Mirror, mirror on the... wall, right? Where else is there for a bathroom mirror to hang but on the wall above a sink? Yes, maybe you have a full-length style, but still, it's usually mounted to the wall. I guess that's why seeing so many suspended mirrors in bathrooms lately has caught my attention. It's not a typical design you'd think to do, but is there a reason for that?
There's no argument that a bathroom mirror suspended from the ceiling makes for a show-stopping focal point, but how practical is it? "Sometimes when you see these very cool designs, clients think, yeah, that's nice, but how does this relate to me?" London-based interior designer, Juliana Custers, tells me. She recently suspended a bathroom mirror in a family home, and, "Funnily enough, after seeing this bathroom, a lot of clients have requested them. I think because it’s a real family home for real people, a suspended mirror becomes more feasible and less impractical."
The alluring and unexpected nature of this design surely imbues it with an inherent sense of luxury, but for bathrooms with awkward layouts or walls of windows, it can also actually be incredibly functional, too. So, if you're struggling to find a bathroom mirror idea that looks good and works well in your space, here's why you should consider suspending it.
Where Does a Suspended Bathroom Mirror Work Best?
Suspended mirrors are certainly a 'stop you in your tracks' moment, but the benefits extend beyond form. "They add depth and rhythm to the space," says Juliana Custers. "I often choose suspended mirrors when I want to make the space feel more dynamic and less expected."
Bathroom layouts are usually designed around the walls, but suspending the mirror opens up the plan and changes how you experience the room. "Especially when working within a compact footprint, hanging the mirrors allows you to bring other elements, like the vanity, forward and further choose which elements to frame," says Juliana. Layering structural pieces like this is what gives a room that sense of discovery and creates better balance in design.
If you are working with a small, awkward bathroom layout or your sink is positioned in front of a window, suspended bathroom mirrors are a stylized way to overcome these tension points. Rather than feeling stuck in your design, you are suddenly open to more unique layout options.
It's a creative way to use space wisely, and suspended mirrors bring a little playfulness, too. "I never want a bathroom to feel purely functional; it should have a sense of joy," adds Juliana. "These mirrors bring a grown-up sophistication, but with a wink."
How and Where to Style Suspended Mirrors
Suspended mirrors flourish when there is a clear vignette created. "Treat them as sculptural pieces — balance their shape and material with the rest of the interior," explains Belgium-based interior designer, Aurélie Penneman de Bosscheyde.
From there, and depending on the size of the bathroom you are working with, this approach can work beautifully when the washbasins are positioned away from the walls. "It allows the mirrors to become part of the architecture. A focal point that organizes the room without interrupting its openness," adds Aurélie.
Of course, this specific approach won't work in smaller bathroom ideas, but even when installed closer to walls, the sculptural nature will still add that layered effect.
As for styling a room with suspended mirrors, this bathroom trend works best when everything else around them is kept simple and clean. It's even more ideal when there is natural light, spatial flow, or a sense of openness to work with.
Most importantly, "Avoid visual clutter around them so they can stand out," says Aurélie. For instance, soft neutral color schemes and elevated finishes (like weathered bronze and patinaed fixtures) add to the style, yet still evoke a sense of restraint so the mirrors have room to stand out.
Aurélie also notes that it's important to carefully select your bathroom lighting when suspending mirrors from the ceiling. "Integrate them thoughtfully into the lighting concept: soft, natural light enhances their contours and creates a subtle floating effect." Whereas harsh overhead lighting may result in unwanted glare.
"When the detailing is right, you don’t need much more," adds Juliana.
This hanging mirror can be hung by the chain alone or with the attached keyhole hook for easy and secure wall mounting. Though not as structurally grand, this mirror adds a playful flair to a bathroom.
This is the classic shape of a hanging mirror, and an affordable way to try out this design element. All of the reviews describe how it easily fixes bathroom layout problems and feels sturdy when installed.
If you want a more stylish hanging mirror, then this option is one of my favorites. It is a bit more expensive, but it comes in eight different sizes and five different finishes, so you can customize it to fit your space.
Suspended mirrors bring movement and character, while the supports add a refined, contemporary touch. Not only are they an easy way to achieve a luxurious aesthetic, but they also save you from accidentally falling into an outdated bathroom layout.
