Whether you’re starting on a bathroom reno or looking to refresh your current space, installing a new bathroom mirror can have an outsized impact. “Most people don’t think about design when it comes to choosing a bathroom mirror, but this is arguably the most important piece of decor in a bathroom,” says Hillary Levy, interior designer at the New York-based company Lisa Kaye Designs. “The bathroom mirror can be both a functional piece of storage but also your bathroom centerpiece.” This guide outlines the many choices available and how to choose the one that suits your needs.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Mirror
Dimensions: To start, determine how much space you have and measure the height, width and depth available in your bathroom. These measurements can help you decide between a vanity with storage or a standalone mirror, Levy says. She also advises to consider your own height, sink size, and wall space. “As a general rule of thumb, the mirror should hang a few inches above eye level for the tallest person who will be using it but low enough that shorter people can easily see it,” she says.
Aesthetics: Although your space might dictate whether you choose a square, rectangular, or round mirror, it’s also a personal aesthetic preference. There are framed and frameless options for all three shapes that will impact the overall feel of your space. “Keep in mind frames add extra details that can help fill a space, while frameless mirrors offer a clean and modern look,” Levy says. Some are also able to be mounted vertically or horizontally to give you more options.
Storage: The most common feature you might look for in a bathroom mirror is if it has cabinet shelves for storage. This provides a convenient space to hide away bathroom essentials so they aren’t cluttering your countertop, but you should choose a model that doesn’t stick out too much so you can still access your sink easily.
Lighting and magnifying: If you apply makeup regularly, you might want to choose a magnifying tabletop or hanging mirror, which can be used in addition to your standard vanity mirror or replace it in a compact space. Alternatively, consider mirrors with built-in LED lighting that can help illuminate the space if your bathroom doesn’t already have good natural lighting.
How We Evaluated
We spoke with Hillary Levy, interior designer at the New York-based company Lisa Kaye Designs. Levy outlined what factors to consider when choosing a bathroom mirror and shared her top recommendations. We considered the different types of mirrors on the market, including ones with cabinet shelves, LED lighting, and hanging mirrors with extra magnification. We evaluated these options based on their design, quality, and price. We also considered the customer reviews of top-rated mirrors on retail sites such as and . These nine are the best bathroom mirrors available now.