Magnifying Mirror for Bathroom: Wall Mounted Options Explained

For most bathrooms, the best magnifying mirror is a wall mounted one on an extendable arm with 5x magnification, fixed next to your main mirror at eye height. It stays out of the way when you don't need it and gives you a close, steady view when you do, without balancing a mirror on the basin.

Below we explain magnification levels, arms and fixings, lit versus unlit models and where to mount one, using the magnifying mirrors we sell.

Magnifying mirrors for the bathroom: our range at a glance

All of our magnifying mirrors are from Origins Living. The wall mounted ones are brass and stainless steel. Prices include VAT and are at the time of writing.

You can see the full range in our magnifying mirrors collection.

Which magnification: x3, x5 or x7?

The higher the magnification, the bigger things look, but the closer you need to be and the less of your face you see at once. That is why stronger isn't always better.

• 3x. Shows a good part of your face, so it suits shaving, skincare and general grooming. The Addison (£105) and the lit Sloane are both 3x.
• 5x. The usual choice for make-up, eyebrows and contact lenses, and a good all-rounder if you are not sure. The Mason 5x starts at £89 in chrome.
• 7x. For fine detail, or if your close-up eyesight is not what it was. The Mason 7x is £99 in chrome.

Mirrors stronger than 7x are available, but you have to be very close to them and the view is small, so they work best as a second mirror rather than your main one.

Wall mounted magnifying mirror or suction?

A wall mounted magnifying mirror screws to the wall, so it is steady and can carry an extendable arm. All of ours are wall mounted except the Gedy. The Mason, Taylor, Addison and Blake fix with screws hidden under cover caps, while the Hutton and Sloane use a concealed screw fixing.

The Gedy Suction Magnifying Mirror (£40) sticks to a smooth surface such as glass or a glazed tile, so there is no drilling. That suits a rented home or a wall you don't want to mark. Suction holds best on a clean, flat, non-porous surface.

Extendable arms and double-sided heads

All of our wall mounted magnifying mirrors are extendable. You pull the head towards you when you need it, angle it, then fold it back against the wall. The Blake adds a handle so you can move it exactly where you want it.

The Mason, Taylor, Hutton and Addison are double-sided, with a standard mirror on one side and magnification on the other. That is handy if you share the bathroom and not everyone wants a magnified view. The Taylor has a more traditional look and comes in aged brass, so it sits well with brass taps; our guide to bathroom tap finishes helps you match metals across the room.

Lit or unlit magnifying mirrors?

An unlit magnifying mirror costs less and needs no wiring, but it relies on the light in the room. Put it near a window or beside a well-lit main mirror, so your face is lit from the front rather than from above.

A lit magnifying mirror puts the light where you need it. The Sloane Round Magnifying Mirror is front lit, 3x and extendable, with a touch switch and a choice of 3000K, 4000K or 6000K light, from warm to cool daylight. It is IP44 rated for zone 2 and uses 4W.

Hardwired, plug-in or battery?

Lit mirrors are powered in one of three ways. Hardwired mirrors are connected to the lighting or a fused supply inside the wall, so there are no cables on show. Battery or rechargeable mirrors avoid wiring, but you need to recharge or replace the batteries. Mains mirrors with a plug are not a good fit for UK bathrooms, where ordinary sockets are generally not allowed near the bath or shower.

The Sloane must be hardwired, and it must not be plugged into a shaver socket. Electrical work in a bathroom should always be done by a qualified electrician. The circuit needs RCD protection, the fitting must have the right IP rating for its zone, and work in a room with a bath or shower is often notifiable under Part P in England, so make sure your electrician can certify it.

Mounting height and position

• Eye height. Set the centre of the mirror at eye level for the person who uses it most when standing at the basin. If you sit to do your make-up, fix it lower.
• Near your main mirror. Beside the main mirror, on the side of your stronger hand, usually works best.
• Check the swing. Make sure the arm clears taps, a shower screen or a door when it is pulled out.
• Drill safely. Check for hidden pipes and cables first, use a tile drill bit on tiles, and use fixings that suit your wall.
• Think about light. An illuminated main mirror next to an unlit magnifier gives you even light without extra wiring for the magnifier. Our illuminated bathroom mirror guide explains the options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a magnifying mirror that attaches to the wall?

Yes. All of our magnifying mirrors fix to the wall with screws except the Gedy, which attaches with suction, so it needs no drilling.

Which wall mounted magnifying mirrors are x5?

The Mason 5x, Taylor, Hutton and Blake are all 5x and wall mounted, priced from £89 to £120 depending on the model and finish.

What is a bathroom zoom mirror?

It is another name for a magnifying mirror. The "zoom" is the magnification, usually written as 3x, 5x or 7x.

Can you have a lit magnifying mirror in a bathroom?

Yes, as long as it is rated for where it goes and installed properly. The Sloane is IP44 rated for zone 2 and must be hardwired by a qualified electrician.

Get help choosing

Every project starts with a free one-to-one consultation, followed by a clear, itemised quote, and we can plan your mirrors, lighting and electrics together. If you are choosing a main mirror too, read our guide to bathroom mirrors without lights. Visit our showroom at 32 Manor Park Rd, Birmingham B36 0DJ (Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), call 0121 794 2553 or book your free consultation online.