How do I choose the right size mirror for a Vancouver bathroom vanity?

The mirror should be 2 to 6 inches narrower than the vanity on each side, and the bottom edge should sit 4 to 6 inches above the countertop or backsplash. This proportional relationship creates visual balance and ensures the mirror is functional for daily use without overwhelming the wall space or looking undersized.

For a 30-inch vanity, look for a mirror 24 to 28 inches wide. For a 36-inch vanity, aim for 28 to 34 inches. A 48-inch single-sink vanity works well with a 36- to 44-inch mirror. For 60- to 72-inch double vanities, you have two options — a single large mirror spanning most of the vanity width, or two individual mirrors centred above each sink basin. Two individual mirrors in the 24- to 28-inch range typically create a more polished, intentional look on double vanities.

Mirror height depends on the tallest person using the bathroom. The top of the mirror should be at least 72 to 78 inches from the floor to accommodate most adults comfortably. In Metro Vancouver's common housing types — older Vancouver Specials with 8-foot ceilings, modern condos with 8- to 9-foot ceilings, and newer custom homes with 9- to 10-foot ceilings — ceiling height affects how tall a mirror you can install. In a bathroom with standard 8-foot ceilings, a mirror 30 to 36 inches tall is typical. With 9-foot or taller ceilings, you can go taller for a more dramatic effect — mirrors up to 40 or 48 inches tall can make the room feel significantly larger.

Lighting placement directly affects mirror sizing. If you're installing sconce lights on either side of the mirror (the most flattering option for task lighting), you need to account for the sconces in your wall space calculation. Most vanity sconces are 4 to 5 inches wide, so a 36-inch vanity with side-mounted sconces might only have room for a 24-inch mirror between them. If you're using an overhead vanity light bar instead, the mirror can be wider since the light mounts above it. In Metro Vancouver's frequently overcast climate with limited natural light, proper vanity lighting is especially important — many renovation contractors recommend LED sconces rated 2700K to 3000K colour temperature for warm, accurate colour rendering.

Medicine cabinets versus flat mirrors is a practical consideration, especially in smaller Metro Vancouver bathrooms where storage is limited. A recessed medicine cabinet provides 3 to 4 inches of concealed storage depth without protruding from the wall, functioning as both mirror and storage. Surface-mounted medicine cabinets project 4 to 5 inches from the wall but don't require cutting into the wall cavity. In condo and strata bathrooms, cutting into walls for recessed cabinets requires checking for plumbing, electrical, and structural elements — and may require strata approval if the wall is shared with a neighbouring unit. Medicine cabinets in Metro Vancouver range from $150 to $800 for the cabinet, plus $200 to $500 for installation.

Mirror shape adds design personality. Rectangular mirrors are the most common and work with virtually any vanity style. Round mirrors have become increasingly popular in modern Metro Vancouver bathroom designs and work particularly well above pedestal sinks or floating vanities — choose a diameter roughly equal to the sink basin width. Arched mirrors add a transitional or traditional feel. Regardless of shape, ensure the mirror is properly anchored to the wall — Metro Vancouver sits in Seismic Zone 4, and a large, heavy mirror that isn't properly secured can become a hazard during an earthquake. Use appropriate wall anchors rated for the mirror's weight, and secure into studs or blocking whenever possible.

Budget-wise, frameless mirrors cost $80 to $300, while framed mirrors range from $150 to $800 depending on size and frame material. Custom-cut mirrors from Metro Vancouver glass shops run $200 to $600 for standard sizes. LED backlit mirrors, which are increasingly popular in modern Vancouver bathroom renovations, range from $250 to $1,200 and provide ambient lighting that complements vanity task lighting.