How High Should I Hang a Bathroom Mirror?

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If you've just finished tiling your bathroom, chosen the perfect vanity, and now you're standing there, mirror in hand, asking yourself: How high is too high?...been there, done that.

Bathroom mirror height is one of those oddly specific design decisions that can have a weirdly outsized impact. Too low, and you're crouching like you're trying to see your reflection in a puddle. Too high, and you're just admiring your own forehead. Neither is ideal.

Let’s talk about getting it just right.

So... What Height Should a Bathroom Mirror Be?

Alright, let's give you a number straight off the bat - most sources agree that the centre of your bathroom mirror should sit about 57 to 65 inches from the floor. Why? Because that tends to line up with the average person's eye level.

But we know - you're probably not designing for "the average person." Maybe you're tall. Maybe your partner is 5'1". Maybe your kids are constantly climbing the sink like it's an indoor rock wall.

That’s why this isn’t a fixed science. It’s more of a framework.

A Better Rule of Thumb: Work From the Vanity

Rather than measuring from the floor and hoping for the best, most people find it easier to measure up from the vanity unit or sink. A good general guideline is to leave 5 to 10 inches of space between the top of the sink and the bottom of the mirror.

This usually looks proportionate, helps prevent splashes from hitting the mirror (ew), and allows plenty of room for a stylish backsplash if that’s your thing.

And if you’re using a wall-mounted mixer tap or adding a tall accessory like a toothbrush station? You may want to err on the higher side of that range.

Match Mirror Height to Mirror Size

Big mirror? Go a little lower. Small mirror? Maybe bump it up a tad. It’s all about visual balance.

For example, a tall rectangular mirror might need to start a bit lower so it doesn’t dominate the wall space, while a petite round one might look best centred closer to eye level.

You’re aiming for the mirror to sit comfortably within the vertical space - not squashed up at the ceiling like it’s been banished, and not hovering awkwardly above your taps like it's afraid of commitment.

Shared Bathroom? Prioritise Eye Level (But Whose?)

This is where things get a bit subjective. If more than one person is using the space, go for the average eye level between the shortest and tallest users. It’s not always going to be perfect - but if everyone can see their face without hunching or tiptoeing, you’ve done well.

And for full-height mirrors or mirrored cabinets? You’ve got more wiggle room. Just make sure the bottom of the mirror doesn’t cut off the top of your head - that's a strangely common mistake that somehow makes the whole space feel weirdly wrong.

Don't Forget the Lighting

Mirror height isn’t just about where your face lands. It’s also about how light hits you.

If you're using overhead lighting, the mirror needs to reflect enough of your face to be useful - otherwise you're stuck applying eyeliner in shadow, which frankly should be banned.

Better yet, add some integrated lighting. We think backlit designs are chef’s kiss when it comes to blending style with practicality - if that sounds like your thing, explore our LED mirror collection here.

Frame or Frameless?

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A chunky frame can trick the eye and make a mirror look higher or lower than it is. So if you’re going for a dramatic, ornate look (no judgement, we love a little drama), you might want to account for that in your measurements.

Frameless mirrors, on the other hand, tend to blend into the wall a little more - which gives you more freedom to shift things up or down based on comfort rather than just aesthetics.

Mounting Tips

Once you’ve figured out the ideal bathroom mirror height, make sure you install it safely. That means:

  • Using proper wall anchors if you're mounting into plasterboard.
  • Double-checking the mirror is level (unless you're going for a surrealist vibe, in which case... bold choice).
  • Making sure your fittings are rated for the mirror’s weight.

Also worth noting: if you're hanging a mirrored cabinet instead of a flat panel, factor in the door swing and any shelves inside. No one likes opening a cabinet only to smash it into a tap. Or their face.

Style Is Nothing Without Practicality (Sorry, But It's True)

We know. It's tempting to choose aesthetics over logic - to hang that beautiful round mirror at the perfect Instagrammable height. But if your chin’s cut off every time you check your reflection, it’s going to get old fast.

Functionality matters. Especially in the bathroom, where mirrors need to work as much as they need to look good.

If you’re still unsure what style to go for, take a few minutes to explore different types of bathroom mirrors. We cover shapes, sizes, frames, lighting - all the good stuff.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what height the bathroom mirror should be. You’ve got to work with the space you’ve got, the people using it, and how the mirror fits into your overall bathroom vibe.

But if you're roughly centring the mirror between the tap and eye level, keeping proportions in check, and leaving room for lighting, you’re already ahead of the curve. Worst case scenario? You end up adjusting it by a few inches. Not ideal - but also not the end of the world.

Just remember: a well-placed mirror can make a bathroom feel bigger, brighter, and more finished. So yeah - worth getting right.