Light –
The right light – is an essential element of any truly functional bathroom. There are very few people who would be able to live without a bathroom mirror above their sink but choosing the right one is about more than just looks it is far more about function first. there is very little point in buying an expensive mirror that has an incredible frame that looked great in the store if the light in your bathroom makes it impossible to see yourself in it properly or is too harsh and bright to give you a true image of what you will actually look like once you step out into the very different light outside.
For these reasons, as well as for sheer convenience many homeowners opt to install lighted vanity mirrors. However even these things need to be chosen carefully as they come in so many shapes and sizes and offer a range of different lighting options. Here are some tips:
Know Your Bathroom –
Obviously you know what your bathroom looks like, you are there several times a day but have you ever bothered to really pay attention to it? Adding a new lighted vanity mirror will change the way your bathroom looks and you can use that fact to your advantage.
If for example you have a rather small bathroom a generously sized lighted vanity mirror will almost instantly open the space up, making it look and feel larger than it is really is. If on the other hand you have a large bathroom space smaller lighted vanity mirrors will look rather out of place and even “shrunken”.
The light that your bathroom already has, both natural and artificial can affect your choice of lighted vanity mirror as well. a bathroom that is light and airy with large windows and light drapes will need less help from a lighted vanity than a darker room that catches very little in the way of natural sunshine.
The angles of your bathroom may also impact the way light hits your new mirror so you should stand where you intend to install the mirror and then assess the light from there.
Style will be very important as well. Unless you are planning a complete overhaul of your bathroom decor then the lighted vanity mirror you choose will have to complement its surroundings.
A very modern bathroom for example is probably not the right place for an ornate vintage style vanity mirror and by the same token an elegant shabby chic style bathroom – a look that is very hot right now – would look very silly if you suddenly installed a lighted vanity mirror that is flanked by very modern, sleek Hollywood style bulb lights!
The last thing you will need to know about your bathroom is just how much space you really have to install a new mirror in. Take several measurements though so that you know what the minimum and maximum mirror sizes are that might be suitable for your bathroom and then do not forget to take them to the store with you!
Shop Smart –
Probably the easiest place to go to find a lighted vanity mirror is your local big box home store. Most of them usually carry a reasonable selection and for the most part you will usually find that they are fairly reasonably priced as well.
Choosing to shop for a lighted vanity mirror like this might be convenient and a great option for some but if you are looking for something that is a little more unusual then a specialist lighting or furniture store might be a better choice even though you will probably have to spend a little more money.
When you are choosing a lighted vanity mirror another thing you have to bear in mind is the weight. If a mirror is very ornate and heavy and you will not be installing it on a supporting wall then you will have to install it very carefully, maybe even enlist the aid of a professional which will add to your final bill.
Choose the Right Bulbs:
The bulbs you use once you have installed your new lighted vanity mirror are very important as well, especially for ladies who will be using the mirror to apply their makeup for the day. Often the very best bulbs you can choose for a lighted vanity mirror are the kind that are designed to mimic daylight.
These bulbs can now be found in many different styles and only cost a fraction more than ordinary ones. The advantage of using them is that makeup looks very different under electric lights than it does once you are outside so by having a “day lighted” mirror you can avoid looking too clownish or over made up once you leave the bathroom!