Our master bathroom came with a mirror dilemma. Instead of having the traditional mirror-over-the-sink set up, there’s a window (seen here on this moving day pic that we snapped before we removed those bi-fold doors).
But although that picture makes the window look all glow-y and angelic, staring out at the house next door (it’s a side window) isn’t exactly ideal for brushing your teeth, shaving, fixing your hair, or walking by after a shower in the buff. Nor is that the first impression that we really want to make on the neighbors. So we knew we needed a privacy solution stat.
We also needed a functional mirror solution too. The room is (ironically) far from mirror-less. There’s a full-length one on the water closet door (yep, just broke out “water closet”)…
…and another on the nearby medicine cabinet (that’s two mirrors in one 4′ span of wall if you’re keeping track).
And yes, those are both shots stolen from old posts (so you don’t have to worry that Burger spends all of his free time posing for pics in our bathroom) since you know we have since removed the ol’ backsplash to yield this result:
Anyway, back to the mirror dilemma. After living with the mirrors-to-the-right layout for a couple of weeks (while singing “To The Right” instead of “To The Left” a la Beyoncé), the traditionalist in us was just itching for one in front of our faces. Right smack in the middle of the window. Although we had an embarrassment of riches when it came to the number of mirrors surrounding us in the master, we just didn’t have one where it was most sorely needed. So we opted for a not-so-traditional solution. This:
Call us crazy, but we hung a mirror right on the window frame itself. Sure we’ll miss some of the light that it let in, but thankfully we have two other huge windows in the bedroom and a third in the bathroom- so the room’s not hurting for light). And we definitely won’t miss the actual view of the house next door (and the fear that we were making quite an odd first impression by sharing so many tooth-brushing moments). And the function. Can we just talk about the function? I am a man. So that stuff is king. And I can’t even tell you how much easier it is to shave without having to keep my head at a right angle to see what I’m doing.
The mirror itself is from the Allen + Roth line at Lowe’s. After searching unsuccessfully for a perfectly sized round one at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Pier 1, and World Market we were more than happy to spill 65 beans on one with such a distinct shape and clean look (a whopping $614 cheaper than this similar version from Restoration Hardware). And all it took to hang it was one screw in the center piece of wood between the windows and a small square of velcro on the bottom (to hold it firmly in place from the bottom so it wouldn’t teeter from side to side). Bonus: the windows can still be opened and closed while it’s hanging thanks to the knob placement at the bottom of the panes (instead of the center, which would have been blocked by the mirror).
And let’s revisit the shape. We mentioned we were originally looking for a round mirror because the wife thought it would add some nice curves to those angular windows, but it needed to be huge because something that was under 28″ wide wouldn’t allow both of us to see our entire faces in it (thanks to our 10″ height difference) if it was hung completely centered (top to bottom) on the window- which Sherry was adamant about. The miracle of finding something this shape meant that there was a little extra span of reflective room on the bottom thanks to the irregular shape- which is almost like two ovals overlapping at 90 degree angles) which makes Sherry positively giddy about all that added “mirror real-estate.” Here’s a direct quote: “not only can I see my face, I can see my neck!” The girl was beside herself with joy.
Oh and for those wondering why we didn’t opt for a mirror that could be mounted on the side wall but folded out so we could look see our faces by looking straight ahead, we just thought that would look more bathroom-y, while this solution looked a lot more decorative and would read more as “vanity in the corner of a bedroom” instead of “sink across from the bed.” Plus it’s balanced, and you know we have a thing for balance.
But the project was not complete until we said goodbye to the old mirrored medicine cabinet.
So we took it off the wall, along with the towel bar on the opposite side (we now keep a white towel folded next to the sink which seems to do the trick) and added both the medicine cabinet and the towel bar to our ReStore donation pile.
Doesn’t it look even less bathroom-sinky in there now that those two elements are gone? And we don’t mean to tease, but painting the entire bedroom is on the agenda for today or tomorrow. Woot! We also might paint the mirror frame white (or a softer color to help it blend in with the window moldings like gray) though we haven’t decided on that 100% yet… so we could go either way.
