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Original poster

Mirror not over basin

32 replies

ChipsAndMayos · 29/01/2023 15:07

We're redoing a bathroom at the moment.

The best way to lay it out means putting the basin under a window, which means the mirror would have to go to one side. There's a nice view out of the window so in a way it would be good, brushing your teeth looking out at the fields, and you'd just need to step/look to the side for the mirror.

Do you think this would work or do you prefer a mirror above the basin?

Thanks.

OP posts:
bellac11 · 29/01/2023 15:08

I hate a mirror over the basin, you cant get close enough to see what you need to see, particularly if you have poor eye sight

I dont know how people put on their make up, get hairs out, pluck their eyebrows, check for blackheads etc etc

NeedToKnow101 · 29/01/2023 15:09

My mirrors isn't over my basin and it's really annoying. Going to change the layout so it will be. Currently it's above the toilet.

But having a view to look at might be nice. I don't have that.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 29/01/2023 15:12

Our basin is under the window and the mirror is at a right angle so you can pivot at the sink to look in the mirror iykwim

CasperGutman · 29/01/2023 20:35

Our basin is in front of the window, with the mirror mounted in front of the window - a bit like the first photo on this page: www.decorpad.com/search/mirror-in-front-of-window

As a man I find a mirror over the basin is essential when I wet shave my face. Of course, if you need a mirror you can get right up to, then you can always have a second one!

Notcreative · 29/01/2023 20:44

Our basin is also under the window, mirror on a wall at right angles. No issues at all.

VeniVidiWeeWee · 29/01/2023 22:44

As a man I find a mirror over the basin is essential when I wet shave my face.

Seriously?

You can't shave by touch?

Have a look at the blind barbers in India.

Whatevergetsyouthroughthenight · 29/01/2023 22:47

Is there room for a freestanding mirror on the windowsill? Or if the mirror needs to be off to one side, can you have it so it pivots, either a shaving mirror on an arm or a bathroom cabinet with a mirror on the door you can open so it’s at right angles to the sink?

cleowasmycat · 29/01/2023 22:49

Is the window not frosted?

PatChaunceysFruitCake · 29/01/2023 22:51

It's very hard to sort contacts out without a basin under the mirror to put the pot on. I guess it depends how close the mirror will be to the basin.

autumn1610 · 29/01/2023 22:51

We have a wall mounted mirror on one wall then a free standing mirror on the window sill behind the basin. Works perfectly well for us

AnOldCynic · 29/01/2023 22:56

I have a window over the basin with an extendable shaving mirror to one side. Elsewhere in the bathroom I have a floor length mirror.

Talipesmum · 29/01/2023 23:14

Our basin is in front of the window with a large mirror on the wall to the side. It’s fine, but I did put a smaller free standing mirror on the windowsill as it is handy to have one sometimes.

CasperGutman · 30/01/2023 15:38

VeniVidiWeeWee · 29/01/2023 22:44

As a man I find a mirror over the basin is essential when I wet shave my face.

Seriously?

You can't shave by touch?

Have a look at the blind barbers in India.

That's a bit confrontational. Just because a blind person can learn to do something without their sense of sight doesn't mean that a sighted person will choose to learn the same skill.

I could shave by touch, but I wouldn't be very good at getting the edges of sideburns and facial hair symmetric. After a few weeks I'd probably start to look a bit silly, unless I kept shuttling back and forth from the mirror to the basin, dripping water and shaving foam over the floor.

I suspect most people who wear make-up choose to use a mirror in the process, when they could probably learn to do without if they had to. Certainly it's pretty conventional for a dressing table to include a mirror, and a "make-up mirror" is definitely a thing.

Given the above, I suppose I was wrong to use the word "essential" and should have said "I find a mirror over the basin is important. I would be significantly inconvenienced by its absence. I would find a bathroom design without a mirror over the basin to be deficient." Is that better?

dudsville · 30/01/2023 15:44

I agree with you@CasperGutman , and my partner who also happens to have reasonable vision also prefers the mirror over the sink. I'm poorky sighted but my mirror is so wide that i can step to the side of my basin to get close enough to see my face. I would like the view too though.

WilsonMilson · 30/01/2023 15:45

Just put a freestanding mirror on the windowsill?

Spanielsarepainless · 30/01/2023 15:45

I just have a mirror on the windowsill.

nex18 · 30/01/2023 15:45

I’ve got a mirror on a zigzag extension thingy that extends over the basin and across the window. My 16 year old son would be missing half his face if he shaved without a mirror.

Helenahandkart · 30/01/2023 16:16

Can you add in one of those mirrors on the concertina brackets (can’t remember what they’re called) so that it could be pulled over in front of the basin if required. I’ve seen some quite nice ones.

nex18 · 30/01/2023 16:29

That’s what I meant @Helenahandkart , also don’t know what they’re called! But

mogtheexcellent · 30/01/2023 22:21

I have a small bathroom. Basin is in front of window then there is the wc and and the mirror hung on wall beside that. I can kneel on loo and get very close to mirror but i tend to use bedroom mirror more anyway.

NellyBarney · 30/01/2023 22:37

Would also second an extendable mirror next to the window as possible, one that you can pull in front of you above the sink if you need it. They are really good, as you can pull it close to your face if you like, or we had one you could turn around to get the magnifier version for any close ups.

Abouttimemum · 30/01/2023 22:41

Our basin is under the window and mirror to the side. I have no desire to look at my face in the bathroom 😂

Abouttimemum · 30/01/2023 22:42

DH just has a free standing mirror for when he shaves and it goes in the cupboard when he’s not using it

Nat6999 · 30/01/2023 22:54

My old house had the basin in front of the window, we had a mirror on an extending bracket which could be pulled over the basin & folded away if not needed, it was highly magnifying on one side & an ordinary mirror on the other, 8 inches wide.

mozzyworries · 31/01/2023 00:46

We have a round freestanding mirror on the windowsill and a second large mirror on another wall