12 February 2025
1. Aesthetics and Mirror Design
- Style: The mirror’s frame, shape, and finish should align with the architectural and design style of the overall interior (e.g., modern washroom, minimalist washroom, traditional, or industrial).
- Framed or Frameless: Architects should consider whether framed mirrors or frameless mirrors work best for the washroom.
- Shape: Modern rectangle mirrors, circular mirrors, pill-shaped mirrors, or large custom mirrors cut to size can contribute to the design’s uniqueness.
- Mirror Sizes and Proportion: Washroom mirrors should be appropriately scaled to the space to ensure balance and visual harmony.
We recommend 600mm, 800mm, or 1000mm as an appropriate size for a circle mirror, 1000mm (height) x 500mm (width) for a pill mirror, and 600mm x 700mm to 1200mm x 700mm for a rectangular mirror.
Explore Commercial Washroom Mirrors.
2. Practicality and Functionality
Commercial washroom mirrors may be chosen for practical uses (e.g., grooming, wayfinding) or decorative purposes (e.g., creating an illusion of space, reflecting light).
Architects should also evaluate the position of washroom mirrors to ensure they serve their function effectively (e.g., above washbasins, wash troughs, or as feature walls in end-of-trip facilities or public washrooms).
3. LED lit mirrors
We have noticed that an LED mirror for washroom designs is trending.
The built-in LED lights provide an even, soft illumination that reduces shadows, making tasks like grooming and makeup application easier. The lighting is energy-efficient, consuming less power than traditional bulbs while lasting significantly longer.
The ideal LED Lumens for washroom mirrors is 700 Lm per minute with a colour temperature of 3000K (Kelvin) for the light. 3000K produces a warm white light which has a soft, slightly yellowish tone, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere, often preferred in superloo layouts and hospitality settings.
We also recommend that illuminated washroom mirrors have an Ingress Protection rating of 44 (IP44) as this grade of protection can withstand water splashes and is suitable for moist and wet environments.
4. Mirror Material and Durability
High-quality, distortion-free glass ensures clear reflections, while anti-corrosion special finishes, such as Ceramic coating, are essential, particularly in humid areas like end-of-trip facilities.
Powder coating is also a popular option, offering seamless integration with other washroom fittings that have been coated with PPC.
5. Integration with SMART Washroom Technology
Architects might want to explore mirror systems with SMART technology. Behind Mirror Systems go beyond simple reflection, integrating advanced features such as lighting, sensors, and refill alert capabilities.
Designed as the ultimate all-in-one commercial washroom solution, these systems discreetly house soap cartridges or bottles, behind mirror hand dryers, behind mirror paper towel dispensers, and behind mirror taps, creating a seamless and efficient washroom experience.
6. Compliance and British Standards
Compliance with accessibility standards is crucial when selecting and positioning commercial washroom mirrors, particularly in relation to Approved Document M regulations in the UK and BS8300-2:2018.
According to these guidelines, Doc M mirrors should be positioned to accommodate both standing and seated users, typically installed with the bottom edge no higher than 600mm from the floor and the top edge at least 1600mm to allow clear visibility.
Click here to learn more about Doc M mirror regulations.
Mirrors for washroom projects
When specifying washroom mirrors, architects must consider aesthetics, functionality, durability, and compliance to ensure they enhance both the washroom design and user experience.
From selecting the right shape and mirror size to incorporating LED lighting and behind mirror systems with integrated SMART technology, every detail contributes to a well-designed and efficient commercial washroom.
By carefully evaluating these factors, architects can create public and commercial washrooms that are not only visually appealing but also practical, inclusive, and built to withstand the demands of commercial use.