And as for how it looks from outside, it’s one big tan shape from behind (nothing too messy looking) so it just a symmetrical light brown shape suspended in the middle of the window. Which oddly enough blends in with all the colors of the tree trunks and other exterior elements. And of course frosting the window could add even more privacy when it comes to the view from outside, but since the neighbor’s house is actually a ways away, we don’t think they can make out our shapes anymore with so much of the window obscured.
Words can’t describe how spoiled we feel to have a mirror above the sink again. Seriously, it’s rocking our world right now. And we’re not the first people to do the whole mirror in front of a window thing. Check some others out here, here, here, and here. What do you guys think of our not-so-normal solution?
Update: See how our sink mirror project turned out here.
Alyssa says
Love it, great solution! Was wondering if you were going to paint it to blend in! Can’t wait to see the bedroom after the paint job, ya’ll are really making me want to move to start redecorating;) I need some projects!! Clara is one cute girly!!
natalier says
SENSATIONAL!! I bought this mirror few weeks ago and have it hanging over my fireplace, I simply love it… you guys are awesome. There’s NOTHING you do, that I don’t love… and I painted my family room grey… and have a sectional… all little ideas I have seen you drop recently… I feel l like we are like “this” (crossing my fingers like we’re real life buds). Awesome guys, awesome!
~nat
MiChiMa says
Guys, I think it’s a perfect idea :) I’m all for painting it a lighter color though, so it doesn’t look so heavy in front of the window. It’ll bring out the pretty trees in the background a bit more and will probably give it an airy feeling.
maggie says
I am so jealous that you got this mirror. I just re-did my bathroom and in my search for a mirror I came arcoss this and fell in love!!! the only problem was we needed white, and whit the higher price tag the fiance wouldnt let me buy it and paint it. we ended up with a square white framed mirror from target. It looks good but I was looking for something a little more fun.
jr says
Love the mirror. What kind of soap/lotion is that sitting on the counter?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jr,
That’s a Cucina set from Anthropologie. Love it.
xo,
s
Eileen says
I REALLY like it! I’m picturing it bringing out the dark tones of the floor after you restain everything (that is, if you do it semi-dark like the last house). I agree with Austyn about the frosting making it more cohesive, but either way you look at it, love love love your solution. :)
pam says
I love it! I have a moment of panic thinking you might have removed the window (of course, it is your house and you could remove it if you dang-well pleased! LOL!). I do love how you think outside the box on so many projects. Can’t wait to see the paint color!
Lisa says
I really like it, and I’m another that thinks it would look awesome with frosted glass. I think that would add some more drama. I also like it dark, I think a shape like that needs a color that stands out.
I would love to put that mirror on my fireplace, but I have no experience in hanging things on brick. Any tips?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lisa,
They sell little clips for hanging things on brick if your mortar dips in. Just visit Home Depot to ask if they can show you them (they’re in the hardware aisle with the anchors and screws).
xo,
s
amanda f. says
I love your mirror solution…what a great shape! It will look fab painted a light gray or white….and the wall color….you are teasing us a bit! Can’t wait to see this little project completed!
Karen says
Since the backs of frames/mirrors are rarely fabulous, how does this look from the outside looking in?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Karen,
It’s one big tan fiberboard shape (nothing too messy looking) so it just looks like a big tan quatrefoil shape suspended in the middle of the window. Which oddly enough blends in with all the colors of the tree trunks and other exterior elements.
xo,
s
Erin J says
Love the mirror, love the shape, and love the dark frame – I wouldn’t paint it. I think it’s striking, and will go better with your bold jewel-toned paint colors. In the old house, you could paint it lighter, but I’d leave it dark.
I want to go buy that mirror for myself!
