Welcome to our big mirror light test 2023. Here we present all the mirror luminaires we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
With this, we would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best mirror luminaire for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a mirror light.
Summary
- Mirror lights provide even and natural lighting of the mirror surface for optimal conditions when applying make-up and for a clean shave.
- Depending on your needs, the mirror light can be attached to the wall with screws, to the edge of the mirror with clamps or directly to the mirror surface with suction cups.
- The selection of different designs ranges from chic Hollywood mirror lights to a simple light strip. There is a suitable model for everyone.
The Best Mirror Light: Our Choices
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a mirror light
Who is a mirror light suitable for?
But there is a simple solution to make these problems a thing of the past: mirror lights. These are a practical aid that no household should be without and are also quite affordable.
No matter which mirror you have at home or in which room you want to install the lamp, there is a suitable model for every need in the wide product range. Among them are mirror lights that can be installed without drilling or even used wirelessly.
(Image source: unsplash.com / Malvestida Magazine)
How much does a mirror light cost?
| Type of mirror luminaire | Price |
|---|---|
| Mirror luminaire with ball lights | 15 – 20 € |
| Elongated mirror luminaire | 35 – 150 € |
In most cases, quality and brand are the decisive factors. For example, there are also inexpensive models that have a dimming function or can be used wirelessly with a rechargeable battery. You can’t draw a clear line here with the size either.
For the majority of models, this is either 30 or 60 cm, although larger mirror lights do not necessarily have to be more expensive.
The mirror luminaire with spherical lights is priced well below the conventional elongated light strip and is thus also well suited to the small purse. If you prefer a more neutral look, you will also find an inexpensive model among the classic mirror luminaires.
What alternatives are there to mirror light?
Illuminated vanity mirrors
Cosmetic mirrors are usually smaller than “normal” mirrors and are usually also equipped with a magnification function that allows a particularly precise view. The illuminated cosmetic mirrors are available in a wide variety of versions.
The product range extends from models with a swivelling arm that is mounted on the wall to stand mirrors and illuminated mini mirrors for handbags.
Mirror cabinets
Mirror cabinets are kept in a modern and simple design and thus fit visually into almost every bathroom. Cosmetic items can be stored directly within reach and you don’t have to buy an additional cabinet for them.
Decision: What types of mirror lights are there and which is the right one for you?
What distinguishes a mirror light with ball lights and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
A mirror luminaire with ball lights is a number of relatively small round lights connected by a thin power cable. Most models are suitable for almost any mirror, but we recommend measuring which cable length is right for you before buying.
The individual lights are attached directly to the mirror with the help of suction cups or adhesive pads and give your bathroom a Hollywood flair.
This type of mirror luminaire is characterised by the fact that a very even illumination without unwanted shadows can be achieved, which is particularly suitable for applying make-up. For this type of lighting, however, you usually need a power socket near the mirror.
What are the characteristics of an elongated mirror light and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The elongated mirror luminaire is the rather classic variant of mirror lighting. It is a lamp or light strip that is mounted horizontally above the mirror. It differs above all in appearance from the model with spherical lights. A neutral ambience can be achieved in the bathroom with a simple design.
The elongated mirror luminaire offers several options for mounting. Depending on the needs and possibilities, it can either be screwed to the wall, simply attached to the mirror with the help of a clamping system, or flexibly attached to the mirror with suction cups.
Depending on the situation, the lamp is then connected directly to the mains or supplied with power via a rechargeable battery or socket. Depending on the model, however, you should expect somewhat higher purchase costs for these mirror lights.
Caution: Mirror lamps that emit light downwards should never be wider than the mirror itself in order to guarantee optimal lighting and avoid shadows.
Buying criteria: You can compare and evaluate mirror lights on the basis of these factors
- Power supply
- Power socket
- Rechargeable battery
- IP protection
- Light colour
- Mounting
- Screws
- Clamps
- Suction cups
Power supply
Connecting a mirror luminaire to the mains offers a permanent solution that will last for many years and does not require annoying cables. To do this, however, you should first make sure that a suitable power connection is available nearby or that a power cable can be laid in the appropriate place.
Tip: If you are building your own house, it is advisable to include the future position of the lamps in the planning.
Power socket
Some mirror lights have a cable that can be plugged into a socket. The advantage of this is that you can disconnect the lamp from the mains at any time when you do not need it. This can have a positive effect on electricity consumption in the long run.
However, a power socket must be available in the vicinity. If you need an extension cable, make sure that there is no open power connection in the immediate vicinity of the washbasin, shower or bathtub.
Rechargeable battery
Choosing a mirror luminaire with a rechargeable battery pays off if you don’t have a power source nearby or don’t want to have extra cables in the bathroom. Even if you do not use the mirror lamp often, for example only for putting on make-up or shaving, a rechargeable battery can prove to be a power-saving option.
However, these batteries must always be recharged, which requires a power socket or power bank. The average charging time is about 2.5 hours for 4 to 5 hours of runtime.
