How to connect an illuminated mirror with a socket in the bathroom?

How to make a mirror frame yourself

The most popular material for the frame is the finishing materials left over after the renovation: platbands from doors, windows and trimming of skirting boards, especially ceiling ones. The latter are great for do-it-yourself frames, because they are easy to cut, stick together, any paint can fit well on them, and the material is durable.

Rococo mirror frame

ADVICE: If you want to repaint or age the skirting board (or any other material), do it in advance so as not to spoil the mirror later.

1. Measure the mirror and use a construction saw to cut the plinths you need to size at an angle of 45 ° C or cut in a straight line (depending on which joint you prefer: oblique or straight).

2. Previously, using silicone sealant, glue the base to the mirror - a sheet of plywood (determine the size based on the size of the mirror and the width of the frame). This is not necessary, but remember that it is easier to glue the frame to plywood or thick cardboard than to glass.

3. Glue the skirting board joint to joint and press down the entire structure with a load (distribute it evenly over the entire mirror so that it does not crack) and leave it for 24 hours for better adhesion.

4. If a mirror with a frame is horizontal, hang it on the wall (choose a mounting method based on the weight of the mirror, for example, a small one will stick on mounting tape, and a large one - with "liquid nails", if the mirror is vertical, it will look good on the floor against the wall.

Frame for wood mirror and skirting board

Illuminated mirror: options

Outdoor lighting continues to be the most popular. It can be provided with spotlights, small sconces or modern adjustable fixtures. They are placed in the immediate vicinity of the mirror or cut into its zone. By means of external lighting, it is possible to illuminate not only a round, square or other shaped wall mirror, but also a cabinet for hygiene and cosmetic accessories with mirror sheets on the doors.

The next option is internal lighting. It is organized in most cases by means of LEDs placed on strips or in blocks. To soften the lighting and protect the eyes, the LEDs are placed under frosted glass. Mirrors with this kind of illumination allow you to see the reflection in detail. A dim light is enough to clearly see the smallest details. In addition, a mirror illuminated with LEDs becomes an important decor element in the most intimate room in an apartment.

Another option is decorative lighting. The name speaks for itself. In this case, it will not be possible to obtain full coverage. Such lighting can be used in bathrooms to create a special comfort and romantic atmosphere. LEDs for creating such illumination can be placed behind the mirror sheet along the line of the outer edge (perimeter). An interesting effect is achieved thanks to the LED illumination of the patterns applied to the mirror surface by sandblasting matting. Simultaneously with such lighting, you can use a full-fledged light source in the bathroom.

Types of backlighting

Bathroom mirrors with external or internal lighting are very popular. This success is due to the use of external lighting in these models. The mirrors are equipped with connectors for various types of luminaires, in addition, they can have mounts that allow the lamps to be located at a convenient distance. The backlight illuminates not only the mirror, but also the objects next to it.

Illumination of the mirror can serve as a full-fledged lighting of the bathroom.

Internal

The interior lighting provides the optimal direction of illumination, which is provided by spotlights located on the sides of the mirror and one long fluorescent lamp located in the center.

The intensity of the illumination built into the mirror can be adjusted with a dimmer.

This model is distinguished by a variety of lighting colors. However, in this case, it will not be able to fulfill its main purpose, but rather will be a spectacular decoration.

Modern designers add lighting to mirrors in various ways.

External

Outdoor lighting is a great helper when applying makeup, shaving and performing other cosmetic procedures.

External lighting is the most relevant today.

Features and benefits of illuminated bathroom cabinets

Such furniture equipment, such as lighting, will allow furniture to acquire a number of additional advantages:

• Improving the decorative appearance. In the semi-darkness of the bathroom, all small-sized lamps contribute to relaxation and create a relaxing atmosphere;
• Simplification of finding the right item. You no longer have to be guided by touch, spending half an hour to find what you need;
• Extra convenience when applying makeup. You will see your face with maximum precision and illumination. This is true for models equipped with mirrors;
• A wide range of placement methods. You can attach the luminaires to the façade or install them directly inside the cabinet.

How to install a mirror with built-in lighting yourself

Installing a backlit mirror in the bathroom and connecting everything yourself is not difficult for someone who understands wiring and knows how to use a drill. For those who have not done such things, it is better to invite a specialist. If connected incorrectly, at best, only the backlight will be damaged. Worst case - there may be wiring problems.

