In particular, I am trying to solve the problem of the mirror in our ensuite bathroom. To remind you, here's what I'm working with. I was going to use one large mirror we already had, and had the scones put in place with that measurement. But it's too small and doesn't work with two basins.
Decisions, decisions. It would be nice to get this resolved, so that my husband and I don't have to fight over the dressing mirror in our WIR in the morning when I'm trying to put on my makeup and he's trying to shave!
So I am off to the gift fair this weekend, and LifeInstyle tomorrow to try to find a solution once and for all. Here's what I'm using for inspiration.
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Mark Williams Design |
Now I have asked a couple of local glaziers if they can do this and after lots of humming and haaing they tell me it's possible but it will be expensive. I don't know why. It's just cut mirror - but once you ask to have a couple of holes drilled they get all nervous. I've had a mirror this size with requisite holes priced at over $800. Without holes $280! Add to that cost of getting electrician back to remount lights.
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| Liz Williams Interiors |
Fabulous unframed mirror with scones. Not sure if they are mounted on the glass or a side panel, or reflected from behind. But the effect is wonderful.
Separate vanities, which we don't have, with separate mirrors and twin sconces. But I love these chrome mirrors that are set off the wall and hinged. Restoration Hardware do some great ones, if only I could get them here.
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| Ann Sacks |
It's a single vanity and mirror, but just to see what a more modern mirror looks like with classic bath fittings - Ann Sacks fabulous! I have a larger mirror like this with mirrored frame so might have to try it.
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| via Conspicuous Style |
Another amazing metal framed mirror - which I could find one. My sconces wouldn't fit either side like this because there's a low window on the left which would bugger up the symmetry.
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| via Coastal Living |
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| via The Enchanted Home |
Two separate inset mirror cabinets, which would be useful given we don't have drawers in the vanity. But we would have to have them sticking proud of the wall which I'm not sure I want.
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| via Decorpad |
These nickel framed mirrors are amazing. Probably more Waterworks. Looks like they are cabinets too which is even more brilliant. One sconce in the middle is an option too.
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| Molly Frey Design |
This is only a single vanity, but it's pure perfection. I adore this mirror and since seeing it at the NYIGF last year and at Mecox I've been trying to find one. I saw a resin knock-off on Ballard Designs website, but don't think mirrors will ship very successfully. So because I can't get one in/to Australia I've decided I'm going to make one myself. Next project! Oh and how heavenly are those scones from Circa Lighting. And I spot a Dash & Albert bath mat.
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| House Beautiful |
I could always go something a bit different - two statement mirrors above the basins. Just need to find a matching pair. Although this is looking a lot like the guest bathroom.
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Not sure I'd have enough mirror space to do my makeup in these, but it sure looks cute. Not sure about the bath mat....
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There's my fabulous giant soap dish again. How great does that green mirror look.
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| Traditional Home |
Nothing like wall to wall mirror for impact and keeping within the budget.
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| Traditional Home |
I hadn't considered a plain white frame, but is looks quite sweet here.
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The tiles combined with those etched glass scones and amazing mirror are a sublime combination. Again finding a matching pair could be a challenge.
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| Mark Williams Design |
I love this because it has my tiles and it's simply breathtakingly beautiful.
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| The Enchanted Home |
One large mirror with frame.
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| via Houzz |
One large arched mirror with bevel and no frame and face mounted sconces.
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Two statement mirrors with scones. Maybe just need to be a little creative with frame shape?
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| Thibaut |
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| Pottery Barn |
Got the lights.....now I need the mirrors.
Now I think I'm even more confused. What do you think? Which do you prefer?
For contemporary homes I prefer frameless wall to wall to ceiling mirrors... But for your bathroom style I prefer something along the lines of A-M's bathroom mirrors :)
ReplyDeleteB
One beautiful large framed mirror in the middle and keep the sconces where they are. Just sayin'! Love your images ... you find the best. Big statement but true. A-M xx
ReplyDeleteOK I think one big framed one is the best bet considering the cost of achieving the look in the first shot, which by the way is my fav as well.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely don't do the two small mirrors. The shots with these just look way too symmetrical.
