10 Statement-Making Mirror Styles for the Bath
Framed in carved wood, warm brass or Venetian detailing, these bathroom mirrors are lovely to wake up to
Laura Gaskill
October 2, 2016
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Why settle for a standard-issue mirror when the alternatives are so beautiful? Swapping out a plain wall mirror or medicine cabinet in favor of something with more presence is a budget-friendly way to make over the bathroom or powder room without investing in a full remodel. From chunky and rustic to intricate and refined, these 10 mirrors can make your bathroom the fairest of all.
1. Carved wood. An uncommon carved wood mirror found at an antiques shop makes a stunning focal point in this bathroom. Of course, yours doesn’t need to be antique to make an impact — any mirror with a substantial carved wood frame will do wonders to warm up the bath. As long as the room has proper ventilation, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about steam damaging a wooden mirror frame, but if you’re concerned (or if it’s a pricey antique), stick with the powder room, where there’s less moisture.
Tip: If your mirror is quite wide, try hanging a pendant or a pair of pendants from the ceiling instead of the usual wall sconces to save space. Clear or tinted glass (rather than an opaque fixture) is best if it will hang in front of the mirror.
Bathroom Workbook: How to Get Your Vanity Lighting Right
Tip: If your mirror is quite wide, try hanging a pendant or a pair of pendants from the ceiling instead of the usual wall sconces to save space. Clear or tinted glass (rather than an opaque fixture) is best if it will hang in front of the mirror.
Bathroom Workbook: How to Get Your Vanity Lighting Right
2. Driftwood. Organic, beachy and statement-making, a great big driftwood mirror is sure to become the focal point of the room. Look for one that is about three-quarters as wide as the vanity, with a nice thick frame. It’s best if it looks a bit wild.
Driftwood 2.0: Coastal Chic
Driftwood 2.0: Coastal Chic
3. Venetian. Elegant and refined, a Venetian mirror makes an especially lovely choice for a small bathroom, where a mirror with an oversize frame may overwhelm the space. And remember, a bit of contrast is a good thing — pairing the curving shape of a Venetian mirror with crisp, modern fixtures creates a welcome balance.
Mirror: Anthropologie
Mirror: Anthropologie
4. Bright brass. Bright, warm metal finishes like gold and brass look fresh and modern in a slim-framed mirror like the one shown here. Combine a brass mirror with a concrete sink and a low-profile faucet in black or brass for an of-the-moment look that also has staying power.
Brace for Brass: How This Warm Metal Can Boost Your Bathroom
Brace for Brass: How This Warm Metal Can Boost Your Bathroom
5. Antique brass. Less trendy than bright brass, mirrors with an antique brass finish are warm and timeless yet still current. Instead of going matchy-matchy, consider mixing things up with black fixtures, such as the oil-rubbed bronze faucets shown here.
6. Tilted. Metal-framed tilted mirrors that look as though they could have been pulled from an old-time apothecary are satisfyingly simple. Work them into a traditional, modern or industrial look — this unfussy style goes with just about anything.
Mirrors: Restoration Hardware
Mirrors: Restoration Hardware
7. Sunburst. Cheerful and shiny, a sunburst mirror would make a fun choice for a powder room. Depending on the style of sunburst you choose, this look can read midcentury (like the one shown here), elegantly Art Deco or traditional-with-a-twist.
Mirror: Jonathan Adler
Mirror: Jonathan Adler
8. Nailhead. A shapely mirror frame accented with nailhead trim is an undeniably glamorous choice for the bathroom. Select a frame that really fills the space above the vanity (but does not extend beyond the edges) for a bold look.
9. Nautically inspired. Simple round mirrors hung from rope bring to mind a ship’s portholes. A nice choice for a crisp, modern space or any home near the sea, these round mirrors look equally smart as a single or in a pair above a double sink.
Make a Custom Nautical Mirror for $30
Make a Custom Nautical Mirror for $30
10. Mismatched cluster. Want a creative, economical way to fill up a large wall space over a double-width vanity? Try hanging a collection of small mirrors as you might hang a salon-style art wall. Aim for a mix of frame shapes and finishes for an eclectic look, and fill in any awkward gaps with tiny mirrors.
More: 30 Salvage Furniture-to-Vanity Converstions You’ve Got to See
Shop Houzz: Browse Sunburst Mirrors and More
More: 30 Salvage Furniture-to-Vanity Converstions You’ve Got to See
Shop Houzz: Browse Sunburst Mirrors and More
Related Stories
Remodeling Guides
5 Secrets to a Smooth-Running Family Bathroom
Pros say these are the must-have features for creating an efficient shared bathroom
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bathrooms So Far in 2024
By Elena Vega
Creativity flows freely in ways big and small in these inspiring colorful and neutral baths
Full Story
Bathroom Workbook
How to Remodel a Bathroom
Create a vision, make a budget, choose your style and materials, hire the right pros and get the project done
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
How to Prepare for a Bathroom Remodel
By Becky Harris
Ease the disruption of a bathroom renovation with these 10 tips
Full Story
Houzz TV
5 Trends for Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See fascinating new features for showers, tubs, faucets and more launched at the 2024 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
Full Story
Showers
4 Stylish New Bathrooms With a Shower-Tub Combo
See how designers play with tile, color and vanity selection to elevate the look and feel of this classic bathroom setup
Full Story
Decluttering
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Bathroom
Streamline your bath and your bathing routine to create a place of renewal
Full Story
Events
10 Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Faucets and Fixtures in 2024
See the latest in colorful sinks and tubs, innovative shower features and more launched at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Events
10 Design Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See the latest shower features, countertop looks, faucets, appliances and more that debuted at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
New This Week
8 Exceptional New Bathrooms With a Curbless Shower
Designers share details on how this feature can provide a safe entry point, expand visual space and add style
Full Story
Is it just me or does #9 look like googly eyes.
Yep, it looks like a face
The round mirrors in #9 are exactly what I am looking for. Where can I buy them? Thanks