How to connect an illuminated mirror in the bathroom: choose, install and connect to the network with your own hands

Connecting a backlit mirror is not difficult if you understand the design features. There are different lighting options, you need to know the details in order to carry out the work correctly. In addition, it is worth studying the installation instructions, which always come with the product.

Illumination makes the mirror original.

Backlight options

Lighting can be internal, external and decorative.

Outdoor

Can be used:

Separate remote lamps.
Small sconces that eliminate harsh shadows on the face.
Point mounted sources. This option well illuminates not only the mirror and what is reflected in it, but also the room.

Internal

In this case, the LED strip is built directly into the surface of the mirror. On top, in order to ensure dispersion, it is covered with white frosted glass. As a result, the lighting and mirror look like one. LED modules can be located on the sides, on top of the contour or along the perimeter of the mirror. The location is determined by the dimensions of the reflective surface. In some cases, the backlight is framed with an aluminum profile coated with gold or silver. This makes it possible to hide parts of the wiring and give the product completeness.

Decorative

The tape can be attached both to the mirror and to the wall where it is located. Minimum power LEDs are used here. Sometimes multi-colored ribbons are used, but in this case caution is important, as they can distort the image. The backlight can be supplemented with heating. In this case, films with an infrared heater are used.

LED emitters

LED emitters have become a popular solution among interior designers.
They are located behind the mirror, under or above it, and often form a frame around the perimeter of the bathroom accessory. The only parameter in which they are inferior to halogen lamps is cost. The price per piece is no longer so affordable. Otherwise, it is more profitable to purchase diodes:

serves for a long time without replacement;
consumes little electricity;
turns on quickly and does not flicker;
shines powerfully;
does not require other technical construction parts.

Bath lighting

It is very important to properly equip the lighting of the place where water procedures are taken. For the bath, you can make one of the following types of lighting:

LED around the perimeter;
autonomous:
built-in;
decorative;
in Japanese style.

Each type of lighting is suitable for certain procedures. To take a relaxing bath, you can add quiet lighting around its perimeter and hang a dim ceiling lamp above it. To create an unusual design in a room, you should use LED lamps with colored lenses. A more expensive option would be to install a bathroom with built-in lighting. However, the design of the room will look more luxurious, and in addition, it will save you from having to install light sources yourself.

If you plan to use the bath more often for more practical activities: washing, bathing, pedicures, bathing children, you should take care of brighter light sources that will allow you to clearly see the necessary objects. To do this, you can install ceiling lighting or wall sconces. It’s great if the lamp has the ability to change the brightness and direction of the light: then it can be used to illuminate different parts of the bathroom.

What lamp power to choose

There are no clear requirements in this regard; it is important to provide light that will provide good visibility, but will not dazzle or create visual discomfort. Typically, for small structures the norm is a lamp power of 3.5 W, and for larger options - 5 W

Light sources are most often selected within these limits.

As for the LED strip, you should use only single-color options; they provide better quality light. Choose products with the number of diodes per linear meter of 60 or more, this is the only way to achieve a good result.

Examples of placement of LEDs with different densities and number of rows.

To avoid changing light bulbs, you should use a little trick. For illumination, install LED lamps or strips and equip the system with a dimmer - it allows you to adjust the brightness. In this case, setting up the light is easy, since it can be controlled in real time.

How to make a mirror illuminated with LED strip around the perimeter with your own hands

The main thing to remember when installing lighting for a mirror in a bathroom is to use an LED strip with a terminal connection that provides increased moisture protection class IP 68. The basic principle of installing lamps is to position them in such a way that the light is soft and diffused, rather than directional.

Necessary materials:

4 boards of desired sizes;
18 pieces of E 14 cartridges with an outer diameter of 27.5 mm;
fork;
plug cable;
switch;
glue labeled “mirror” or liquid nails;
furniture varnish or paint;
wall mounting;
corners;
self-tapping screws;
feather 28 mm;
protective gloves for hands.

You can order a mirror without a frame at a factory or use it at home. Its thickness must be at least 4 mm.

DIY mirror frame

Step-by-step procedure for installing a backlit mirror with your own hands:

it is necessary to create an approximate design drawing;
symmetrically mark places for drilling holes for cartridges according to the created drawing;
fasten the frame with aluminum corners according to the previously measured drawing.

How to connect a lamp or LED strip to a frame

The following steps will require 8 or 9 hours of work:

drilling holes at marked points for light bulbs;

if you plan to use ice tape, then you must first install the control unit on the hidden side of the structure, and stick the tape itself on the visible part along the perimeter of the mirror (along the contour);

creating a chamfer 20 mm wide and 5 mm deep for subsequent gluing of glass;
cleaning the chamfer with sandpaper.