(Image source: unsplash.com / Patrick Coddou)
IP protection
If you want to attach your mirror luminaire to the bathroom mirror, you should definitely pay attention to the IP protection. The abbreviation stands for “ingress protection”.
The IP value indicates how well the lamp is protected against external influences that could endanger the function of the sensitive electronics. In the bathroom, for example, these include fluctuating temperatures or moisture in the form of splash water, steam and condensation.
The value is made up of two digits, with the first digit indicating resistance to foreign bodies and the second digit indicating protection against liquids.
In the bathroom, the “danger zone” is divided into 3 zones.
| Zone | Area | IP protection |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Zone 0 describes the interior of the shower or bathtub | No lamps or plugs may be fitted here! |
| Zone 1 | This zone covers the area in the immediate vicinity of the bathtub or shower where the highest protection value is required. It includes all wall surfaces up to a distance of 2.25 m from the bathtub floor | Luminaires with an IP rating of IP67 are required here. |
| Zone 2 | Zone 2 includes everything 60 cm from Zone 1 and above 2.25 m from the floor | Lamps with an IP44 rating are suitable here. |
| Zone 3 | This includes the remaining areas of the bathroom that cannot come into direct contact with splashing water but are only exposed to condensation | A value of IP21 is sufficient for this. |
Attention: Sockets, switches and distribution plugs are strictly prohibited in zones 0-2!
Light colour
The choice of light colour depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences. The advantage of using LED lamps is that you have a wide variety of light colours at your disposal.
Light colour is measured in Kelvin. The more Kelvin a lamp has, the “cooler” the light appears.
In general, a distinction is made between three different light colours:
| colour temperature | light colour |
|---|---|
| 2,700 – 3,300 Kelvin | warm white light |
| 3,300 – 5,300 Kelvin | universal white light |
| 5,300 – 6,000 Kelvin | blue white light |
A warm white light has a high red, orange and yellow component. This colour is particularly pleasant when brushing teeth in the evening because it does not wake you up again. The face appears in a natural tone, but is too dark for accurate make-up.
Universal white light is better for make-up and shaving. If you want to be precise, it is best to go for a cool white shade that is close to daylight.
It is advisable to install the mirror luminaire so that it can be activated separately from the other lamps in the bathroom. This way, you can install a bright cool white light there that you only need for putting on make-up or shaving.
(Image source: unsplash.com / freestocks)
Mounting
A mirror lamp can be mounted in different ways, depending on how much space you have and whether a power outlet is available nearby. The mounting also depends on the model you have chosen.
In general, you can mount the lamp either horizontally above the bathroom mirror, directly on the mirror itself, or to the left and right of it.
Most mirror lamps are designed for one of the following types of mounting:
- Screws
- Clamps
- Suction cups
Screws
If you have a suitable power connection and would like to mount the lamp permanently, then it is advisable to mount the mirror lamp directly on the wall with screws. You can then also switch it on and off with a wall switch.
However, attaching the lamp to the wall can require some skill and leaves drill holes.
Caution: Check beforehand that there are no cables or pipes in the wall!
Clamps
Fixing the mirror luminaire with a clamp is a practical and simple alternative to drilling. A clamping device is attached to the underside of the mirror luminaire, with which the lamp is simply attached to the mirror. Although this variant is not quite as stable as fastening with screws, it is usually completely sufficient.
The method with a clamping device also scores points visually, as it is usually very discreet. When buying, make sure that the mirror luminaire is suitable for your mirror, because the depth of the mirror is usually fixed. It is best to measure beforehand.
Suction cups
The possibility of attaching the mirror luminaire with the help of suction cups is particularly convenient for those who are inexperienced in handicrafts. Handling is simple and requires no special effort. This type of attachment is characterised by the fact that the mirror luminaire can be placed very flexibly, just as it suits you best.
Most of the models can be mounted on the mirror itself as well as on tiles. Here, it pays to invest in good quality, as suction cups are sensitive and often have to be reattached again and again.
(Image source: unsplash.com / Matt Artz)
Facts worth knowing about mirror lights
How is a mirror light fitted correctly?
Fixing a mirror luminaire to the wall is basically the same as for a normal lamp. However, it can be a little more complicated if the bathroom is tiled. Tiles require special care and a special drill to prevent them from splintering or breaking.
You need the following utensils for the installation:
- Drill with matching attachments
- Dowels and nails
- Hammer
- Pencil for marking the drilling point
- Optional: locating device for cables and pipes
- If you want to connect the mirror luminaire to the mains, you should switch off the fuses before you start.
- Before drilling, check the wall for power lines and pipes with a locator.
- Then match the appropriate drilling point with the mounting fixture of the mirror luminaire and mark it with a pencil.
- If necessary, punch the hole lightly with a small nail and a hammer. Then you can start drilling carefully.
- Then sink the dowels into the wall.
- Now you can connect your lamp if necessary and screw it on.
Attention: The connection to the electrical system should always be carried out by a professional!
Image source: Petrenko/ 123rf.com
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