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.
Mary says
Hi John & Sherry,
Long time reader, first time commenting!
Good Eye for envisioning a mirror over the window! It rocks!
QUESTION: I have the same “chair space” in my bathroom vanity and dislike it. I’m a quick make-up on the run kind of girl.
I have a basket like you in that space. Any suggestions what else we can do with that free space??
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mary,
Our minds are going a mile a minute, but we’re thinking of everything from a basket or bin to a stool or chair or even to floating shelves or a door for more of a balanced and concealed look. Who knows where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Stephenie from Decorating Addiction says
Hmmm. . . . it’s interesting. I’m not crazy about the color of the mirror but I guess I’ll have to see it once the room is finished. I understand the dilemma b/c I would hate to lose the window too, but I’d probaby lose the window in place of the mirror (call me vain!) IF you have enough light from the bedroom. Or perhaps rearrange the bathroom altogether at some point — is there room to move the sink?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Stephenie,
Nope, no room to put the sink in the bathroom (or anywhere else) as things exist today. Maybe sometime in the waaaay future we’ll rearrange things in a major reno, but for now we’re having fun trying to work with what we have. We do love a challenge…
xo,
s
Steph says
Ahh, I LOVE it! I think the previous commenter Samantha said it perfectly, to so some it might be one of those projects that people don’t “get” until it’s done, but I have no doubt it’s going to look completely seamless when it is! I already think it looks perfect there. Another YHL project I would have never thought of but looks awesome.
On one hand, I can see painting it to make it flow better, but on the other hand the black draws attention to it which works for such a gorgeous mirror! I’m sure whatever you do will look great!
Lauren Janelle says
I love what you’ve done. I’ve always been curious why those separate vanities closed from the toilet and tub were even made. You made it look normal and useful.
Jenny G. says
I’m in LOVE with that mirror! In fact, I think I see a trip to Lowe’s in my future… I do have to say though, that while I like the black frame, it is really jarring in your bathroom. If it were me, I’d be in the “paint it!” camp. But I’d also be in the “mod-podge some pretty scrapbook paper on the back so I don’t have a big tan quatrefoil in my window” camp. I like that you left the window unfrosted though!
p.s. Is there supposed to be a tiny black smiley face at the very bottom of your page (to the right of the “SHOP” button?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jenny,
Yes- isn’t that funny? It’s tracking software from Google so it’s on all blogs with Google Analytics. We think it’s cute!
xo,
s
Angela says
I’ve been eyeing that mirror for a while now. I think I’ll paint mine yellow.
Jessica says
So I have a few questions..
Are you considering frosting the glass?
What does the mirror look like from the outside?
Have you considered painting the frame of the mirror??
OK JUST KIDDING.
You guys sure do get lots of opinions! Love what you are doing. I love that it all seems refreshingly different from the last house but still similar concepts. Can’t wait to see what color is chosen for paint!
Angela says
I’ve been eyeing that mirror for a while now; thinking of painting it grey or yellow.
Janette @ The2Seasons says
Love the idea, but I definitely think the look would be more cohesive with a white frame. I love the way you two really think through your projects before doing them.
Kristin says
I would have never thought of this. I love it. We looked at a house with the vanity in the bedroom and decided against it, because we thought it was strange. I love that you are showing all the possibilities of how to make it work!
Lindsay says
Love it! We just moved into our new house and my girlfriends come over and wonder why I’m not rushing to get the whole house “done” yet, as in, pictures on the walls, all the rooms painted, etc. I try to explain that it’s a process, decorating is personal, we’re on a budget, blah blah blah…but what I really want to say is, “HEY, John and Sherry are taking their time so I can take mine!” If only they read YHL. :)
threadbndr says
I’m with the ‘paint it’ crew. Right now it totally dominates the space and draws the eye to the nook even more than the backsplash did. But agree you should wait until you have the wall color up.
I honest to goodness thought you had photoshopped it as a “what do y’all think?” post/poll untill I read the details and saw the close up.
I need to find an old school wood cabinet (or make one, since I have a cool old mirror). Then I need to inset it into the beadboard in my bath. I live alone – it’s going to be MY size (ie SHORT), but watch, someday I’ll sell my house to somebody 6 foot plus and they’ll only be able to see themselves from the nose down LOL.
