A bathroom vanity mirror should be 70 to 100 per cent of the vanity width and never wider than the vanity itself. Hang it 100 to 200mm above the benchtop so the centre sits near eye level, around 1500 to 1650mm from the floor.
Those two rules cover most bathrooms. The rest of this guide shows the exact numbers for each vanity size, plus what changes for double vanities, round mirrors and mirror cabinets.
- Mirror width: 70 to 100 per cent of the vanity width
- Gap above benchtop: 100 to 200mm
- Mirror centre height: 1500 to 1650mm from the floor
- Top of mirror: 1850mm or more from the floor
- Round mirror diameter: 60 to 80 per cent of the vanity width
- Gap between two mirrors: 100mm or more
How Wide Should a Vanity Mirror Be?
Your mirror should be the same width as the vanity or slightly narrower. Most sizing guides land between 70 and 100 per cent of the vanity width.
A mirror that is wider than the vanity looks top heavy. A mirror that is much narrower than 70 per cent tends to look lost on the wall.
Measure the vanity cabinet, not the benchtop overhang. Then use the table below to find your range.
| Vanity width | Rectangular or arch mirror width | Round mirror diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 600mm | 450 to 600mm | 400 to 450mm |
| 750mm | 550 to 750mm | 450 to 600mm |
| 900mm | 650 to 900mm | 550 to 700mm |
| 1200mm | 850 to 1200mm | 750 to 950mm |
| 1500mm | 1050 to 1500mm, or two mirrors | Two at 500 to 600mm |
| 1800mm | 1300 to 1800mm, or two mirrors | Two at 600 to 700mm |
Quick check: Multiply your vanity width by 0.7 to get the smallest mirror that will look balanced. Your vanity width is the largest.
How High Should You Hang a Vanity Mirror?
Hang the mirror so its bottom edge sits 100 to 200mm above the benchtop. This keeps splashes off the glass and leaves room for tapware.
The centre of the mirror should land near eye level. For most adults that is 1500 to 1650mm from the floor.
Most Australian vanities are 850 to 900mm high. That puts the bottom of the mirror at roughly 950 to 1100mm from the floor.
A short mirror may not reach eye level from that starting point. If the two rules clash, raise the mirror until its centre sits near eye level.
Check the top edge too
Aim for the top of the mirror to reach 1850mm or more from the floor. This keeps the face of a taller person in view without bending.
A mirror that is 900mm tall will reach that mark at any standard hanging height. A shorter mirror may need to hang a little higher to suit everyone in the house.
Tall taps and wall mounted taps
Tall basin mixers need extra room. Leave at least 50mm between the top of the tap and the bottom of the mirror.
Wall mounted taps sit where the mirror would normally start. Hang the mirror 50 to 100mm above the tap body, or choose a shorter mirror.
| Measurement | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Benchtop to bottom of mirror | 100 to 200mm |
| Top of tap to bottom of mirror | 50mm or more |
| Floor to centre of mirror | 1500 to 1650mm |
| Floor to top of mirror | 1850mm or more |
What Size Mirror for a Double Vanity?
A double vanity gives you two good options. You can hang one wide mirror across the whole vanity, or one mirror above each basin.
One large mirror
A single mirror should be 70 to 100 per cent of the vanity width, just like a single vanity. On a 1500mm vanity that means a mirror between 1050 and 1500mm wide.
One large mirror bounces more light around the room. It also makes a narrow bathroom feel wider.
Two separate mirrors
Centre each mirror over its basin, not over each half of the vanity. Each mirror should be about as wide as the basin below it, or a little wider.
Leave a clear gap between the two mirrors, with 100mm or more as a good starting point. Keep the outer edges inside the ends of the vanity.
One large mirror
- Reflects the most light
- Makes the room feel bigger
- Only one item to hang and level
- Less room for wall lights between basins
Two mirrors
- Gives each person a clear zone
- Leaves space for a centre wall light
- Suits arch, oval and round shapes
- Needs careful measuring to line up
Sizing by Mirror Shape
The width rule works for every shape, but each shape reads a little differently on the wall. Here is how to adjust.
Rectangular mirrors
Rectangular mirrors can run the full width of the vanity. A mirror that is 50 to 100mm narrower in total gives a neat border on each side.
Arch mirrors
Arch mirrors are taller than they are wide, so they suit rooms with good ceiling height. Stay within 70 to 90 per cent of the vanity width so the curve has room to breathe.
Round mirrors
Round mirrors look best at 60 to 80 per cent of the vanity width. A round mirror shows less of you at the edges, so do not go too small.
Oval and pivot mirrors
Oval mirrors are often narrower than they are tall, which makes them a strong pick for 600mm vanities and powder rooms. Pivot and tilt mirrors can be angled, so they work well in homes with people of different heights.
