Your morning beauty routine is complicated. From makeup to hair, you need to make sure that you can see every last detail before you step out the front door. If you’re constantly fighting with your bathroom mirror, it may be time to invest in a vanity mirror that’s the right size for you.
Which mirror size is right for your home? Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a size.
Know the Common Mirror Sizes
Mirrors come in a wide range of sizes, but you’ll find some common sizes in stores, including:
- 24″
- 30″
- 36″
These sizes refer to the height of the mirror. The width of the mirror will vary, depending on its shape.
If you’re going the custom mirror route, you’ll find a huge range of sizes available. The ranges typically go from 16″ to 79,” with any number of size combinations in between.
The larger the mirror size, the more expensive it will be (naturally).
The Size of Your Vanity
How big – or small – is your vanity? The smaller the space, the smaller the mirror. If you have a very small vanity, you may need a portable makeup mirror.
Don’t let the small size of a makeup mirror deter you from buying one. They often have magnifying features and lights to help you look flawless every morning.
Larger vanities can handle bigger mirrors, but you don’t want the mirror to take up the entire vanity. Make sure there’s at least a few inches on each side of the vanity top to keep the mirror balanced and stable.
Take the time to measure your vanity before choosing a mirror. Ideally, you want two to four inches of space between the mirror’s edge and the edge of the vanity. If you choose a mirror that’s the exact same width as your vanity, you will create an unattractive box effect.
Another thing to note here: If you store your makeup on top of your vanity, you’ll need to consider this when choosing a size. If you like to keep organizers on either side of the mirror towards the edge of the vanity, you’ll need to choose a narrower mirror.
Take any tabletop storage you may need into consideration when picking a mirror size.
Tabletop or Hanging?
The size of your vanity is important when choosing a mirror – but only if you plan to get a tabletop mirror.
If you plan to hang a mirror, you can choose just about any size you want regardless of your vanity type. Of course, you’ll still need to consider the size of your wall when choosing a hanging mirror.
Tabletop mirrors do have an advantage even if there are size constraints. They’re directly in front of you, so you don’t have to reach up or forward to see clearly. Depending on the size of your vanity, you can have a mirror that rests up against the wall, or you can have a truly portable makeup mirror that can be positioned anywhere you please.
Your Makeup Routine
When choosing a mirror size, take your makeup routine into consideration. If your routine is complicated or you like to do your hair at your vanity, you will need a bigger mirror. But if your routine is simple (mascara, a little blush, eyebrows, etc.), then you can probably get away with something more compact.
If you go full glam every day, you will need a larger mirror that allows you to see every little detail.
Lights, or No Lights?
Do you want a mirror with or without lights? The answer may seem irrelevant, but the size of your mirror will dictate whether or not you have space for lighting.
Bigger mirrors can easily be outfitted with lights, or may even come equipped with them. Some portable makeup mirrors have built-in lights, but most don’t.
One or Two Mirrors?
What if you have a double vanity? Should you hang one big mirror, or should you go for two separate mirrors above each side?
The answer is a personal one, and something you should consider carefully. While it’s nice to have a large open mirror, some people believe that hanging two separate mirrors makes the space feel more balanced.
If you do happen to choose a very large mirror, make sure that it’s not the exact same width as the length of the vanity. Leave a few inches on each side to create more balance. You may also want to have a professional hang the mirror for you.
Mirror Shape
When choosing a mirror size, you also need to consider its shape. If you prefer a round shape, you’ll probably need a smaller mirror overall. Round or oval-shaped mirrors tend to be taller than they are wider. The rounded shape may mean that you have less mirrored surface to work with.
Rectangular mirrors follow the lines of the room, which means you can take advantage of a larger mirrored surface.
Consider the Natural Light in the Room
If you have a larger space to work with, consider the natural lighting in the room. Larger mirrors will reflect more natural like, which will make it easier to see details and help make the room brighter.
If your vanity is near a window, you can take advantage of that natural lighting with a large mirror.
Even if you have a small space, opt for the largest mirror that will fit on the wall to take advantage of all that natural sunlight from the window.
Choosing a mirror size for your vanity is not a decision that should be taken lightly. The last thing you want is to bring home a mirror that isn’t the right size or fit for your space. Take the time to measure your vanity and choose a mirror size that will create a balanced look. You may even want to go as far as creating a cardboard mock-up of the mirror to hang on the wall and get a better idea of how it will look.