Jenny G. says
Hehe, I thought the smiley face was an Easter Egg -like on dvds- at first. I definitely clicked on it to see if it would take me to some sort of YHL “bonus feature”.
Kelley C says
You both have such a great eye! This looks totally cool, I never would have thought of something like that. It is amazing how perfectly the mirror fits in the windown. I have to say I like it black but I would be interested to see what you decide…. you never disappoint! Can’t wait too see what’s next! Also, you have the patience of a saint to answer so many questions (repeatedly) so sweetly. :)
Shannon says
Thanks! I will be stalking Michael’s now! :)
Beatriz says
Hi Sherry & John!
I am so addicted to your site and just love it! I just discovered it three months ago (after I lost my job and I was web surfing) and now that I finally got a job (3 weeks ago) I race home to check out your daily posts and see the progress on your new house. Before I know it, its been a few hours (I’m going thru your archived posts). I have 3 weeks of TIVO’d shows backed up and instead I’m checking out “what Sherry & John are up to”! Forget “The Bachelor” or “Grey’s Anatomy”…..this is wayyyyy better!
Anyway, I love all the changes you’ve made so far and really like your new mirror. I’m assuming you will focus on the bedroom and master bath for now or are you guys just doing a little bit in each room? I’m sure you have grand plans for the bedroom so I can’t wait for your bedroom paint reveal! I’m also sure it includes a master bath paint reveal and it will all come together nicely like everything you all do. Suddenly it all looks cohesive!
Question: are you still using the brushed nickel table fan you had in your
old bedroom? I koved yours so much I looked everywhere for one for Christmas but didn’t find one that was reasonably priced. I love fans in bedrooms (ceiling fans) not for the aesthetics but for the function. I loooove to sleep in a cold breezy room. So I was wondering if you still have it and if so where?
You guys are really inspiring and I really wish you so much luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Beatriz,
Yup, we still plan to use our table fan in this house (although not until the warmer months so for now it’s just sitting in the guest room until we clean things up a bit in there). We’ll figure out where that should live when it gets hot again (most likely on a dresser or ottoman). We do use Clara’s blue table fan every night (studies show moving air can cut down the SIDS risk, so we’ve been using it from day one). Oh and it helps her sleep since it creates some nice white noise (along with her white noise machine).
Beatrice says
I think sometimes it’s like tunnel vision with a new object in the space. But yeah, maybe it’s the ligt, or the camera, but it does look photoshopped…aka out of place. Jury still out. But I do think frosting would help.
Julie says
Did you consider trying to do something cool with adding mirrors to some nice shutters or other window covering that could be opened to let the light in but used as a mirror when closed or when privacy is needed? Not sure how I would tackle it, but I would love to see the result if you guys ran with an idea like that.
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, didn’t even think of that! But if we ever grow tire of our new mirror it’s something to think about down the line!
xo,
s
Jessie says
It looked really odd to me at first, but after going back to it a few times, it’s grown on me. I think it’s going to look great, no matter what you decide to do with it. I admire that you’re able to think outside the box and come up with non-conventional solutions. And I agree with Jessica a few posts above me. It cracks me up how many “suggestions” you guys get.
Rachèle @ a.k.a. jolie says
First: I’ve recently started following this blog and I love it so much!
Second: This is amazing! I never would have thought a mirror in a window could work, and now I find myself wishing I had something as awesome as that in my bathroom! For what it’s worth, I’m on Team Paint It. White or grey would look great or even a color pulled from your new bedspread! (Depending on what you end up with for the walls).
Can’t wait to see what you come up with for the rest of the house!
R.
Navy Bean says
I love it. The shape absolutely makes it. Plus I can’t believe how the size fits so perfectly in the window. I agree with the others though that you should paint it white. It will blend in the with window frame and look seamless.
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
urgh, those mirrored medicine cabinets; I dislike those! Esp. when they are in awkward positions!
petite josette says
I love the idea and the shape of the mirror is definitely unusual. I would definitely frost the windows though, just because to me being able to look at myself and out the window at the same time would be too confusing…but that’s just me :)
I’d probably paint the frame as well to make it blend a little more.
thanks for sharing !
Annalea says
Looks fab. :o) There’s another great mirror off the wall photo in The Not So Big House (http://www.amazon.com/Not-So-Big-House-Blueprint/dp/1600851509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294720682&sr=8-1) Just do a search inside for “mirror”. The pic’s on p 93.
