Category Archives: News

What is an IP44-rated illuminated bathroom mirror, and why does it matter?

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Hopefully, you won’t need our team at Illuminated Mirrors to tell you that the use of electrical equipment in a wet space, such as a bathroom, could bring certain perils in the absence of suitable protection – not least a higher risk of electric shock.

It is also true, of course, that many electrical items exist that are designed to be used in a bathroom and similar wet environments. Examples of these include ceiling and wall lighting and extractor fans.

Naturally, these bathroom products incorporate various safety measures. This ensures the items do not pose a risk to someone who uses them in the ways they are meant to be used.

It’s much the same situation when you are on the lookout for an illuminated bathroom mirror for your home, or if you wish to have one crafted to a particular specification.

So, what does it mean when a bathroom mirror is IP44 rated?

To answer this question directly: IP stands for “Ingress Protection”, and an IP rating of 44 means the given item is:

  • Protected against solid objects over 1mm (such as wires), and
  • Protected from water sprays at any angle (such as splashes of water).

Here at Illuminated Mirrors, we are pleased to make available light-up bathroom mirrors that carry an IP44 rating, for the user’s safety and peace of mind.

But what else should potential purchasers of an illuminated bathroom mirror know about IP ratings, and what implications may the rating have for their buying choice? Below, we explain all.

An introduction to the IP rating system

IP, or “Ingress Protection”, ratings are an industry-recognised system. They determine the different degrees of protection of the enclosures of electronic and electrical items against external elements.

The IP ratings system was created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The ratings are defined by the international standard EN 60529 (British Standard BS EN 60529:1992).

You might have noticed from the example given above, that there are typically two digits in an IP rating:

  • The first digit refers to solids – specifically, the level of protection the enclosure provides against the ingress of solid foreign objects
  • The second digit refers to liquids – specifically, the protection of the equipment inside the enclosure from moisture, which may take such forms as submersion, sprays, or drips

IP ratings range from around the mid-20s all the way up to the 60s. The higher a given digit, the higher the level of protection you can depend on the item providing.

If you see a particular IP rating showing an X rather than a digit, this indicates the product hasn’t been tested against dust and solid objects (the first digit) or water (the second digit).

So, where can you place an IP44-rated illuminated bathroom mirror?

To answer this question fully, we need to introduce the concept of bathroom “zones”, as set out in the Wiring Regulations of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Each “zone” in a bathroom will require items that have a certain minimum IP rating:

  • Any area of your bathroom that can hold water – such as the inside of the bath, shower, or sink – can be considered zone 0. A minimum IP67 rating will be needed in such parts.
  • Zone 1 is the area above the bath, shower, and sink up to 2250mm from the floor, and is within 600mm from the water source. A rating of at least IP44 is needed here.
  • Zone 2 is usually either side of zone 1; it is 600mm outside the edge of the bath or shower enclosure, to three metres from the floor. Again, an IP44 rating is the minimum requirement here.

To discuss any of the features and specifications of your next illuminated bathroom mirror, including its standard of ingress protection, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Illuminated Mirrors today. We can work with you to design and craft the bathroom mirror that you have always aspired to have in your home.

A Hollywood Mirror From Us Could Add That Vital Extra Touch Of Glamour To Your Bathroom.

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If you’re anything like a lot of our potential customers here at Illuminated Mirrors, you might have been browsing our website, contemplating your options for a handcrafted, British-made bathroom mirror from us… and then come across our “Hollywood” mirrors.

But what exactly are Hollywood mirrors, and what distinguishes them from just… bathroom mirrors? Below, our experts explain all.

A quick introduction to Hollywood mirrors

Yes, in case you were wondering, the “Hollywood” part of these mirrors’ name very much does refer to Tinseltown, which might give you a clue as to what these mirrors are principally about.

Basically, the term is used for makeup mirrors that incorporate lighting to help the viewer see their face more easily, so that they can apply the makeup and hair products that will produce the most stunning results. As you’ll see when you peruse the Hollywood mirrors in our own range at Illuminated Mirrors, these lights are typically evenly spaced to ensure an even glow.

Hollywood mirrors are a fixture of dressing rooms across the film and TV industries, not just in Hollywood. But until now, you may not have considered the merits of having one created for your bathroom. So, why might our own Hollywood mirrors make excellent sense for your bathroom in the UK?

There’s almost certainly a great option for you among our sophisticated Hollywood mirrors

If you’re considering having a Hollywood mirror designed and produced for your abode in the UK, you might as well go to the UK’s leading manufacturer of them!

As our website shows, we routinely create Hollywood mirrors to suit all manner of spaces in British homes, with our specialities encompassing the best in table-top mirrors, wall-mounted mirrors, and full-length mirrors.

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When it comes to Hollywood mirrors specifically for the bathroom, you might be drawn to such possibilities as a Black Edge or Gold Edge Bathroom Vanity Mirror, incorporating such features as Tri-white variable lighting and Touch sensor/dimmer control.

