Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger with Mirrors: Tips & Tricks That Work

October 4, 2023

Make a small bathroom seem bigger with mirrors

How to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger with Mirrors: Tips & Tricks That Work

Q: Can I put mirrors on opposite walls in the bathroom?

Avoid this—it can create a dizzying infinity effect. Stick to one main focal mirror.

Struggling with a cramped bathroom? Mirrors are a simple, stylish solution—and with smart placement and styling, you can make even the tiniest space feel roomy, light-filled, and luxurious.

Bathrooms, often one of the smallest rooms in our homes, can sometimes feel cramped and lacking in space. However, with a bit of design ingenuity, you can create the illusion of a larger, more spacious bathroom using one simple trick – mirrors. Mirrors have the incredible ability to reflect light and make a room appear larger than it actually is.

In this article, we’ll explore various ways to make your small bathroom seem bigger and brighter by strategically incorporating mirrors into your design.

Opt for a Full-Length Wall Mirror

Consider installing a full-length wall mirror, especially if you have limited wall space. Placing a tall, slender mirror on one wall can visually extend the height of the room, making it feel taller and more open. A floor-to-ceiling mirror will create a sense of continuity, making your bathroom seem larger.

Mirrors should cover about 70–80% of the vanity width to maximise spacious feel while remaining proportional.

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Use Mirrored Medicine Cabinets

Mirrored medicine cabinets are a clever combination of storage and reflection. They not only provide a practical storage solution but also offer a mirrored surface that reflects light and gives the impression of a more spacious bathroom. You can choose recessed or surface-mounted styles to suit your design preferences.

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Frameless Mirrors for Minimalism

Frameless mirrors are excellent for creating a sleek, minimalist look. They blend seamlessly into the bathroom decor, eliminating any visual clutter and contributing to an open and airy feel. Frameless mirrors work well in contemporary and modern bathroom designs.

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Mirrored Tiles for a Glamorous Touch

For a touch of glamour and luxury, consider mirrored tiles as a backsplash or an accent wall behind the vanity. Mirrored tiles not only reflect light but also add depth and texture to the space. They can make a significant impact without overwhelming the room.

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Multiple Mirrors in a Gallery Wall

Creating a gallery wall with a collection of small mirrors can be visually stimulating and make the bathroom feel larger. Arrange mirrors of different shapes and sizes in an organized yet eclectic pattern. This not only adds character but also reflects light from multiple angles.

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Install Mirrored Shower Doors

If you have a separate shower enclosure, consider installing mirrored shower doors. These reflective surfaces can make the shower area feel more open and spacious. Additionally, they can bounce light around the room, brightening up the entire space.

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Use Mirrored Furniture and Accessories

Incorporate mirrored furniture, such as a vanity or storage cabinet, into your bathroom design. Mirrored furniture adds a touch of elegance and reflects light, making the room appear larger. You can also include mirrored accessories like trays, soap dispensers, and decorative items to enhance the effect.

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Strategic Placement for Natural Light

Position mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows to maximize the reflection of natural light. This not only brightens the room but also provides beautiful outdoor views, creating a sense of openness.

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General Mirror Placement & Sizing

Q1: What size mirror is best for a small bathroom?
A: A mirror that spans about 70–80% of your vanity width is ideal. For maximum spaciousness, a wall-to-wall mirror works even better.

Q2: Should I choose a vertical or horizontal mirror for a small bathroom?
A: Horizontal mirrors widen the space, while tall vertical mirrors make ceilings appear higher. Choose based on the illusion you want to create.

Q3: Can I use more than one mirror in a small bathroom?
A: Yes, but keep styles consistent. A double vanity setup or one large mirror paired with a smaller decorative piece can work well.

Q4: Do frameless mirrors make bathrooms look bigger?
A: Yes, frameless mirrors blend seamlessly into the wall, reducing visual clutter and enhancing openness.

Q5: How high should I hang a bathroom mirror?
A: Ideally, position the center of the mirror at about 5 feet (150 cm) from the floor, adjusted for user height.

Placement Tricks

Q6: Where should I place a mirror to make my bathroom look bigger?
A: Place it opposite a window or light source to reflect brightness and create depth.

Q7: Do wall-to-wall mirrors make a small bathroom look larger?
A: Yes, they create the illusion of doubling the space.

Q8: Can I put mirrors on opposite walls in the bathroom?
A: Avoid this—it can create a dizzying “infinity effect.” Stick to one main focal mirror.

Q9: Is it okay to place a mirror behind the door?
A: If space allows, yes. It adds utility without cluttering the main walls.

Q10: Can mirrors make a bathroom brighter?
A: Absolutely. By reflecting both natural and artificial light, mirrors amplify brightness.

Style & Types

Q11: What kind of mirror is best for small bathrooms?
A: Large, frameless, or LED backlit mirrors are best as they reflect more space without adding bulk.

Q12: Are round mirrors good for making a bathroom look bigger?
A: Round mirrors soften edges and can give a cozy, spacious feel, especially in modern bathrooms.

Q13: Do mirrored cabinets help small bathrooms?
A: Yes—they add storage while visually doubling space.

Q14: Are LED mirrors worth it in small bathrooms?
A: Yes, LED mirrors provide even light distribution and enhance the reflective effect.

Q15: Should I match my mirror frame with bathroom fixtures?
A: Matching frames with faucets or handles creates a cohesive look, but frameless mirrors are safest for visual expansion.

Lighting & Reflection

Q16: How does lighting affect mirror effectiveness?
A: Good lighting enhances reflections, making the room feel larger. Layered lighting (ambient, task, accent) works best.

Q17: Can I use mirrors with dim bathroom lighting?
A: Yes, but they won’t be as effective. Add LED backlit mirrors or sconces for brightness.

Q18: Should mirrors reflect specific things?
A: Ideally, mirrors should reflect light sources, open space, or greenery—never clutter or toilets.

Q19: Does mirror placement affect privacy?
A: Yes. Avoid placing mirrors where they reflect directly into windows or showers.

Q20: Can mirrors replace windows in small bathrooms?
A: They can’t replace natural ventilation, but strategically placed mirrors mimic the depth and brightness of a window.

Extra Style Tips

Q21: Should I use one big mirror or multiple small mirrors?
A: One big mirror usually works better for small bathrooms, but symmetrical pairs above double sinks are effective too.

Q22: Can I use tinted or decorative mirrors?
A: Subtly tinted mirrors can add warmth, but avoid heavy patterns that distract from spaciousness.

Q23: Do mirrors help with resale value of a home?
A: Yes, buyers often perceive well-lit, airy bathrooms as larger and more desirable.

Q24: Can oversized mirrors overwhelm a small bathroom?
A: Not if proportionate to the wall. Oversized mirrors often enhance space rather than shrink it.

Q25: Should I mix mirrors with other reflective surfaces?
A: Yes, glass tiles, glossy finishes, and chrome fixtures complement mirrors in creating light and space.

Conclusion

Mirrors are the unsung heroes of small bathroom design, offering a simple yet effective way to create the illusion of space and light. Whether you choose a full-length mirror, mirrored tiles, or a gallery wall of mirrors, their reflective properties will help open up your bathroom and make it feel more expansive.

With a thoughtful approach to mirror placement and style, you can transform your bathroom into a brighter, airier, and more inviting space that you’ll love spending time in.