Mirror above the wash-hand basin: how to choose the best one? At what height should you hang it?

Every bathroom has a few fixtures you simply can’t do without. One of them is the mirror hung above the washbasin. Which mirror model should you go for? What should you look out for to pick the best one? And most importantly – at what height should you hang it? Here are our tips!

Bathroom mirror – an essential fixture

A bath or shower, a toilet, a washbasin, and a mirror above it – that’s the basic setup a bathroom needs to do its job. It’s hard to argue with the need for a bath or a toilet bowl, but is a mirror really essential? The answer is simple – absolutely yes! Bathroom mirror plays an important role, both practical and aesthetic.

How else are you going to handle the simplest grooming every morning? A mirror hung over the washbasin lets you make sure you’re not heading out with toothpaste on your face, uneven make-up, or a patchy shave. On top of that, a mirror visually enlarges the bathroom, brightens it up, and makes it feel more spacious. So it’s worth choosing the right model for your bathroom and enjoying all the benefits it brings.

Which bathroom mirror should you choose?

Choosing the right type of mirror for your bathroom isn’t difficult – just follow a few guidelines that work well here. What exactly? The first aspect is the bathroom’s floor area, which will more or less dictate the mirror’s dimensions.

What mirror for a small bathroom, and what for a large one? In a compact space, a smaller mirror is a good call: it won’t overwhelm the room yet will help to open it up a little. In a generous space, opt for a large bathroom mirror – one that won’t “get lost” among the other elements. Do bear in mind that the mirror’s size should primarily suit the needs of the people using it. It’s worth considering the dimensions of the mirrors you’ve had before and whether they were big enough.

The mirror’s design is just as important. It needs to match the other elements of the bathroom so the whole feels cohesive. You’ll find round, square, rectangular and asymmetrical models. Each works in different settings, providing a great finishing touch. Pay attention to ornamentation as well – some have a very decorative frame rather than a classic, delicate one, for example a braided rope frame or a geometric metal one. Strap-hung mirrors are an interesting option too; they’re sure to impress not only everyone at home but also any guest who pops in.

The height of a bathroom mirror above the washbasin: what works best?

How high should you hang a mirror? It’s a question that often bothers anyone renovating or fitting out a bathroom. The height at which you hang it will determine how practical it is in daily use. As a rule of thumb, the minimum height from the floor to the bottom edge of the mirror should be about 1.2 m, and the top edge around 2 m. These aren’t hard-and-fast rules – they’re suggestions to be adjusted to the household’s height. If there are children at home, consider hanging it a little lower.

And at what height should the mirror be above the washbasin?

This is also worth keeping in mind, as it will make it easier to keep the mirror clean. A mirror placed directly behind the washbasin will be splashed far more often than one set a little higher. For that reason, a mounting height of approx. 20–30 cm above the washbasin is recommended.

Once you’ve chosen the right mirror and hung it at the proper height, consider pairing it with suitable lighting. The main light source may prove insufficient, so additional wall lights around the mirror are a good solution. Bringing all these elements together will make the bathroom as practical as it is stylish – a space you’ll be happy to use.