Category Archives: News

Tips If You Are Looking To Upgrade Your Bathroom’s Electrics

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As the familiar saying goes, water and electricity don’t mix. This is why, when you want to switch the main light in a bathroom on or off, you would typically do so by pulling a cord rather than pressing a standard switch.

However, what if some of your bathroom’s electrics need upgrading? Perhaps an electrician has advised you that an electric shower you have long had in the space should be replaced, or you want to add a light-up bathroom mirror?

Here are some tips that can help you to avoid nasty shocks — of the electric kind or otherwise.

Keep an eye out for IP (Ingress Protection) ratings

Of course, before adding any electrical fittings to your bathroom, you need to decide exactly what those fittings should be. Any that you do choose should come with what is known as an IP rating. The initialism stands for “Ingress Protection” and, in the rating, is followed by two numbers.

These numbers refer to how effectively the product guards against the ingress of solid particles and moisture, respectively. The higher the number, the lower the chance of ingress.

For example, a product rated “IP44” has been scored “4” for its protection against both types of ingress. The score itself means that the product won’t be penetrated by either particles up to 1mm in size, or water resulting from splashes — which you can obviously get a lot of in a bathroom!

Be careful where sockets are installed

Yes, electrical sockets are legally permitted in bathrooms. However, those power outlets must be placed over three metres away from the edge of the nearest bath or shower.

There is an exception to this strict rule when it comes to having a shaver charging point in the bathroom. However, this socket would still need to be far away enough from the bath or shower to be safe from water splashes.

So, if you do want to be able to regularly recharge your shaver while in the bathroom, you might be confused about exactly where the socket could go without coming across as unsightly.

One thing that you could do is order a light-up bathroom mirror from our team here at Illuminated Mirrors. Why? We would be able to create that mirror in a custom design for you.

There are many different flourishes and features you could choose from for your mirror. For a start, you have free rein over the mirror’s size and shape. Especially crucially, you could have an electric shaver socket built into the mirror as well.

This socket will be sited on the bottom-right edge of the mirror’s frame, which will make it easily accessible — no small boon when you are in a rush to get ready in the morning.

We are happy to report that we can deliver backlit bathroom mirrors to addresses across the UK. To find out more about the custom-built mirrors we offer, please contact us today [email protected].

Why Should Bathroom Lighted Mirrors Be Created On A Bespoke Basis?

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When it comes to centrepieces for the bathroom, one could barely hope for something more stunning than an illuminated mirror.

Indeed, such is the importance of bathroom lighted mirrors – not just for their most obvious practical benefits of reflection and illumination, but also for aesthetically “completing” the given bathroom space – one could argue that they should always be made to order.

But why else does requesting a bespoke service for the creation of a bathroom illuminated mirror – such as ours here at Illuminated Mirrors – make so much sense? Below, we set out some classic reasons.

Custom mirror design by Illuminated Mirrors

Having your mirror custom-made offers a huge amount of freedom

Yes, it’s the “obvious” reason to request made-to-order bathroom lighted mirrors – the fact that you won’t be limited in any obvious way when it comes to your mirror’s “look”, all-round design, and feature set.

In practice, of course, there might be some modest restrictions when you turn to us for bathroom lighted mirrors – around 2.5m x 3.4m, for example, is the biggest you can have a single mirror panel. Even if you require a mirror larger than this, though, we can bring together multiple mirror panels in elegant ways to create the remarkable effect you desire in your space.

Otherwise, with the Illuminated Mirrors team, it is largely a case of… if you want it in your mirror, and you can imagine it, get in touch with us! We can talk you through the feasibility elements, to help ensure you really can “dream big” when it comes to bathroom lighted mirrors.

Your mirror. Your way. Reflect your style.

You can incorporate features that you might not have previously considered

It is easy to imagine that there are only so many things a mirror can possibly be. Well, you will likely be forced to think again when it comes to our bespoke service.

All our bathroom lighted mirrors, for example, use CCT LED strip, which allows for both cool and warm lighting to be provided by a single strip.

You can also ensure your next mirror incorporates the Aura underlighting that will infuse your bathroom with a “spa-like” atmosphere, there being no fewer than eight different lighting colours to pick from.

Looking away from the lighting, you might not have previously given much thought to your next bathroom mirror having audio Bluetooth capability to enable it to play your favourite music.

Indeed, with the likes of USB capability, a shaver socket, and IP44 protection also all possible with your next bathroom mirror, it really can be practically everything you want it to be.