Mirror Cabinet Sizing
A mirror cabinet should match the vanity width or sit slightly narrower. Matching widths give a clean, built in look.
Cabinets stick out from the wall, usually by 120 to 160mm. Check that the doors can open without hitting a tall tap or a wall light.
A cabinet sits closer to your face than a flat mirror. Check that you can lean over the basin without bumping it, and hang it a little higher if you need to.
Before you buy: Measure the gap between the top of your tap and the bottom of the cabinet door. You need the door to swing freely over the tap.
Leaving Room for Wall Lights
Wall lights on each side of the mirror give the most even light on your face. Plan for them before you choose a mirror width.
Leave a clear gap between the mirror edge and each light so the fittings do not look squeezed. If wall space is tight, choose a mirror from the lower end of your width range.
A light above the mirror needs space too. Leave a gap of about 50mm or more between the top of the mirror and the base of the fitting.
How to Measure for a Vanity Mirror
You only need a tape measure and some painter's tape. Follow these steps in order.
- Measure the vanity width. Measure the cabinet from side to side.
- Work out your width range. Multiply the vanity width by 0.7 for the smallest size.
- Mark the bottom edge. Measure 100 to 200mm up from the benchtop, clear of the tap.
- Mark the top edge. Check it reaches 1850mm or more from the floor and sits clear of the ceiling.
- Check for obstacles. Look for windows, power points, wall lights and door swings.
- Tape the outline. Mark the mirror shape on the wall with painter's tape and stand back.
Common Vanity Mirror Mistakes
- Mirror wider than the vanity: this makes the vanity look too small for the wall
- Hanging too high: shorter people and children cannot see themselves
- Centring on the wall: always centre the mirror on the basin or vanity instead
- Forgetting the tap: tall mixers can clash with the mirror or cabinet door
- No room for lights: a full width mirror leaves nowhere to mount side lights
Suggested Mirrors by Vanity Size
These mirrors and cabinets match the size ranges in this guide. Each one lists the vanity width it suits best.
Leda Oval 48x60cm Tilt Mirror, Matte Black
$219.56
- 48 x 60cm oval, sized for a 600mm vanity or powder room
- Adjustable frame tilts to your viewing angle
- Matte black finish
Arch Mirror 600 x 900mm Frameless
$115.01
- 600mm wide x 900mm high, suits a 750mm vanity
- 5mm glass with a polished pencil edge
- Copper free to prevent corrosion
Pino 90x60cm Framed Mirror, Acacia Tan
$155.40
- Hangs horizontally or vertically
- 900mm wide on its side for a 900mm to 1200mm vanity, or 600mm wide upright for a 600mm to 750mm vanity
- Timber veneer and plywood frame
Arch Mirror 900 x 1050mm Frameless
$205.00
- 900mm wide x 1050mm high, suits a 1200mm vanity
- 5mm glass with a polished pencil edge
- Copper free to prevent corrosion
Shaker 90cm Timber Mirror Cabinet, White
$789.00
- 90cm cabinet to pair with a 900mm vanity
- Adjustable shelves behind bevelled glass mirrors
- Solid timber with a white finish
OC Classique 1500mm White Mirror Cabinet
$1,599.00
- 1500mm cabinet to pair with a 1500mm double vanity
- One full width cabinet in place of two mirrors
- White finish
See the full range of bathroom mirrors and medicine cabinets for more sizes and finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a bathroom mirror be the same width as the vanity?
It can be the same width or slightly narrower. Aim for 70 to 100 per cent of the vanity width and never go wider than the vanity.
What size mirror suits a 900mm vanity?
A rectangular or arch mirror between 650 and 900mm wide suits a 900mm vanity. For a round mirror, choose a diameter of 550 to 700mm.
What size mirror suits a 1200mm vanity?
Choose a mirror between 850 and 1200mm wide for a 1200mm vanity. A round mirror should be 750 to 950mm across.
How high above the vanity should a mirror hang?
Leave 100 to 200mm between the benchtop and the bottom of the mirror. The centre of the mirror should sit 1500 to 1650mm from the floor.
Is one mirror or two better for a double vanity?
Both work well. One large mirror reflects more light, while two mirrors give each person a clear zone and leave room for a centre wall light.
Can a mirror be taller than it is wide?
Yes, tall mirrors suit narrow vanities and rooms with high ceilings. Leave a clear gap between the top of the mirror and the ceiling.
Related Guides
- Bathroom Vanity Size Guide - how to choose the right vanity width, depth and height
- Bathroom Basin Size Guide - basin dimensions to suit your vanity and benchtop
- Bathtub Size Guide - standard bath dimensions and how to choose the right fit
- Bathroom Lighting Ideas - ways to light your vanity, mirror and the rest of the room
- Luxury Bathroom Design Trends - looks and finishes to inspire your next bathroom