Next, the structure is assembled into corners to check all dimensions. If the dimensions of all parts match, it is glued together with glue. It is recommended to paint the frame with furniture varnish or paint.

How to properly install a mirror surface

Installation of a mirror or mirror cabinet begins with markings. First, determine the place where the interior item will hang. If the purpose is utilitarian, pay attention to the height. It must satisfy the requirements of all family members.

Installation steps:

the product is applied to the wall, markings are applied around the perimeter;
holes are drilled at the fastening points;
insert dowels;
screw in the screws;
hang a cabinet (mirror).

How to install a mirror with built-in lighting yourself

Installing an illuminated mirror in the bathroom and connecting everything yourself is not a difficult task for someone who understands electrical wiring and knows how to use a drill. For those who have not dealt with such things, it is better to invite a specialist. If connected incorrectly, at best, only the backlight will be damaged. The worst case scenario is that there may be problems with the wiring.

If you have never installed a backlit mirror yourself, then it would be advisable to use the services of specialists.

For installation you will need the following tools:

insulation tenant;
indicator screwdriver;
wire cutters;
electric drill;
dowels and self-tapping screws;
screwdriver;
building level, ruler and pencil.

Don't forget that the socket should not be located too far from where the mirrors are installed.

The installation and connection process itself is carried out in the following sequence:

The first step is to decide on the location.
Using a building level, draw a straight horizontal line on the wall, on which to mark the locations of the holes for fastenings (this is done in order to place the mirror perfectly level on the wall).
Holes for fastenings are drilled. Dowels are driven into the drilled holes and self-tapping screws are screwed into them to hold the fasteners.
The mirror is hung and the evenness is adjusted if necessary.
Connecting the backlight wires to the power supply and grounding.
The final stage is a control check of the work.
If the kit includes shelves, they are mounted at the very end.

The cheaper the mirror, the easier it will be to install.

Wall mounting methods

The main requirement for fastening is strength. Massive metal and wooden frames weigh the most, so their fixation should be approached with special responsibility. Before you make a backlit mirror with your own hands, you need to keep the following in mind:

Special holders, construction adhesive, liquid nails and mounting tape are only suitable for products with LED backlighting and a plastic frame.
If the mirror is particularly heavy and large, the ideal option is mounting plates with holes into which screws are screwed.
One of the most reliable methods of fixation is using a dowel: it is fixed in the wall, and loops are installed for hanging.
If the floors in the house are concrete, you will need an electric drill to drill holes.

Design and types of mirrors, how to make a product with your own hands

As for the make-up model, there are no problems with fastening at all. This type of mirror is usually portable and small in size. It is placed on the table at which a woman applies makeup and combs her hair, in any room

If you need to rearrange the furniture, the glass in the frame, along with the shelves for toiletries, is carefully removed and then placed in a new place in the apartment. This is very convenient, especially when moving

To make a backlit mirror more stable with your own hands (especially if the floor in the room is uneven), you should install a small wooden plank at the top of the back side of the base. It serves as a spacer that protects the interior item from falling and swinging. For safety reasons, if the glass is in a child's room, it is preferable to use wall mounts. The product in the frame is slightly tilted. The fittings are placed at a height of approximately 15 cm. They are screwed into the concrete using dowel nails.

If the master decides to use construction dowels to fix the mirrors with his own hands, he will additionally need small oval (round) plastic spacers and metal brackets. Screws must have flat heads. This fixation scheme is convenient and durable, with increased resistance to vibrations. It is ideal for thick, massive concrete walls.

The substrate must support the weight of the mirror. Most often it is made from plywood or chipboard. This material does not look very attractive, but is durable and therefore ideal for backdrops.

Construction adhesive, liquid nails and mounting tape can only be used for products with a plastic frame.

Large, heavy mirrors are secured with special plates with holes that are fixed with self-tapping screws

One of the most reliable methods of fixation is using a dowel fixed in the wall

If your house has concrete walls, you will need an electric drill to drill the holes.

A dressing room mirror is usually portable and small in size; if necessary, it can be installed in any room

Materials and tools

The humidity in the bathroom is high, so the mirror frame and fasteners need to be moisture-resistant. Products made of plastic and stainless steel are suitable. The safety of the lighting system is important.

For it, choose lighting fixtures with a moisture protection class of IP67 and higher.

To install the lighting you will need tools, hardware and accessories:

level;
drill (impact) or hammer drill;
drills (drill);
plastic dowels;
screws;
screwdriver or screwdriver;
roulette.

