The bathroom, one large mirror

The bathroom is often the smallest room in the home (3 to 8 m² on average). Everything must count, and the most effective trick for visually enlarging the room is a large mirror.

The classic mistake, multiplying small mirrors (one on the cabinet, one above the basin, one full-length). This dispersion fragments the space.

The pro rule, a single large mirror occupying the entire wall behind the basin, ideally from the basin top to the ceiling, and across the whole width of the unit. This "visual doubling" effect considerably enlarges the room.

Dimensioning the large mirror.

Width. At least the width of the basin unit, ideally beyond. If basin of 90 cm, mirror of 100-120 cm in width.

Height. From the basin top (at 85 cm from the floor) to the ceiling, or very close to the ceiling (10 cm below). This can represent 1.30 to 1.80 m of mirror height.

Frameless, or thin frame.

Frameless mirror (glued or invisibly fixed). "Showcase" effect, the most contemporary. Moderate cost (£85-260).

Mirror with thin frame in matt black metal or brass. More structured effect. Similar cost.

Avoid baroque or very ornate frames, which visually shrink the mirror.

Placement.

Centred on the basin (or basins if double basin). Bottom of the mirror at 5-10 cm above the basin top. Top of the mirror at 10-15 cm below the ceiling, or flush with the ceiling.

Lighting the mirror.

The most effective solution. Vertical sconces on each side of the mirror (at face height, that is 1.60 m from the floor). Light that lights the face uniformly, without shadow under the eyes. Bulbs at 3000 K and CRI 90+ (see rule 02.4).

Alternative. Mirror with LED integrated all around or on the sides. Contemporary effect, effective light.

To avoid. Spot aimed at the mirror from the ceiling, which creates a shadow under the eyes and distorts the face.

The case of the larger bathroom.

If you have 10 m² or more, you can add a secondary mirror (full-length cheval mirror near the dressing area). But the main large mirror remains the wall behind the basin.

In a small interior. The large mirror is non-negotiable. It is the element that transforms a stifling small bathroom into a room that breathes.

Joseph Dirand systematically works floor-to-ceiling mirrors in his premium bathrooms. The room seems doubled, and the mirror becomes an architectural element.

Pierre Yovanovitch sometimes integrates mirrors on two adjacent walls in very small bathrooms (3-4 m²). The "infinity" effect considerably enlarges the room.

A trick, the mirror with central sandblasting. The face zone remains in clear mirror, the surround is slightly opacified. Contemporary effect, almost "halo".