The Bathroom Feature That Doesn't Look As Good In Real Life As It Does In Photos

If you're currently designing your bathroom, don't rely solely on inspirational pictures to choose the elements you want to include. This is because, while something may look gorgeous in an image, that doesn't mean it will look great in real life. One of these elements that you may want to steer clear of is a full-wall frameless mirror that's placed directly behind your vanity sink. 

The main issue with this type of mirror is that it is very difficult to keep clean. This is because any water or toothpaste that doesn't make it into the sink will splash onto the surface, causing smudges that could be hard or inconvenient to wash off. Another problem with these mirrors is that, because they don't have a frame, they're more likely to chip. Finally, while these mirrors may look great in images, you may struggle to find the right place to install lighting, since they typically cover the entire surface of the wall behind the vanity. This could make them much more difficult to use and could create a dark atmosphere.

While all of this is true, you may still desire to add a large vanity mirror above your sink for a number of reasons. To begin, a larger reflective surface can make a space that's adequately lit feel brighter and larger, as it will reflect the light around the room. This could be especially beneficial in cramped bathrooms, as it will make them feel more spacious without actually having to add any square footage. Further, a large mirror is often more practical, as it allows multiple people to use it at the same time.

Aesthetically, large-sized mirrors are also often used in places like spas and resorts, so adding this element to your own home can evoke feelings of relaxation. It will also make your bathroom feel more luxurious and expensive, as the larger an item is, the more grand it appears. Large mirrors are typically used in modern spaces, but they could also be placed in any style of home and still look great.

Instead of a full wall mirror, there are a few alternative options that will still allow you to use a large enough mirror. The first option is adding a small backsplash behind your sink, which usually extends 4 to 8 inches above the countertop. This will be much easier to clean than the surface of the mirror and will reduce the amount of smudges on the surface. It will also allow you to customize your bathroom since you can choose tiles in specific colors and designs. 

If you have multiple sinks in your vanity, another alternative is to add a mirror above each sink, allowing for space between them and between the edge of the vanity and the bottom of the mirror. This will allow you to place light fixtures on either side of the mirrors as well. An oversized mirror with a border is the final alternative to a full-wall version. To complete the look, you could install spot lights or pendants to illuminate the area.