Bathroom mirror cabinet with lighting: types, recommendations for choosing

It is difficult to imagine a modern bathroom without a mirror. It allows you to evaluate your appearance, to carry out hygienic procedures (shaving, applying and removing makeup). It is also quite difficult to do without a cabinet that allows you to keep your cosmetics and bath accessories in order. A backlit mirror cabinet is an excellent solution that combines both important functional elements.

The compact mirror cabinet fits perfectly into any bathroom size. It will not take up much space, but the comfort of staying in the room will noticeably increase. Interior design will also benefit from such an item. The main thing is to place the element correctly. Hanging the closet too high is not worth it - every family member should see himself in the mirror.

In addition, it should be convenient for everyone to open doors and take items from shelves. But the object should not be located too low either, especially if a place above the washbasin is chosen. Otherwise, you will constantly touch the furniture with your hands.

It is also undesirable to place wall lamps in front of a mirror - the effect will be the same. It is better to mount suspended models on load-bearing walls. This is especially true for massive options. And, of course, great attention should be paid to the reliability and quality of fasteners.

The advantages of buying a cabinet with a mirror are obvious.

• The beauty. Such a piece of furniture will look harmonious in any room.
• Visual effect. The reflective surface creates the illusion of additional space, which contributes to the visual expansion of the room.
• Space saving... Since this element combines both a wardrobe and a mirror, there is no need to allocate space for each of them. This is especially valuable in small rooms.
• Practicality. The inside of the cabinet allows you to store gels, shampoos, toothbrushes, combs and other things you might need in the bathroom. Personal items are hidden from prying eyes, and the room is in perfect order. The mirror allows you to comfortably tidy yourself up. The backlight makes the smallest details visible. Some models are equipped with a built-in socket, which makes the use of electrical appliances (hair dryer, shaver) more convenient.
• Additional light source. The built-in backlight can be used for more than just looking at its reflection. It brightens the room. At the same time, the interior is not overloaded with a large number of lamps.
• Variety of options. Modern manufacturers offer mirror cabinets that differ in shape, design, size, and color scheme. This allows you to find a model suitable for any interior style.
• Ease of care... Keeping your furniture in perfect condition doesn't take a lot of effort. It is enough just to periodically wipe off dust and dirt. It is also advisable to ensure that no water gets on the cabinet. If drops are found on the surface, they should be removed with a dry cloth.
• Affordable cost. The assortment of stores has options in different price categories. A large number of models are quite affordable.

As for the negative aspects, there are practically none. Of course, a backlit cabinet will cost more than a similar model without a built-in light source. However, the practical benefits of this add-on fully justify the difference in price. It can also be noted that if you do not monitor the condition of the furniture, it can quickly lose its attractiveness. But the same can be said for ordinary wardrobes and mirrors. In addition, infrequent wiping of the surface will not cause much trouble even for the laziest person.

The bulk of bathroom mirror cabinets are wall mounted models. However, if you wish, you can find a pencil case with a mirror and lighting, which will stand on the floor.

There are models with one, two, three doors on sale. Of course the more doors and compartments a model has, the larger its size.

Hinged doors can be opened both to the right and to the left. In some cases, a top-mounted hinged panel is more convenient. In both cases it is desirable to have closers that guarantee the smooth movement of parts. Sliding doors are very convenient in operation. In this case, the facade can also move to the right and to the left.

One of the options - completely mirrored facade. This is a pretty effective design option. Such furniture seems weightless, it seems to dissolve in space. The sides can be colored, have the texture of wood or metal. The second option is wardrobe, the facades of which are partially mirrored... For example, one of the doors could be reflective.

The third option is a mirror with a wardrobe. Here the mirror sheet is an independent element. The wardrobe plays the role of an addition. It is usually placed on the side of the reflective surface. Sometimes the mirror is framed on both sides by cupboards with solid facades. There may be a narrow shelf under the reflector for storing small toiletries.

