Bathroom

How to Choose an LED Bathroom Mirror

An LED bathroom mirror gives you clear, even light on your face for shaving, make-up and getting ready, and it becomes a design feature in its own right. This guide covers the different styles, what size to choose, what IP44 and bathroom zones mean, and the features worth paying for.

Front-lit, back-lit or edge-lit?

Style What it does Best for
Front-lit Light shines forward through the glass or frame, straight onto your face Shaving and make-up, where you need bright, even light
Back-lit Light shines onto the wall behind the mirror, creating a halo glow Atmosphere and feature bathrooms, hotel rooms
Edge-lit Light runs around the edge of the glass A clean, contemporary look with a balance of task and mood light

If the mirror is your main light for getting ready, choose front-lit or edge-lit. If you have good task lighting already and want atmosphere, back-lit gives the most dramatic effect.

What size mirror should I choose?

As a guide, choose a mirror no wider than the basin or vanity unit below it, so it sits neatly in the space. Measure the wall between any tiles, cabinets and wall lights, and check the height so the centre of the mirror sits around eye level.

IP44 and bathroom zones

Bathrooms are divided into zones based on how close they are to water. Mirrors usually sit in zone 2, the area around the basin, which needs a light fitting rated at least IP44. All our mains-powered LED mirrors are IP44 rated for zone 2. Your electrician should confirm the zone for your installation. Our guide to bathroom zones and IP ratings explains the zones in full.

Features worth looking for

  • Demister pad. A heated pad behind the glass keeps part of the mirror clear of steam after a bath or shower.
  • Adjustable light colour. TrioTone® mirrors switch between warm, natural and cool white. CCT mirrors adjust between warm and cool. Warm suits relaxing in the evening; cooler light is better for make-up and shaving.
  • Dimming. Lets you turn the light down for a late-night visit without being dazzled.
  • Touch controls. A touch sensor on the glass switches the light, dimming and demister.
  • Frame finish. Frameless for a minimal look, or black, brushed brass, bronze and gunmetal frames to match your taps and fittings.

Features vary by mirror, so check each product's specification for the features it includes.

No wiring? Choose a battery mirror

If there is no power supply where you want the mirror, a rechargeable battery LED mirror needs no wiring at all. Our battery mirrors charge via USB-C and hang from a simple wall bracket, so they suit rented homes, quick upgrades and rooms where running a cable is not practical.

Mirror or mirror cabinet?

If you need storage, an LED mirror cabinet gives you the same lit mirror with shelves behind it. Some of our cabinets also include a shaver socket and USB charging.

LED bathroom mirror FAQs

Can an LED mirror go in a bathroom?

Yes. All our mains-powered mirrors are IP44 rated for bathroom zone 2. Your electrician should confirm the zone for your installation.

What is a demister pad?

A heated pad behind the glass that keeps an area of the mirror clear of steam after a bath or shower.

Do LED mirrors need an electrician?

Mains-powered mirrors should be connected by a qualified electrician. Battery-powered mirrors need no wiring.

Which light colour is best for make-up?

A natural or cool white shows colours most accurately. A mirror with adjustable colour lets you check make-up in the light you will be seen in.

Explore our LED mirrors

Browse our LED bathroom mirrors, battery mirrors and mirror cabinets, or talk to our team about a bathroom or hotel project. Trade customers can apply for a trade account for pricing and support.

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