Making your own bathroom mirror lighting is not at all difficult. Today, there are many ideas for creating bright, safe and at the same time decorative lighting for a mirror surface. We will not consider labor-intensive options in which you first need to create a frame, then cut out seats for lamp sockets in it, and then only conduct electricity to the finished structure. Everything is much simpler - just take an LED strip and fasten it around the perimeter of the mirror from the inside. Simple instructions for making LED lighting with your own hands are provided below!

Features of material fastening

So, to make diode lighting for a bathroom mirror, you need to perform the following steps:

After connecting the LED mirror lighting, you can turn on the finished lighting and check the correctness of all the work done. As you can see, there is nothing complicated and anyone can make decorative lighting on their own. However, there are several important points to consider that we have highlighted:

The video below clearly shows how to illuminate a mirror with LED strip:

Installing LED strip from the back

Alternative lighting options

If it is not fundamentally important for you to make built-in lighting for the mirror in the bathroom along the perimeter of the object, you can organize another, no less comfortable lighting option. Spots - spotlights on brackets that can be manually directed in any direction - can cope well with this task. A very good idea that allows you to change the lighting area depending on what you are doing - shaving near the mirror (or applying makeup) or taking a bath.

Another lighting idea is the use of special ones. There is a wide range of lamps that can be attached to a mirror surface or tile using suction cups and clothespins. In addition, there are lamps that can easily be installed in a horizontal position above the mirror or in a vertical position on both sides, which allows for high-quality lighting of the entire area nearby.

Original lighting idea - DIY tunnel effect

How to make lighting with lamps

Decorating a mirror with lighting is a great idea. Not only will the room be transformed and look original, but in some cases LED lighting for the mirror will help, for example, make the room larger or improve the lighting. It also has many other advantages, but since you came to this article, you are probably familiar with them.

So, today we will look in detail at the question of how to properly make a backlit mirror with your own hands. You will receive a lot of practical advice and will be able to equip your bath with a beautiful and functional decorative element.

DIY lighting

In this section we will discuss the frequently asked question of how to make a backlight for a mirror. At first glance, everything may seem very difficult, however, once you start working, you will realize that everything is not as scary as you thought. Required set of tools:

• Electric jigsaw.
• Screwdriver.
• Screws.
• Any line.
• Screwdriver.
• Pre-prepared corners made of metal.
• Glue gun or glue moment.
• Wiring.
• Electric light bulbs.
• Light bulb sockets.
• Glass for mirror.
• Plywood, preferably thick, you can also use pre-treated wood boards.

Step-by-step instructions for performing backlighting

First we need to make a frame into which we will then place the mirror itself and other parts. Approximate dimensions are 0.9 meters wide and 0.2-0.25 meters thick. Next you need to saw down the ends of the boards. Remember that this must be done strictly at angles of 45°.

Afterwards, we additionally secure the resulting ends using metal-type corners. I will also note that when you insert the mirror into the frame, it should fit into it without effort and at the same time leave space for the lamps that will act as backlight.

It is necessary to make holes in the sides of the frame so that a lampshade can be inserted into them. They are attached with glue.

Then we attach special furniture-type corners to the first frame, usually this is done using small screws. A mirror is installed at these angles.

The next stage is to assemble the entire mirror into a single whole and paint it in the color you like, including the shades. By the way, the mirror is secured in the frame with small bars, which must be thin.

All light bulb sockets must be connected to each other by electrical wiring. Next, we bring out the common cord through a special hole that needs to be drilled in advance.

The last, final step is to screw in the light bulbs and check that the mirror and backlight are working properly. If you want to make the back of the mirror closed, use plywood and small screws.

More detailed instructions on how to make a backlit mirror can be found on the Internet. You can also watch a video where they will not only tell you how to do this or that part correctly, but also show you an example.

By the way, today we will not talk about how to connect and configure the lighting for a mirror; if you wish, all the information is available on the Internet.

What other lights for mirrors are there?

One of the simplest options is lamps that are mounted on top or on the sides of the mirror. They are very easy to use and look quite nice.

You can also use LED strip, which you need to attach along the edges of the mirror frame. Their advantage is that they come in different colors, so choosing a ribbon to suit any interior or style is not difficult.

By the way, to better understand what we are talking about, we recommend looking at photos of backlit mirrors.

