A bathroom mirror provides a reflective surface; a mirror cabinet adds storage behind doors. Which solution suits you depends on your washbasin area: available width and depth, opening space, lighting and electrical connections. Establish these conditions first, then compare specific versions and their scope of supply.
Mirror or cabinet: what do you need every day?
| Your requirement | Suitable option | Also check |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror surface without additional storage | A separate bathroom mirror; lighting can be separate or integrated into the model. | Wall space, lighting and the electrical connection required. |
| Store toiletries at the washbasin | A mirror cabinet with a suitable internal layout. | Usable compartments, cabinet depth and door clearance. |
| As little projection from the wall as possible | A slim mirror or a mirror cabinet designed for recessed installation. | Recess and wall construction; a surface-mounted model does not automatically become a recessed model. |
| Use electrical appliances at the washbasin | Electrical equipment that specifically suits your needs. | Whether the socket, USB connection and lighting actually belong to the chosen version. |
Plan storage around the items you intend to keep there. Tall bottles need different shelf spacing from small toiletries. Separate compartments can be practical for several users. An extra door or wider model only helps if it can be opened fully at the washbasin.
Measure width, depth and door movement
Measure the free wall width and the space above the basin. Consider side walls, lights, windows and existing furniture. For a mirror cabinet, also note its depth and the area needed by the open door. Compare these measurements with the technical drawing.
There is no mounting height that suits every bathroom, nor a requirement for the mirror and basin to be exactly the same width. Choose the position according to the users and installation conditions. With a wall-mounted tap, include the spout and controls in this comparison. The selection guide for basins, taps and furniture covers the complete washbasin area.
Compare lighting and functions individually
An illuminated mirror can have lighting without being dimmable. Adjustable light colour, mirror heating or an additional cosmetic mirror are also model-specific features. Therefore draw up a wish list and have the product description for that exact version checked against it.
Mirror heating serves the mirror surface; it is not room heating. Equally, LED lighting does not provide a blanket indication that a mirror may be installed anywhere in the bathroom. A qualified electrician checks the suitable mounting location, protection rating and electrical connection against the product documentation and specific situation.
Surface-mounted and recessed versions are different models
A surface-mounted mirror cabinet sits in front of the wall. A recessed model needs a purpose-planned recess with suitable dimensions and installation conditions. Before alterations, check the drawing and wall construction with your installer. A cabinet body that appears to fit into the recess is not yet proof that recessed installation is permitted.
Record the positions of existing electrical connections. Before ordering, clarify how the chosen lighting and, where applicable, the cabinet socket will be supplied and controlled. A model with its own switch or sensor may have different requirements from the existing lighting. This guide helps with selection; it does not provide instructions for connecting wiring.
Include these parts and details in the quotation
- Exact model, external dimensions and intended mounting type.
- Number and handing of doors, and internal layout.
- Lighting, controls and, where applicable, light colour or dimming.
- Sockets, USB connections and mirror heating, each explicitly confirmed.
- Supplied shelves, brackets and fixing parts; suitability for the existing wall.
- Photo of the washbasin area, available wall space and existing connection position.
Send your measurements and wish list via Contact. We clarify the specific version and its scope of supply with your enquiry. A photo showing a light, open window or adjoining wall is often more useful than the mirror width alone. You receive availability and timing with the quotation; find information on the process under Collection and enquiry.