In this article, we will discuss if a bathroom mirror should be wider than a sink. Hanging a mirror in your bathroom is like hanging art. You need to decide whether the mirror is too small, too high, too wide, or too low. The mirror should be not only functional but also provides aesthetic value and add balance to your space.
Should a bathroom mirror be wider than the sink? A bathroom mirror should not be wider than the sink. The size of the mirror usually depends on the length of the vanity’s countertop. It is usual for mirrors to be of the same width as the vanity while others are smaller. Most designers choose a mirror that is two to four inches narrower than the vanity.
How big should a bathroom mirror be? Should the mirror be of the same size as the vanity? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Regardless you have a small or large vanity; there are a few things that you need to consider when choosing the right width of the mirror. Check out the rest of this article for more tips and information.
What is the Ideal Width of Mirror to Hang Over the Sink?
Bathroom mirrors should not be wider than the vanity countertop, consisting of the sink, the counter, and the surrounding storage. Choose a mirror that is two to four inches narrower than the vanity. The size of the vanity will also have to depend on the size of the bathroom. Usually, large bathrooms have a double sink vanity, while smaller bathrooms have a single vanity. The mirror should be placed at the center above the basin and measure a couple of inches less than the sink or vanity area. You can also have the option to install the mirror along the entire length of the vanity or span the length of the sink basin.
Can a Bathroom Mirror be Bigger than the Vanity?
The mirror should be big enough to provide a decent reflection. It should not be wider than the vanity countertop. Generally, the mirror should measure several inches smaller than the sink area. If you have a medium size vanity, you can choose a standard mirror that measures 24-inch wide. It should be hung five to ten inches above the sink and a few inches above the highest part of the faucet for the height of the mirror. Make sure to center the mirror between the vanity light and the sink.
Can the Mirror be of the Same Size as the Vanity?
It is usual for mirrors to be of the same width as the vanity. However, it is recommended to have the mirror a few inches smaller than the width of the vanity or sink area. For instance, if you have a 50 inches single sink vanity, make sure to select a mirror with a width that does not exceed 50 inches including the frame. This will ensure that the mirror will not overpower the room and create a balanced look for your bathroom. You can also check out this article that we have written that discusses if the mirror has to match the vanity.
How to Choose the Right Size of Bathroom Mirror
You need to consider function and proportion when choosing the right size of the bathroom mirror. Keep in mind the size of the mirror and the vanity to create a balanced look. Mirrors should not be wider than the vanity itself. The mirror should be seventy to eighty percent as wide as the vanity area so it appears a bit smaller but not shrunken. However, it is common to have the mirror as wide as the vanity so that they both line up perfectly.
For the height, a functional mirror should be about thirty centimeters above and below the eye level of the people who will be using it. However, the more height that you can have, the better it will be. This is because it will allow more viewing angles and provide a more spacious look to the area. You can try to install the mirror at least one to meters above the floor.
For more information about choosing the right mirror, you can check out this article titled, how do I choose a bathroom mirror?
Things to Consider When Choosing the Width of the Bathroom Mirror
You need to consider the width of the vanity, the space between the countertop and the vanity light, the overall size of the bathroom, the height of the ceiling, and the kind of lighting that you would want to install for the vanity to make sure that you find the right width of a mirror for your bathroom. Learn more about these things below.
Width of the Vanity
The width of the vanity makes an ideal starting point when choosing a bathroom mirror. Usually, bathroom mirrors are not wider than the vanity countertop. If you cannot find a mirror with the exact size of the vanity, you can choose one that is 70 to 80 percent the width of the vanity. It is smaller but will create a proportioned look into your vanity area.
Space between the Countertop and Vanity Light
You also need to consider the space between the countertop and the vanity lights. If you have wall-mounted lights and do not want to move electrical wires, make sure to keep the height of the mirror consistent with what you already have.
Size of the Bathroom
For smaller bathrooms, you can mirror the entire wall rather than using a framed vanity mirror. By doing this, it will maximize the amount of space in the room. If you have a large bathroom with a double sink vanity, you can choose to install multiple mirrors.
Ceiling Height
To make the vanity look balanced in a room with a high ceiling, you can install tall mirrors. Generally, the bigger the mirror, the more functional it is for the bathroom. The mirror should be at least four to seven feet above the floor. Tall mirrors also create height in the room which makes it an ideal choice if you do not have a wall-mounted overhead mirror or lights that get in the way.
✅ Video – How Far Should a Mirror Be Above a Sink?
Ehowathomechannel shared the video below on YouTube. It talks about how far a mirror should be above a sink. It can be challenging to find the right size of mirror for your sink especially if you are not familiar with the different kinds of mirrors available. You can check out this video for more tips and information.
Vanity Lights
You also need to consider the lighting when choosing the width of the mirror. Take note that a wall-mounted vanity light hung above the vanity will affect the mirror’s size that you choose. If you have sconce lighting that hangs to the sides of the vanity, you should choose a mirror that is sixty percent the size of the countertop so that there is enough room for the sconces.
Related Questions
How Much Space is Needed between Double Vanity Mirrors?
For double vanity mirrors, you need to consider the sink and the width of the countertop. Measure eighty percent of the countertop’s width and divide that in half to have the ideal measurement for the width of the mirror. However, there are some exceptions to this if you have a large vanity mirror with extra counter space. If this is the case, you need to install a mirror that is a few inches wider than the sink.
Next, line up the center of the mirror with the center of the vanity sink to ensure that they are centered, and the space left between them is proportioned.
How High Should I Hang the Mirror?
Consider the height of the people who will be using the mirror. You can use the average height of a woman, which is 5’5”, and the average height of a man, which is 5’10” as guidelines. Also, consider if there are kids who will be using the mirror. They should be able to see their reflection and use the mirror easily.
You also need to consider the lighting and other fixtures that you have in your bathroom. If you are planning to use sconces or wall lights, consider that when taking measurements. Moreover, if you plan on installing a wall-mounted toothbrush holder, you need to consider that when taking measurements.
Should Vanity Lights Hang Over Mirrors?
It is very common to have vanity lights hang over the mirror. On the other hand, that is not the only way there is to light a vanity area. When it comes to make-up application, the best place to add lights would be on the wall to avoid shadows on your face. You can install sconces at least 66 inches from the floor on each side of the mirror for the perfect lighting. We have also written this article that discusses if vanity lights should hang over mirrors. Check it out for more tips and information.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discusses if a bathroom mirror should be wider than the sink. We have discovered that the mirror should not be wider than the sink, and the ideal size would be 70 to 80 percent the width of the sink. Moreover, it is also common to have the mirror be the same size as the vanity countertop.
We hope that the information we have shared in this article has helped you decide which size of mirror you will get for your bathroom. Ensure that you consider all the important factors we have mentioned above to find the right mirror that will add a balanced look and aesthetic appeal to your bathroom. Thank you for reading!