So, today you learned what is needed to make a backlight for a bathroom mirror with your own hands, you also received step-by-step instructions for making this piece of furniture with unusual decorative elements and learned about two other, easier ways to make a backlight for a mirror. I hope the article was useful and after reading you have no questions.

Photo of a mirror with lighting yourself

Such an unusual design move as adding an illuminated mirror to the interior will create a bright, attention-grabbing accent for the bedroom or bathroom.

The space expands noticeably due to the soft reflected glow. If desired, it is also possible to install sensors and several lighting modes. But first of all, let's look at a few simple instructions describing how to make a luminous mirror. All the materials needed for this are easy to find and purchase. This is, first of all, the power supply and the tape itself, connecting wires and sealant (preferably silicone).

LED lighting in the Teneri mirror

As you can see from the photo, thanks to the use of lighting, the room looks even lighter and airier, and the interior does not seem burdened.

It may seem that making a mirror with LED lighting yourself is quite difficult, but this is not entirely true. A pleasant result of your efforts will be a more modern and complete look of the room.

By following simple instructions, you can make an illuminated mirror, creating an elegant luminous decorative element that will definitely suit you in everything and fit perfectly into the interior.

Standard arrangement of rear mirror elements

Once you have decided on the external requirements, it is worth thinking about how exactly to provide light - with ordinary light bulbs or a strip of diodes. The second option is preferable, especially if contour illumination of an object of complex shape is required. The lighting structure can be placed in a box or simply glued on.

Installation of LED strip around the mirror

LED strip for mirror

The photo shows a strip where each LED is soldered to a flexible board with resistors, and this entire structure, in turn, is attached to double-sided tape.

Choosing an LED strip

When thinking about how to make a backlit mirror in the bathroom, you should first make sure that the diodes have a moisture-resistant coating. The more powerful the diodes, the brighter they will shine and the more electricity will be consumed.

There are also diode strips in which the color of the lighting can be switched. An important criterion is the power of the tape power supply. To calculate it, multiply the power of one meter (usually 4-8 watts) by the length of the tape.

In order to illuminate a mirror with an LED strip, you need to:

1. Secure the tape to the mirror with double-sided tape.
2. Solder the wires to the LED strip, observing the polarity. If necessary, treat the joints with sealant. Homemade mirror lighting is ready. No additional light sources are required, which means it can be mounted almost anywhere. A properly installed structure will work effectively for a long time.
3. Secure the power supply outside the bathroom and connect it, paying attention to the need to ground the unit body.

You will need: LED strip, soldering iron, double-sided tape, sealant

Secure the tape with double-sided tape

Solder the wires to the tape, observing polarity

Treat joints with sealant

Secure and connect the power supply

How to cut LED strip yourself

Understanding how to make a backlit mirror with your own hands is impossible without knowing the rules for working with LED strip.

It is divided into many segments. Typically, manufacturers mark with a line where disconnection is possible. If there are no markings, you can independently calculate the contact pads between which a cut is possible.

When cutting a tape with waterproofing, after connection it is necessary to treat the contact pads with silicone sealant.

The correct option for cutting LED strip

How to make a mirror with LED lighting in a box

Set and mirror with LED lighting

1. It is necessary to attach the mirror to a frame, which can be a plastic base or a box made of timber. It is worth immediately thinking about the way in which the mirror will be attached to the wall. The plastic base is glued to the back of the mirror, the wooden box is attached with self-tapping screws through pre-drilled holes.
2. The next stage is the installation of a backlit mirror. It is necessary to place an LED strip on the outside of the prepared frame and install the power supply inside the frame.
3. Next, you should attach the tape to the power supply. To do this, the wire from the block must be routed outside the frame.

Attach the mirror to a frame, which can be a plastic base or a timber box

Attach the ribbon to the power supply

An illuminated bathroom mirror is an interesting solution. A bathroom mirror with lighting will become a highlight of the design of any room, and you can organize the lighting yourself. Mirrors can have any size, be decorated with additional elements or details, and be made in the form of:

• Square;
• Circle;
• Oval;
• Rectangle;
• Asymmetries.

These accessories are used not only as additional light sources, they complement the bathroom with their:

• Aesthetics;
• Practicality;
• Functionality;
• Originality.

