go for the two smaller mirrors. The one large one makes the space feel dense and even a bit heavy.
PRO
ASVInteriors
11 years ago
I love large mirrors as I find they do a great job at reflecting light. Your explanation of it doing double duty from the walk-in also adds to its favour
User
11 years ago
We have a huge white framed mirror and the bathroom looks twice as big. Must be screwed into studs, though.
User
11 years ago
one large mirror, for all the reasons above.
southerntrsw
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you for all of the input so far. We don't have a separate area to primp, so the bathroom will be used by the two of us for getting ready daily. We do want to stick to the framed mirror if possible.

If we go with the large mirror, where do think we should position it? The top of the back splash will be at 36", if we hang it 4” above that the top if the mirror frame would be right at 6'. That would work for us but we're most likely going to out grow the house and have to sell in 4-5 years. Would that work for most potential buyers? Is 32" short for a mirror?

Also, any help with how to place vanity lighting for the two options would be very helpful. Thanks!
pivoines
11 years ago
You don't have vanity lights ? Whether you put a single mirror or two, is a matter of choice either answer is correct, Just a preference, but I believe you need a wide vanity light over the large mirror to balance the look or two vanity lights for two mirror (one above each mirror). It is needed for shaving and make up and for aesthetics also, good luck.
southerntrsw
Original Author
11 years ago
It's a new addition, so there are no existing vanity lights. Didn't know between over mirror or sconces on the side. If we go with the big mirror there will be a foot on each side between mirror and wall.
PRO
Maison Pompeii Antiques and Interiors
11 years ago
I would mirror the entire back wall and then place two smaller mirrors over it/ have holes cut in the mirror plate for sconces. I know this was not exactly what you asked but I think it is a nice look even for a period style house. It reflects alot of light and eliminates the height issue.
PRO
Carlisle Design, LLC
11 years ago
You will get more visual space from one mirror but selecting the right frame around it is important so that it doesn't overwhelm the vanity.
PRO
Catherine Belan
11 years ago
To me the two mirrors are more in keeping with a period style. That being said, I see no holes cut in your sheetrock for light fixtures....you need to verify what wiring has been run before you go any further. If it is just that ceiling light this room is going to be miserable.

The best lighting is to have something at ceiling or wall above and a sconce on each side of your reflection in the mirror.
PRO
CO Interiors
11 years ago
I agree, I think the deciding factor should be based on how much lighting you want in front of the mirror. For the single horizontal mirror, vanity lights above would most likely be a better option. Sconces flanking the 2 vertical mirrors. I personally prefer (2 mirrors) sconces because when I lean in closer to the mirror, I like the light to be directly highlighting my face. Over head lighting creates shadows when up close. Restoration Hardware has some great options that would be in keeping with the vanity and mirrors that you are showing.
southerntrsw
Original Author
11 years ago
The electricians coiled the lines in excess behind the sheet rock so they could punch in anywhere, grab the wire, pull it out and mount the sconces where we wanted them.
PRO
John Rogers Renovations
11 years ago
2 mirrors 3 sconces would be my thought.
PRO
Clear Lighting and Electrical Design
11 years ago
John is correct! Lucky you have the wire there and the location is still flexible. Wall sconces are a must to see your face below your cheekbones. Select the sconces before install the fixture boxes. The portion of the fixture that produces the light should be installed at the same height as your face.
indianpatti
11 years ago
I would want a larger mirror .. more functional for me as I'm all over the place drying my hair!
PRO
Catherine Belan
11 years ago
You will also need more wattage than ceiling fixture that will be behind your head to reduce shadows on your face....I think what we're telling you is: this isn't just select mirrors. You need to shop for light fixtures at the same time.
mrsbtag
11 years ago
You don't want the extra storage of a medicine cabinet??
houssaon
11 years ago
I prefer the look of two mirrors. I much rather have lighting at either side than from the top.
armipeg
11 years ago
2 mirrors look nicer. I'd go for 2 round or oval mirrors :-)
Lori
11 years ago
one large mirror -- buy a really cool one like at Home Goods! It will look great!
PRO
Amy Canary
11 years ago
I like 2 smaller mirrors because you now have space for sconces on each side and one in the center. Sconces placed properly give you less shadows. Look at the bathrooms by phoebe Howard. Very nice vanity choice.
armchairshopper
10 years ago
Southerntrsw, please go to your link and look at the top photo. The top of the top photo is cut off, but it does show two mirrors directly above each vanity bowl. It looks nice. Unfortunately, due to the photo editing, it is not possible to see the light fixtures that were used in the installation.