The bigger mirror gives the impression of space were as the two smalls are too busy and make the area look smaller.
Carolyn xx
I love the look of the sconces coming out of the mirror...Plus I too like a framed option to go with your 'look'. Whatever you pick I'm sure it will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI like the big solo and framed but do love the wall to wall ones... Drill your own holes maybe?!.. You could make a mistake and still save money! What day are you Home and Gifting on weekend ?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of putting wall to wall mirror and then mounting the sconces on top as shown in one of the first pictures, it seems to be the most practical choice. If you do get a silver framed mirror mounted between sconces will it be wide enough if the two of you are there trying to share comfortably? I think the idea of two mirrors is always pretty and interesting but not sure if they will be wide enough if you were able to reolcate the sconces a few inches out on each side? That would be my first choice if its feasible. You have wonderful taste..whatever you decide will be awesome! Nice to see you back in blogland...how are you feeling?
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina, I'm feeling rather rotund and exhausted to be honest, and a bit like a bowling ball is about to fall out between my legs, and I'm only 20 weeks. That's the problem with being old and stretched! You make some good points about the mirror though. x
DeleteCan you get shipments from amazon? I love the Prisca mirror carried there. Also, what about Horchow? They have some gorgeous ones! Good luck...I just took for granted that it's so easy to get things in the US. It's incredible that stores like RH haven't opened inventory facilities in such a huge market like Australia!
ReplyDeleteStacy
I agree with A-M
ReplyDeleteHi Mel,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely group of images!
My choice would be one large, framed mirror - leaving the sconces where they are, but set in the mirror (Sorry, if you were to do this, it would need screw holes in the mirror....but hopefully you might be able to get someone to do it for a little less cost...and I think you said you may need to get the electrician in anyway......)
The mirror could either be framed on all sides (with a simple frame mirroring the outer panel/moulding of the vanity doors) or just framed on the top and sides, with the bottom of the mirror butting directly up to the "dado" moulding on the lower side. (If I was to do this, I would make the top of the frame a little wider, or more "important" - a bit like the image you posted from "Houzz").
I would line the outer edges of the mirror frame up with the outer edge of the vanity below and paint it in the same colour. (Whether it was a 4 or 3 framed mirror).
If the vanity went right from wall to wall, I would say to place an un-framed mirror from wall to wall (but I think the window frame on the left would hit in to it anyway, which may have been a problem).
If you were to place two smaller mirrors (one over each sink) I think I would remove one of the sconces and move the other to between the two mirrors - as it appears from the picture that they may look a little cramped if they remained on the sides. (but maybe this is just how it looks on the image you have taken?)
I think the one large mirror would be my personal choice (we had exactly this in our last ensuite and it looked stunning and worked a treat) as it would really maximise the reflection for side-by-side use (and help with those morning fights for mirror/vanity space!)
Gosh - I have waffled on (yet again!)....these are just my thoughts. Hope I haven't confused you totally! Looking forward to reading what others suggest.
Sure whatever you choose, it will look wonderful!
Good luck in your decision making - and hope all is going well,
Cx
PS (I will email an image from my file that I have. Sorry - don't have the link)
I think the first photo looks amazing, not sure that it would work with the window so close to the corner of the wall though, so if not that then something with a wide edge frame like the Ann Sacks pic or the arched mirror that doesn't go all the way to the edge of the walls (via houzz pic with the pouffe) but then the Pinterest one that you'd do in a heart beat is the winner! :D too many choices!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will pick the right one (or two), Some stunning idea's to work with!
ReplyDeleteI know Recollections have an oval swivel one similar to the Restoration Hardware idea.
Otherwise, Have you looked at Cafe Lighting? I am considering using the Delaney for an upcoming bathroom project, they have some lovely mirrors. Good Luck :)
Yes, been studying Cafe Lighting's options for weeks, and looking forward to seeing them up close this weekend at the gift fair. They have a couple of lovely mirrors that could work a treat.
