How to Install and Connect an Illuminated Mirror

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Illuminated mirrors are a functional and modern accessory in the bathroom. It is much more convenient to do high-quality makeup, tidy up your beard or mustache with bright lighting coming from under the mirror cloth. And thanks to the huge variety of shapes and sizes, LED mirrors will harmoniously fit into any interior design style.

It doesn't matter if you purchased a full-length mirror or a wall-mounted model to place above the sink, this article will help you install and connect either option. Follow the steps described below and you will certainly be able to complete the installation yourself.

An owner who likes to do things around the house with his own hands is quite capable of this task. It is best to do this work together - this way you will not only get it faster, but it will also be much more convenient.

Auxiliary electrical equipment

For installation and operation of the backlight you will also need:

When choosing lamps, be sure to pay attention to the base and purchase the appropriate installation parts. The most universal option is the Edison socket (standard threaded) in sizes E12 (CES, luster) or E14 (SES, for minion lamps).

Wires for connection and connection

The best choice is flexible copper wire in rubber or PVC insulation. Since the total power consumption is small, there are no special requirements for the cross-section - conductors from 0.25 mm are sufficient.

Switch. You can use a regular, wire-mounted or touch sensor. The latter are especially popular because they allow you to hide switching equipment. Today it is easy to find on sale both capacitive (you need to touch the surface at the installation site) and infrared (just bring your hand closer to the canvas).

The socket and plug for connection are optional components; if there is a switch, you can make a permanent connection to the electrical network.

Regulating devices - a dimmer or voltage regulator that allows you to reduce the lighting intensity, a controller for controlling LEDs (spectrum and intensity). The choice of such devices today is quite large both in offline and online stores.

Decoration and decoration options

Depending on the flight of creative thought, a ready-made mirror can be decorated with a picture or a sticker, as well as placing lamps in some fancy shape.

If desired, you can assemble multi-colored lighting, but in this case you will need additional equipment.

Mirrors equipped with touch panels that respond to touch look like an interesting option, but this option is expensive and can be quite problematic to do at home without the help of a professional.

Illumination can be done in different ways, for example, along the edge of a mirror sheet in the form of a frame.

As you can see, there are no particular difficulties in this process, so making your own illuminated mirror can give you a wonderful interior element that will not only perform a decorative function, visually expanding the bathroom in a very beneficial way, but also illuminate the room with a pleasant light from diode lamps.

An illuminated mirror is an ideal choice for creating diffused lighting in the bathroom.

Selection of materials

To make a mirror with additional lighting for a bathroom or other room, at the first stage you need to:

determine the design of the mirror;

choose the lighting method;

prepare the materials and tools necessary to complete the work.

Mirror designs

The mirror can be:

wall;

floor;

built-in.

All mirrors can be of different sizes and different configurations.

When choosing a certain type of mirror, it is necessary to take into account its design features:

wall structures are equipped with fastening elements capable of supporting the weight of the mirror. In the form of fastening, you can use mounting panels, clamps, and so on;

floor structures must be equipped with a durable frame and legs. If desired, the mirror can be supplemented with drawers for storing makeup cosmetics, combs and other small items.

Floor mounted mirrors

built-in mirrors are attached with glue. When choosing a configuration and size, you should take into account the corresponding parameters of the bedside table, cabinet or other piece of furniture for which it is intended.

Cabinet with washbasin and built-in mirror

Types of backlights

The following can be used as illumination for any types of mirrors:

lamps located around the perimeter or in separate parts of the structure;

Using lamps to organize lighting

LED strip, which can also be placed around the perimeter, horizontally or vertically, and in individual parts of the structure.

Mirror with LED light

LED lighting is easier to make than installing a large number of lamps. In addition, the energy consumption of LED strips is several times less.

If desired, the user can combine the mirror lighting and install both lamps and LED strip.

Mirror illumination with different types of lighting equipment

When choosing lamps you need to consider:

equipment dimensions;

kinds. Lamps can be rotary or fixed, built-in or external.