Light elements can be built into the mirror itself. They usually look like luminous stripes, although there are decorative lighting options. Some models have a visor at the top. In this case, point spots (one or more).

Hanging cabinets located on the same wall are usually rectangular (vertical or horizontal), although you can also find square option. The height of vertical products can reach 80 cm. Horizontal products are much lower (from 40 to 50 cm). Such models are chosen by owners of apartments with low ceilings. The middle version is 60 cm.

Despite the small height, horizontal models can be quite wide (up to 100 cm or more). If you wish, you can buy a structure that will occupy the entire width of the wall.

Mirrored pencil cases are narrow but tall cabinets. They stand on the floor and are suitable for creating ambiance in spacious bathrooms. This can be a completely closed design with a mirrored door or a combined version with open shelves.

Such models are chosen for very small spaces. The constructions are compact, allow effective use of an empty corner. Such products are often equipped with lighting in the form of a lamp on a metal support located above the cabinet.

Since the bathroom is a place with high humidity, furniture must be resistant to moisture. Basically, for the manufacture of the frame of mirror cabinets, they use Chipboard and MDF... The second option is a little more expensive, but many prefer it, since no harmful substances are used in its production.

Both options are subject to additional processing. They are covered with a special matte or glossy film.

It is also possible to imitate a natural wood texture or an effective coating with a metallized film.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the mirror itself. If the amalgam contains aluminum, this option is not suitable. Such mirrors are afraid of water. If you try to save money, you will quickly become frustrated with your purchase, and you will find black streaks and stains on the reflective element that cannot be removed with any cleaning agent.

No matter what style of interior you prefer, you can find the right model of the mirror cabinet. For example, for a classic room, manufacturers offer exquisite products with flutes and other decorative elements, vintage beautiful fittings. Usually this is a mirror, framed by cabinets on both sides, although there are also one-sided options. As a coating, you should choose a matte enamel of a milky or beige shade. Illumination can be realized as spots built into the cornice, as well as an elegant lamp on a support.

A wardrobe of simple design will fit into Provence... The material framing the mirror sheet should imitate painted wood. The design of such models also has vintage notes. At the same time, the backlighting does not spoil the style at all. Doors, of course, should only be hinged. In this case, the model can have open shelves and closed compartments.

Modern interior allows for different solutions... In minimalism and hi-tech, cabinets with fully mirrored facades look perfect. The backlight can be built into the mirror sheet or mounted on top in the form of a flat lamp. Furniture opening can be anything but more often the preference is given to sliding options... This allows you to completely abandon the fittings.

Modern gives room for imagination... You can choose a wardrobe with a separate mirror or a combination model.Complementary material can be colored, although most prefer snow-white models. Interesting options with a pattern on the facade, curved unusual shapes.

An excellent solution would be to buy a set of furniture, consisting of from a mirror cabinet and a cabinet with a sink. This will create a harmonious environment. If you purchase all items separately, try to choose laconic models so that there is no "confusion" in the design of one zone.

Many modern manufacturers produce bathroom mirror cabinets. Among them, the company loved by many Ikea... A large assortment of stylish models can be found at Russian brands Alavann, Misty, Vigo, Rush, Santa, Spectrum. Products of Italian and Spanish manufacturers are also popular (for example, Esbano, Alvaro).

Pay attention to the following points when choosing.

• The size. Measure your bathroom before purchasing. Determine where the cabinet will be located, how much space you can allocate for it. Remember that the width of the item above the sink should not be larger than the sink itself.
• Design. Here it is worth focusing on the style of room decoration and personal taste.
• Door opening method. Remember that opening the cabinet with a hinged method requires a lot of space.
• Functionality... Decide what you will store in the closet, whether you need open shelves. Estimate the height and width of the inner compartments.
• Quality... When buying, check the quality and reliability of the fittings, make sure the corner parts are smooth, and there are plastic plugs.

Below, see a video review of the illuminated mirror cabinet.