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Tri-white lighting is a feature whereby you can quickly and easily switch between natural, warm, and cool white light. It is the cool light that is most “practical” for makeup application, as it provides truer colour in the reflection. But the warm light is more flattering, so if you’re delighted with your makeup results, you can simply change to that setting for taking a great-looking selfie (or seven).

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But of course, those are not the only bathroom-oriented Hollywood mirrors in our range. That’s because we are also delighted to make available small, medium, and grand-sized Diamond X Bathroom Hollywood Mirrors.

These Diamond X crystal clear, diamond cut, and corrosion-resistant mirrors also incorporate the aforementioned Tri-white lighting and a Touch-dimmer sensor; in addition, they sport a high-grade aluminium frame that will never rust. What’s more, they are IP44 rated, providing impressive protection against water ingress. Plus, they simply look utterly stunning and glamorous – exactly what anyone wants from a Hollywood mirror.

So, in summary… should you invest in a Hollywood mirror for your bathroom?

This will naturally depend on such aspects as your aesthetic preferences and how you use your bathroom! Hollywood mirrors can, however, be a superb choice for your bathroom, especially if you tend to spend a lot of time in the mirror getting ready – whether for those big nights out, or simply embracing your day.

Remember that here at Illuminated Mirrors, we can help create the bespoke bathroom mirror that perfectly suits even your most demanding requirements! So, for an in-depth discussion about how we can make this a reality for you, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today.

For What Reasons Might You Consider Purchasing An Edge-lit Bathroom Mirror?

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There may have been a time when the lighting on a bathroom mirror would have seemed almost an afterthought for many people looking to invest in such a product.

But of course, times change! Many of today’s homeowners and interior designers rightly recognise a bathroom mirror as a visual and practical centrepiece of this extremely important part of a home.

However, when you are contemplating the possibilities for the lighting on your next bathroom mirror, you might not initially be sure why an edge-lit mirror should be a serious consideration – or even what an “edge-lit” mirror is.

So, in our latest blog article, we will seek to answer many of the questions you are likely to have about the merits of edge-lit mirrors for the bathroom.

So, what is an edge-lit mirror?

As the term suggests, a mirror being “edge-lit” typically means it is adorned with lights around the edge of the unit. Our 360° edge-lit bathroom mirrors here at Illuminated Mirrors, for example, incorporate an LED light border around the perimeter of the front of the mirror.

A few reasons why an edge-lit bathroom mirror may be the right choice for you

The following are just some of the reasons why you might think about the edge-lit option for the lighting on your next bathroom mirror:

  • The “frame” that it provides for your viewing area. The “light border” on this type of mirror can serve as a visually powerful “frame”. An attractive glow is created on the wall, which helps draw the eye to the stunning mirror as soon as someone walks into the bathroom.
  • The sleek and contemporary style. There’s something effortlessly modern-looking about an edge-lit mirror. Indeed, our own finely crafted units at Illuminated Mirrors embody a particular sense of refinement and sophistication.
  • The clear and consistent light. With lighting emanating from the edges of your bathroom mirror, you will be able to more easily see your face from all angles. This will assist you with such tasks as shaving and the application of makeup and skincare products.
  • The easy access to warm and cool light – whatever you need at any given time. You might desire warm (3,000°K) or daylight/cool (5,000°K) light temperatures – regardless, both are available within one 360° edge-lit mirror when you purchase yours from Illuminated Mirrors.
  • The aesthetic and design versatility of our edge-lit mirrors. Whatever your visual and functional preferences and needs may be, we can create an edge-lit mirror that satisfies your very greatest expectations. The options that we present encompass the likes of acrylic edge-lit mirrors with 8.5mm frames, as well as both glowing acrylic edge and frosted edge-lit varieties.

You could be just an email away from discovering that you can have the lighting on your bathroom mirror that you have always dreamed of, befitting the escapist haven so many homeowners wish this part of their abode to be.

Simply contact us now for an in-depth discussion about the possibilities for your edge-lit bathroom mirror – or consult our edge-lit mirrors buying guide for further information and advice.

5 Excellent Reasons To Choose a Backlit Mirror For Your Bathroom

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A backlit mirror is very much what the term sounds like: a mirror with lights mounted on the back, and which illuminate the mirror’s surface, while providing a soft surrounding glow.

These mirrors have gained in popularity lately as options for bathrooms, but they are far from a “here today, gone tomorrow” trend. Quite the opposite – they exude a timeless sophistication, while also offering many potential practical benefits.

Below, then, we have set out just some of the possible advantages of having a backlit mirror installed in your bathroom.

It provides a soft, even glow

We referenced it above, and it is certainly one of the great benefits of a bathroom backlit mirror; a wonderful diffuse glow can be provided from where the lights are fitted. In the case of our backlit mirrors at Illuminated Mirrors, dual-white (CCT) LED lights are incorporated on the reverse of the mirror’s edges.

