How to install an LED bathroom mirror

An essential part of any bathroom, illuminated mirrors have become something of a classic choice in the world of bathroom design.

Small, large, round or square-shaped, these mirrors can be lit up by spotlights or LEDs. In short, there's a huge variety of choice so you're sure to find the perfect illuminated mirror to match your tastes and your existing bathroom décor.

Steps

1. Prepare the workspace

2. Install the mirror brackets

3. Get an electrician to wire the mirror

4. Install and test the mirror

The first step to installing an illuminated mirror is to take a quick inventory to ensure you have all the required equipment. Refer to the instructions to ensure all parts are present. Please note that while you may be tempted to wire the mirror yourself, you must hire a qualified electrician to do the job.

In accordance with Part P of the Building Regulations, any electrical installation in a bathroom (or kitchen) needs to be certified by a competent professional.

This means that you will receive a certification certificate for any work carried out by a certified company or individual. If you choose to carry out the work yourself you will not receive the required certificate which may make it tricky to sell your home in the future. Most importantly, however, faulty electrical installations can result in injuries, fire or death.

That said, you can of course install the mirror without the electric parts and there is an alternative to wiring lights which we will set out below.

Ideally, the electrical box that comes with your mirror should be hidden behind the mirror itself. Be sure to check that the model you have chosen can be set into your desired position while also allowing you to conceal the box behind the mirror.

Most LED mirrors are secured to the wall using brackets. Checking the product instructions, mark out your drill holes for the brackets on the wall. Some manufacturers provide a template for drilling. If so, simply cut out the template and stick it to the wall using masking tape.

If you have a tiled wall, check if it is possible to drill through the grout instead of through the tile itself. Check that your marks are level using a spirit level. Check that your mirror will be properly centred over the basin or sink whether you are using the centre point of your basin or lining up with your tiles.

Once you have performed all these checks, drill the wall. If you are drilling through tile, do not drill on hammer mode. Remove the template if required. Insert your wall plugs and screw the brackets into place. Check one last time that your brackets are level before tightening the screws fully.

Temporarily position your mirror onto the brackets to ensure it is positioned as expected. It should be level and properly centred over your basin. Be sure to check that the electrical box is properly hidden behind the mirror. Remove the mirror.

At this stage, your electrical box should be in place and the brackets that will hold the mirror should be in position. Now you need to hire a certified electrician to wire the mirror light. A quick and easy job for a professional, this should take no time at all.

However, if you don't want to pay out, there is an alternative solution in the form of battery- powered bathroom lights.

These lights can be used to turn any bathroom mirror or cabinet into an illuminated product and are perfect for adding ambiance to a space. As they are battery-operated, they can be installed wherever you like without the need for complicated wiring. However, it is essential to check that the light you choose has the correct IP rating. An IP rating of 65 is usually required for bathroom use.

Alternatively, you can purchase a battery-powered LED bathroom mirror with integrated lights.

Secure the mirror to your brackets. Depending on the model, the mirror may be simply set in place or it may need to be secured by screws. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. If you have chosen a battery-operated LED strip light, check that it is correctly positioned beneath the mirror so that the strip itself is not on show.

Check that the mirror is level. It is also important to check that it is properly centred. Depending on the model, it may be possible to adjust the mirror by sliding it in its brackets.

Finish by testing the light to ensure you have achieved the desired effect.

Required skills

The first step to installing an illuminated bathroom mirror is to secure the brackets to the wall. You therefore need to know how to use a drill or hammer drill and be able to choose the right screws and wall plugs for the wall material. You also need to be able to take accurate measurements and check that the mirror is level.

Time required

Approx. 1 hour

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Tape measure and pencil

• Spirit level

• Hammer or mallet

• Screwdriver

• Masking tape

• Drill, drill bits or hammer drill depending on wall material

• Screws and wall plugs to match your surface

Safety wear

• Hearing protection

• Protective gloves

• Dust mask

• Safety goggles

Please note: this is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your personal protective equipment to the job at hand.