To select a tape, you need to consider:

ribbon color. To obtain an additional light source, a plain white tape is used. If the lighting performs only decorative functions, then you can use single-color or multi-color LED strip;

Color range of LED strips

brightness. The parameter depends on the number and size of installed LEDs;

moisture protection class. If you are making a tabletop mirror for a bedroom, dressing room or other room with a low level of moisture, then it is recommended to purchase tape with class 2 or higher. If a dressing table is being made for a bathroom, sauna or other room with a high level of humidity, then the LED strip must have a protection class of 4 or more.

All parameters of the LED strip are indicated in the product labeling and accompanying documentation.

Preparation of materials and tools

So, to make a backlit mirror yourself, you need to prepare:

mirror glass;

materials for the frame - metal slats, plastic or wooden base;

LED strip, supplemented with wires for assembly, a power supply and additional equipment, which can be a controller, a dimmer, an automatic switch, and so on. Or selected lamps and electrical cable for connection;

metal corners;

glue;

carpentry tools: tape measure, marker, square, jigsaw, drill, screwdriver and so on.

Lighting requirements

For comfortable washing, shaving, and applying makeup, a degree of light diffusion of up to 400 lux is required. It should be bright, but not blinding, uniform. Therefore, you should not aim the beam directly at the mirror. All lamps have different wattages.

How to choose LED strip

Before selecting an LED strip, you will need to measure the outer perimeter of the mirror so that there is a small margin left. In addition, you need to take into account the functionality of the mirror, since the color of the tape may not match the frame.

For large mirrors with a perimeter of more than 5 meters, special connectors and a power supply will be required. The color of the tape must match the color of the mirror frame. This is done for the lighting effect, so that when the backlight is turned on at night, the tape itself will not be noticeable, but only the glow.

It is attached using a glue gun or other glue. Some tapes already come with double-sided tape. If you don’t want to waste time and money, you can simply wrap the LED strip around the perimeter of the mirror.

How to connect an illuminated mirror in the bathroom: the best ideas and installation methods

A mirror in the bathroom is a necessary and useful piece of furniture. How to hang a backlit mirror in the bathroom, where exactly to place it and what you will need for this - read below.

It not only increases the convenience of using the bathroom, but also carries an aesthetic load, and the presence of lighting will allow you to visually increase the size of the room and add zonality to the lighting. Mirrors or pieces of furniture with a built-in reflective surface can be small (placed above the sink) or full-size, suitable for examining yourself at full length. The choice depends on the size of the room, design and personal preferences. For some, a full-length mirror in the bathroom is practically a necessity, while others are more ascetic and make do with a small product located above the washbasin. Illuminating mirrors is not so much a tribute to fashion as it is an increase in the convenience and aesthetics of products. This solution will help achieve interesting visual effects and zone lighting of the room.

Network connection

Under normal conditions, you connect the tape yourself to the network via a power supply - the device is plugged into the network, and the tape is connected to the 12 V output. In this case, there may be different connection options. For example, if you need to automatically turn on the mirror lighting when you turn on the general lighting in the bathroom, the power supply is simply connected to the switch.

However, some users find it necessary to start the mirror illumination themselves and not use it constantly. To do this, you need to install a button (microswitch) on the frame (box), which will turn the lamp on and off at the request of the owner.

You can turn off the power via the 12 V line, or completely disconnect the entire unit from the 220 V network. Considering the specifics of the bathroom, high humidity and other features, the second option (completely disconnecting the power supply) seems more reasonable.

Design selection and design features

First you need to choose the size, shape and type of mirror. These parameters should be chosen based on the size of the bathroom and your own imagination. Lighting can be provided with light bulbs, but the option with an LED strip looks more compact and modern.

A backlit mirror not only expands the space by reflecting objects, but also reflects the light emitted by it.

but it is appropriate in both chic and modest interiors.

The backlight will be applied along the contour of the mirror either in a special box or simply on adhesive tape. If the mirror has a complex geometric shape with bends and curvatures, installing the box will be difficult, so it’s easier to limit yourself to tape, which is best glued to the back of the mirror, providing a pleasant hidden glow.

An illuminated mirror can also have additional heating, which helps prevent the glass from fogging up while someone is taking a shower.

If desired, the design can be equipped with a sensitive IR sensor, with which you can adjust the brightness and backlight modes (such work requires certain knowledge in electrical and electronics).