Julia M says
Ahh, this looks fabulous and something I am not sure I would have even thought of! But now I am storing it away for those situations in the future that I have a window instead of a mirror in front of me. Hehe. And I second (or like 30th) the notion to paint it. Speaking of paint, can’t wait to see the bedroom!
jessica says
I love yall’s ideas! Painting it a soft gray (or maybe a color?) will be beautiful. I was wondering if yall had thought of putting some short sheer drapes behind the mirror covering the window a bit more. Just a thought…you guys are the masters at this kindof stuff, but I was just wondering if yall had considered that and what you think that would look like, if it would even fit in with your style. I thought the added texture might be interesting and give a bit more privacy.
Erin B. Inspired says
What a great idea! I love the shape of the mirror. Do you guys plan on adding any sort of window treatments or perhaps more frosted film to the window to increase privacy?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erin,
Our house is actually a ways away from the one next door, so now that we have a big mirror hanging up to obscure our shapes, we’re sure they can’t see anything that’s going on anymore. So we’d love to keep the view of the trees and avoid frosting that window if we don’t have to!
xo,
s
Victoria says
So, you have a black countertop (which you won’t be changing in the short-term) and a gorgeous mirror over it…also in black. Have you thought about painting the window frame black to match the counter and the mirror? I feel like this will give some balance and definition to the space and will make the mirror look like it’s actually a fixture. Just a thought…
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Victoria,
Yup, but since we like the white crown molding in the bedroom (which looks great with Ed the bed since he’s white) we wanted that nook to feel integrated, so keeping the trim white makes the most sense to us for now. Thanks for the suggestion though!
xo,
s
Devon says
Love the mirror…but the reason I’m writing is more of a public service announcement about the water closet door. I’ve learned from some firefighters-turned-home-inspectors I know that water closet doors should always open outward. If someone passes out inside an opening-in water closet, there’s pretty much no way to get them out because their body blocks the door. Reversing it probably isn’t in your future, John and Sherry, but for anyone considering building or remodeling, keep this in mind (I believe it’s actually a rarely-enforced code issue)….
Annie says
i LOVE what yo have done. It looks so much better without the backsplash. It’s incredible the difference it makes. Do you plan to do anything with the extra mirrors? I recently re-did a few mirrors and thought you guys might like the idea. I bought some wall art (the kind you stick on and then can peel off later) and placed it on the mirror and then spray painted the mirror. It looks REALLY nice. Most people are shocked that I made it when they see it. I bought cherry blossom branches and they looked awesome. Just an idea for all those mirrors you are taking down!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Annie,
We have all of our cast-off items in the guest bedroom so we’ll definitely figure out a creative use for them or donate them to someone who can give them a second life!
xo,
s
Margaret says
That is a flippin’ excellent mirror. Totally dig the geometrics of it. Who knew that Lowe’s had something so stylish??
As to the gray idea- I love it. I used a gorgeous color gray on a side-table redo which you can check out on my blog at http://www.sugarandspackle.com. The best thing is that it was a total accident- Home depot mixed up the wrong color for chairs I was redoing(which you can also see on my blog) It wound up being perfect for my side table project, though.
Today’s the last day for my $50 Home Depot gift card giveaway, so if you’re interested, head on over to my blog at http://www.sugarandspackle.com and follow me for a chance to win!
Xo
Margaret
e.p. says
This is really very interesting. It’s one of those things I would see in someone’s home and wish I thought to do myself. (Although not too many windows-where-mirrors-should-be kinda problems in tiny NYC bathrooms.) I can’t imagine how the previous owners got by with craining their neck all that time!
jen says
hey guys-
sort of off topic, but i remember reading a little while back that sherry has an iPhone? wanted to give you guys a heads up on an app that has been handy to me. it’s called ‘360 panorama’. it costs $1.99 (personally, i’m cheap and rarely get paid apps.. but this one is worth it). you can take a 360 shot of a room.. it’s low resolution but so great when going out shopping for something for a room. it’s so nice to be able to see the whole room in one shot while out at the store. plus it’d be a neat way to give us readers a unique view sometimes!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jen,
Cool! I’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Keeley says
I like it! I would frost the windows behind the mirror for a bit more privacy and to keep the ugly side of the mirror from facing the outdoors.