Illuminated Mirrors, Made in Britain.

The opportunity to benefit from the best in British craftsmanship

We don’t “order in” our bathroom lighted mirrors from anywhere else – we really do handcraft them ourselves using the finest materials, right here in the UK.

So, it isn’t merely the last word in creative and design freedom, elegance, and sophistication that you can expect from us – we are also the patriotic choice! To learn more about what all of that could mean for your next bathroom mirror, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today.

4 Benefits Of Having A Backlit Mirror In Your Bathroom.

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A mirror can obviously serve as a crucial part of your bathroom, allowing you to clearly see what you are doing as you fulfil morning responsibilities such as applying makeup or shaving.

Still, you might not have considered sourcing a backlit mirror… at least until now. This type of mirror comes with LED lighting tubes attached to its back.

By switching on this lighting, you can give your mirror a subtly illuminated outline — but there are also quite a few other excellent reasons to buy a backlit mirror.

No shadows

Would it not suffice if you simply settled for a standard mirror and relied on lighting from overhead electrical fixtures in your bathroom, along with sunshine through a nearby window?

Yes, perhaps. However, these alternative forms of lighting can cast shadows on parts of your face that you need to see clearly as you look in your mirror.

It may be reassuring to you, then, that backlights can highlight your entire face, sparing you from having to keep turning your head at awkward angles just to see everything.

More space

Another potential problem with lights that hang directly over a mirror is that they can take up valuable space in the bathroom — especially if they are affixed to a low ceiling.

The bathrooms in new-build homes tend to be smaller than those in properties constructed many decades ago. So, you might especially appreciate having lights tastefully tucked away behind your mirror, rather than in full view and potentially blighting your room’s overall “vibe” as a result.

Energy savings

We should all be treating sustainability as a major priority these days, so it’s heartening that a backlit mirror can make this job easier for you.

That’s because these mirrors include LED lights, which consume far less electricity than the incandescent lights still commonplace in conventional lighting fixtures for the bathroom.

How much less? Well, while incandescent lightbulbs last around 1,200 hours before needing to be replaced, the approximate lifespan of LED lighting is a mammoth 40,000 hours.

This vast improvement in energy efficiency enables you to save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Extra features

We build Dual White Lighting technology into all of the backlit mirrors we manufacture for our customers, who can consequently use a rocker switch on the mirror’s frame to toggle between “cool” and “warm” lighting.

Meanwhile, using a socket on the frame’s bottom-right edge, you will be able to charge your electric shaver or toothbrush with ease.

Of course, you will also want a mirror that looks “just right” — rather than like an ill-fitting add-on — in your bathroom. This is why we offer backlit mirrors in not only square and rectangular forms but also rather less orthodox circular, oval, and capsule shapes.

Exploring The Variety of Backlit Mirrors

To truly personalise your bathroom and match your unique style choices, there is a varied range of backlit mirrors to choose from.

Each of these has its benefits, allowing you to select a backlit mirror that matches your needs from an aesthetic point-of-view, but also from a practical perspective as well.

Standard Backlit Mirrors: The classic choice, offering a sleek and straightforward design that provides ample light without overshadowing the room’s aesthetic.

Framed Backlit Mirrors: These mirrors come with an added frame, blending functionality with decorative appeal to complement your bathroom’s décor.

Arch Mirrors: Featuring a distinctive arch shape, these mirrors add an elegant touch to any bathroom, making a statement while providing the benefits of backlighting.

Pebble Mirrors: With their unique pebble shape, these mirrors are perfect for adding a modern twist and visual interest to your bathroom.

Custom Shapes and Styles: For those with specific design needs, our range extends to less orthodox shapes like circular, oval, and capsule, allowing for a truly personalised space.

If you are unsure what you are looking for though, have a look at our full range of backlit mirrors and Backlit Buyers Guide before you start to narrow down your style preferences.

You can take your pick from these options when you place an online order for a backlit mirror with Illuminated Mirrors. We can deliver either a readymade or custom-made mirror to your UK home; please peruse our website and phone our team on 07893 952 606 to learn more about the specifics.

How can we help interior designers breathe new life into bathrooms?

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If you work as an interior designer, you will already know how important it is that you select just the right features for just the right areas of a given room you have been tasked with overhauling.

If that room on your current project happens to be a bathroom, you should be careful what mirror you choose for it. Far from merely a practical feature, this mirror can reflect natural light entering the bathroom — and consequently make this space look larger and brighter.