DeleteDef go with the first pic...one large mirror. Keep it simple :)
ReplyDeleteHi Melinda. All of the images and variations are very beautiful. No wonder you're frustrated! I think a single, simply framed (white, metal or even self bevelled), large mirror between the existing sconces (as wide as possible) would look divine. Or a large, single Venitian mirror. . . eeek! Soooo many options! Good luck!
ReplyDeletex KL
I love what you have done with the beautiful cabinets and marble - there are so many gorgeous images here, I couldn't possibly decide. Hope all is going well, Melinda!!
ReplyDeleteHi Mel,
ReplyDeleteLovely bathroom pictures - you never disappoint! Sconces on mirrors look divine! But, glaziers are afraid to cut holes into mirrors as they tend to crack. Thus, the high cost involved. They build the 'potential crack risk factor' into the price. An experienced glazier will do it (without the high price tag). We had a wall to wall mirror above double vanities in the last house with sconces mounted onto them. The glazier did a fabulous job and installed the mirror with no problems. Along came the electrician. He managed to crack the mirror (where the holes are) while installing the sconces. We ended up leaving the mirror cracked as the cost to rip everything out and start all over was ridiculous.
At Paul Bangay's Open Garden (back in November 2011), I had a peek through his bathroom window and saw gorgeous mirrored cupboard doors in his dressing room. On closer 'peeking', the mirrors were cracked around the crystal knobs on the robe doors. Same look as our cracked bathroom mirror.
Mirrors are delicate and if the trades do not have experience fitting off on mirrors, the end result will be disastrous. For our new house, I designed mirrors above the vanities with sconces coming out of the panels (in between three mirrors). The second picture above shows the sconces fitted to the joinery panels in between the mirrors. I promise to email photos when our joinery and mirrors are installed. Might be a while . . .
Just sharing my experience with mirrors and sconces. Hoping it was useful.
Whatever you decide will look gorgeous! Can't wait for the end result!
Take care,
Val
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Thanks for the tips Val. Funny but the electrician told me a similar story about a full wall mirror he installed with sconces and the builder cracked it at the last minute. Hence he was nervous about doing it again. I too have a set of Tantra mirror side tables which are cracked around the handles thanks to some sloppy removalists using the plastic knobs to life them! I also don't get why bevel should add so much to the cost of mirror, blows it out massively.
DeleteI like the idea of one large framed mirror. I think two separate mirrors will looked crowded, I like one big one! Good luck! Kathysue
ReplyDeleteHi Melinda! Your ensuite is looking beautiful - I can't wait to see it finished. I loved your inspiration images too. Personally, I'd go for a large frameless mirror with sconces positioned symmetrically on either side - simple but classic.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting reading Val's comments/experiences. Really handy to know. I think I will reconsider my plans for our bathrooms!
ReplyDeleteGiven the potential problems - I think the sconces coming out of the joinery makes perfect sense and would look lovely (even if there wasn't the potential cracking problems). Either that, or just one large mirror (either with a simple frame or just a bevelled edge) sitting between your sconces in the position they are in now. (this would certainly be the easiest and most cost-effective!)
As everyone says - what ever you decide on will look gorgeous. Just so many options!.....
good luck, Cx
if not so complicated I prefer frameless mirror with scones mounted on. ( maybe not enough space on window side.)
ReplyDeleteWhite framed mirror to match cabinetry as big as possible - scones on each side.
Oh Mel, decisions, decisions.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, very kind.
X
V
Melinda, just wanted to let you know that your name is turned off in settings, so you can't click on it anymore to get to your blog fro an email....
ReplyDeleteStacy
I think you should mirror the whole wall and have the sconces comming ou of the mirror,it will keep it looking airy,which is nice in a bathroom ,I will be posting a similar situation in the next couple of days on bumbleathome.blogspot.com I think your blog is great,thanks
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the big mirror with the wall sconces mounted to it as well but some one did tell me you can get the pottery barn style hinged mirrors at Recollections for a reasonable price. Love your vanity!!!
ReplyDelete