Bethany at Real Housewives of Prince William County says
wow – such a great idea
Rita says
Great job! Love the shape. I would paint it a soft color to blend more with the window frame.
Nathalie says
This looks amazing! I would have never thought to solve that problem by hanging over the window. And so glad you went with that mirror instead of just a round one. love the shape!
Bianca says
Love the mirror! Not sure if anyone said this yet or not but adding the frosting film to the windows would help keep the light and give you more privacy. Nice work!
Bianca
charlotte says
Great solution!…but it really sticks out. Any plans to paint it? Or perhaps it will blend in better when you paint the bathroom? The space should be noticed as a whole…but right now, all I see is an attention stealing mirror. I have faith you will make it work! Can’t wait for the bedroom paint job reveal!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Charlotte,
We mentioned in the post that we’re on the fence about painting it. Lots of opinions in both directions in the comment section though for sure! We’ll share whatever we decide to do with it when we do it (or don’t do it- hehe).
xo,
s
Bethany says
I totally thought you were going to hang a mirror in front of the window! It looks beautiful! Did you think of hanging it from the ceiling? I wondered if that would even be an option, but I had a picture in my head of a mirror hanging from the ceiling (on wire or something). It probably wouldn’t be the best option since it might turn and twist instead of hanging perfectly straight.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Bethany,
We worried about it swaying and moving around so we loved hanging it on the wood strip between the windows so it appears to be floating in front of them.
xo,
s
Laura C says
Love how you’ve changed this little area from being so weird to being very nice. Love the transformation!
Megan Ann says
Love it! When I first saw the picture I thought you had spent big bucks on some kind of crazy cool window mirror hybrid.
Melissa says
GREAT idea! I have ALWAYS wanted to have a mirror in front of natural light. It is ideal for putting on makeup, plucking eyebrows, etc. I don’t have a window over my sink but I’m always talking about how great it would be. Adding a window to a mirror might be a slightly more complicated project than the other way around…
Interesting to see people’s comments about painting/not painting the mirror. I’m with you: paint it.
Sheila says
I vote you paint it a light grey or white. I think it would blend in more
kyla says
Great work kids! Can’t wait to see how you handle the opening on the left? Did you add a film on the window for even more privacy?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kyla,
Nope, scroll back for more info why we chose to leave that off.
xo,
s
Lilly says
Oh wow! It’s beautiful. I have bn searching for a mirror (round) for over the sofa and I had seen a tiny version of this at Target and loved the shape but not the size. I think I’m going to try buying this one. Do you think it’s big enough for behind a 84″ sofa? My sofa is on a long wall but It’s flanked by a floor lamp on one side and a side table with a lamp on the other end. That nook in ur bath/bedroom is turning out fab. Goes to show less is more.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lilly,
It might be too square for hanging behind an 84″ sofa (unless you went with two of them or something). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kelly says
I love the mirror and I hope you keep it black! It really ties in nicely with the granite below (as my design professor would say, they are having a “conversation” hehe).
Like the previous commenter suggested, I would frost the window behind so the look is more uniform and the awesome mirror shape doesn’t get muddled by what’s through the window behind. But that’s just a personal preference- looks fab either way!
Delta says
The mirror looks great! Awesome solution! Have you thought about putting the frosted film on the glass behind the mirror? I am afraid for your privacy! ;o) Great job so far… looking forward to more!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Delta,
Yup, but we decided we didn’t need it for now (since the neighbors are quite a ways away we don’t think they can make out our shapes anymore with so much of the window obscured).
xo,
s
Wintry Mix says
I love it! Such a creative and clever solution to what sounds like a royal pain, what with the whole facing sideways to shave thing. And the mirror itself is a really stylish and cool.
Right now we have a wall to wall mirror above our double sinks in the main bathroom, and it just looks super 80s, like a jazzercise studio or something…I’m dying to take it down and replace with two individual mirrors, one over each sink. Now, if I could somehow convince the hubs that less mirror space will still be a good thing!
