Choice of lighting for mirrors. Proper lighting of the makeup table How to highlight the mirror in the bathroom

It is not at all difficult to make the backlight of the mirror in the bathroom yourself. To date, there are many ideas for creating bright, safe and at the same time decorative lighting. mirror surface. We will not consider time-consuming options in which you first need to create a frame, then cut out seats in it for lamp holders, and then only conduct electricity to finished construction. Everything is much simpler - just take the LED strip and fix it around the perimeter of the mirror with inside. Simple instruction, allowing you to make LED lighting with your own hands, is provided below!

Material fastening features

So, to make diode lighting of the mirror in the bathroom, you must perform the following steps:


After connection LED backlight mirrors, you can turn on the finished lighting and check the correctness of all the work done. As you can see, there is nothing complicated and anyone can make decorative lighting on their own. However, there are a few things to consider important points that we have identified:


The video below clearly shows how to make a mirror illuminated with an LED strip:

Installing the LED strip from the back

Alternative lighting options

If it is not fundamentally important for you to make the built-in lighting of the mirror in the bathroom around the perimeter of the object, you can organize another, no less comfortable lighting option. Spots will do this task well - spotlights on brackets that can be manually directed in any direction. Highly a good idea, which allows you to change the lighting zone depending on what you are doing - shaving near the mirror (or applying makeup) or taking a bath.

Another highlight idea is the use of special ones. There is a wide range of lamps that can be attached to a mirror surface or tile on suction cups and clothespins. In addition, there are lamps that are easily installed in horizontal position above the mirror or vertical position on both sides, which allows you to make high-quality lighting of the entire area nearby.

The original idea of ​​lighting - do-it-yourself tunnel effect

How to make light bulbs

Nevertheless, if you are simply interested in the option of making the backlight of the mirror in the bathroom with your own hands, the LED strip will certainly win, because. LEDs are economical, bright and at the same time installation does not take more than an hour. We hope that our instruction with photo and video examples was useful and interesting for you!

Without a mirror modern apartment impossible to do. You can find hundreds of models of this desired item in stores. There are even instances various types illumination. The backlight itself is most often a purely decorative attribute, especially in the bathroom. But sometimes she does practical functions. Decorative lighting embedded in a mirror. Functional - illuminates the person in front of him. Factory-made mirrors are quite expensive and do not always meet the aesthetic preferences of consumers. In this case, a backlit mirror can be made by hand.

Backlight Options

There are several lighting options:

  1. Installation of outdoor spotlights. Spot is spotlight, which can be rotated from side to side on a specially designed bracket. It can be single adjustable lamps, light sconces small size. They are able to illuminate the person at the mirror, some part of the bathroom.
  2. A backlight that illuminates the person standing in front of him, his face. Here often the function lighting fixtures performed by modern LEDs. Their light is softened by the frosted glass built into the mirror. Most often, such lighting is installed in mirrors, made in the form of a small cabinet.
  3. Placement of illuminators back wall mirrors. They perform a decorative function. LEDs illuminate mirror glass giving it not quite the usual appearance. At the same time, illuminated mirrors of this type serve as decoration for the bathroom interior.

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DIY backlighting

Making a backlight for a finished mirror with your own hands is a fairly simple task. For work you will need:

  • electric jigsaw;
  • screwdriver;
  • screws;
  • ruler;
  • screwdriver;
  • metal corners;
  • glue;
  • electric wires;
  • light bulbs;
  • bulb holders;
  • mirror glass;
  • thick plywood or processed board.

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Work order:

  1. By the size of the mirror, you need to assemble a frame from boards about 90 mm wide and 20-25 mm thick with glue and screws to accommodate all the details. The ends of the boards are cut with a miter box at an angle of 45 °. Connections are additionally reinforced with metal corners. The mirror should fit freely into the frame, leaving room for light bulbs along the edges.
  2. Holes are drilled in the sides of the frame according to the size of the cartridges, which are glued with glue.
  3. A frame is glued from thin rails according to the dimensions of the main frame. It should cover the wires with front side products and fix the mirror glass in the main frame.
  4. Furniture corners are attached to the main frame with small screws. A mirror will be placed on them.
  5. All parts are assembled into a single structure and painted in desired color along with ammo. The mirror in the frame is additionally fixed with thin blocks.
  6. Cartridges are connected to each other in parallel electrical wires. The power cord is connected to the wires and brought out through a specially drilled hole.
  7. It remains to screw the bulbs and check the operation of the product. At the back, the entire structure can be closed with a piece of plywood, which is fastened with small nails or screws. It turns out something like the one in image No. 3. The illuminated mirror is ready.

