With rising urbanization in Australia, apartments and compact homes are becoming increasingly common, especially in major cities. However, the bathrooms in these small dwellings often lack adequate storage space. The average bathroom size in a Sydney apartment is less than 5 square meters, leaving little room for necessities like towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. This lack of storage space poses a challenge for residents.
Creative storage solutions that serve multiple functions are key for small bathrooms. An emerging trend that aims to address this need is mirrors with built-in storage. These mirrored cabinets provide concealed storage while opening up the aesthetic space using reflections. Installing a surface-mounted or recessed cabinet behind a mirror is a clever way to add storage without reducing floor space.
The functionality of built-in bathroom storage is hugely beneficial for small spaces. Residents can store all bathroom necessities neatly behind the mirror. This ensures items are out of sight but still easily accessible when needed. Built-in storage also reduces clutter that makes small bathrooms feel even more cramped. Additionally, the mirrored exterior makes spaces appear larger, allowing residents to maximize limited square footage.
Benefits of Mirrors with Built-In Storage
There are quite a few good reasons to get a mirror with built-in storage. Here are the most prominent reasons out of them.
Dual Functionality: Combines Reflection and Storage
The key benefit of a mirror with built-in storage is its dual functionality. While serving as a reflective surface, it also conceals ample storage space behind it. The storage potential ranges from Just enough room for extra toilet paper rolls in surface-mounted designs up to extensive cabinets holding all bathroom necessities in recessed designs.
With creative compartments and adjustable shelves, a storage mirror adapts to hold towels, toiletries, medications, cleaning supplies and more. Concealing these items keeps the bathroom neat and decluttered while ensuring everything remains within arm's reach.
Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances Modern, Minimalist Bathroom Designs
In addition to added storage, mirror cabinets introduce aesthetic appeal, especially in contemporary, minimalist bathrooms. Their sleek mirrored facades align with modern sensibilities about openness and space. Built-in lights surrounding the mirror also contribute to a bathroom feeling clean, bright and futuristic.
Since the storage blends seamlessly into the wall rather than protruding, the room maintains an open, airy appearance. The seamless built-in storage helps create a calming oasis effect.
Space Optimisation: Reduces Clutter in Showers, Vanities and Walls
Perfect for awkward narrow spaces between wall studs, shallow mirrored cabinets optimise every bit of available space. Installing storage into the corner above a shower caddy or building it into the side of a pedestal sink are clever ways to introduce storage precisely where it is needed.
This prevents clutter from accumulating on the limited counters and creates a place for everything. The storage capacity mirrors introduce removes the need for free-standing shelves and caddies, keeping floor space clear.
Types of Mirrors with Storage Solutions
While you are on the market to get mirrors with storage solutions, you will encounter few types. Let’s see the most prominent types out of them.
Cabinet Mirrors: Recessed vs. Surface-Mounted Designs
The most common type of storage mirror is the cabinet mirror. These contain a storage cabinet concealed behind a mirrored door. Cabinet mirrors come in recessed designs that are set into the wall or surface-mounted options that attach directly to the wall.
Recessed cabinets offer more storage capacity though surface-mounted is easier to install. The storage compartments are commonly constructed from moisture-resistant MDF board and feature tempered glass mirror doors.
Shelving-Integrated Mirrors: Floating Shelves with Mirrored Backsplashes
For open shelving storage, mirrors can be incorporated as backsplashes. Floating shelves lined with mirrors create a lightweight yet highly functional storage solution. The inclusion of mirrors makes the products appear nearly floating while preventing moisture damage to the wall behind.
This type open shelving is ideal for displaying decorative items in addition to holding practical bath necessities. The glass shelves are adjustable to accommodate various heights of toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Medicine Cabinets with Mirrors: Depth Options for Storing Cosmetics and Medications
For those needing primarily to store small items like cosmetics, pills and toiletries, mirrored medicine cabinets present an optimal choice. These cabinets have solid mirrored fronts but shallow depths between 4 and 5 inches.
Many feature built-in electrical outlets and integrated lights as well. The compact design is suitable for placement above pedestal sinks or between wall studs. The mirrored surface also makes these medicine cabinets popular choices to mount above vanities as well.
Design Considerations for Small Bathrooms
If you have a small bathroom, there are some design considerations that you need to be mindful about. Let’s take a quick look at them as well.
Size and Placement: Optimal Mirror Dimensions for Narrow Walls
When selecting a storage mirror, consider the dimensions of your available wall space. For narrow walls, choose vertically oriented rectangles over horizontal. Tall, slim mirrors give the illusion of height in cramped spaces.
Measure carefully to find a mirror that maximizes your wall without overwhelming it. Place the storage mirror directly above the sink or on the adjacent wall if moisture is a concern. This allows for convenient access when washing hands or preparing for a shower.