Carmel @ our fifth house says
I heart that mirror! I think it’s great to make “weird” set-ups work for you and this was so clever of you all!
xo- Carmel
MichelleS says
I love the mirror and I think it looks great! Although I am a bit surprised you didn’t frost the windows or something like that for the added privacy. Great job!!!
Vonda says
I think it’s a perfect solution. I love the shape and I love the fact that it’s black. The black makes it match the countertop and makes it pop in the window. (from the last picture taken from the bedroom.) You might lose some of that pop if it’s painted lighter – though I have no doubt you’ll make it look awesome if you do go that route.
Elizabeth says
Love love love the mirror!
And I really like te dark frame with the dark countertop.
Now here’s a crazy idea- what if you painted the window frame the same color as the mirror frame so it looks like one big fancy mirror hanging on the wall.
Whatever color you choose, I think it should either match or blend with the window frame. And I think in this case it wouldn’t be too weird to have that trim color not match the rest of the trim.
Happy painting!!!
JennD says
It looks great! I would frost the window behind it so it still lets the light in but it is less “windowy”. When we replaced the windows in our house we bought a frosted window for our bathroom so there is no need for blinds but our bathroom is always bright during the daylight hours. P.S. – I LOVE THE FLOORS! What would they be called so I can google them for my house.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey JennD,
They’re reclaimed pine wide plank floors. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Nathalie says
Also, Did you think about painging the window molding to match the mirror, instead of painting the mirror frame? I”m sure you did, but thoughts on that?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nathalie,
Yup, but since we like the white crown molding in the bedroom (which looks great with Ed the bed since he’s white) we wanted that nook to feel integrated, so keeping the trim white makes the most sense to us for now. Thanks for the suggestion though!
xo,
s
Kate says
I was surprised by the first picture with the mirror – I thought you photoshopped it in! I like the shape, but think it would look more on purpose if it matched the window frame… Like a specialty window of some kind.
Meaghan says
Wow – It looks great and I love the shape of the mirror…very curious as to what it looks like from the outside of your house.
Mrs K says
Hello,
I have 2 ideas for you to consider:
first: I think painting the window trim around the mirror the same color would give the appearence that it is all one piece. I also think painting the vanity a different color from the wall -or vice versa- would help to further create that furniture look you’re going for.
second: I like the idea of using a window film on the window behind, you can do an internet search and find much beter versions than the standard frosted kind they sell at lowes. In fact there are kinds that will create the look of seeded glass or the same wavey effect that a glass block would have, they distort the view but have the benifit of being basically clear so you can still get an idea of what is going on outside. Good luck and thanks for posting your progress.
Dawn says
I totally feel your pain! We moved into our house six months ago and since it’s a rental we expected there to be MIRRORS in the bathrooms. Um…nope! Apparently, the people who were renting the house before us decided they were entitled for whatever reason, to take not only the fridge (which was the landlords), but also ALL the bathroom mirrors…wHAA???? Yuppers, all the mirrors were gone. So I had to give up some of my wall mirrors to accomodate the fact we like to see ourselves when we brush our teeth. Thankfully, the landlord purchased new ones (not as nice as yours of course), and now we don’t have to fight over one mirror in our bathroom…waahhoo!
Amy says
I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but, I actually like the white walls in the bathroom nook. Knowing you two though, it will look even better with color.
Emily R says
The Richmond Symphony Designer House last year had a bathroom with the same dilemma…they solved the problem the same exact way. they placed a curtain behind it that didn’t hang down, but was scrunchy like a roman shade, white so light could penetrate yet there would be privacy. it was nice.
Emily says
Normally, I’m totally on board with the renovations y’all make. I squeal and coo and drool. While I appreciate the out-of-the-box solution and can agree that it looks really nice – I still catch myself thinking, “I’d have NEVER done that…” which is EXACTLY why I love you guys!
Cynthia says
Love this idea:) And the mirror is beautiful! But, it did look a bit awkward when I first saw it. I do think a lighter color would make it blend better and complete the overall look.
Can wait to see the progress!!!!!