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Other backlighting methods

Image 3. Behind the mirror is closed with plywood, fastened with screws.

You can make an illuminated mirror in many other ways. Many homeowners simply mount a few lamps on the wall, which may have different shape and design. They are installed above the mirror, along its edges. LED strips are often used as lighting elements. It looks very impressive, brings novelty to the interior due to several color options.

Such illumination is performed simply. To do this, you need to purchase a special aluminum profile, insert an LED strip into it and put the profile with the tape on the mirror from the right side. Next, the tape is connected to electrical network through a dedicated power supply. The mirror itself can be glued to the wall liquid nails or other mirror adhesive.

To achieve a functional effect, you can purchase and install spots. With their help, directional lighting is achieved in the right places in the room.

In similar ways, you can decorate cosmetic mirrors on the dressing table. They are sure to please ladies who take care of themselves.

Among plumbing fixtures and stylish finishes in the bathroom, an important detail is the mirror. This item is multifunctional, practical, and if matched to the bathroom design, it also performs a decorative function. Bathroom mirrors with built-in lighting have gained wide popularity. Such models do not require the use of additional lighting devices, therefore, there is no need to think about where to hang the lamp.

What should be a bathroom mirror

There are a lot of factors that depend on choosing the right bathroom mirror. For example, women use this item to style their hair or apply makeup in the morning. Men also perform many hygiene procedures with the help of a mirror.

The main nuance in the selection of an illuminated mirror is the correct location of the lighting lamps. The quality of reflection, shadow and color will depend on the place of its localization. In addition, part of the bathroom interior will be reflected in the mirror, which also plays an important role. The included backlight determines the appearance of the mirror and its compatibility with the design of the room.

The main task of the light bulbs in the backlight is the correct transmission of all the details of the reflection: a person must see himself without eye strain. The backlight should not blur or, on the contrary, make the reflection too sharp. As the bulbs heat up, high-quality backlighting can easily eliminate the condensation that has appeared during temperature changes.

According to statistics, a person spends one sixth of his life in the bathroom: relaxing after have a hard day, putting yourself in order in the morning; therefore, it would be advisable to make this pastime as comfortable as possible.

Types of lighting for the mirror

Among the wide variety of mirror products, they are divided according to the same principle, according to the type of illumination. Models are:

  • with external illumination;
  • with internal illumination;
  • with decorative lighting.

Externally illuminated or outdoor illuminated mirrors are the most popular today. Such success among consumers is due to the possibility of using remote lighting. Mirrors are equipped with various tie-in connectors, or they may have mounts for the location of lighting fixtures in close proximity to the mirror. This type of lighting allows you to highlight not only the mirror itself, but also other objects placed nearby: a cabinet, shelves.

The option of external illumination of the mirror is best for shaving, applying makeup, if the lamps are located on three sides. The optimal directional lighting will be the presence of spotlights on the sides of the product, and one long one in the center. Do not forget about color scheme backlight: such a model will not be able to fulfill its main purpose.

The next type of backlight is internal, which is provided using LED strips or blocks. Such light bulbs are usually placed under frosted glass so that the light does not hurt the eyes. The advantage of such illumination is the detailing of the reflection. In addition, this version of the mirror product will look spectacular in the bathroom.

The last type of lighting is decorative, which is designed to perform only the function of complementing the style of bathroom design. With the help of such a backlight, it is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve high-quality lighting, but you can add a touch of romance to the bathroom. The LEDs here are located around the entire perimeter of the mirror rim. They may have various colors. It is important that such a backlight can be turned off at any time to avoid distortion of the reflection.

Which backlight do you prefer?

When choosing a product with lighting for the bathroom, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the type of lamps used in the model. Today, manufacturers equip mirrors with the following types of light bulbs:

  • halogen lamps;
  • neon and gas-discharge light sources;
  • LEDs.

Halogen bulbs are similar in principle to conventional incandescent bulbs, but inner space light bulbs are filled with gas. Such devices are durable and efficient, while consuming a reduced amount of electricity. Halogen bulbs are great for rooms with high humidity.

Gas-discharge and neon lamps have a high luminous efficiency. There are also fluorescent lamps that have a more diffused light, but their operation requires special circuitry to prevent flicker, which is harmful to the eyes.

