A mirror is one of the accessories that shouldn’t miss in a home. Where will you tie your tie or touch up the makeup? It’s more important in the bathroom than in any other place in your home. Otherwise, where else will you comfortably look at that scratch you just had on your thigh? However, large bathroom mirrors could be getting out of style.
Large bathroom mirrors are getting out of style since they’re too big, need additional fixtures, are implacable, expensive to frame, are limited in style, and are high maintenance. Others out of style include multiple, framed, handheld, floor to ceiling, and wall to wall mirrors.
Large mirrors were the in thing in the 18th century. In fact, they were a reserve for the wealthy. They would go the extra mile to import the crucial statement accessories from England or France. But, is that still the case, or are large mirrors out of style? Let’s find out.
Are Large Bathroom Mirrors Out of Style?
Large bathroom mirrors are out of style for the following reasons:
1. They take up too much space
The large mirrors used to take up most of the space in the bathroom, leaving you with minimal storage space. Bathrooms with a sink can have a mirror and large mirrors reduce the space available for the other fixtures.
Today’s small mirrors allow you to fix more drawers and shelves for your bathroom accessories. For example, you can fix some medicine chests with small mirrors, creating more storage space.
2. Need Additional Fixtures
Large mirrors required more electrical work behind them to support the overhead lighting. Small mirrors can be easily supported by natural lighting or even your bathroom lights, saving you money and hassle.
3. Implacable (Relentless)
Large mirrors are hard to ignore, even on days when you feel you don’t want to meet yourself. We all have those days. With a large mirror, you’ll be minding your business, then boom! You face yourself, and you feel worse.
The modern small mirrors are negligible. Furthermore, you only see your face, not the entire body that you are displeased with.
4. Expensive Framing Needed
Large mirrors were originally a status symbol that required sleek framing. But unfortunately, the framing made them more expensive.
Small mirrors are less complicated in framing and accessorizing, making them inexpensive compared to large mirrors.
Generally, dealing with large panes of glass is quite costly as can be seen in the installation cost for frameless glass shower doors.
5. High Maintenance
The large mirrors, especially the wall-to-wall mirrors, were not easy to clean and dust. In addition, it was challenging for shorter people who had to step on high surfaces to clean them properly.
On the other hand, smaller mirrors are easier to maintain and take less time to clean. Both large and small mirrors can be cleaned with WD-40.
6. Limited Stylish Options
Over time, mirrors kept evolving. Smaller mirrors came in all forms and shapes and were infused with technology. Some of the smaller mirrors are security add-ons. They came fitted with hidden cameras that were invisible, and it made their popularity spread faster.
Today we have mirrors allowing you to fit new attire virtually without having to fit in a store physically. All these challenges that came with large mirrors paved the way for the spread of smaller-sized mirrors.
What are other vanity mirrors out of style?
Vanity mirrors are the small ones you use when doing your makeup. You can have one hinged on the wall or even on your car. So many times it comes in handy.
Over time some of the vanity mirrors have gone out of style. Here are a few examples:
1. Multiple Mirrors
Gone are the days when households used to have multiple vanity mirrors in each space. Instead, today, single mirrors are preferred since they take up less space and allow you to have more storage areas.
2. Framed Mirrors
Today the market leans towards frameless mirrors as they align well with existing walls thus creating an optical illusion.
Frameless mirrors are more affordable than framed mirrors, making them a preferred choice.
3. Handheld Mirrors
These types are slowly losing their grasp on the market. Most of their past enthusiasts have shifted to foldable ones that you can place on a flat surface and free your hands to handle the makeup.
The challenge with a handheld vanity mirror is the size. Some can’t even cover the whole face, and you have to keep shifting your hand to get the right angle.
4. Floor to Ceiling Mirrors
These were a common feature in most households in the 80s. Today, they are missing in the picture as the masses shift to smaller mirrors.
The long vertical mirrors used to be rectangular and stretched from the floor to the ceiling. These mirrors took up most of the bathroom wall space, leaving you with minimal space for the cabinets and sconces.
As the houses were remodeled to keep up with the modern real estate trends, the floor-to-ceiling mirrors lost their place.
Other mirror types out of style include oval mirrors, bevel-strip mirrors, and mirror walls.
5. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Although it’s hard to imagine, wall-to-wall mirrors were a common fixture in the bathrooms in the 80s.
As the word suggests, these mirrors covered an entire stretch from one wall to the next. Today, some swear that those who did the wall-to-wall mirrors were looking to escape the wall’s tiling as it would be costlier.
Although that may not be the case, the mirrors are no longer a common feature, and the walls are covered with wallpapers, small mirrors, sconces, and cabinets.
What bathroom mirrors are in style now?
Out with the old in with the new. Bathroom mirrors have evolved exponentially over time. Here are some of the bathroom mirrors in style now:
1. Geometric Mirrors
These are the mirrors that come in complicated fascinating shapes. They have sharp edges and corners. For instance, a hexagonal mirror falls under this category. The mirror projects interesting and unique artwork and has the possibility of becoming the focal point of your bathroom.
2. Frameless Mirrors
These have become a household for most people as they have the potential of creating an optical illusion with no apparent edge.
They are also among the most affordable and stylish bathroom mirrors.
3. Circular Mirrors
Many believe that circular mirrors remain an acceptable mirror option as you will see them featured in most households.
Circular mirror enthusiasts are fascinated by the softness of the edges, small size, and striking focal point.
In addition, a circular mirror leaves you with many options that you can complement and still look good on any wall finishing.
4. Curved Edges Mirrors
Mirrors with sharp edges are a thing of the past as curved edges have taken over. Rounded edges on a mirror appeal to the eyes and are safer than sharp edges.
The good thing is that you can have rounded edges on any mirror shape, square or rectangle-shaped mirrors. They project an artistic marvel.
5. Brass Finished Mirrors
The finishing on a mirror speaks volumes about your style. The gold-like feel on the edges of your bathroom mirror projects elegance and class.
Over time, brass is considered one of the few metals that are a status symbol. It’s for this reason that modern households go for it.
Other types of mirrors include iron edge mirrors, collage mirrors, backlit mirrors, Venetian mirrors, and hanging mirrors.
How to Install a Large Mirror in a Bathroom
Installing a mirror of any size is something you can do with the right information. Here is how to install a large one:
- Mark the vertical and horizontal edges of the mirror. This will guide you on the exact positioning and size of your mirror. Whether you plan on using adhesives or wall studs, this is the first step.
- Apply adhesive to the back of the mirror. Use a caulking gun to do it. But before then, ensure you have taped the edges.
- On the lines you drew on the wall, carefully place the mirror. Use masking tape on the edges to allow the adhesive to set and remove once the mirror holds.
- If you are using the mounting hardware, drill small holes befitting the screw size on the corners you first drew.
- Next, fit in the lower nuts as someone helps you fix the mirror then clip the upper part. Then, carefully place the mirror on the mounting.
Don’t disturb it for at least a day (24 hours). You can start using it right away though. After the adhesive has dried up, clean off any dirt you notice on it.
Conclusion
Large is a relative word. Whatever you consider a large mirror might be a small mirror when you have large wall space. That’s why you will find that, despite the common large mirrors being out of style, some people still have them to date.
Your wall space and personal preference will influence the size of the mirror you choose in a big way. Plus, history has a way of creeping back, and you can tell that, though slowly, the large mirrors are creeping back.