Over the past few years, one of the most unique and efficient bathroom design ideas has been to install a magnifying mirror inside of the medicine cabinet. Not only is this a unique design idea, but it is one of the most effective. Mirrored medicine cabinets combined with a beautiful magnifying mirror will set your vanity area up perfectly. There are several things to know about this before you try it yourself however. Designers take everything into account before approaching this combination of mirrors, mainly due to technical or aesthetic factors. This guide will go over everything you need to know about installing a magnifying mirror inside your medicine cabinets.
Why Designers are Moving Forward With Magnifying Mirrors Built In to Medicine Cabinets
As the industry continues to evolve, more and more new ideas begin to rise to the surface. Of course, one of the more popular new ideas is a medicine cabinet with a built-in magnifying mirror. This is beneficial to a bathroom design for a number of reasons. First of all, efficiency is the first thing that comes to mind in this situation. The combination of two important fixtures in one convenient location is perfect for essentially any design. In addition, the magnifying mirror will be hidden inside of the medicine cabinet.
In short, efficiency and practicality are two of the more important features a high quality bathroom design should be looking for. These two items working in tandem create a comfortable bathroom vanity area without needing to sacrifice space. The more space you have free, the more accessible the area will be.
The Benefits of a Medicine Cabinet
Medicine cabinets alone serve multiple functions in one simple fixture. A medicine cabinet will typically feature two main features, with additional features possible. First of all, medicine cabinets will be primarily used for storage. Depending on the type of medicine cabinet, they will generally be able to hold small items and toiletries commonly used in a vanity area. Secondly, most medicine cabinets will also include a mirror on the door. This mirror can serve as your main bathroom mirror, which is especially effective in smaller bathroom spaces.
What Type of Magnifying Mirror Will Be Used?
If you are thinking of taking on this project, there are a few things you should know before you start the process. Most importantly, you need to know where you want the magnifying mirror to go, and whether or not it is technically appropriate or even possible. This will depend on several key factors. First of all, will your magnifying mirror be lighted or unlighted. This is important because of how the mirror will receive power. In general, there are a few different routes for you to consider.
First, it is important to know how the magnifying mirror in question will be powered. For a convenient option, and perhaps the most effective, a battery powered will be the best way to go. This is because it can be mounted essentially anywhere in the medicine cabinet, provided there is sufficient space. On the other hand, there are hardwired and plug-in versions to consider. These will be a bit trickier due to restrictions that may prevent it from being mounted in a desired location.
Medicine Cabinets With Built-In Magnifying Mirrors
Perhaps the easiest way to go about this process is to find a factory made combination of these items. There are many positives about taking this route, but there are also some cons you should take into consideration. Firstly, let’s go over the benefits of going this route. One of the best things about purchasing it this way is the convenience factor. There is no need for a magnifying mirror installation, making this a great option for those with little to no experience. Another benefit is the lower price than purchasing the two items separately.
In addition, built-in magnifying mirrors in a medicine cabinet reduce the amount of risk and labor involved. Although it won’t be much of an expense, you will not need to hire anybody or risk damaging either item on installation. Because it comes ready to mount, this type of medicine cabinet will be easy to mount in a timely manner. One thing to note is that you will have less freedom as to what type of magnifying mirror and medicine cabinet you have. In some cases, you will have the option to replace the mirror, but not always.
Purchasing Each Fixture Separately
Of course, the option that will give you the most freedom is purchasing each fixture separately. The freedom to choose both individually will allow you to find the perfect combination of finishes and styles that you prefer. It is recommended that you use the same finish for both items to make the combination as seamless as possible. However, you will definitely be able to combine different finishes to create some beautiful contrast. Another thing you should know is that this will likely be the most expensive option. Purchasing these items separately will be sometimes significantly more expensive.
Along with the base price of the mirror and medicine cabinet, you may also have to pay for somebody to perform the installation. That is, if you do not have training or experience in the areas already. However, depending on the installation type, this could be a relatively easy process. This is an incredibly unique and useful bathroom feature.
Mounting a Magnifying Mirror in a Medicine Cabinet: Things to Note
Installing a magnifying mirror in a medicine cabinet needs to be done carefully and correctly. The situation will depend on a series of factors, mainly including lighting and installation of the magnifying mirror. Another thing that will definitely impact the installation is the size of the medicine cabinet itself. Below are the main factors you need to consider before incorporating a magnifying mirror inside of your medicine cabinet.
Magnifying Mirror Installation Type
Depending on the type of magnifying mirror, the ease of implementation into the medicine cabinet will vary. A self adhesive installation will likely be the easiest to perform. If your mirror needs to be installed with hardware, it might be a bit trickier. You must make sure the hardware installation is on a solid and durable surface.
Lighted or Non-Lighted?
Another thing that could be somewhat tricky is whether or not the mirror being used is lighted or not. More importantly, how the mirror is powered. Battery powered mirrors will be very simple in terms of installation because no wires will need to be set. Hardwired or plug-in mirrors will require a bit more work. In some cases, you will likely need an electrician or somebody experienced in the field in order to properly install the mirror.
Magnifying Mirror Size and Shape
This will be more of an aesthetic feature to think about, but it is still important to do it correctly. The shape of the mirror can match or contrast the shape of your medicine cabinet, depending on how uniform you want the area to look. The size will definitely matter however. You need to make sure the size of your magnifying mirror is comfortable, fitting in your medicine cabinet well.
Should Your Magnifying Mirror Have an Arm?
In some cases, you may or may not want your magnifying mirror to have an arm. Because it will be mounted in the medicine cabinet itself, it may not be necessary. However, some situations may benefit from it. If you are mounting it on the door, you may be able to simply install the mirror face. If you want a bit more freedom, a magnifying mirror with an arm might be the way you want to go.
Where the Magnifying Mirror Should Be Placed
In a medicine cabinet, you will be limited in where you can install a magnifying mirror. There are basically two options. You can install it on the inside of the door or on the base of the cabinet. If you plan on using a hardwired mirror, you may want to mount it on the base so it basically has direct access to the wall. Battery power or non-lighted mirrors will give you a bit more freedom.
Magnifying Mirrors Built Into the Medicine Cabinet Mirror
Although installing a magnifying mirror inside a medicine cabinet is a great design trend, you do have another great option. Sometimes, you will be able to find a mirrored medicine cabinet with a built-in magnifying mirror on the face. This is a convenient and effective way to include both a magnifying mirror and a full sized vanity mirror in one item. There are a few pros and cons that need to be considered however.
First of all, the magnifying mirror will not have the same maneuverability as an individual unit will. In a sense, the maneuverability of the mirror is exchanged for the convenience of having it right on the surface of the main mirror. One thing to note is that the magnifying mirror will also force you to sacrifice space on the main medicine cabinet mirror. However, it will likely also be less expensive than purchasing the two items separately.
In Conclusion
Designers are always finding new ways to innovate and improve on current design trends. The minimalist design ideas of today are some of the best you can implement due to how much more comfortable they make the area. The combination of a magnifying mirror and a medicine cabinet is convenient and effective in a high quality bathroom design. All in all, this is one of the best new design trends in bathrooms of all types.