Most popular type lamps for illuminating the mirror -. Such lighting is relatively new and has gained success due to the bright glow and the lowest consumption of electricity. It is durable and effective, and also has excellent aesthetic performance. Having spent money on such a backlight once, you can forever forget about possible malfunctions in the work of mirror lighting.

Directionality of lighting and its color

Each mirror reflects in its own way, this fact must be taken into account when choosing a product. It does not always work out that the mirror reflects what was intended. This also applies to backlit mirrors, which can distort the image.

Before choosing, it is very important to decide on the purpose of the future product: is it necessary for hygiene procedures for personal care or to emphasize general style premises. If the mirror will perform only a decorative function, then it may be small, but it will focus on lighting.

Do not forget about the direction of the light: for daily procedures, lamps looking at the center are suitable. If the goal is simply to highlight some elements of the product, then you can purchase a mirror with spot lighting.

Another important point when choosing is the color of lighting fixtures. If we do not talk about multi-colored light bulbs, which are intended only for decoration, then basically the light sources will be divided into:

  • warm light lamps;
  • cold light bulbs.

The first type - warm, will create a feeling of coziness and comfort, but for many it may seem dull. Cold light bulbs, on the contrary, are characterized by sharpness, so the reflection may be too detailed.

The best option would be to use dimmers in the selected model. Thanks to them, you can easily bring the backlight to the desired lighting temperature.

Variety of mirrors

As an additional mirror product, you can also purchase a cosmetic mirror. For example, if the main mirror will perform a decorative function with colored illumination, then a mirror for shaving and applying makeup will come in handy. Such models are often hung near the main mirror, they have a retractable leg, which allows you to place the mirror at the required distance.

Cosmetic mirrors can also be produced with built-in lighting, but here it is worth considering whether such an addition is needed. According to the reviews of the owners, we can conclude that the main illumination of the mirror is enough. Although, if you still want to add some light to the reflection, it is better to use LED strips.

In addition, models of heated mirrors come into use, which is very convenient. When taking a shower or bath, condensation often forms in the room due to the difference temperature regime. Moisture settles everywhere: on the floor, ceiling, walls and mirror. The heated model will save the hostess from constantly wiping the surface of the mirror from water drops. Thin layer heating elements will help maintain the required temperature so that condensate does not fall on the mirror. This function significantly extends the life of the mirrors.

Criteria for choosing an illuminated mirror

In order for the selected mirror model to perform the assigned functions, the choice of product must be taken carefully. You should not choose the first model you like, just because it looks pretty on the outside. The product cover does not always contain high-quality stuffing. Before visiting the store, it is better to familiarize yourself with the main selection criteria:

  1. Mirror size. It is necessary to decide in advance: for what purposes the mirror is purchased. Today, the mirror market offers for sale models 120 cm long, designed to view reflections up to the knees; 60 cm - for the opportunity to see yourself from the waist up and 40 cm - products where the face and chest will be visible. If we consider the models from the point of view of practicality, then the 120 cm option wins, but it is unlikely that you will need to see your reflection almost in full growth every day in the bathroom. That's why the best option there will be backlit models of 60 and 40 cm long. The latter, by the way, will allow you to carefully consider the details of the face.
  2. Additional accessories. This criterion depends only on the personal preferences of the owner. Today you can find mirrors consisting of one canvas, as well as models with cabinets and shelves equipped with lighting. Last option is more practical due to the ability to fit the necessary accessories for the bathroom, although sometimes it looks bulky. A model consisting of a solid mirror canvas is outwardly more attractive, however, you will have to think about where to place toothbrushes and other items.
  3. mirror material. Pay attention to products coated with silver or aluminum. Such models have an appropriate cost, but are durable. Due to the constant change in temperature, such a coating will not succumb to corrosion.
  4. Frame and mount. The frame in which the mirror is fixed must be moisture resistant, therefore, made of either plastic or of stainless steel. The plastic in the product can be transparent, and the backlight located under it will additionally illuminate the walls, creating a beautiful effect.

The frame under the weight of the mirror can withstand heavy loads and must be fixed firmly. Pay attention to the fasteners included in the kit. If they are not very reliable, it is better to replace them immediately.