If you have never installed a backlit mirror yourself, then it would be advisable to use the services of specialists.

For installation, you need the following tools:

• insulation renter;
• indicator screwdriver;
• nippers;
• electric drill;
• dowels and screws or screws;
• screwdriver;
• building level, ruler and pencil.

Do not forget that the socket should not be located too far from the installation site of the mirrors.

The installation and connection process itself is carried out in the following sequence:

1. The first step is to determine the location.
2. Using the building level, draw a flat horizontal line on the wall, on which mark the locations of the holes for the fasteners (this is done in order to place the mirror on the wall perfectly evenly).
3. Holes are drilled for fasteners. Dowels are hammered into the drilled holes and self-tapping screws are screwed into them, which will hold the fasteners.
4. A mirror is hung and evenness is adjusted if necessary.
5. Connecting the backlight wires to the mains and ground.
6. The final stage is a control check of the work.
7. If the kit includes shelves, they are mounted at the very end.

The cheaper the mirror, the easier it will be to install.

Types of lights for mirrors

LED strip for any surface

LED strip is the most convenient lighting option with many advantages:

• does not heat surfaces, therefore it is safe;

• easy to install, attaches to any surface (even the most curved), due to the flexible material and self-adhesive strip;

• a variety of colors that you can change with the remote control or choose one at once;

• economical, LEDs last 30 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs;

• can be attached to or behind the frame.

Mirror with LED light on the frame

Reel of LED strip

Point ice (led) illumination in the form of a picture

Ice spot illumination - these are the same LEDs, but unlike LED strip, spot illumination is built on the back of the mirror, often in the form of a pattern and looks like separate bulbs.

Suitable here
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Rectangular bathroom mirror with illumination "Manly"

Mirror with point ice illuminated in a green bath

Touch backlight for convenience

There are two types of touch illumination on the mirrors: contactless (no need to touch the sensor, just hold out your hand to turn on the backlight) and contact (you need to press the sensor).

IMPORTANT: For the non-contact illumination to work, it is important that there are no obstacles in front of the touch sensor at a distance of up to 25 cm.

Touch-sensitive contact light on the bathroom mirror

Euro mirror with touch backlight on the whole wall in the hallway

Wall lighting - lamps by the mirror

Lamps above a mirror or near a mirror are an example of external additional lighting. You just need to hang the lamps nearby. Such lighting can be in the form of modern light spots and classic sconces.

Suitable here
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Mirror wall rectangular with carving gold "Orleans"

Classic wall sconces above the mirrors in the bath photo

Suitable products:

Wall lamp Crystal Lux Conte AP1

3 100

Illumination for mirrors Odeon Light Want 2137 / 1W

4 400

Illumination for mirrors Eglo Palermo 94992

3 526

Wall lamp Arte Lamp Hall A9246AP-2AB

5 310

Wall lamp Newport 14101 / A white

5 000

3 500

Wall sconce white with gold 10x18x60 cm

11 730

Sconce D13, B30

12 995

Wall lamp White Plafon 22 * ​​16 * 37

7 705

Wall lamp Favorite Accogliente 1410-1W

3 410

Wall lamp gold Cleo 25 × 75 cm

12 600

Sconce glass 22x25x51 cm

23 700

18 960

Illumination for mirrors Eglo Romendo 94651

5 890

Illumination for mirrors Eglo Palmera 1 95141

5 690

Illumination for mirrors Odeon Light Wass 2136 / 1W

4 500

Wall lighting above the mirror in the hallway photo

Wall light near the mirror dressing table

Backlight connection rules

The type of backlight determines the order of further work. If the lighting fixtures come with a mirror (cabinet), then there is an assembly instruction. Otherwise, the work plan is drawn up independently.

LED Strip Light

To mount the LED strip, you need an aluminum profile, 1-2 12V power supplies. The profile removes excess heat, which prolongs the service life. SMD 3528 tape can be installed without profile. It is low-power. The tape is sold in bays. The length of the segments is determined during installation. The lighting scheme includes:

• Dimmer;
• Remote Control;
• power unit;
• ribbon.

To connect the circuit elements you need: PUGV - mounting wire, VVGng-Ls (1.5 mm²).

LED lights

Power to the high-power luminaires is supplied from a junction box located outside the bathroom. The wires are connected with self-clamping terminals. For designer lighting of mirrors, less powerful LED lamps are used. There are enough batteries to power them.

