How to Find the Right Height of a Vanity Mirror

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6
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September 6, 2023
By
Robern Design Solutions

A comfortable and stylish bathroom mirror height provides a clear reflection of yourself and others, while also complementing the overall design of the space—or even serving as a centerpiece.

When determining the ideal luxury bathroom mirror placement over a vanity, the correct height is important for both style and functionality. Here are some of our favorite visual examples of how to implement a sensible bathroom mirror height.

Eye Level Bathroom Mirror Height

woman standing next to eye-level vanity mirror with gold frame

To ensure you get the most out of your bathroom mirror, it should be hung at eye level of whoever will be using it. You may be able to use average heights as a starting point. For example, the average height of Americans is 5 feet 10 inches for men and 5 feet 3 inches for women. Adjust as needed for your household.

Measuring Your Bathroom Mirror Height: Above or Behind the Sink Faucet

One of the main considerations when hanging a bathroom mirror is where it is placed in relation to the faucet. Generally, you want to avoid obstructing any view of the mirror with a faucet spout. For this purpose, the standard bathroom mirror placement tends to reside between 5 and 10 inches above the highest part of the faucet.

lighted bathroom mirror with gold frame

Of course, the style of faucet you are working with directly impacts this decision. The space between the sink and mirror may differ whether you have a deck-mount or wall-mount faucet, along with a tall or low spout.

Tall Spout Faucets

A tall spout faucet serves as a stately focal point in the bathroom. And as you might expect, a taller faucet often requires a higher mirror placement.

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If you have a tall spout, it may not be practical to hang the mirror 5 to 10 inches above it. Instead, you can try 5 to 10 inches above the faucet handles. In this case, there may only be 1 or 2 inches separating the mirror and the tallest part of the faucet.

gold bathroom faucet with tall spout

In the above picture, one of our Craft Series bathroom mirrors with an aged brass frame is paired with an unlacquered brass faucet with a tall spout, creating a warm and cohesive design.

Low Spout Faucets

If you’re working with a low spout faucet, you have much more versatility when hanging your bathroom mirror above a sink. While 5 to 10 inches above the faucet is the norm, you can adjust these measurements according to your unique project and personal preferences.

luxury sliver bathroom faucet with low spout and white counter vanity

Wall-Mount Faucets

It's becoming more popular to mount a bathroom faucet to the wall instead of within the sink, which is a suitable approach for both single and double vanities. For a clean and balanced look, consider placing a wall-mount faucet 3 to 5 inches above the sink, and center it with the mirror.

minimalist bathroom with wall-mount matte-black faucet and matte-black lighted vanity mirror

Pro designer tip: Consider pairing a wall-mounted faucet with a vessel sink for a luxurious aesthetic. Match the finish of your faucet to your mirror frame for ultimate visual cohesion.

Recommended Bathroom Mirror Height Above the Floor

If you’re trying to figure out where to install your mirror in relation to the floor, you’ll have to consider a few things, including the height of your vanity and ADA compliance.

Vanity Height

Most bathroom vanity heights are between 32 and 36 inches tall, though this may be taller or shorter depending on who will primarily be using the space. Given a standard mirror placement of 5 to 10 inches above the faucet, bathroom mirrors may generally sit about 40 inches above the ground.

multiple floating bathroom vanity in minimalist bathroom

Pro designer tip: Floating and modular bathroom vanities offer customizable heights for those who are significantly shorter or taller than the average person.

ADA-Compliant Bathroom Mirror Height

According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, a bathroom mirror above a countertop should be installed so the edge of its reflecting surface is at a maximum height of 40 inches above the floor. Furthermore, the top edge of the mirror should have a minimum height of 74 inches from the floor for it to be accessible to those with disabilities.

large lighted luxury mirror

Pro designer tip: In order to accommodate people with varying heights and abilities, consider installing a single full length mirror.

Mirror Shape and Size

It is also important to consider the size and style of your bathroom mirror when determining how high to hang it.

Round and Oval Mirrors

twin bathroom vanities with round mirrors in art deco glam style

You should center the lowest curve of a round or oval mirror above the faucet when hanging it.

Square and Rectangular Mirrors

rectangular bathroom mirror

In the case of a square or rectangular mirror, it is necessary to keep the mirror parallel to your vanity.

Uniquely Shaped Mirrors

art deco bathroom with unique vanity mirrors

If you have a mirror with a nonstandard shape, the best approach is to choose a height that suits your needs. The most functional location for it will be eye level, regardless of whether it is mounted in accordance with the standards mentioned above.

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Height of Bathroom Makeup Mirrors

Aside from the standard bathroom mirror, you may also utilize smaller magnifying mirrors for makeup, shaving, or skincare routines. There are a few different ways to install bathroom magnification mirrors that impact the ideal height.

Wall-Mount Magnification Mirror

lighted makeup magnification mirror

A wall-mounted magnifying mirror should be installed at eye level for ease of use. At Robern, our wall-mounted mirrors feature two-point extensions and a pivoting function for effortless positioning.

In-Cabinet Magnification Mirror

black-framed in-cabinet magnification mirror

Another option is to upgrade your luxury medicine cabinets with an integrated magnification mirror. These mirrors are easily adjustable for you to determine the perfect height and positioning. You can also store them in the cabinet when not in use.

Countertop Magnification Mirror

freestanding countertop magnification mirror

A freestanding magnifying mirror is easily portable, so you can swap it between bathrooms or put it in storage whenever you wish. Simply place this mirror on your countertop and tilt it up and down until you find the perfect angle. The height of a freestanding mirror is dependent on the height of the countertop.

Height of Bathroom Mirror Lighting

Once you’ve determined the ideal mirror height above the vanity, you may wish to install lighting next. Vanity light fixtures must be installed at the right height in relation to the mirror and vanity to provide ample illumination for daily routines.

Side Lighting

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A traditional approach is to install sconces on the sides of your mirror. Vanity sconce lights should generally be installed 60 to 70 inches above the floor.

An elegant bathroom vanity with a rectangular backlit mirror, marble countertop, and a patterned tile wall in neutral tones. A vase with flowers and minimalist decor items are neatly placed on the counter.

For a seamless and flush aesthetic, install LED light strips on the sides of your mirrors.

Above-Mirror Lighting

luxury white minimalist bathroom with above-mirror lighting

Certain layouts and design preferences may require lighting above the bathroom mirror. Depending on what the project calls for, you may wish to install a tube light directly above the mirror. Generally, a bar light above the bathroom mirror should be installed 75 inches to 80 inches from the floor.

white and wood bathroom with subtle lighting

Other situations may be better suited for recessed lights in the ceiling or a hanging chandelier. In this situation, the height of the light fixture will depend on the height of your ceiling.

Lighted Bathroom Mirrors

gold vanity mirror with lights

When considering the height of your vanity lighting, another option is to install lighted bathroom mirrors. This modern, all-in-one solution provides lighting and reflection in a single unit. In this case, you won’t need to conduct separate measurements for your mirrors and lighting, as it will all be installed at once.

Do You Need Help With Your Bathroom Mirror Layout?

Robern has the tools and resources to help you determine the ideal mirror height above your vanity. You can use our 3D bathroom visualizer tool to virtually design your space, allowing you to experiment with different placements and products with ease. Our product experts are also ready to help.

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