Unusual Bathroom Mirror Ideas: Alternative Designs that Make a Statement
Photo credit: Arteriors
Mirrors are one of my favourite design elements in a bathroom because they offer the perfect combination of style and function, and, these days, you can get really creative and make them your primary design statement. You no longer need an uninteresting rectangular piece of glass or a glazed cabinet, as there are so many different designs to suit every style of bathroom. From sleek, modern smart mirrors complete with LED lights and dimming controls to ornate vintage styles, an attractive mirror can completely change the feel of the bathroom from a utilitarian room into a beautifully styled space. And you don’t necessarily need to stick to just one. A second mirror placed elsewhere in the bathroom works well as a focal point above a bath or on another wall, as you will see in some of the images I have featured.
Bathroom mirrors are essential for everyday routines, but they also make a space feel bigger and reflect light around the room. Unless you want your mirror to light up and include other smart features, almost any mirror will do. The Arteriors mirror pictured here, for example, brings a sense of elegance to the space, working as a decorative feature in the bathroom yet it would look just as stunning above a fireplace.
In this article, I’ve gathered together a variety of mirrors to share with you, including one from my own home and a few from houses that I have styled and photographed for interiors magazines. I’ll also share a selection of decorative mirrors that caught my eye from different companies. Each design shown has its own charm, whether it’s the shape, frame, material, or the way it has been styled in the space. I have commented on what I like about each mirror, from its design details to how it works within the wider bathroom scheme. If you are looking for ideas and inspiration to elevate your bathroom then do visit my recent article: Clever Bathroom Ideas to Transform your Bathroom.
Photo credit: Calypso
Unusual bathroom mirror styles
Mirrors come in so many styles, but I have loosely grouped them into categories so you can see at a glance the different designs of mirrors featured in this article. Pictured above is the gold-edged Marbella mirror by Calypso that has a timeless elegance. Yet, with its rounded corners and backlighting, it has that contemporary feel.
Vintage styles - can be hung as they are or painted in alternative colours to complement your bathroom interior scheme.
Natural woven mirrors - woven straw or rattan mirrors are a lovely way to bring texture and a natural element into your bathroom.
Organic shapes - these are sculptural and fluid. They come in pebble, scalloped, wavy and asymmetrical designs and help to break up the angular forms of bathroom vanities, tiling and shower units.
Illuminated and smart models - these mirrors are often backlit with LED lighting and feature discreet buttons on the glass so you can dim the lights or clear the mist.
Curved contours and rounded contemporary mirrors - squares and rectangular models with softened edges create a more modern look while retaining a simple shape.
Art deco styles - hexagons or multi tiered mirrors can bring the glamour and geometry to the bathroom.
Gilded vintage mirror revamped with black varnish
I sourced this mirror from a second-hand shop and turned an inexpensive find into a standout bathroom feature. It originally had a gilded frame with ornate detailing, but the paint was peeling and overall it looked rather tired.
Rather than simply repainting it, I decided to give it a bold new lease of life with a coat of black boat varnish. The high-gloss finish gave the frame a striking sheen, and created a perfect juxtaposition with the rugged wooden top and rustic basin. It also provides contrast and depth against the white tongue and groove wall.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Smart techno pill-shaped mirror
You can now have a mirror that combines beautiful design with smart functionality, like the brushed brass pill-shaped mirror pictured here from Tavistock Bathrooms, which boasts innovative technology in the form of three touch sensors to dim the light or demist the mirror.
The design goes beyond the pill shape, too, with its distinctive mounting style at the top and bottom of the mirror. Its simple contemporary style works perfectly with the terracotta tiles and checkerboard pattern as a refined piece. The tap and mixers are also in brushed brass, giving the bathroom a cohesive feel.