These positive visual effects can be amplified with a lit bathroom mirror, as it would add to the amount of light that can be bounced around the room. It would also bode well for you to go with a mirror specially designed for the specific bathroom where it will be fitted.

Walk-in Wardrobe Backlit Mirror – Rochelle Humes

Will the bathroom be getting refurbished or instead renovated?

Maybe your client wants to increase their property’s market value or update the bathroom’s look? You would be able to tick either box by refurbishing the space. This work can involve replacing the existing mirror with a newer piece closer in line with modern sensibilities.

Alternatively, the bathroom could be in a major state of disrepair. For example, perhaps the mirror’s glass has been cracked or even shattered?

In situations like those, you could help the client to select entirely new fixtures that would replace the existing damaged ones as part of renovation work. Naturally, this would be a great opportunity for the client to shake up the bathroom’s overall aesthetic rather than just restore functionality.

Custom edge-lit mirror with ornate black decorative frame

Why order bathroom mirrors in bespoke designs?

As an interior designer, you need to take both cosmetic and practical concerns into account. However, many bathroom features already available to buy readymade might not meet enough of the criteria that are important to the client.

Hence, the client may favour opting for custom-designed pieces instead. On your request, we can design and make bespoke mirrors that would fit straight into the client’s bathroom both physically and aesthetically.

Before you do ask us to provide you with any bespoke pieces, though, you will need to hold a consultation with your client. This will enable you to inform them of the options when it comes to size and shape, as well as what features can be included.

Introducing our prestigious Diamond X Bespoke service

With this service for trade customers such as interior designers and interior design studios, we are handed a carefully tailored brief and then work in line with its specifications.

For example, at our Wiltshire factory, we can handcraft you a lit bathroom mirror in a size proportionate to the space where the piece is set to be installed. For that mirror, you can also choose from various lighting styles — including LED dot patterns and 360 illuminated edges.

Are you keen to ask us any as-yet-unanswered questions about how our Diamond X Bespoke mirror service works? If so, you can reach out to us by ringing 07893 952 606 or by emailing [email protected].

Bathroom Design Trends For 2024

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In what can feel like an increasingly stressful and dangerous world, it is little wonder that many people are eager to treat their bathrooms as sanctuaries.

Whether you wish to overhaul or simply refresh your bathroom, you can imbue it with a wide array of timely touches — from eco-friendly elements to soothing tones. Here is a closer look at what we expect to be among the top bathroom trends for 2024.


Metallic mix

There is plenty of scope for creativity with the metal pieces you can mix and match. Those you choose can evoke your personality, with warm metals like copper and golds having been widely embraced.

Another appealing option is brass, especially when put at the heart of mosaic patterns. In creating these with tiles, you can give your bathroom a charmingly vintage feel.

Going big with tiling

Although they have long been mainly associated with commercial spaces, large-format tiles (classed as tiles measuring at least 800 by 800 mm) have more recently made their way to residential bathrooms as well.

In this setting, large-format tiles can come with fewer grout lines than what standard tiles would allow. You can anticipate giving your bathroom a crisper, more modern look that also proves easy to maintain with regular cleaning.

Free Woman with wineglass and flowers in bathtub Stock Photo


The ‘spathroom’

This portmanteau of ‘spa’ and ‘bathroom’ reflects the bathroom’s purpose as a place to unwind. Key to achieving the ‘spathroom’ look, feel, and ‘vibe’, is making sure all the senses are accounted for.

Just imagine running your fingers over smooth marble tiling as you shower, while listening to sounds of nature emanating from an audio system built into one of the bathroom walls.


Natural mystery

Quite possibly the best spa is the one run by Mother Nature. If you often feel mentally rejuvenated when spending time amid greenery, you could consider weaving such organic materials as timber and stone into your bathroom’s décor.

Natural materials are especially enchanting for their texture, which can add character to a room that would otherwise risk coming across as staid and clinical.


Curvaceous charm

Many parts of the bathroom — especially its shelves and cabinets — can lumber it with a surfeit of sharp angles. However, you can help to soften this harsh effect by adding a few curved fittings where practically possible — with curved mirrors being an excellent case in point.

You are welcome to stack up on curved mirrors from our online store’s product selection — including round and oval mirrors, as well as subtly pebble-shaped mirrors.

You could find that you realise the best aesthetic results for your bathroom by taking inspiration from the above bathroom trends for 2024 — and allowing your imagination to go off on a tangent. Feel free to peruse our website — and the range of bathroom mirrors we can deliver nationwide.