Ventilation and Moisture Resistance: Importance of Anti-Fog Coatings and Sealed Edges
Due to frequent temperature changes and humidity, bathrooms require mirrors with moisture resistance. Tempered glass resists water better than regular glass. Also look for tokenized silver or copper anti-fog coatings to prevent steam accumulation and clarify reflections faster after hot showers.
Check that the storage cabinet and shelving edges are laminated or otherwise sealed to prevent warping or mold growth. Proper moisture-proofing protects the mirror and storage cabinet integrity.
Lighting Integration: LED-Lit Mirrors for Functionality and Ambiance
Today's storage mirrors often feature integrated lighting, typically LEDs, surrounding the frame. These illuminate faces evenly during makeup application and grooming tasks. Lighted mirrors also set an inviting, spa-like ambiance in the bathroom.
For optimal use, look for dimmable lights, magnifying ability and vertical asymmetry to reduce shadows. Integrated lighting makes storage mirrors even more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Installation Tips and Cost Guide
Once you buy the bathroom mirrors, you need to know how to install them correctly. Let’s take a look at the different options available and how to do it.
DIY vs Professional Installation: Tools Required for Recessed Cabinets
Installing a basic surface-mounted storage mirror is a straightforward DIY project requiring basic tools like a tape measure, level, screwdriver and electric drill. However, for recessed cabinets set into the wall, the installation process is more complex, especially for beginners. Creating a hole to the correct depth and dimensions between existing wall studs demands advanced skills.
DIYers need a reliable stud finder, reciprocating saw, protective glasses, face mask and anchors to secure the cabinet properly. Due to electrical components, lighting installation also poses an advanced challenge. Unless highly experienced, homeowners may prefer hiring a professional for built-in mirrors.
Average Costs in Australia: Budget Options vs Premium Custom Designs
The cost range for storage mirrors spans from budget-friendly to premium bespoke designs. Basic medicine cabinets with mirrors cost between $100 and $300 depending on size. Mid-range lighted mirrors fall in the $300 to $500 range with more storage capacity.
For whole wall-spanning storage mirrors with intricate shelving, removable glass panels and integrated TVs, costs exceed $1000. The most expensive bespoke mirrors with custom shapes and finishes to match unique décor start around $2000. However, even cheaper storage mirrors amplify space and functionality.
Rental-Friendly Solutions: Non-Permanent Adhesive Mirrors and Freestanding Units
Renters seeking storage mirrors have removable options ideal for short-term spaces. Non-permanent adhesive mirrors stick directly to walls without nails or damage for easy application and removal. Freestanding, wheeled units with mirrors and shelves provide storage without installation as well. These present excellent temporary solutions to maximize space.
Maintenance and Longevity
To ensure that you get the most out of mirrors with built-in cabinets, you need to focus on their maintenance. Let’s learn more on how to do it.
Cleaning Tips for Mirrored Surfaces
Mirrors require special care and regular cleaning to maintain their reflective quality and prevent deterioration. Use a diluted vinegar solution or glass cleaner paired with lint-free microfiber cloths to leave a spotless shine.
Avoid harsh cleaners like ammonia, bleach and alcohol that corrode mirrored coatings over time. Check that cloths have no abrasive edges that could scratch the glass. Rinse surfaces with water afterwards to remove any chemical residue. Take extra care when moisture or condensation accumulate to prevent water spots.
Preventing Desilvering and Corrosion in Humid Environments
In steamy bathroom settings, the silver backing of mirrors can experience desilvering, or dark spots indicating oxidation corrosion from excessive moisture. Storing cleaning supplies directly against mirrors also introduces this risk long-term.
Use sealants rated for wet areas and install adequate ventilation fans to control humidity levels. Leave mirrors uncovered whenever possible so air can circulate behind them. Catch leaks immediately and wipe away standing condensation to protect mirror integrity in humid environments.
Warranty Considerations
When investing in more expensive built-in storage mirrors, extended warranties bring peace of mind. Leading manufacturers offer years of warranty for their high-quality mirrored bathroom cabinets. Assess expected longevity during purchase and register products for included manufacturer warranties when possible.
Final Words
Mirrors with built-in storage provide the dual benefit of increased space alongside aesthetic appeal. As urban apartments and compact homes rise across Australia, these multipurpose solutions present an excellent way maximize limited bathroom real estate. Cleverly concealed cabinets de-clutter rooms and promote cleaner, modern designs suited for minimalist spaces.
From surface-mounted cabinets to fully integrated shelving and backlit medicine mirrors, today’s storage designs cater to diverse needs. By investing in storage mirrors, Australian homeowners can enjoy enhanced functionality alongside the perception of greater spaciousness.
For additional advice on finding the optimal storage mirror for your contemporary bathroom, visit the experts at Elegant Shower AU Online Shop for a complimentary design consultation. Our team remains dedicated to designing beautiful, practical bathrooms for compact urban living.