• 1 Layout nuances
• 2 Features of manufacturing technology
• 3 Which backlight to choose
  • 3.1 Wall mirror
  • 3.2 Internal lighting
  • 3.3 Decorative lighting
• 4 Lamps for illumination
• 5 Arrangement of such a mirror
• 6 Making an accessory with your own hands
  • 6.1 Materials and tools
  • 6.2 Main directions of step-by-step instructions

Layout nuances

The decoration of a bathroom of any size will undoubtedly be an illuminated mirror, for the installation of which you need to determine the exact location. Therefore, the total space of the bathroom is visually divided into three zones:

1. Bathroom area.
2. Sink area.
3. Toilet area.

Regarding the first and last options, conventional lamps can traditionally be installed here. The sink area requires a slightly different approach and the additional installation of a backlit mirror.

For small bathrooms, the intensity of light emanating from the mirror illumination will depend on the wishes of the owner. The optimal range for such a zone is from 300 to 400 lux of light power, since with such illumination it is convenient:

• Doing your hair;
• Perform makeup;
• To shave.

In large bathrooms where two sinks are installed, it is advisable to install a separate type of lighting for each plumbing fixture or one common light source for two fixtures. When arranging lighting, it is advisable to emphasize design elements and highlight areas:

• Shelves and niches;
• Pictures or stickers.

It is important to correctly plan and position light sources so that ordinary reflections, colors or shades do not create reflections or glare that are unpleasant to the eye and bring aesthetic pleasure.

New trends in the arrangement of room lighting have begun to determine various style trends in bathroom interior design. Therefore, modern manufacturers produce illuminated mirrors, which are equipped with special relays that regulate the brightness and frequency of the illumination. They can be embedded on:

• Shelves;
• Wall cabinets.
• Ceiling;
• Walls.

Features of manufacturing technology

Bathroom mirrors are made using special technologies. This is due to the fact that they are operated in conditions of high humidity and fluctuating temperature changes. Mirrors in bathrooms often sweat, especially after taking a shower or bath. They can be damaged by mold or mildew, causing their surface to become cloudy and unattractive over time.

Modern high-quality bathroom accessories are manufactured on the latest automatic lines using innovative technologies. Here, to create a mirror, a coating of silver rather than aluminum amalgam is applied evenly to the back surface of the glass.

Silver plated products:

• Withstands elevated temperature and humidity conditions in the bathroom;
• Have high reflectivity;
• They resist corrosion well.

Sustained mirror manufacturing technology allows leading manufacturers to maintain high sales ratings. In addition, modern bathroom mirror surfaces do:

• Colored;
• Matte;
• Combined;
• Tinted.

Which backlight to choose

Today there are three options for mirror lighting, these are:

1. External lamps.
2. Internal lighting.
3. Lighting behind the mirror.

Let's take a closer look at the functional features of these lights, working in tandem with mirrors.

Wall mirror

Wall-mounted bathroom mirrors with lighting are the most budget-friendly option for interior design. Here the following can be used as illumination:

• Separate external remote lighting fixtures. At the same time, the selected sconces or lamps should not be massive or large in size, so as not to create sharp shadows on the face;
• Built-in cabinets, adjustable spotlights in the mirror area;
• Single stop mirrors embedded directly into the glass. The stops are spotlights that rotate in different directions thanks to internal brackets of a special design.

All these design options perfectly illuminate not only the person who is standing in front of the mirror, but also the adjacent bathroom area.

Interior lighting

Mirrors with internal lighting use modern LEDs. Their glow is softened by frosted glass, which is harmoniously built into the mirror itself. In this case, strips with LED modules can be attached to the inside of the mirror or located:

• Above;
• Side;
• Along the perimeter.

The frames of the built-in lighting are made of aluminum profiles coated with gold or silver. Its shape hides wiring elements, makes the room safe, and the entire mirror is aesthetically complete. The lighting built into the mirror is available in the form of wall-mounted mirror cabinets.

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting for a mirror does not carry the main functional load, but is intended to serve as a decorative option. In this case, the backlight is built inside the mirror or placed on its back side. For interior decoration, small LEDs are placed at the end, which illuminate the glass from the inside.

Decorative lighting attracts attention and creates a special romantic atmosphere in the bathroom. At the same time, it can highlight not only the entire background, but also some separate area, giving the mirror an unusually interesting appearance.

Backlight lamps

Several types of lamps are used as backlights for bathroom mirrors, which provide the necessary brightness of lighting.

