A well-placed mirror transforms a room. It adds light, creates the perception of space, and in the right location, a bathroom, hallway, gym, or feature wall, it becomes a genuine design element. Here is everything you need to know about custom mirror installation in Tauranga.
What Types of Mirrors Can Be Installed?
Custom mirrors can be cut to virtually any size and shape. Common applications in Tauranga residential and commercial spaces include:
- Bathroom mirrors, wall-mounted above a vanity. Can be frameless or with a frame. Size is typically specified to match the width of the vanity or the full width of the wall.
- Full-length mirrors, for bedrooms, dressing rooms, and hallways. A full-length mirror propped against a wall is a safety risk, wall-mounted is always preferable.
- Gym mirrors, large format mirrors covering a full wall. Used in home gyms and commercial fitness facilities. Create the appearance of a larger space and allow exercise form to be monitored.
- Feature wall mirrors, decorative mirrors used as a design element. Can be a single large panel or a series of panels arranged in a pattern.
- Splashback mirrors, mirrored glass used behind a kitchen bench or bathroom vanity for a reflective, light-enhancing effect.
What Size Mirror Do You Need?
For bathroom vanity mirrors, a general rule is to match the width of the mirror to the width of the vanity, or slightly wider for a more generous feel. Height is typically 600mm to 900mm for a standard bathroom, though floor-to-ceiling mirrors in bathrooms are increasingly popular in Tauranga renovations.
For gym mirrors and feature walls, we recommend measuring the full wall and discussing the layout before ordering. Large format mirrors can be installed as a single panel or as multiple panels with minimal gaps between them.
We always measure on site before fabricating, mirrors cut to size cannot be returned or resized.
What Glass Is Used for Mirrors?
Standard mirrors use float glass with a silver backing and protective coating. Safety backing, a film applied to the back of the mirror, is recommended for any mirror in a location where breakage could cause injury, particularly in bathrooms and gyms.
For wet areas and bathrooms, a copper-free mirror backing is recommended. Standard mirrors with copper in the backing can develop black edge spots over time when exposed to moisture and cleaning chemicals. Copper-free mirrors are more resistant to this.
For applications near heat sources such as behind a fireplace or in a sauna, special high-temperature mirror glass is required.
How Are Mirrors Fixed to the Wall?
There are three common fixing methods:
- Mirror adhesive, a specialist adhesive bonds the mirror directly to the wall. Clean and frameless. Requires a smooth, solid wall surface. Not recommended for very large or heavy panels.
- Mirror clips, small chrome or brushed nickel clips hold the mirror at the corners and edges. Traditional look. Easy to remove if needed.
- Standoffs, polished stainless steel or chrome fixings that hold the mirror slightly proud of the wall surface. Contemporary look. Good for feature wall applications.
The right method depends on the size and weight of the mirror and the wall construction. We will specify the appropriate fixing at the measure stage.
Do Mirrors in Bathrooms Need Safety Glass?
The NZ Building Code requires safety glazing in certain locations including glass near floor level. For bathroom mirrors, the requirement depends on the height of the mirror and whether it could be impacted if someone fell.
A mirror installed high on a wall above a vanity is typically not subject to the safety glass requirement. A full-length mirror that extends to within 500mm of the floor should use safety-backed glass or toughened mirror glass to reduce injury risk if broken.
We will advise on the correct specification for your application at the quote stage.
What Does Custom Mirror Installation Cost in Tauranga?
Custom mirrors are priced by size. As a general guide:
- Standard bathroom vanity mirror (800mm x 600mm to 1200mm x 900mm): from $200 to $500 supplied and installed
- Full-length mirror (up to 500mm x 1800mm): from $300 to $600 supplied and installed
- Large gym or feature wall mirrors: priced individually based on the number of panels and total area
- Copper-free moisture-resistant mirror: add approximately 15 to 20% to standard mirror pricing
Can You Install a Mirror Over Tiles?
Yes. Mirror adhesive bonds well to tiled surfaces provided the tiles are clean, dry, and firmly adhered to the wall. We prepare the surface before installation to ensure a secure bond. We do not recommend mirror clips on tiled walls as drilling into tiles risks cracking them.
