What Is A Vanity Mirror – And Which One You Should Pick

A vanity mirror is a type of mirror that is typically used for personal grooming purposes. They are usually mounted on a wall or stand alone on a surface. Vanity mirrors can be found in different shapes, sizes, and styles. They are often used in conjunction with other personal care products such as hair dryers and curling irons.

Read on as I dive deeper into this topic and give you all you need to know about vanity mirrors, including which one you should pick for your home.

Girls in front of vanity mirror
Picture of a large lighted vanity mirror

What Type Of Mirror Is A Vanity Mirror?

Vanity mirrors are often concave, which means they curve inward. This is beneficial because it allows you to see a more complete reflection of yourself. They can also be flat or have a slight curve outward.

The mirror itself is made just like a regular mirror, with a thin layer of metal or glass that is coated with a reflective material. However, there is more style and design put into a vanity mirror than in a regular one.

For example, they can be frameless or have an ornate frame. The frame can be made from different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. It is important to pick a frame that compliments the style of your bathroom or bedroom.

The shape of the mirror is also usually different than a regular one. Vanity mirrors can be oval, rectangular, square, or even round.

What Is A Vanity Mirror Used For?

A vanity mirror comes with a raft of uses that will help you with your daily beauty routine. They are most commonly used for applying makeup and doing your hair. The biggest benefit of using a vanity mirror is that they allow you to see a more complete reflection of yourself. This is due to the fact that they are often concave, which means they curve inward.

Here are some of the most common uses of a vanity mirror:

Applying makeup

A vanity mirror is a must-have for anyone who likes to do their makeup. The extra reflection that they provide is essential for a flawless application. Since a vanity mirror gives you a more complete view of yourself, you can make sure that your makeup is evenly applied on both sides.

Doing your hair

A vanity mirror is also handy for doing your hair. Again, the extra reflection that they provide is key for ensuring that your hair looks its best. You can use a vanity mirror to style your hair in different ways, such as curling it or straightening it.

led lighted makeup mirrors

Shaving

A vanity mirror can also be used for shaving purposes. This is especially helpful if you have a beard or mustache that you need to groom on a daily basis. Having a vanity mirror will allow you to see all the areas that need to be shaved, so you can make sure that you don’t miss a spot.

Also, you already know how dangerous close shaving can be without a good mirror. So, a vanity mirror can help you avoid any accidents.

Man shaving in vanity mirror
Picture of man shaving in a vanity mirror

Check your appearance

A vanity mirror also has the general purpose of allowing you to check your appearance. This can be helpful before you leave for work or go on a date. You can use a vanity mirror to make sure that your hair and makeup are both looking their best.

They add class

Some stylish high-end vanity mirrors will add a touch of class to any room. If you want to give your bathroom or bedroom an extra bit of flair, then consider getting a vanity mirror with an ornate frame.

You can also go for a frameless mirror if you want a more minimalist look. A lighted vanity mirror is also a great option as it provides extra illumination. This can be helpful when doing your makeup or hair in low-light conditions and adds a touch of luxury.

led lighted makeup mirrors

Are Vanity Mirrors Different?

Vanity mirrors are different from regular mirrors in multiple ways. The main difference is that vanity mirrors are often concave, which means they curve inward. This allows you to see a more complete reflection of yourself.

Here are some more differences between vanity mirrors and regular mirrors:

Design

Vanity mirrors come in various designs meant to add a touch of class to any room. They can have an ornate frame or be frameless. Some are even lighted, which provides extra illumination.

Size

Vanity mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. They can be small enough to fit on your desk or large enough to hang on the wall. It all depends on your needs and preferences. They can also be rounded, square, or oval-shaped.

Function

Vanity mirrors are mostly used for applying makeup and doing your hair. But they can also be used for shaving and general appearance checking. Some even come with extra features like magnification to help you with your daily beauty routine.

Features

Apart from the design and size, vanity mirrors can also come with different features. Some have magnification to help you see your reflection more clearly. Others are lighted to provide extra illumination.

Where Should A Vanity Mirror Be Placed?

Where a vanity mirror should be placed will depend on a variety of factors. The most important factor is the size of the mirror. If you have a large vanity mirror, then it’s best to hang it on the wall. But if you have a small one, then you can just put it on your desk or dresser.

Another factor to consider is the lighting in the room. If you have a lighted vanity mirror, then you’ll want to place it in a spot where there’s plenty of natural light. This will help you see your reflection more clearly.

The purpose of the mirror is also a factor to consider. If you’re using it for applying makeup, then you’ll want to place it in a spot where there’s plenty of light and where you can sit down comfortably. But if you’re using it for shaving, then you can just put it on the countertop in your bathroom.