Photo credit: Tavistock Bathrooms
Organic shaped mirrors as a trio
Why have one mirror when you can have three? This bathroom is already so luxurious with its gorgeous gold accents, and the trio of mirrors by Boca do Lobo, in organic shapes, completes the look beautifully. They’re elegant and unexpected, turning a functional item into a striking design feature.
Grouping mirrors of any shape really works, especially if they are different sizes, like the ones pictured here. Together, they become far more than just mirrors and create a real statement wall.
Photo credit: Caffe Latte
Woven straw circular mirror
Woven mirrors made from natural materials like rattan and straw have become very popular over the last few years. I photographed this bathroom for Elle Decoration Country. The basin is a beautiful, traditional French-style console, but it was the mirror that really caught my eye.
The grass frame introduces a natural texture that feels both modern and a little bit country, and works beautifully in this elegant bathroom. I love woven mirrors like this because they suit almost every scheme but look particularly striking against a plain white wall. I now have a group of three different sizes on display in my own home.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
Architectural Art Deco mirror
I often think of Art Deco when I look at mirrors, as they evoke the glamour of this era and form an important part of interiors. So it’s no surprise that there are many Art Deco‑inspired mirrors in geometrical, symmetrical shapes, like the stepped design here by Original Style. Its layered edges give it a strong architectural quality and a definitive look.
It works perfectly in this Art Deco‑style bathroom with Crystal lights and decorative tiling. However, an Art Deco‑style mirror would also bring a touch of glamour and character to many more modern bathrooms.Photo credit: Original Style
A vintage mirror reimagined in soft green
Interior stylist Clare Southcombe-Holmes loves a design challenge, and is always updating and reinventing her interiors. Having found the French-style mirror in a thrift store, she painted it off-white, then refreshed it a couple of years later in a subtle soft green.
To complete the look, Clare added wall lights and styled the bathroom with dishes, attractive product bottles, and a green vase to echo the colour of the mirror. I think the new colour makes the detailing pop even more, while the wall lights frame it beautifully. If you would like to take a home tour and see more of Clare’s stylish rooms in my feature: An Interior Stylist’s Vintage-filled Vacation Home
Photocredit: Sandra van Aalst
Repurposed Crittall Window as a mirror
This unique repurposed window mirror is unfortunately not something you can buy, but it's a brilliant example of how you can create an unusual bathroom mirror.
I photographed it in the same barn as the small metallic mirror featured later in this article, and it’s been featured in several magazines. The homeowner salvaged the original Crittall window frames and replaced the panes with mirrored glass.
It is a genius idea because it gives the illusion of an actual window while also reflecting the light around the room. The frame gives that industrial feel and is a true architectural feature in the bathroom.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Vintage mirror displayed in another part of the bathroom
Positioned above the bath but to one side, this ornate antique mirror makes such a striking statement. Its brass timeworn frame contrasts beautifully with the sleek, minimal lines of the bath and brings character to the space.
I photographed and styled this new build in Los Angeles. The house itself was ultra-contemporary, but the homeowners had layered in vintage and antique pieces to create contrast with the modern architecture.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Hexagon shaped ornate mirror
Instead of choosing a predictable round mirror, you could opt for an octagonal shape. However, if you look closely, you’ll see that the mirror pictured here is actually round, with octagonal detailing inside, which gives it an interesting twist.
I love how the bold black-and-gold geometric pattern of this mirror by Maison Valentina adds contrast and glamour to the room. Its jewel-like tortoise design also taps into the current Art Deco revival, making it feel distinctive as well as decorative.
Photo credit: Maison Valentina
Sunburst mirror above the bath
This sunburst mirror is my own, pictured here in the bathroom of the house I designed and had built. I love how it complements the brushed steel bath, while it adds a touch of glamour to the room’s rustic style.
It now hangs above a sofa in my new house and works just as well which goes to show that, unless you want smart features, you don’t have to stick to a bathroom mirror.
The mirror was from Graham & Green many years ago and is an Art Deco-style retro piece. Having moved several times, it’s become slightly damaged, but I don’t mind. I think the wear and tear gives it a charming, more vintage-like feel.