Rules for the use of products:

• insert batteries of the same capacity into the compartment;
• the battery cannot be reanimated by heating;
• install batteries with the parameters specified in the operating instructions for the mirror (cabinet).

Fluorescent lamps

Power must be supplied to the installation site of the luminaire. The installation of the product begins with assembly. The kit includes detailed instructions. It lists all the structural elements, provides a connection diagram, and provides detailed assembly instructions.

The bodies of modern luminaires are universal. They can be mounted on any surface (vertical, horizontal). The marking of the attachment points is done using a laser level or level. The fasteners are fixed with a dowel and a self-tapping screw with a press washer, the body is fixed on them. The lead-in cable is brought in in the proper places. To control fluorescent lamps, a switch is provided in the circuit, two-button models are used for 2 groups of lamps, a single-button switch is sufficient for a single lamp (group).

With motion sensor

For convenience, motion sensors are included in the lighting scheme. For bathrooms, products with a degree of protection IP65 are suitable. Mini-sensors fit better into the interior. Install PD9-V-1C-SDB-IP65-GH on the ceiling. This model has small dimensions - 36 * 52 mm. The sensor is attached to a luminaire or suspended ceiling using spring clips. It can be placed in the first moisture zone.

During installation, high-quality insulation of wires is performed, and the operation of the sensor is adjusted. In the absence of movement, after a certain period of time, the light turns off. When a moving object appears in the bathroom, the light sources connected to the same circuit with the sensor turn on.

Displacement sensors save energy by 40-80%. Increases the level of comfort. Classic switches are not needed. The lamps light up when a person enters the area of ​​the motion sensor. Installation instructions included:

• choose an installation location in the area where the mirror (cabinet) is located;
• the lamp is attached to the wall, ceiling;
• connect the wires of the device to the wires of the electrical network;
• twisting places are wrapped with electrical tape.

This is interesting: Is grounding necessary if there is an RCD on the water heater?

Tools required for installation

The type of installation and the accessories required for this depend on the model itself. Most often, mounting hardware is supplied in the kit

The easiest way to install a conventional mirror without cabinets and shelves is with special glue. It is supplied in cartridge cylinders and applied with an adhesive and sealant gun. The advantage of the method is high speed and simplicity, the disadvantage is that there is no way to remove and reinstall the mirror if necessary. Using this method of mounting mirrors, you should carefully choose the adhesive composition - only special adhesives for mirrors (marked "mirror") are suitable. Inappropriate sealants and assembly adhesives can damage the reflective coating.

But more often screws and plastic dowels are used to mount mirrors or mirrored furniture. After screwing in, the hat either hides in special recesses, or is decorated with special plugs.

For proper suspension you will need:

Tools for mounting bathroom mirrors or mirrored furniture

• hammer drill or hammer drill;
• drill for concrete or brick (depending on the material of the walls);
• screwdriver or screwdriver with pz / ph bit (in accordance with the screw head);
• building level;
• roulette.

The installation itself is simple:

Apply the product to the selected surface, apply the markings

Drill the holes for the dowels and insert them

After that, re-attach a mirror or cabinet with a reflective surface, aligning the mounting holes and the location of the dowels, screw in the screws

If the product is equipped with light bulbs or LED elements, then you will need to connect the mirror in the bathroom to electricity

Mirrors in different rooms and interiors (15 ideas)

The mirror has long ceased to be only utilitarian, now it is a full-fledged piece of furniture. For example, a mirror with a stucco frame will look great in a loft style, a gilded frame will take root in a classic style, and an unusual-shaped rimless frame will be a bright accent in a modern interior.

Suitable here
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Mirror-sun in a gold frame 61 cm Arizona

Small mirror sun above the fireplace in the living room

Mirror in the kitchen

The mirror in the kitchen is installed as a kitchen backsplash to increase the space. And additional lighting can be done under the wall cabinets.

Mirror apron in a white small kitchen

Kitchen apron mirror tiles kitchen

Kitchen mirror apron in the interior of the kitchen

Mirror in the living room

Oval and round mirrors in the living room fit well with classic interiors, while mirrors in square and rectangular frames are suitable for modern interiors.

IMPORTANT: It is best to place mirrors in the living room behind all furniture, for example behind the sofa, so that the reflection in the mirror does not distract and create tension.