The second photo shows what happens when mirrors are not placed directly above the vanities. Imagine the difficulty that a man would encounter while trying to shave above an off-center vanity bowl! Based on photo #2, it appears that if you go with two mirrors and three lights, you will need to keep all of them relatively narrow to fit into the space. If space is a problem, you might need to consider lights over the mirrors.
0
tmac1
9 years ago
I like idea of huge mirror and mounting wall sconces directly to the mirror--clean, streamlined, less busy look. One mirror will also make the room feel much larger. The only time I would do two single mirrors would be if those were medicine cabinets. If you don't need the extra storage, go with one large mirror to the ceiling. You can have a glass place do this and can even have a nice beveled edge if you want.
mrspraj4
8 years ago
Can I ask how you were able to get a photo with your space and insert your different options?
Gloria Fuller
7 years ago
I have 10 ft tall ceilings, and want to do 2 tall mirrors with sconces on both sides and in the middle. The vanity is 72 inch with double rectangular sinks. Will this work... and what width mirrors including the frames. My cabinet man will build the fames to match the vanity, so I can take the frames to the glass company to have the mirrors placed. Please help.
Kim Isaacson
5 years ago
I have same issue. What did you do?
Kim Isaacson
4 years ago
I went with two big framed mirrors. It looks great and I am so happy. I found mirrors on wayfair
Tana Fox
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Kim Isaacson, Love this! do you mind sharing the name/sku of these mirrors on Wayfair?
0
Tana Fox
3 years ago
Kim Isaacson, also where are the sconces from?
0
Kim Isaacson
3 years ago
Here is the sku woo3337027. Torrence tall arch accent mirror
0
Kim Isaacson
3 years ago
Ylighting.com the only ones I could find that did not protrude too far out where I could still open medicine cabinet doors. I think these only protrude like 4 inches. They are great if you don’t want something too big.
Manal Ramadan
3 years ago
Kim can You please share pics of your bathroom and bigger pic of
The mirror plZ. I’m in the process of remodeling
0
Toni Kulisek
3 years ago
Kim, looks nice. Is this a 72 inch space or is it narrower? Getting ready to redo a similar space, ours is 72 inches
PRO
No company
3 years ago
I am going through the same decision and it feels a bit clunky visually to see two sinks and two mirrors. One mirror it is. Your pictures helped me decide, so thanks!
PRO
Lightsmith Inc.
2 years ago
I put in two full size inset medicine cabinets to gain the additional storage space. My wife and I each filled our easily with items that do not store well in a vanity drawer and anything there is very hard to identify looking down at the top.

We took out a large mirror during the bath remodel to be able to install the two medicine cabinets. In addition to overhead par lights I put wiring in for a scone on the left side of the left medicine cabinet and for a second sconce on the right side of the right cabinet and left wiring behind the wall between the two cabinets to be able to later install a third sconce if I wished to do so.

The custom built vanity has drawers below the sink access areas and in the center is a pull-out laundry hamper that is 14 inches wide. The new vanity was 2 feet shorter than the old one but it has more than double the storage space with my design.
nadine_nereson
2 years ago
Love the medicine cabinets. They look wide-ish. Do you have to step back from the counter to get into them? I'm considering 24" medicine cabinets for the mirror size but am worried about the width of the door making opening it a pain when standing at the sink.
PRO
Catherine Belan
2 years ago
Nadine, your vanity cabinet is at least 22" front to back (deep) and may even be as much as 24-25inches deep. These look to be similar in width to the sinks, and those are often in the 18-22inches wide range. In short - there is plenty of room to swing a med.cab. door. There are also cabinets that have bi-pass doors. The biggest concern should be whether you can recess the cabinets or not (plumbing typically runs behind the sink). Or if you have to buy the kind that mount on the face of the sheetrock.
0

One large mirror or two individual mirrors over double vanity?

Comments (41)

Related Discussions

Related Professionals

southerntrswOriginal Author

southerntrswOriginal Author

southerntrswOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

southerntrsw
Original Author

southerntrsw
Original Author

southerntrsw
Original Author