Backlit Versus Front Lit Bathroom Mirrors
The practical difference between a backlit mirror and a front lit mirror, and how to choose between them for a hotel or residential bathroom.
Backlit and front lit mirrors look similar on a specification sheet and behave completely differently in a room. The choice is usually made on a rendering and regretted at handover, so it is worth understanding what each one actually does.
What a Front Lit Mirror Does
A front lit mirror, such as our HQ001 or HQ002 models, throws light forward through a frosted band in the glass. That light lands on the face, which is what a guest needs for shaving or make-up.
It is the safer choice when the mirror is the only light at the vanity, and it works on any wall finish because nothing depends on what is behind it.
What a Backlit Mirror Does
A backlit mirror such as HQ003 throws light backwards onto the wall. The mirror appears to float, the room reads larger, and the light in the room is soft and indirect.
It needs a flat, evenly finished wall behind it. Uneven plaster or a patchy paint line becomes visible the moment the light is on.
Choosing Between Them
If the bathroom has other vanity lighting, backlit gives you the better looking room. If the mirror is the only light source, front lit gives you the usable bathroom.
Because both share the same glass, backing, aluminium body and electrical specification, mixing them across a property is straightforward and needs only one approval package.
A Third Option
Framed models put the light behind a frame with a diffuser, which sits between the two: some light forward, some spill onto the wall, and a visible design element in the room.
Whichever you choose, the defogger, dimming, clock, Bluetooth speaker, shaver socket and changeable light colour options are available across the range.
Key Points
- Front lit puts light on the face and works on any wall
- Backlit puts light on the wall and needs a flat, even finish
- Use front lit where the mirror is the only vanity light
- Both share the same construction, so mixing them is straightforward
Models This Guide Refers To
High Quality Backlit Mirror Model HQ003
HQ003 is the backlit model. The light comes from behind the glass and washes the wall around it, which gives the mirror a floating e...
View Model Details
High Quality Lighted Mirror Model HQ001
HQ001 is the model most of our hotel clients order first. It is a plain rectangular frameless mirror with a frosted light band, and ...
View Model DetailsWhere This Came Up in Practice
Questions About This Guide
Who is backlit versus front lit bathroom mirrors written for?
Project teams, specifiers and buyers who have to make a decision about a lighted mirror rather than browse a catalogue.
Can you supply a specification sheet on this subject?
Yes. Email us the model name and we will send the specification sheet.
Does this apply to lit medicine cabinets as well as mirrors?
Unless the guide says otherwise, yes. The cabinets share the mirror, lighting and electrical specification.
Who do I contact with a follow up question?
Email [email protected] with the project details and the question.
Need This Checked Against Your Project
Send the drawing, the sizes and the functions you are considering and we will tell you what we would specify.