It can seem these days as if you could enter any home, and there would be a lit bathroom mirror there (or if not, the householder is seriously considering buying one).

So, let’s cut through the fluff: do you really need a lit-up bathroom mirror for your own home, or would it be an unnecessary gimmick?

Below, we’ve compared the merits of lit and non-lit bathroom mirrors for different types of users. This is followed by a no-nonsense decision checklist, to help establish whether a lit bathroom mirror would be a wise investment for you, or a pointless splurge.

Do Makeup Wearers Need an Illuminated Bathroom Mirror?

• Lit mirrors can be a gamechanger for makeup wearers, particularly when they provide an option to switch between warm and cool light. While warmer illumination lends itself to flattering selfies, cooler light is more akin to daylight. So, the latter type of light will show your reflection as others will see you when you are out in public.
  
  
• Non-lit mirrors could leave you dependent on ceiling lights or natural light to guide you when applying makeup. That might not be such a big problem if your bathroom has large windows. However, the typical gloomy British weather could mean lighting conditions are often less than ideal for achieving the makeup look you’re seeking.

Do Shavers Need an Illuminated Bathroom Mirror?

• Lit mirrors can be a useful source of focused illumination, thereby helping shavers to spot missed patches and avoid nicks. A lit bathroom mirror that incorporates demister pads can also be practical for when you’re shaving after a shower.
  
  
• Non-lit mirrors will probably suffice for shavers if their bathroom is well-lit already, and if they aren’t necessarily overly fussy about achieving a close shave. If you’re often in a rush and tend to perform quick shaves, and/or your bathroom already has decent overhead or wall illumination, an LED bathroom mirror might feel like a mere “nice to have” rather than essential.

Do Renters Need an Illuminated Bathroom Mirror?

• Lit mirrors generally need to be hardwired, and not all landlords will give permission for this. A qualified electrician therefore normally needs to install it, and their services cost money. Plus, when your tenancy ends, if you fail to remove the bathroom mirror properly, you could risk deductions from your deposit.
  
  
• Non-lit mirrors are probably the most practical option for renters. You might prefer to simply use whatever mirror the landlord has provided in the property, or a cheap wall-mounted one. There’s always the option of adding stick-on LED strips or portable vanity lights to give you greater and more focused illumination, without the need for drilling.

Do Low-Light Households Need an Illuminated Bathroom Mirror?

• Lit mirrors can be a lifesaver in poorly illuminated bathrooms, especially in older flats or terraced properties, which may be dim because they lack windows. Investing in an LED illuminated mirror or a lit-up bathroom mirror cabinet can help the householder save space and hassle, by combining multiple functions in a single unit.
  
  
• Non-lit mirrors can leave the householder struggling with dim and shadowy lighting. You could try to compensate with more wall lighting or clip-on lights, but these can take up space and add clutter, compared to simply buying an illuminated mirror.

Decision Checklist: Is A Lit Bathroom Mirror Worth It?

Are you still unsure whether an illuminated bathroom mirror would be the right choice for your home? If so, ask yourself these questions:

• Is your existing bathroom lighting good enough? If you’re presently dependent on a dim ceiling light, the targeted illumination provided by an LED bathroom mirror could transform how you shave, groom, and apply makeup.
  
  
• Do you carry out detailed grooming tasks? The even and adjustable lighting provided by good-quality LED mirrors can greatly support intricate shaving and skincare routines.
  
  
• How big is your bathroom? Many UK bathrooms can be a on the cramped side. A lit bathroom mirror combines illumination and a mirror, making it ideal for saving space in modestly proportioned abodes.
   
  
• Are you renting? If so, trying to have a lit-up mirror installed – with the associated need for hardwiring and the costs of an electrician – can seem like an expensive hassle. You might therefore prefer the flexibility of non-lit or portable mirrors.

The Verdict

A lit bathroom mirror shouldn’t be considered essential in all circumstances. However, there are some situations in which having such an illuminated bathroom mirror can be close to essential, or at least advantageous – for example, if your existing bathroom lighting doesn’t allow for effective grooming and makeup application.

Would you like to discover what form your new illuminated bathroom mirror or lit-up mirror cabinet could take? If so, our experts at Illuminated Mirrors would be pleased to help and advise when you reach out to us via email or “live chat”.

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