Round mirror in a gold frame in the living room

Mirror in the interior of the living room classic style

Large round mirror in living room modern interior

Horizontal floor mirror in a wooden frame living room

Wall mirror in a wooden frame in the living room

ADVICE: If you place the mirror vertically, it increases the height of the light, and if horizontally, it expands the room.

Mirror in the bedroom

The mirror in the bedroom is used in different ways: together with a dressing table, as a decor, or just a large floor mirror against the wall.

Suitable here
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Round wall mirror "Salute" diameter 60 cm

floor mirror in a metal frame in the bedroom

Floor mirror in a gold frame in the bedroom

Make-up mirror in a white bedroom

IMPORTANT: psychologists do not advise placing a mirror in front of the bed, because in the dark, any reflections in it cause fear and anxiety. But also very common in bedroom decoration is a large rectangular mirror in a wide frame, which is simply installed on the floor and rests on the wall.

But also very common in bedroom decoration is a large rectangular mirror in a wide frame, which is simply installed on the floor and rests on the wall.

Hallway mirror

A growth mirror is usually installed in the corridor. Such a mirror not only fulfills its main function, but also dissolves the wall, increasing the space due to its large size.

Mirror on the whole wall in the hallway

Mirror of an unusual shape in the hallway

Suitable here
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Mirror on a belt round metal large diameter 75 cm Iron and Rope Round

Round mirror suspended from a rope in the hallway

Choosing a bathroom mirror

A mirror in the bathroom is definitely a must. Men make sure to use a mirror while shaving. Women often use the bathroom not only for hygiene procedures, but also to guide the marathon. In the bathroom, cosmetics are applied and washed off, healing masks are applied, and self-massage is done. All these actions are performed, as a rule, in front of a mirror. Therefore, the mirror in the bathroom should be large enough, well lit, and conveniently located.

The size of the mirror should be selected depending on the intended use. The main parameter in this case is the length of the mirror plate.

The appropriate length will help you get the reflection:

• to the chest line - 40 cm;
• to the waist line - 60 cm;
• to the line of the knee caps - 120 cm.

A small, round mirror usually only allows you to see the reflection of the face and neck.

The mirror is an important element of the decor. Its shape should emphasize the overall line of the interior. The size of the mirror must match the dimensions of the bathroom. A small round mirror in a large sanitary room will simply get lost as a decorative element. A huge mirror in a small room will look bulky. A correctly selected mirror will help to visually expand a small bathroom, highlight the dignity of its layout and decoration.

Taking these points into account, the illumination for the mirror is also selected. If you intend to use it only for bathroom decoration and general inspection, you can use the built-in lighting or located behind the mirror plate.
The light above the bathroom mirror will help you get a clear reflection, for example, when applying makeup, and will serve as an additional source of light. It must be placed so that not only the mirror itself, but also the near-mirror area: shelves, a table, a sink, falls into the lighting zone.

Popular models of illuminated mirrors, photo samples

Illuminated wall mirrors today are easy to choose for every taste and furniture in the interior. Round or oval, square or rectangular, also any shape for individual orders.

Illuminated bathroom mirror with shelf

The shelf does not need to be installed separately, which is what makes such models convenient. I hung up the mirror - and immediately there was a beautiful and excellent shelf for cosmetics and other bathroom accessories.

Attractive appearance, and everything at hand: this is what a bathroom mirror with a shelf is

The shelf can be glass, which visually does not hide the space

Bathroom mirror cabinet with lighting

Perhaps this is the most practical solution: the locker is used as a storage place for the necessary things. Both cosmetics and numerous personal care products can be easily placed there.

An expert's point of view

Yaroslava Galaiko

Lead Designer and Head of Ecologica Interiors Studio

Ask a Question

“The cabinet must meet high quality requirements for the material. If the material is not water-repellent, the product will not last long. "

Beautiful, comfortable, decorative: illuminated mirror and cabinet in the bathroom

Shelves can be a convenient addition and are located on one or both sides of the cabinet

Manufacturers have provided various options and mechanisms for any model

Round bathroom mirror with illumination

The elegant version of the mirrors is round or oval. They are ideal for classic bathroom interiors.

The rounded shape looks gentle and neat

A round LED illuminated bathroom mirror can have an interesting decor thanks to the frame

A variety of luminous frames allows you to choose something original and suitable for your design

All-round illuminated bathroom mirror

The illumination around the mirror surface is very important. This is the most common version of illuminated mirrors. Light bulbs are located around, under or on the surface.

