Little Luxuries: Get Ready for Your Close-up With Lighted Mirrors
How much bathroom lighting do you need? Where do you place it? Should it go above the mirror or on either side? There are plenty of options to consider, but one often goes unnoticed: the lighted vanity mirror.
Most of these mirrors have two faces: one for standard viewing, one with magnification. The better mirrors can have up to 12 times magnification. For those of us without perfect eyesight, these illuminating gems can go from being a luxury to being nearly indispensable. And they don't just belong in the bathroom, either. I've seen them in bedrooms and hallways for a quick once-over and as nightlights.
Curious if a lighted vanity mirror will work in your home? Learn more about your design options with this useful feature below.
Aptations Chrome Hardwired Swing Arm Lighted Vanity Mirror - $119.89 » Swing-arm mirrors extend away from the wall, swivel and tilt. Men as well as women will appreciate getting in close for a shave or makeup application. This particular mirror is a hardwired version with the on-off switch on the mounting plate. Pricing starts at around $120 for hardwired wall mirrors.
This one even has an electrical outlet in the mounting plate.
Vertical light bars on the mirrors offer maximum even lighting here, while the lighted swing-arm vanity mirror makes close-up grooming easier.
This swing-arm mirror is placed at the appropriate height for a seated user. To install your mirror at the right height for sitting, sit in a chair and measure from the floor to the middle of your eye, and transfer that measurement to your wall. This location will ensure the mirror is positioned at the right height so that you're not bending over or stretching to see yourself, and that the light will not cast any shadows.
Here is another example of using a lighted mirror for practical purposes, adding an extra bit of light in a small space.
This portable mirror is a cordless, battery-powered version — great for easy transfers to other rooms or when you can't hardwire the mirror.
Rezek Lighted Floor Mirror - $1,265 » And for those who are really brave and ready for their close-up, behold this full-length lighted floor mirror. It has a cord and a plug with an in-line floor switch.
Eglo 86128A 10-Light Vanity Mirror - $388.80 » This lighted mirror is stationary, but it also serves as a medicine cabinet.
I love how this bathroom combines several mirrors for different functions. The sink mirror, additional swing-arm mirror and side mirror offer views from many angles.