Can’t wait to see the paint!
Genevieve says
Love that solution. Keep the mirror a contrasting colour though, not white. Black looks good but could be a bit heavy.
I am just so envious of the smart but swift transformation you guys are doing of your new house. I am again totally addicted. Puts my 12 months of still a relatively blank canvas to total shame….
Alejandra says
Your flooring is absolutely stunning. Interesting idea to put the mirror up on the actual windows.
Jasmine says
I love the mirror over the window idea, but what I love even more was the link to the weekly Clara pics. She is so stinkin’ cute! I don’t have any children, but if/when I do, I have added this to my list of ideas to steal from you.
Awhile back you had mentioned some ideas you had for those backdrop fabrics. I was wondering if any of those backdrop fabrics have made it into plans for your new house. Are you still hanging on to them all for future projects, or did I miss a post where you had already done something fabulous with a few of them?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jasmine,
We plan to use all of the fabrics for something for Clara (like a quilt or a birthday bunting) but we’re sure we’ll have lots of fabric leftover and can’t wait to work it into our house in some way. We’ll post all the details when we get there!
xo,
s
Emily says
Hey, the mirror looks great! I never would have thought of that. Have you considered painting it the yellow-gold color from your new bedspread? I think that could look really cool…
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Emily,
Yup, pretty much any color is on the table right now. We’ll definitely post about it when we make a final decision and get ‘er done!
xo,
s
laura k. says
I really like this solution! you guys are always so creative and thinking outside the box. Put my vote down for painting it a softer color to give your bathroom that luxurious relaxed spa feeling. The black frame is a bit to harsh and so in your face. Can’t wait to see the finish bathroom outcome with the paint and everything
Sheralyn says
That sure does take some getting used to! Love the mirror. Love the risk for trying something different. LOVE the idea of painting it white (even with whatever wall color ends up there)
I can see it looking like some kind of cathedral window that way :)
Jessica says
What are you thoughts on the medicine cabinet? Have you ever shopped for one? I think one that isn’t so boxy and mirrored would really make the space shine. After all, you all said it before, there is no lack mirrors there so why not one less?
Also thanks for posting that Richmond map poster. I had to order one for myself (I’m currently in the fan but we hope to move to Tuckahoe or Bon Air within the next year so it will be a great token) and it really looks spectacular.
Cheers!
Jessica
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessica,
As we mentioned in the post we removed the medicine cabinet and the towel bar (see the last pic where they’re gone and the space looks nice and clean?). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Par says
Hmms – that room is one odd room!! Can you not remove the sink and add a sink to the bathroom instead, thereby using this room for something else especially since you have removed the bi-folds from this room?
The mirror looks nice nevertheless!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Par,
Nope, no room for even the smallest of sinks in the bathroom, so we’re just trying to work with what we have for now. We’re actually really happy with the functionality of the sink (it’s nice that someone can be showering and someone else can brush their teeth without having to share space in the small bathroom. Who knows where we’ll end up though!
xo,
s
Erin Randall says
I don’t think you could have devised a more economical or attractive solution. I’ve seen a mirror hung in front of windows in the bathroom before in magazine and always liked the look. The black frame adds a nice graphic pop, too!
~Erin
Jenny @ Words On Wendhurst says
Painting the mirror white would make it blend into the window, but since you are trying to make that area look less like a sink, I think the dark mirror draws your eye up. The dark mirror, plus an awesome light fixture that reflects in the mirror, plus those awesome floors = never even noticing the sink :-)
Julie says
I think you are able to pull it off! I agree with maybe lightening up the frame with a cool gray or possibly pull a hue from the new duvet?Cool blue from the duvet and the sky outside? Just an idea. (I’m not sure what your plan are completely with the dressing area project.) I do agree, even if the neighbors are more than a stone throw, that frosting the windows would complete the look. From the picture, it looks like once the frame of the mirror was painted, if you frosted the glass they would better blend together and give a impression of stained glass arrangement. But you don’t need my help- you guys do great on your own!
Liz says
I love the new mirror! What a neat solution, I have never seen anything like it. I also really like the idea of painting it white and frosting the glass. We had glass in the bathroom to frost in our last house and used the spray can frost – bad idea! Love the film you used downstairs.