Peculiarities

In the bathroom, the level of humidity is almost always high, the temperature often changes, and condensation forms. Therefore, you should comply with the relevant requirements not only for furniture and plumbing, but also for accessories and mirrors.

A low-quality product becomes cloudy over time and becomes covered with mold or mildew. Thanks to the development of technology, it has become possible to produce mirrors that are not susceptible to external factors. Often they are additionally equipped with a heating system.

Mirror lighting plays a practical and decorative role. In the first case, correctly installed lamps make applying cosmetics or shaving much easier.

In the second, they create an unusual atmosphere, while focusing attention on some interior detail

Rules for connecting the backlight

The type of illumination determines the order of further work. If the lighting fixtures come with a mirror (cabinet), then there are assembly instructions. Otherwise, the work plan is drawn up independently.

LED Strip Light

To install an LED strip, you need an aluminum profile and 1-2 12V power supplies. The profile removes excess heat, which extends service life. Without a profile, you can install SMD 3528 tape. It is low-power. The tape is sold in coils. The length of the segments is determined during installation. The lighting scheme includes:

Dimmer;
Remote Control;
power unit;
ribbon.

To connect the circuit elements you need: PuGV - installation wire, VVGng-Ls (1.5 mm²).

LED lights

Power to the high-power fixtures is supplied from a distribution box located outside the bathroom. The wires are connected with self-clamping terminals. For designer lighting of mirrors, less powerful LED lamps are used. There are enough batteries to power them.

Product operating instructions:

insert batteries of the same capacity into the compartment;
the battery cannot be revived by heating;
Install batteries with the parameters specified in the operating instructions for the mirror (cabinet).

Fluorescent lamps

Power must be supplied to the installation location of the lamp. Installation of the product begins with assembly. The kit comes with detailed instructions. It lists all structural elements, provides a connection diagram, and provides detailed assembly instructions. The housings of modern lamps are universal. They can be mounted on any surface (vertical, horizontal). Marking of attachment points is done using a laser level or level. The fasteners are fixed with a dowel and a self-tapping screw with a press washer, and the body is fixed to them. The input cable is inserted in the required places. To control fluorescent lamps, a switch is provided in the circuit; for 2 groups of lamps, two-key models are used; for a single lamp (group), a single-key switch is sufficient.

With motion sensor

For convenience, motion sensors are included in the lighting circuit. Products with degree of protection IP65 are suitable for bathrooms. Mini sensors fit better into the interior. PD9-V-1C-SDB-IP65-GH is installed on the ceiling. This model has small dimensions - 36 * 52 mm. Using spring clips, the sensor is mounted in a lamp or suspended ceiling. It can be placed in the first humidity zone. During installation, high-quality insulation of the wires is performed and the operation of the sensor is adjusted. If there is no movement, the lights turn off after a certain period of time. When a moving object appears in the bathroom, light sources connected in the same circuit with the sensor turn on.

Motion sensors save energy by 40-80%. Increases comfort level. Classic switches are not needed. The lights light up when a person enters the motion sensor area. Installation instructions included:

choose an installation location in the area where the mirror is located (cabinet);
the lamp is attached to the wall or ceiling;
connect the device wires to the electrical network wires;
The twisted areas are wrapped with electrical tape.

This is interesting: Is grounding necessary if there is an RCD on the water heater?

Common Mistakes

When installing several LED strips, home craftsmen make classic mistakes:

connected in series;
take ribbons longer than 5 m.

These errors affect the quality of lighting and the service life of LED strips. They will fail very quickly and the glow will be uneven. At the place of the first connection it will be bright, at the end of the tape it will be dim.

Non-optimal power supply power is another mistake made by home craftsmen. It affects the service life of the lighting system. You need a power supply with 30% more power than the LED strip.

When installing a motion sensor, mistakes are also made:

placed in the wrong place, the viewing angle is blocked by the front door or the door of a wall or floor cabinet;
The operation of the sensor is impaired by the heater, which is located near the installation site;
The SENS parameter is incorrectly configured when the lights do not turn on with minimal movement;
the light cone of the lamp hits the sensor body.

Additional tips and tricks

The bathroom needs to be divided into zones. Each has its own type of lighting. Generally, in the form of built-in or open lamps, place them on the ceiling. Provide additional light sources near the sink and bathtub.

To achieve a comfortable, uniform level of illumination, lamps are installed at an angle to reflective surfaces. Sources of bright light are placed on both sides of the mirror. Decorative lighting is installed around the perimeter of the mirror surface. To avoid shadows and glare, lamps with frosted bulbs are installed next to the mirror. They are mounted on a rail in several pieces, attached next to the mirror surface. To make a light accent on the face, neutral lighting is installed above the mirror (LED strip, frosted light bulbs). Their luminous flux is directed onto the canvas.

