Mirrors & light

Ideally mirror width matches vanity length minus 20 mm side clearance, or extends 50 mm past each end for a floating effect. In dual-use family baths we specify two mirrors on one counter when total length exceeds 140 cm — one wide panel often leaves dead zones at the edges.

Height runs from 40 mm above splash line to 50 mm below ceiling bulkheads or light coves, whichever limits first in low Port Arthur rooms.

Vertical sconces at eye offset reduce shadow under brows and chin — critical for makeup and shaving tasks. Overhead bars alone cast nose shadows; we use them only as fill when side mounting is impossible due to window proximity on Aurakatu facades.

IP44-rated fixtures are minimum for zone 2 adjacent to showers; we note zone boundaries on elevation drawings for electrician sign-off.

3000 K warm white flatters skin in grey winter mornings; 4000 K suits medicine cabinets where colour accuracy matters. Dimmable circuits let one circuit shift mood without swapping bulbs when children bathe at night.

River-reflected cool light from west-facing windows can clash with warm lamps — we balance with slightly warmer bulbs than spec sheets suggest for inland clients.

Recessed cabinets with interior LED strips replace wall niches when storage is scarce. Demister pads behind mirror centres clear a viewing oval within minutes of shower use — practical when extractors run quietly for neighbour comfort in stacked flats.

We specify switched circuits so demisters do not run continuously, adding unnecessary load to taloyhtiö electrical accounts.

Downlights on dimmers provide general fill; they sit outside direct spray paths with appropriate IP ratings at zone borders. Cove lighting above bulkheads adds ambient glow without fixture clutter in rooms where ceiling height already feels low.

We avoid placing downlights directly above mirror centres where glare reflects into eyes — offset positions at 300 mm from mirror edges work better.