There’s no doubt that one of the most important functionality elements in your bathroom is the mirror. Not only does it help you see what you’re doing when you’re putting on mascara in the morning, it can be a good way to make the whole space look roomier than it really is. Even the shape and size of your mirror can be a focal point or act as wall art in the room.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how much space they need between double vanity mirrors. This can be a complicated question, as the exact space generally depends on the shape of the mirrors you’re hanging and the overall width of your vanity. Plus, you’ll need to take into consideration the width of the framing and other similar elements.
And the general size and layout of the room can make a difference, too. It isn’t always practical to hang a mirror right over a vanity and there are alternative options available in those situations.
But there are a few basic rules you can keep in mind for optimum placement. Here’s what you need to know about the space between double vanity mirrors and why it is so important to have symmetry.
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The General Rule on Bathroom Vanity Mirrors
When it comes to most bathroom spaces, you want to make sure you have adequate spacing between bathroom vanity mirrors. However, the size of the mirror itself is what usually dictates the gap between them and not any set guideline.
The general rule on this depends on the type of vanity you’re using. For example:
- Single Bathroom Vanities: Choose mirrors that are at least two inches smaller in width than the vanity you are hanging it over. This means that a 30-inch vanity would need a mirror no bigger than 28-inches.
- Double Bathroom Vanities: If you have two sinks on a large vanity, you’ll want to use the bowl size as your measuring point for your two mirrors. Two 30-inch sinks would need mirrors that were 28-inches or smaller.
- One Large Mirror: Another option is just one large mirror, which should still be two-inches smaller than the overall size of the double vanity.
Once you’ve figured out the correct size mirror for your vanity situation, then you’ll need to determine height. Realistically, the only big restriction here is how far up from the countertop you need to go. In most cases, as long as you have two inches of space, your placement is good. But, again, this can be dependent on the overall length of the mirror itself.
Shape of the Mirror Matters
It’s important to not assume that all bathroom vanity mirrors are rectangular or square. Many beautiful designs come in different shapes, such as oval, round, or even hexagonal. Finding the right spacing on these mirrors doesn’t necessarily come down to a quick measurement based on the size of the vanity.
If you’re using mirrors that are round or oval, you can use the diameter to help choose size and overall spacing. The distance between the two mirrors should be equivalent to the gap between the sinks.
For situations where there is only one sink, mount the first one two- to three-inches from the far left edge of the vanity. Then place the other two- to three-inches from the right side of the vanity. The gap between should be equidistant once you’ve done this.
And there’s always the option to just eyeball the distance if the mirrors are uniquely shaped. While you want to use a leveling tool to make sure the mirrors are somewhat straight, there’s no hard or fast rule on spacing mirrors that have other than standard shapes or are both different.
Lighting Placement is Also Key
Another element you want to take into consideration is lighting placement. Deciding on what light fixtures to use is just as important as how much space between double vanity mirrors.
If you’re using a light bar, you’ll want that to line up centered on the space between the hanging mirrors. This will give a visually pleasing look that makes everything seem tidy and balanced.
However, sconces provide a different set of circumstances that you need to pay attention to. Sconce mounting should be equidistant on both sides of the vanity mirrors. That means if you’re mounting the sconce on the far left two inches from the longest edge of the mirror, you’ll need to add the opposite sconce two inches to the right of the same mirror. Then repeat for the second mirror.
And, to make things even a little more complicated, you can even opt to use only one sconce on the left of the vanity and one sconce on the right for a total of two light fixtures. Just make sure you’ve used a level to ensure they’re mounted at the same vertical level, which is a faux pas that many people struggle with that really diminishes the look of a put together bathroom.
One Large Mirror or Two Smaller Mirrors?
Of course, if you want to save yourself the hassle of having to space the mirrors altogether, consider using one large mirror in lieu of two smaller mirrors. This eliminates the need to know how much space to put between double vanity mirrors while offering a maximum reflective surface.
For this process, you’ll want to choose a mirror that is a total of four inches shorter in length than the total of your vanity space. For example, a long rectangular vanity measuring 60-inches would need a mirror that is 56-inches in length.
Measure and mount the mirror so that there are two inches of remaining space on the left and the right of the where the mirror sits on the wall compared to the ends of the vanity cabinet itself. This will give you that balanced and even look you need for a cohesive appearance.
If you’re using one large mirror with two separate vanities, make sure to take into account the space in between them when figuring out the entire width of the vanity space for choosing a mirror length.
Suspended Mirrors When There’s No Wall for Hanging
Sometimes, there’s a layout situation where hanging mirrors for a double vanity is logistically impossible. This can be a bathroom where the wall protrudes out, there’s a window in the way, or simply there just isn’t enough space for hanging.
(Hint: This is probably going to be a bathroom that wasn’t original to the house and was an afterthought when a closet or corner of a room was turned into another bathroom or half-bathroom.)
In that case, consider suspended mirrors as a possible option. This is where the mirror is either suspended from the ceiling or from rods that come up from the vanity itself. For some designs, the mirror can be suspended on a vertical rail and slides across the space, almost like a barn door.
Instances where suspended mirrors are the best option are generally rare. However, it is a good solution to be aware of, especially if you have a space that is a bit unusual and you still want all the benefits of having nice looking vanity mirrors.
Conclusion: How Much Space Do You Need Between Double Vanity Mirrors?
The question of how much space do you need to put between double vanity mirrors isn’t always an easy one to answer. The size and shape of the bathroom, your lighting choices, and even the type of vanity you’re using all remain factors in where and how you mount your piece.
But, for standard circumstances, you can easily remember to choose a mirror that is two inches smaller on each side of the vanity. By lining up your mirror with the corresponding left or right vanity, the space between will be equivalent to the space between your vanities.