Illuminated mirrors create the best lighting for cosmetic procedures, since the light emanating from it is directed onto the reflected object, without creating distortions or shadows.

Types of backlight

The lighting can be internal or external. Depending on this, different types of lamps are chosen. Point sources are built into the top or side wall near the mirror and disperse light evenly. Spots can be rotating, thereby providing the ability to direct the light flux. Both single versions with adjustment and small chandeliers with independent lamps are available.

External lamps are located on both sides of the mirror, which helps to avoid the formation of a sharp darkening on the face. If you install lamps with higher power, you can achieve a bright light zone. Both the person at the mirror and the interior details of the room will be in focus.

Lamps that are built into the mirror can have different designs. The main elements are strips or blocks of LEDs, the light of which is softened by frosted glass. Such lighting of mirrors in the bathroom is most often installed for decorative purposes.

Types of lamps

To illuminate mirrors, you can use different types of lamps:

Wall sconces. This option is suitable for different rooms, designed in both classic and modern styles. They are installed in living rooms, corridors, hallways or bathrooms. There is a huge variety of products in shapes and sizes.

Lamps built into the mirror. They look unobtrusive, but provide sufficient brightness for a high-quality reflection of the face. This option is used to highlight the mirror, but does not allow you to see finer details in the reflection.

LED module or spotlight. Can be installed for mirrors in the bathroom or combined with lighting in the bedroom. LED products are considered universal, safe and practical.

LED strip can be used to illuminate mirrors, stairs, paintings and other interior items. The product is quite simple to install: cut the tape in the indicated areas to divide it into pieces of the required length. An adhesive composition is applied to the back side. Simply remove the film and attach the device to the desired surface.

A fluorescent lamp can be used almost anywhere. The light is diffused, which eliminates the formation of a blinding effect.

Chandelier for mirrors. Usually two products are used, which are hung on either side of the item. In many situations, this option is more convenient and appropriate. The lamps look original, but are not suitable for every stylistic design.

When choosing lamps for illuminating mirrors, you should take into account the characteristics of different light sources. When creating a lighting system, three main types of lamps can be used:

Energy-saving halogen lamp provides soft and diffused light, simultaneously illuminating the mirrors and the surrounding area of the room. Quite economical products. Avoid using them in children's rooms and bedrooms, as the gases inside the flask are toxic. If the seal is broken, the risk of harm to health increases.

The energy-saving fluorescent lamp is equipped with a double spiral, which enhances the light output and allows you to consume a minimum of electricity. The glow is uniform, the light has white shades. For dispersion, you can use frosted glass and lampshades. Characterized by increased durability.

An LED lamp is much more expensive than the previous two light sources, but has many advantages. It has minimal energy consumption, a longer service life, resistance to vibration and mechanical stress, and a wide spectrum of radiation (from “warm” yellow to “cool” white shades). LEDs are used for directional illumination of mirrors, so they do not illuminate the space around them.

Features of choice

The bathroom is a rather specific room. In this room there is constant high humidity, evaporation, and water can get on any object. Not every lamp may be suitable for this room. Before choosing a lamp over the bathroom mirror, you need to clarify certain operating characteristics:

Lifetime;

Safety;

Moisture resistance.

Lifetime

A high-quality lamp for a bathroom mirror will be used for a long time; its operating time depends largely on the electrical wiring. The bathroom requires special wires. The ideal option is to lay a three-core copper wire. The cross-section of the core must be at least 2.4 square meters. mm. Any sconce for a mirror must withstand normally intense inclusions, so you need to find out in the store about the permissible connected load.

The service life of the lamp will also depend on the materials used to make it. Glass is the most fragile, but it is used in almost all lighting devices. You can choose mirrored lamps with minimal use of glass.

Safety

Any lighting for a mirror, regardless of its purpose and installation location, must be safe. When the lamp is made poorly, it can cause damage to the electrical wiring. You need to find out about the manufacturer of the product; this can be done using the Internet or purchase a sconce from an already familiar manufacturer. The device needs to be inspected for possible damage, and you also need to find out from the seller all the details of operation, and ask whether this equipment can be installed in a room with high humidity.