I must mention, however, that a vanity mirror should be placed about 10 inches above sinks, so you can see your reflection clearly while you’re standing. You want to make sure that the mirror is at a comfortable height for you.

Other factors and ideas to consider when deciding where to place your vanity mirror include:

The style of the mirror

You, for instance, don’t want to put a modern mirror in a traditional room or vice versa. The style of the mirror should match the rest of the décor in the room.

The size of the room

The vanity mirror shouldn’t make the room feel cramped. There should be enough space around it so you can move freely and not have to worry about bumping into it.

The direction of the light

You’ll want to place the mirror in a spot where there’s plenty of natural light. But you also don’t want the mirror to be in direct sunlight, as this can cause glare.

The height of the vanity you have

Since the mirror should be about ten inches above the sink, you’ll want to make sure that the vanity you have is high enough. Otherwise, you’ll have to place the mirror higher up on the wall, which might not be ideal.

Different Types of Vanity Mirrors

There are many different types of vanity mirrors to choose from. The type that you pick will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Here is a look at some of the most popular types:

Wall-mounted vanity mirrors

These mirrors are mounted on the wall and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They’re a good option if you have a small bathroom or limited counter space.

Freestanding vanity mirrors

These mirrors are standalone units that can be placed on your desk, dresser, or countertop. They come in all sorts of designs, from simple to ornate.

Lighted vanity mirrors

These mirrors come with built-in lighting that can provide extra illumination. They’re a good option if you have a dark bathroom or need extra light for applying makeup.

Lighted vanity mirrors look more stylish than most other types of vanity mirrors. However, they can be a bit more expensive. They will often have these beautiful, intricate designs that will really stand out in your bathroom or bedroom.

Magnifying vanity mirrors

These mirrors have magnification to help you see your reflection more clearly. They’re a good option if you wear glasses or contact lenses. They often come with lighted edges to provide even more illumination.

Multiple-mirrored

Vanity mirrors with multiple mirrors are a good option if you have a large bathroom. They allow you to see yourself from different angles. They also come in handy if you have more than one person using the mirror at the same time.

This type of mirror has a curved top, which gives it a more elegant look. It’s a good option if you want your mirror to be more than just functional.

Extending vanity mirrors

These mirrors can be moved closer to you or further away, depending on your needs. They’re a good option if you have a small bathroom or limited counter space.

There are many different factors to consider when choosing a vanity mirror. But once you find the perfect one, it will help make getting ready in the morning a lot easier.

Below is a table comparing some of the most common types of vanity mirrors:

Mirror TypeProsCons
Lighted Vanity MirrorAdds illumination, Stylish, Beautiful designs  Expensive
Extending Vanity MirrorsGood for limited spaces gives you flexibility  Relatively pricey
FreestandingPortable, Good for smaller spaces, AffordableProne to damage
Wall Vanity MirrorsBigger in size, Easy to blend in with the decor, Multiple designsNeeds more space. Can be expensive
Table comparing some vanity mirrors
led lighted makeup mirrors

How Do I Choose A Vanity Mirror?

Choosing a vanity mirror is not as easy as it may seem. There are a few factors you must consider before purchasing one. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the perfect vanity mirror for your home.

The first factor to consider when choosing a vanity mirror is the size of the mirror itself. You want to make sure that the mirror is large enough to give you a clear view, but not so large that it overpowers the space.

The shape of the mirror also matters. Do you want a rounded, circular mirror? Or, do you prefer the traditional rectangle mirror? The shape of the mirror should complement the shape of your sink.

Another factor to consider is the finish on the mirror. You can find mirrors with a variety of finishes, from brushed nickel to bronze. Consider what will look best in your space before making a decision.

Framed or frameless? This is another huge decision when it comes to choosing a vanity mirror. Do you want a mirror with a simple, clean frame? Or, do you prefer the look of a frameless mirror?

The design of the mirror is also important. Do you want a simple, functional mirror? Or, do you prefer something with a more ornate design? When making this decision, look at your decor and choose a mirror that will complement it.

The last factor to consider is the price. Vanity mirrors can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. It all depends on the size, shape, finish, and design of the mirror. Choose the best option for your budget.

led lighted makeup mirrors

How Big Should A Vanity Mirror Be?

The size of your vanity mirror depends on the size of your room. If you have a small room, you don’t want a huge mirror to overpower the space. Conversely, if you have a large room, you’ll want a mirror that is large enough to give you a clear view.

Also, consider the size of your vanity. If you have a small vanity, you might want to choose a mirror that is smaller in size. However, if you have a large vanity, you can choose a bigger mirror. Just make sure it is proportionate to the size of your vanity.

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Author
Derrick Thompson
I have spent many years as a glazier working with glass and mirrors and this medium never ceases to amaze me. I decided to start this website to help share what I have learned and hopefully educate people about these wonderful building materials.

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