Is it necessary to buy an illuminated bathroom mirror, when a non-lit mirror – supported by other lighting in your bathroom – could arguably do a similarly good job, while saving you money?

This is a question that many householders ask themselves, and it is very understandable. However, this supposed cost-saving decision could actually end up being a more expensive choice in the long term, if there are inconveniences and frustrations you hadn’t anticipated.

A Non-Lit Mirror Won’t Necessarily Be A ‘Saving’ For Your Bathroom

The reality is that when it comes to choosing between illuminated or non-illuminated bathroom mirrors or mirror cabinets, it can be so easy to overlook certain vital things until it’s too late.

So, for today’s article, we decided we would flip the usual cost-saving argument for non-lit mirrors, and instead highlight what you would potentially stand to lose if you made this choice.

Here are a few examples of what we mean.

• It Could Leave You Needing to Buy Extra Lighting

There is arguably little point in rejecting an illuminated mirror in favour of a non-lit mirror for your bathroom if, shortly after you put it up, you realise you do need that additional illumination.

After all, a bathroom mirror isn’t a mirror that you might merely glance at from time to time. For many of us, it serves a very specific purpose of helping us to see our faces clearly and in detail when carrying out crucial everyday grooming tasks, such as shaving or applying makeup.

With a non-lit mirror being entirely dependent on external illumination, it might become obvious quickly that the shadows cast by ceiling lights or wall sconces mean such standard bathroom lighting fittings aren’t good enough for the job. 

Sure, you could invest in clip-on mirror lights or portable LED strips. But doing so risks adding visual clutter, when you could have simply chosen to have high-quality illumination elegantly integrated into your bathroom mirror in the first place.

• It Could Bring You the Annoyance of Steamy Reflections

One of the bare-minimum requirements you will have from whatever bathroom mirror you choose, is the ability to see yourself clearly in it. But amid the chilly and damp conditions typical of the UK, it can be easy for bathroom mirrors to get steamed up.

Yes, in these situations, you could wipe the glass with your hand or a towel. However, this takes extra time on busy mornings, in addition to leaving streaks and smudges.

Another possibility could be to have a demister pad retrofitted to your non-lit mirror, to gently warm the glass and prevent condensation from forming. But this would be an added expense – eroding the supposed “saving” you made by purchasing a non-lit mirror – and illuminated mirrors tend to include such demister technology as a standard feature.

• It Could Force You to Contort Yourself into Awkward Angles

Many of us are familiar with the feeling of being stood in front of a non-lit bathroom mirror, ready to begin applying eyeliner or trimming our beard… only to realise a single, poorly placed ceiling light doesn’t give the good-quality illumination needed for the task.

In this situation, you may find yourself having to twist into awkward angles, to catch the light “just right”. It’s a hassle that you can avoid when you purchase a lit-up bathroom mirror with LEDs integrated into the unit, providing direct and even lighting.

• It Could Land You with A Heavy Retrofitting Bill

Let’s imagine you have learned – the hard way – that the non-lit mirror you bought was a terrible idea. At least you can simply buy a new illuminated bathroom mirror or have LEDs retrofitted to your existing non-lit mirror… right?

Sadly, those processes may not be as quick, straightforward, or low-cost as you might think. It might be necessary, for example, to rewire your bathroom, or to pay about £100 to £300 for an electrician, depending on the specific installation or retrofitting job required.

Don’t Fall for The False Economy of an Unsuitable Non-Lit Mirror

In summary, it could take very little time for you to be shown just how terrible a financial decision it really was to purchase that original non-lit mirror. Here at Illuminated Mirrors, we don’t want you to have that regret – so, be sure to think carefully about your options.

Our team stands ready to advise and assist if you are unsure as to what would be the right choice for you. Contact us today to begin discovering the possibilities for your next beautifully crafted lit-up bathroom mirror or mirror cabinet.

The post The Hidden Costs of Choosing a Non-Lit Mirror appeared first on Illuminated Mirrors Blog.