Bathroom mirror lights must have a second level of protection against electrical damage. In this case, safety is ensured not only by insulation, but also by reinforced (double) wiring. These sconces have special markings - graphic symbols that are indicated on the packaging, near the information about the lighting source. Devices for rooms with high humidity, including those installed above a mirror in the bathroom, must be low-voltage with a current consumption of no more than 24 Volts.

Moisture resistance

This indicator for lighting is also important, since constant steam and moisture can quickly damage the sconces. The lighting source must withstand difficult operating conditions. The minimum degree of its protection must be more than IP24. The number two means that the contour of the lampshade in the sconce fits tightly to the body and small objects will not fall here. The second number 4 is the level of protection against moisture, in this case, splashes that fall in any direction.

Lighting options and types of lamps

The lighting near the mirror in the bathroom, depending on the installation features, is divided into the following types:

External. Lighting fixtures and frame are not structurally connected. Most often they are located on the sides of the mirror.

Internal. Point sources are built into the back surface of the frame (or on top, on the sides, around the perimeter), providing uniform diffuse lighting. Most often, their position can be adjusted manually.

Straight and curved bevels on a mirror - what they are and why Another option is colored decorative LED lighting for mirrors in the bathroom. It performs a purely aesthetic function

This design technique helps to create an unusual atmosphere and focus attention on a certain detail of the interior.

Internal

Outdoor

For bathroom lighting the following are most often used:

External lamps with shades. Must be completely closed, almost flat, and fit securely to the wall. You will need at least two of them - they are placed on the sides of the frame. You cannot mount the lamp above a mirror - this will lead to darkness just where bright light is needed. The colors and shapes of the lampshades vary widely - from classic matte white hemispheres and cylinders to futuristic and avant-garde designs.

Sconce. They protrude significantly forward compared to the mirror, providing a large circle of light. Their designs are also very diverse.

Point devices (spots). They are favorably small in size, have a special frame that allows them to be mounted anywhere, and have a waterproof body. Most often they are already built into the mirror.

Sconce

Lamps

Spots You should also know which lamps to choose for mirror lighting:

Neon. They provide uniform illumination and can be installed even in hard-to-reach places. They operate silently, do not dazzle the eyes, heat up to a maximum of 40°C, and vary in light temperature. Disadvantages: fragility, risk of water getting inside. If one lamp fails, the two adjacent ones also go out.

Luminescent. They provide light as close to natural as possible, are durable and economical. Disadvantages - when turned on, they begin to flicker when working, hum slightly, contain mercury (special disposal is required).

Halogen. Waterproof, durable, provide maximum light output. But during operation they get very hot and cannot tolerate dirt, dust (they go out immediately), and even more so mechanical impact.

LED. Mounted on any surface. They are distinguished by almost record durability (they do not lose brightness during the process), a variety of colors, and cost-effectiveness. However, they are not cheap. One LED lamp will not provide good light; for the bathroom they use a whole strip.

Incandescent lamps. This option for the bathroom is strongly not recommended. They get very hot, are afraid of water, consume a lot of electricity, and are short-lived.

The nuances of placing mirrors in the interior, stylish framing options.

Choice depending on design

The interiors of the premises are decorated in different styles. Therefore, it is necessary to choose lamps with an appropriate design. The wide range of options on the market makes it easy to choose the right one. Classics are distinguished by natural forms and natural materials used in the manufacture of devices. Lamps should be combined with the color of the bathroom, be discreet and not attract the eye. They lack pretentiousness, flashy colors and unnecessary decorative details.

Minimalism promotes a certain asceticism. Each part of the lighting device fulfills its purpose. Lamps in this design have laconic shapes, glass lampshades and diffused lighting. Often in such options, frosted or, on the contrary, thin transparent glass is used to make lampshades.

High-tech is a modern style, a characteristic feature of which is a pronounced urban theme. It is distinguished by clear lines and angles, matte or shiny surfaces. Lamps in metal casings with shades of various sizes are perfect for this design.

Classic

Minimalism

High tech

Installation and connection of a mirror with light in the bathroom

You can make a home portable version of the mirror in a small size, which is convenient to move from one place to another, if necessary. The video presents the creation technology.