JZB says
First let me say that I am obsessed with your site. You two make my day. I just bought a house in Rockville Centre, NY. What should be a happy time for me and my family is turning out to be the most stressful time of my life. I am not a do-it-your-selfer and with my work schedule, I honestly don’t know how i’m going to get it all done. Alright, enough gloom and doom. Your site is inspiring me to get my feet wet. I am going to start small (like really small) and paint a closet or something. We are hiring someone to do the floors and I’m leaning toward the color from your old house. Which brings me to my question….what are you guys doing with the floors in your new place? They seem different in every room. Not just the color but the actual flooring. Is it important for you to be consistent or just keep what’s there? Just curious. By the way, i love the mirror and the paint on the bookshelves. Well done!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey JZB,
We like to work with what we have, especially when it’s hardwood, so although we have wide plank hardwood, skinny plank hardwood, and parquet hardwood in different areas, we think that eventually we’ll get them all refinished in the same tone for a much more cohesive look. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
barb says
hey guys,
i have to ask…nobody is as lucky as you guys seem to be getting all the great stuff on clearance all the time. so whats your system to get all the great deals you find from floor tile to rugs to mirrors etc. is there a system you use? whenever i find something online its out of stock…so give me some hints on this pls. thx b
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Barb,
We don’t really have a system at all, we just look at things periodically (both online and in stores) and hold out if we think the price is too high. Sometimes it means losing something because it’s gne before we buy it (and it definitely means walking away from things that we love to play the waiting game) but we don’t mind taking our time to save some money. And of course shopping at places like HomeGoods and Target really keeps things like mirrors affordable. Most of our rugs are from Pottery Barn (either the outlet or ordered online when they go on sale). There’s no system there except for waiting for the price to drop. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Bethany says
That mirror is such a clever idea. I love the shape more than just a plain round shape because it reminds me of the shapes seen in stain glassed windows. I think it makes a bold statement.
barb says
i hope that didn’t come off toooo jealous…lol…just wanted to know if you have a system…also here is a pic of what the mirror could look like white. i think she might have used heirloom but not sure. her’s has a few more angles but it the same style.
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/sections/my-spaces/
Lori says
Love it! what a great solution!
Jessica says
So now that y’all have removed the medicine cabinet, do you have any recommendations on how to store the things you’d typically keep in one? You know, the stuff you’d rather not look at everyday. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessica,
We’re using the drawer and the cabinet of our vanity. So far, so good!
xo,
s
Krissy says
100% LOVE it. It definitely reads as “non-bathroom-y”, so I’d say it accomplishes your goal.
MaryJo says
Love your blog and love your new house! Let me apologize in advance for making a “You know what you should do…” comment. But the moment I saw your sink setup I thought it would look so cool with an extension mirror. I just love the old school look of those.
Restoration hardware has a few very nice ones:
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1100005&navAction=jump&navCount=0&searchId=1294760496488
Bed Bath and Beyond, Overstock, and Ikea have MUCH more affordable ones. Either way you house is looking magnificent! Very inspiring!
Jessica says
I’d also like to add that I really love the layout of your en-suite bathroom. Especially for a couple who likes to keep some things a mystery (as you have posted in the past ;) ) frequently nature calls when you’re spouse is washing their face/brushing their teeth so its nice to have them separated for a little privacy. It feels very luxurious.
Tasha B. says
Hey, the Coastal Living Ultimate Beach House 2010 also did the mirror over the window thing (linked). That was the first place I saw it (and loved it) and love it again at your place! It is supposed to be better to apply makeup in natural light, too, so that must work out well!
Fawn says
I love the solution. It looks great. What about adding some of the “frosting” film to the window for a little more privacy that still lets in the light.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Fawn,
We actually mentioned our thoughts on that in the post. For now we’re happy to do without, but who knows where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
sarah says
love it! heres a similar one at target. a little smaller but only $20!
Elaine Huckabay says
I adore the shape of the mirror, but am wondering if it will still out as well if you paint it white? What made you guys shy away from just getting a large rectangular mirror that would cover up the whole window?
YoungHouseLove says
We didn’t want to block all that light! And we love glancing outside while we brush our teeth to watch the birds at the birdfeeder. Corny but true.
xo,
s
Alyzande says
You know you want to get rid of that utility-laundry-room sink! And I know you want to keep the light, but diffuse it. (frosted window? bamboo blinds?). Looks like you have lots of space on BOTH the side walls for mirrors too!