The short answer
Measure the wall or vanity, decide on the edge (polished, beveled or framed), and plan for outlets and light fixtures, which can be cut out of the mirror. Wall mirrors are usually 1/4 inch glass, mounted with clips or a channel and mirror safe mastic. For gyms and kids’ rooms, use safety backing so the glass holds together if it breaks.
Store bought mirrors come in a handful of sizes. Walls and vanities do not. A custom mirror is cut to the exact space, with holes for outlets and switches where you need them, so it looks like part of the room. Here is how we plan one.
Sizing a bathroom mirror
- Width: most people go either the full width of the vanity for a clean, built in look, or a little narrower so the mirror sits inside the edges of the counter.
- Height: from just above the backsplash up to just below the light fixture, or all the way to the ceiling for a dramatic look in a small bathroom.
- Outlets and switches: these can be cut out of the mirror so the cover plates sit on top of the glass. We measure them on site.
- Medicine cabinets and fixtures: tell us what is staying and what is moving before we measure.
Thickness
For wall and bathroom mirrors, 1/4 inch glass is the standard. It is flat, holds its reflection without waviness and is sturdy enough for large pieces. Thinner glass shows up in closet doors and small framed mirrors.
Edges: polished, beveled or framed
- Polished flat edge: clean and modern, and the most common choice today.
- Beveled edge: an angled border around the mirror that catches the light. Classic look.
- Framed: a separate frame around the glass, often to match fixtures or cabinets.
How it goes on the wall
Most wall mirrors are held by clips or a channel along the bottom, sometimes with adhesive behind them. The adhesive matters more than people think. Only mirror mastic should touch the back of a mirror. The wrong construction adhesive can attack the silver backing and leave dark spots that show through the face of the glass over time. We also check that the wall is flat, because a mirror on a wavy wall reflects the waves.
If your mirror has black spots creeping in from the edges, it is the silver backing failing, and no amount of cleaning will fix it.
Wall mirrors and mirror sets, measured and cut on site.
Home gym and dance mirrors
- Safety backing: a film on the back holds the pieces together if a mirror gets hit by a weight or a ball. We strongly recommend it for gyms and kids' rooms.
- Seamed panels: full walls are usually done in panels with tight seams, sized to fit through doors and up stairs.
- Height: many gym mirrors start a little off the floor to stay clear of dropped weights and the vacuum.
- Flat wall: even more important on a big wall, where small bumps become obvious distortion.
We measure on site, cut the mirror to fit and install it. Bathrooms, closets, gyms, dance rooms and full walls.
Why bathroom mirrors get black edges
The black creep along the bottom of bathroom mirrors is called desilvering. Moisture and cleaners that run down the glass and sit on the bottom edge get behind the coating and eat it away. To slow it down, spray the cloth instead of the mirror, and dry the bottom edge after cleaning. Once it starts, replacing the mirror is the only real fix.
Taking down an old mirror
Old glued on mirrors can be dangerous to pull off. The glass can crack under the pressure, and the adhesive often takes drywall paper with it. We remove old mirrors as part of the job, then patch and prep the wall for the new one.
Mirrors are one part of what we do. If the room also needs a window repaired or replaced, see residential glass repair and installation.
Quick answers
Can you mirror an entire wall?
Yes. Full wall mirrors are done in panels with tight seams. For home gyms and dance rooms we recommend safety backing.
Can you cut holes in a mirror for outlets and switches?
Yes. We measure outlets, switches and fixtures on site and cut the openings so the cover plates sit on top of the mirror.
How thick should a bathroom mirror be?
For wall and bathroom mirrors, 1/4 inch glass is the standard. It stays flat and gives a clean reflection.
Can you remove my old builder grade mirror?
Yes. We take down old mirrors, including glued on ones, and prep the wall for the new mirror.