How to implement backlighting

First of all, choose the type of lamp, which determines the quality of light and the design features of the mirror. There are several options, and they all have certain pros and cons:

DIY LED lighting for bathroom mirrors has become the most popular lighting option. It is safe to use, economical and does not heat up much during the working process. There are 2 options - LED strips and lamps. The first solution is extremely convenient because it does not take up much space and provides bright, even light.

Neon light sources have become fashionable and are most often used for mirrors. They are expensive, so they are rare. But if you want to get an unusual solution, then neon is perfect.

Fluorescent lamps provide even light and do not consume much electricity. For mirror illumination, both tubular and linear products can be used. But the external appearance of such a solution is far from the best, and therefore it is also used infrequently. The installation process is the same as for incandescent lamps.

Halogen options are much better than incandescent lamps in terms of quality and brightness of light, but they overheat greatly during operation, which causes inconvenience. For normal operation, the installation of additional elements is required, which complicates the assembly process.

Accumulation lamps are the cheapest option, but they are used very rarely because they get very hot during operation, and this can cause a burn when placed around the general perimeter. They also consume a lot of electricity and have a short service life.

When assembling, you need to pay special attention to the electrical unit, and therefore it should be made safe and reliable.

What lamp power to choose

There are no clear requirements in this regard, but it is important to provide light that will provide excellent visibility, but will not dazzle or cause discomfort. As a rule, for small structures the norm is 3.5 W lamps, and for large structures 5 W

Within such limits, light sources are most often chosen. As for the strip with light diodes, it is important to use only single-color options, as they provide high-quality light. Choose products with 60 diodes per linear meter - this is the only way you can achieve the best result. To avoid replacing lamps, use a little trick. Use an LED strip or lamp as a backlight and equip it with a dimmer - it allows you to adjust the brightness. Then it will not be difficult to adjust the light, because it can be controlled. Color temperature is equally important, and for a mirror it is worth choosing a natural option, because it conveys colors best and does not strain your eyesight.

What you need to install LED backlighting

Installation of mirror illumination with LED strip requires precision and strict adherence to the sequence of actions when preparing individual elements for installation.

What you should pay attention to before installing lighting in the interior:

The power supply must have a reserve of transmitted power - at least 25%. At the same time, it is unacceptable to increase the energy consumption of a standard length strip by welding additional sections to it. In addition, it is recommended to artificially reduce the energy consumption of the tape by cutting small sections from it - this will increase the safety and duration of its operation.

Initially, the mirror was not intended to be illuminated from the inside. Therefore, the mounting brackets it contains typically ensure perfect alignment of the mirror plane with the supporting surface. But if you connect an LED strip to the back of the mirror for lighting, then it will most likely be impossible to install the mirror with the previous supports. To make a backlit mirror from duct tape, you will need to install new brackets. To do this, it is suggested to use:

aluminum profiles for mounting on the back of the mirror, directly to the amalgam layer of the mirror;

neutral polymer waterproof adhesive, which must be applied directly to the entire contact area of the profile surface with the amalgam layer.

The surface on which the profile is glued must be degreased with an alcohol-containing liquid so that the glue adheres tightly and holds in conditions of high humidity. Carefully read the composition of the degreaser so that it does not damage the amalgam layer. The belt feeder will also need to be glued, so the area should also be degreased.

To prepare the LED strip to illuminate the mirror, you will need scissors and a soldering iron. The LED strip can be bent with a minimum radius of 2cm, that is, it is not always convenient to use the entire strip. Therefore, it is usually cut into separate straight sections and soldered together with solid copper wires, each with a cross-section of at least 0.75 mm.

Selecting LED strip

Choosing a ribbon is an important and responsible procedure, on which the success of the entire event largely depends. There are a large number of LED backlights on sale, with different power, type and number of LEDs, glow color, etc. There are a lot of options, so you need to firmly decide in advance what to choose so as not to waste time choosing in the store.

Excessive brightness will be unpleasant and will not allow you to look normally in the mirror. The best option is a summer with a power of 4-8 W/m, with SMD 3528 LEDs, the number of elements is 60 pcs/m.

There are single and multi-color types of linear illumination. In this matter you need to rely on your own taste, but most users prefer a single-color white tape. Multicolor lighting can be controlled using a remote control, which increases its decorative capabilities.