The mirror becomes a separate light source

If the backlight is located below the surface, the light is scattered along the walls, which looks very beautiful and effective.

Bathroom mirror with touch-sensitive lighting

Touch control, of course, is convenient: in addition to direct switching on with a light touch, you can use the control panel and even communicate with different gadgets via Wi-Fi. Streaming music allows you to completely relax while taking a bath.

Illuminated and heated bathroom mirror

Thanks to the one who came up with the idea of ​​adding a heating function to the mirror. There is hardly a person who likes a misted mirror surface.

On the back there is a thin film with an infrared heater

This product will not fog up. The heating turns on easily: just wave your hand and the infrared sensor will work. If you bring your hand to the mirror once, then the light comes on, if you bring your hand twice, the switch is triggered.

Composition from a mirror to the bathroom and sconces

Sconce is an external separate lamp that is mounted on the wall at the sides or above the mirror. This is an interesting solution for bohemian design, cozy country or Provence. Sconces create coziness and perfectly cope with the role of an illuminator.

The structure can be mounted high, but the lamp itself is located at face level

Mounting directly onto the mirror surface creates a whimsical effect in reflection

The arrangement of the sconces on the sides pleasantly diffuses the light

Bathroom magnifying mirror

Another option for the bathroom is an illuminated cosmetic mirror with a magnifying effect. It is wall-mounted and can be rotated, which is very convenient.

The lighting and magnification function makes such models in demand

Features of lamps for illuminating mirrors in the bathroom

Bathroom lamp Philips 34082/11/16 Hydrate

Since the bathroom, due to high humidity, is an extreme place for electrical appliances, it is necessary to take into account some of the features of such lamps:

• The devices have additional elements to protect the joints of the wires from moisture ingress. These are rubber seals in the shades, sealant plugs on the wires.
• The minimum IP value is 44, the maximum is 67.
• The devices are designed for installation by zone. There are 3 of them in the bathroom. In the first zone, the protection is maximum, the devices can be temporarily immersed in water - this will not cause harm.In the second zone, protection is not lower than index 45. In the third - 24 and higher.

All types of lighting devices have degrees of protection - LED, incandescent, fluorescent and halogen.

Lighting location

The location of the lighting depends on the design decision and the wishes of the owners. Here, the repair budget is taken into account, during which the wires are laid and the number of lamps and their cost are calculated. Perhaps it will be decided to make autonomous lighting with a remote switch, in which the wires are brought only to the lamps, and the switch is programmed to work from anywhere in the apartment or house.

Luminaire durability

The durability of a bathroom luminaire is determined not only by the type of lamps, but also by the characteristics of the materials that can withstand prolonged operation in a humid mode with frequent temperature changes.

Lamp power

The higher the power of electrical appliances, the shorter the service life, so one powerful appliance can be installed in the bathroom, and the rest can be of medium or low power. It is recommended to connect them to different lines so that they turn on independently of each other. In case of failure of any group, the rest will perform their functions properly.

Reflector design

Light diffuser

As a reflector of the luminous flux, the following can be used:

• mirror surfaces;
• aluminum;
• chrome surfaces;
• plastic with aluminum spraying.

Plastic reflectors are not very reliable as they heat up quickly. They need lamps that give off little heat - LED, halogen. Incandescent light bulbs can deform plastic or even cause a fire.

The thickness of the coating matters. For rooms with a non-aggressive environment - up to 3 microns, for a bathroom it will take more - up to 10 microns.

The matte finish creates a brighter light, the specular one absorbs the stream of photons. The shape of the reflector also affects the radiation intensity. Most often, a circle, ellipse or parabolic shape of the luminaire is used.

Main conclusions

An illuminated mirror can dramatically enhance the interior of any bathtub, regardless of its size and design.

1. There are many models of different shapes, sizes, configurations and price categories on the market.
2. Different types of lamps can be used in the design: from incandescent to halogen.
3. The way how to install the mirror depends on the type of lamp, design and device.
4. When working in a room with high humidity, you need to remember about additional moisture insulation.
5. When installing a fluorescent lamp, it is imperative to use a choke, and if you install the LEDs yourself, you will need a voltage adapter.

There are many types of illuminated mirrors on the market today with a built-in sensor and additional furniture elements. When choosing a product for a bathroom, it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions and technical characteristics, but also the general design of the room.

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