When installing lamps in the bathroom, it is recommended to use copper cable (ShVVP, VVG). In small rooms with low ceilings, built-in lamps are installed. In large bathrooms, combined lighting is provided - two types of lamps are installed (open, built-in).

Our range

Mirror with light and clock Bemeta 127201679 RUB 24,970

Milan wardrobe mirror with lighting Mil0408 AQWELLA 5 Stars RUB 36,980

Tempo Wardrobe-mirror with lighting Tmp.04.06 AQWELLA 9825 RUR

Ultra Luxury mirror cabinet with lighting Ul-l.04.06.G AQWELLA 9614 RUR

The most economical and safest are LED lamps. In combination with LED strips, they create a cozy atmosphere in the bathroom in the evening, which is relaxing, and in the morning they help to tune in to the business rhythm.

Suitable interior styles

Mirrors with built-in lighting are not a universal component for all interior styles, but such products look very organic and eye-catching in some areas.

The art deco concept allows for the presence of oval, round or rectangular mirrors with discreet light lighting.

In the loft style, where the shape of the light bulb itself is an important component of the attic concept, tall mirrors equipped with incandescent lamps as outdoor lighting are popular.

Lighting is an important attribute of mirrors in rooms decorated in high-tech style. The understated concept is usually highlighted with a neon glow along the contours of mirrors of various sizes.

The fusion style allows for the presence of round mirrors and even elements in the form of colored LED strips or decorative lighting on the mirror surface.

The retro trend welcomes side exterior lighting of mirrors using large-sized lamps. Most often, such rectangular mirrors can be seen on a table or dressing table.

Colored lighting of mirror surfaces is popular for techno style. Juicy neon or acidic shades will fit very organically into this concept.

Classification

To illuminate bathroom mirrors, special lamps for wet rooms are used. Due to the design features, moisture does not get inside. An atmosphere of peace and comfort is created with the help of multifaceted lighting, consisting of several light sources. Lamps next to the mirror are a must-have attribute of modern rooms.

By lamp type

The type of lamps used determines the power consumption, intensity and color of the light output.

Luminescent

Energy-efficient option with a long service life (2.5-20 thousand hours). When purchasing fluorescent lamps, pay attention to 3 parameters:

base type E14, E27, E40 (E14 for small luminaires);
power;
the nature of the color spectrum (cold, warm, white).

Halogen

This type of lamps is used in spotlights. They are not afraid of moisture, have increased light output, and last a long time (2 thousand hours). Capsule-type halogen bulbs are used for illumination. They have small dimensions. The G9 base is suitable for a 220 V network.

The service life of halogen lamps is reduced by:

frequent switching on and off;
pollution.

LED lights

Light-emitting diode lamps (LED) fit perfectly into the bathroom interior. They last up to 30 thousand hours, emit light that does not irritate the eyes, and consume little electricity. LED lamps intended for illumination have a GX53 base type.

LED strips are used for internal and external illumination of mirrors. They have a uniform glow of different colors and brightness. LED strips are produced in 2 types:

SMD (single color);
RGB (multicolor).

By shape and design

In small rooms, mirrors of small (40 cm) and medium (60 cm) height are appropriate. Owners of large bathrooms can use mirror panels 1-1.2 m high in their design.

With shelf

Practical and easy to use model. There is enough space on the shelf for oral, skin, and hair care products. The shelf holds everything family members need for daily hygiene procedures. The lighting creates a feeling of comfort.

Mirror cabinet

Allows you to make the most of your bathroom space. The shelves contain cosmetics, hygiene products, and household chemicals. The mirror canvas visually increases the size of the room. Illumination (internal, external) increases the level of comfort.

Round

A round cosmetic mirror fits well into the bathroom interior. It emphasizes the original design of the sink and visually deepens the space. The backlight eliminates shadows and helps to create high-quality makeup.

Perimeter light

Lamps are placed under or around the mirror surface. A mirror with external lighting around the perimeter is a full-fledged light source in the bathroom. Interior lamps create the effect of diffused light. It helps you relax.

Touch activation

Touch switches are suitable for luminaires with low-voltage halogen and fluorescent lamps; they are connected to LED light sources. They turn the lights on and off with a light touch of the hand. Mirrors with a built-in touch switch have a modern design. They are easy to use. High cost does not affect demand. He grows. Models with remote control provide maximum comfort.

Magnifying

A modern gadget that makes it easier to care for your skin and apply makeup, and is mounted on the wall. The magnifying cosmetic mirror can be rotated. The backlight and magnifying effect are chosen by active young women and older ladies.