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The glow helps provide a refined and relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom, which is – after all – a space within your home where you will wish to feel especially contented.

You can choose from a variety of styles for your backlit mirror

Many people particularly associate backlit mirrors with a more “contemporary” look, and it is true that they tend to be sleek and modern in their aesthetic.

However, it is possible to specify a backlit mirror in any of a broad range of styles and sizes – including both framed and frameless options – to cater to whatever “vibe” is desired.

LED lighting in backlit mirrors can deliver energy savings

Choosing a backlit mirror that uses LED lighting will enable you to benefit from greater energy efficiency compared to traditional light bulbs. As a consequence of this, you can also count on the mirror illumination lasting for a while.

And of course, it’s all good for reducing your home’s carbon footprint and better protecting the only planet Earth we have. 

A backlit mirror can even have a shaver socket incorporated into it

Yes, that’s right: on the bottom-right edge of our own backlit mirrors’ frames here at Illuminated Mirrors, near the infrared sensor, a shaver socket is built in. This feature can be used to charge an electric shaver or toothbrush, delivering even greater day-to-day convenience.

The potential option to switch between warm and cold lighting

Dual White Lighting is incorporated as standard in our backlit mirror options at Illuminated Mirrors. This enables the user to easily alternate between warm and cold lighting.

The warmer 3,000K light is the more flattering of the two, which makes it perfect for selfies. If, on the other hand, you need a more practical light giving truer colour in the reflection, you can activate the colder 5,000K option with the press of a button. This can be an excellent light setting for applying makeup, as what you see in your reflection will be what others see when you are out in public.

Please note that not all backlit mirror options on the market will offer this feature, which could be one more reason to source your next bathroom mirror from Illuminated Mirrors.

Would you like to learn more about what that backlit mirror could look like, and the other options we can present as part of our bespoke service? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact our experts today.

Could An Ultra Slimline Mirror Be The Right Choice For Your Bathroom?

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We are great believers here at Illuminated Mirrors in the notion that a bathroom mirror is never “just” a bathroom mirror. After all, even some of the smallest and easiest-to-miss details and features of a light mirror for the bathroom can make a significant difference to how the given mirror looks in the space, and the support it provides to the user’s lifestyle.

You may be reading this because you are in the market for a new bathroom mirror as a resident, or perhaps an interior designer attempting to realise someone else’s dream bathroom space. Regardless, you might have given a lot of thought to the all-round aesthetic of whatever mirror you specify, as well as its dimensions, and whether to opt for landscape or portrait orientation.

But why might you prioritise ordering an ultra slim light mirror for a bathroom? Below, we have set out some of the potential reasons:

  • A slim bathroom mirror can be great for saving space. In bathrooms that are particularly small and narrow, a mirror in “standard” thickness may easily overwhelm the rest of the room. You might be eager to introduce a sense of light and depth to the bathroom with your chosen mirror, but you may not want it to look bulky or inelegant.
  • A slimline bathroom mirror often looks great. In an age in which our smartphones and tablet computers seem to be constantly shedding the pounds while piling on ever-increasing slickness and sophistication, today’s super-slimline bathroom mirrors also get in on this spirit. If you desire a sleek, contemporary look for your bathroom, you might be convinced that an ultra-slim mirror would be the ultimate choice.
  • A slim bathroom mirror can pack in considerable functionality. We’ve come a long way from the days when a slim bathroom mirror was automatically a basic mirror as far as its features were concerned. Our own ultra slim bar LED mirrors at Illuminated Mirrors can incorporate elements like built-in demister pads, sensor switches, and up-to-the-minute lighting technology, to help provide the most convenient experiences.
  • A slimline bathroom mirror can be expertly engineered for the utmost durability. Not so long ago, an obvious argument against investing in an ultra-slim bathroom mirror might have been its susceptibility to breakage. Today’s leading ultra-slim bathroom mirrors, however – made from robust materials such as aluminium, and engineered to the most exacting standards – can be just as tough as the thicker models on the market.

What are the possibilities when you turn to us for a slim bathroom mirror?

Whether you are seeking to specify a mirror for your own bathroom or someone else’s – the latter as an interior designer or contractor – you can expect all the options from our team at Illuminated Mirrors.

That might mean ordering an ultra-slim backlit mirror boasting such features as touch sensor on/off operation and LED temperature control. Or perhaps you are most drawn to our ultra slim dot mirrors with their classic point lights in various styles, or 360° edge-lit mirrors, which incorporate lights carefully positioned around the mirror’s edge to create a clean, even light?

Even super-slim non-illuminated mirrors can be ordered from our team, their overall depth of just 18mm belying their sheer refinement. So, even if you aren’t specifically in the market for a light mirror for your bathroom, we can present exciting options.

Our commitment to an all-round bespoke design service means you can have the very greatest confidence in our team realising the ultimate bathroom mirror for your needs. So, please don’t wait to reach out to us to discuss in greater detail how we could serve your highest expectations when it comes to this imperative element of your bathroom.