1. Halogen lamps work great in rooms with high humidity. They are more efficient than conventional incandescent lamps and have a significantly longer service life.
2. Neon and fluorescent lamps, imitating natural light sources, are characterized by such excellent indicators as:

• Durability;
• Cost-effective;
• Efficiency.

However, a slight flicker when these lamps are turned on or in operation causes many people to feel irritated, and sometimes negatively affects their vision.

1. LED strips or lamps are by far the most popular lighting elements for arranging local lighting areas. They:

• Safe to use;
• Consume a minimal amount of electricity;
• They do not require special care.

Arrangement of such a mirror

The modern market of bathroom accessories offers a huge selection of mirrors with different lights:

• Options;
• Species;
• Form;
• Sizes.

They use all kinds of lamps and fixtures with different locations and rotation around their axis.

When purchasing such products, you must carefully read the instructions from the manufacturer and decide how the backlight should be connected to the power source. The backlight can be turned on using a separate switch or plug and socket.

It is likely that for further connection it will be necessary to additionally purchase the necessary components or to provide for the wiring of an additional electrical cable before installation.

Making an accessory with your own hands

Today, making your own illuminated mirror for the bathroom is not particularly difficult. To do this, you first need to select a silver-coated mirror of suitable quality and cut it in a special glass cutting workshop. In advance, you also need to provide an outlet at the place of its installation and provide electrical wiring.

Materials and tools

To make a mirror yourself, you need to prepare the appropriate tools and materials for the job in the form of:

• Jigsaw;
• Screwdrivers;
• Mills;
• Roulettes with soft tape;
• Long and short screws;
• Screwdriver;
• Furniture metal corners;
• Sanded board;
• Wires;
• PVA glue;
• Light bulbs;
• Electric cartridges;
• Thick plywood.

Main directions of step-by-step instructions

Having prepared the tools and appropriate materials, you can safely begin work, adhering to this scheme.

1. Initially, you need to make a base from sanding boards for the future frame into which the mirror cloth will be inserted.
2. The sanding board should be 9 cm wide and 2.5 cm thick. The optimal length for such a board would be 2.5 meters.
3. Next, the board must be divided into four parts, immediately cutting the ends at an angle of 45 degrees.
4. Then the resulting joints need to be glued with PVA glue, and after it dries, this area should be reinforced with furniture corners on screws.
5. The size of the frame must be calculated so that the mirror fits into it and there is still space left where light bulbs can be conveniently placed.
6. Afterwards, you need to drill symmetrical holes in the frame using a milling cutter for installing electric chucks. Having inserted the cartridges, they are secured with PVA glue.
7. To create a box, an additional frame is made from thin slats. The wires are hidden in it and the mirror sheet is fixed in the first frame.
8. Thin slats are secured together with self-tapping screws and glue. The outer dimensions of the outer box must correspond to the size of the frame.
9. To secure the mirror sheet in the box, you need to use furniture corners and install two of them on each side, securing them with small screws.
10. The box is then attached to the frame.
11. The installed sockets are connected with ordinary wires for lighting, and the connections are made parallel.
12. To make it convenient to turn on or off the light bulbs, you need to connect a cord with a switch to the connecting wires. To do this, you need to make a hole in the box in order to pull the cord out through it.
13. Next, the power cable is connected, and all wires are fixed with glue inside the box.
14. To check the functionality of the system, special light bulbs are screwed into the sockets, which do not heat up.
15. To ensure safe operation of the illuminated mirror, it is necessary to choose a double-insulated wire. In this case, it is imperative to take care of grounding and take into account the possibility of emergency shutdown.
16. To prevent the mirror from falling down, it is necessary to screw a small limiting block to its lower end.
17. For safety reasons and to give the structure an aesthetic appearance, the back wall of the box is covered with plywood, which is secured with screws. Here you can drill mounting holes for installing the mirror on the wall or install two opposite mounting eyes along the top edge.
18. The outer covering of the frame is made in accordance with the interior and covers:
    • Stain;
    • Varnish;
    • Enamel paints

Very often, the bathroom interior is complemented with special multifunctional accessories that add a unique charm to any design.

This also applies to a modern mirror, equipped with beautiful and original lighting. It is these little things that create the finished image of a room, giving it special sophistication and a sense of homeliness.

There is hardly an apartment that does not have mirrors. A person's entire life is accompanied by these reflective glasses. When leaving the room on the street, everyone will definitely see what he looks like. Well, for a woman, often spending a lot of time in front of him is practically a vital necessity.