Photo: Sandra van Aalst
Vintage Moroccan mirror cabinet
This traditional Moroccan mirror cabinet was photographed in the London house owned by artist Armi Maddison and appeared in Modern Rustic magazine. As you can see from this bathroom, the house is full of creative ideas.
I love how Armi paired the vintage mirror with a contemporary sink and industrial-style plumber’s taps, giving the space a wonderfully eclectic edge. Another clever feature is an old ladder repurposed as a towel rack, although the mirror still takes centre stage.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Matching wavy edged mirrors
These bespoke mirrors are a lovely detail in this classic bathroom by Parker Howley & Co and look particularly impressive as a pair. The wavy edges contrast beautifully with the clean lines of the vanity and shower unit, adding interest and giving the whole space a timeless yet fresh feel.
You could also envisage one oversized rectangular mirror in the space above the vanity, but displaying two identical mirrors above each basin creates a sense of balance and a feeling of height to the bathroom.
Photo: Parker Howley & Co
An oversized ornate mirror
This bathroom in a Portuguese coastal villa was featured in Casa magazine, with the vast, ornately shaped mirror undoubtedly the standout feature. This vacation home is owned by Maria Myers, who also styled the rooms for the shoot.
I’m always encouraging people to go larger with mirrors when they have space, and this is a perfect example of how its sheer scale makes a statement.
Paired with the elegant freestanding tub, soft neutral tones, and natural textures, the mirror helps create a beautiful, serene bathroom. Look out for my forthcoming feature on Casa Allegra for more beautifully styled rooms.
Photo credit: Maria Myers
A small metallic mirror paired with rustic elements
In contrast to the oversized mirrors in this article, I want to show you how a small mirror can still create a impact. This mirror brings a touch of metallic glamour into what is otherwise quite a rustic farmhouse bathroom.
The beamed ceiling and rough-hewn wooden countertop give it an earthy feel, but the mirror adds enough shine to lift the whole look, complementing the copper basin and taps. Adding something metallic or shiny to any interior introduces different texture into any interior scheme and mirrors are one of the key elements to do this. To find out more about the key interior elements to bring into a room head over to my article: Stylish Interior Elements to Elevate your Home: from curves and metallic finishes, to lighting and foliage.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Bathroom mirror FAQ’s
Can I have more than one mirror in a bathroom?
Yes. Although a mirror above the basin is a necessity, you can also place one above a bath as a mirror can also help bounce light around the room and make it feel more spacious.
Does a bathroom mirror need to be centred?
If you are placing your mirror above your basin, if it is centred it gives a balanced, symmetrical look, but an off-centre mirror on another wall can look much more interesting.
Will a vintage or antique mirror be OK in a bathroom?
It will be, but you need to consider moisture and ventilation with a fan or windows, as a really delicate antique frame may not be suitable for a humid room. Place your mirror high enough so it doesn't get splashed.
Should a bathroom mirror have lighting?
It does not have to, as you can place wall sconces either side which can look more stylish. An illuminated bathroom mirror can be practical and come in gently backlit models, but are less decorative and more modern in design.
LET’S SUM UP
I hope you are inspired by the alternative styles and perhaps find a few ideas to help you choose your own unusual bathroom mirror. If you would like to read more about ideas and inspiration to elevate your bathroom, head over to my recent article: Clever Bathroom Ideas to Transform your Bathroom.
Hi, I'm Sandra van Aalst – interior stylist, writer, photographer and Sunday Times bestselling author.
Having worked freelance for magazines including Elle Decoration and House Beautiful, in my blog posts I share inspiring home tours, practical styling ideas and decorating tips to help you create a home that feels beautiful, personal and pulled together.
I also take you on tours of beautifully styled homes from around the world, offering inspiration and styling ideas to steal for your own space. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level.