  1. Design and style. Choose an illuminated mirror that matches the style of the bathroom interior. It also depends on the shape of the product. For example, round mirrors more suitable for classic interiors, and products are square and rectangular shape fit perfectly into modern interiors.
  2. Lamp type. The article has already considered the types of lamps used in the illumination of mirrors, concluding, it is worth noting that the best option becomes application .
  3. Backlight switch. It is an important detail when choosing a product. The convenience and quick access to light depends on the type of switch. Today, illuminated mirrors are equipped with switches such as a button, sensor or remote control. The first option is the most common, although it is beginning to become obsolete. Motion and touch sensors are the most popular today, they easily help turn on the backlight in one movement. Control panels usually come with products equipped with various glows.

Self-installation and connection of the mirror is not difficult if the house has necessary tools: drill for making holes, screwdriver, indicator screwdriver, stripper, pliers or wire cutters.

The most suitable lighting for makeup is an imitation of the usual sun rays. Therefore, if possible, it is worth using natural light, placing the dressing table as close to the window as possible. Of course, in order not to depend on the weather outside the window and the time of day, you need lamps, but to refuse high-quality natural light- unacceptable luxury.

Where to put a makeup table near the window?

You can not place a mirror opposite the window. In this case, the reflected rays will hit your eyes, and it will be inconvenient to apply shadows.

How to light up your makeup table with lights

Lessons from movie stars

Surely you have seen movie or theater stars more than once near special mirrors surrounded around the perimeter or sides with small matte shades. Those who seek The best way make-up table lighting, they can choose this option without hesitation. Professional lamps help the world's leading makeup artists work, they create a soft, intense and balanced light.

Do not worry about the design of the room, such mirrors are perfectly combined with both modern and classic interiors.

Mirrors by Chanel

When doing makeup, many people forget that the shade of eye shadow and lipstick can change dramatically in the light of office fluorescent lamps, a dark cafe, or other lighting. To solve this problem, the Chanel brand has developed a special mirror that reproduces different types Sveta. Unfortunately, so far this model is only available in the company's branded boutiques. However, it can be assumed that fashionistas will soon be able to order similar models.

How to properly position ordinary lamps near the mirror

Those who decide to choose traditional devices for lighting the make-up table should remember the following recommendations.

We believe that a rare person will refuse to carry out procedures to care for their own appearance with complete comfort. However, many of us today still face the problem of poor lighting in the area at the mirror, where men shave and comb their hair daily, and women apply makeup and style their hair. It is not only about the work light in the bathrooms, but also the area dressing table, or a large mirror in the bedroom and hallway.

We are sure that as soon as the correct light is installed at the mirrors that serve as a place for you to take care of your appearance, minor troubles, such as sloppy makeup or tousled hair at the back of your head, will disturb you much less often.

Having the right backlight at the mirror will help you choose the right shade of lipstick or blush, make a neat hairstyle, and men can easily cope, for example, with curly shaving of their beards.

Illumination of the mirror around the perimeter

A mirror illuminated evenly from all sides will make the process of creating a day or evening look a real pleasure, because extra shadows will not fall on your face, and you will see your flawless reflection.

In order for the skin tone to look natural, without an earthy tint, it is necessary to install lamps that give white light with a warm light yellow tone.

Such integrated lighting can be seen in beauty salons and make-up rooms, and for home conditions it is possible to purchase a mirror with a ready-made built-in fluorescent backlight around the perimeter or on both sides.


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side light

This type of lighting for a mirror can be called classic - it gives a good light that spreads fairly evenly around the mirror if the lamps are installed symmetrically to each other. At the same time, they should be located slightly above the level of a person’s eyes, if you violate this rule, you will be provided with unnecessary shadows, under or above the eyes.




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Autonomous backlight

You can quickly and without unnecessary worries highlight the mirror using table lamps installed on the tabletop on the sides of the mirror canvas. If enough is supplied to the room daylight, on the table you can put one lamp on the opposite side of the window, or hang the device on long cord directly above the mirror so that it reflects the light from the lamp.




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Auxiliary lighting

In some cases, the above types of backlights are not appropriate, for example, when you need to light enough large mirror to the floor that you use, but from time to time. So in the dressing room or in the bedroom, where there is a large wardrobe with mirrored canvases over the entire surface of the doors, sconces or integrated lighting are not needed. Yes, and a floor lamp installed on the floor next to the cabinet will become a hindrance.

It is better if this zone is provided special kind lighting, versatile and compact: ceiling spotlights, small spotlights on a rod or a pendant chandelier-tablet.


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Without a doubt, a mirror, augmented good light, inspires confidence in everyone who sees their reflection in it. This means that both the mood and the well-being of a person will definitely improve, as a natural consequence of contemplation. Be beautiful, and draw inspiration from our articles!

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