Of course, for most men this is not so important, but, on the other hand, how can you imagine shaving or toileting in the morning without a mirror in the bathroom? And it is natural that everyone wants it to look aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. Of course, you can order a mirror of any curly shape, but still, today the most interesting and non-standard option is its lighting.

However, for many, purchasing ready-made glass can be too expensive, so we will try to figure out how difficult it is to make a backlit mirror for a bathroom or hallway with your own hands.

First, you need to decide which room you need a mirror for and what type of lighting will be used.

Types of mirror lighting

This work can be performed in three specific options or in a combination of several of them. The main types of lighting are:

• Spots at the top or sides of the mirrors. Such lamps can be rotated, thereby making it possible to direct the light flux to one or another area. They are produced in various designs, both in a single version with adjustment, and in the form of small sconces with 2, 3 or 4 lamps, which can be directed independently of each other. With such lighting, you can illuminate someone standing in front of the mirror or a certain part of the room.
• In the form of LEDs placed behind the mirror and directed outward. With this option, the light flux is directed at the person standing in front of him, perfectly illuminating the face. Illuminating a mirror in a bathroom in this way will be very functional.
• LED lighting in the form of a strip is also located behind the mirror, but the direction of the light flux is opposite to the second option. Such lighting performs only a decorative function, gives the glass an unusual look and, when installed in a bathroom or hallway, decorates the interior.

Well, now it makes sense to consider making each type with your own hands separately.

Spots

This type of lighting is the easiest to manufacture. The main thing that is necessary is to calculate the number of spot lamps, the total lighting power, and, depending on it, select the thickness of the wiring cross-section.

After purchasing the necessary parts, you can begin installation. The mirror that will be illuminated must already be in place, or its exact location must be noted. It is also necessary to note the future locations of the spots, and then remove the glass to avoid damage. Wiring can be installed either in special boxes or hidden, by gating, which is more acceptable.

After laying the wires, the grooves are puttied and cosmetic finishing is performed. Well, now all that remains is to fix the spots in their places and hang the mirror.

This option requires more effort. First, you need to order a mirror with a frosted glass frame around the perimeter. Of course, you can remove the inner mirror layer yourself, but this will require additional tools, although such work is not too difficult. The main thing is accuracy, because glass is a rather fragile material.

To do this, you will need a sandblasting machine with a compressor, reinforced tape and, of course, an accompanying tool in the form of a metal ruler, knife, etc.

Having turned the mirror over, on the back of it you need to mark the boundaries of the future matte surface and, leaving them uncovered, glue the rest of the surface with reinforced tape. After this, the reflective layer is removed from the unprotected reflector using a sandblasting machine.

Next, a frame is made from thick plywood or boards (the thickness is chosen by the craftsman based on his preferences). Its size should be such that the mirror fits inside exactly. It is assembled using liquid nails and screws; it doesn’t hurt to fasten it with metal corners. It is also necessary to secure the furniture corners from the inside, on which the canvas will lie.

An LED strip is attached to the perimeter wall. The power supply for it can be hidden behind a suspended ceiling or in another convenient place where water will not get in.

All that remains is to fix the plywood frame on the wall in any convenient way, insert the mirror into place, securing it with wooden glazing beads, and enjoy the resulting product.

Decorative lighting

DIY decorative mirror lighting

This option is a little simpler than the previous one, since no special preparation of the mirror sheet is required. You will need to make almost the same frame from plywood, with the only difference being that it should be smaller than glass. It should be 2–4 cm larger on all sides around the perimeter. A wooden base is attached to the inside of the mirror using liquid nails, and an LED strip is glued to the outer end of the mirror.

After complete drying, the mirror is hung in its place and the power is connected. At this point, the work of making a backlit mirror with your own hands is finished.

Of course, everyone can come up with their own lighting options; here, of course, you need to rely on your imagination, but we have discussed the main, basic lighting options.

Basic Rules

Basic rules you need to know to make your own mirror with LED lighting:

• compliance with safety precautions when working with glass;
• knowledge of the principles of electrical safety when connecting the power supply, as well as attention to its location - water should not get on it. This may result in a short circuit, burnout of the device, or electric shock;
• accuracy and attentiveness at each stage of production and strict adherence to instructions.

And then you will get a beautiful handmade product that will delight you with its appearance and functionality for many years.