After more than 35 years helping Phoenix homeowners with custom glass projects, I’ve found that large bathroom vanity mirrors are by far the most common mirror project we complete. And the same question comes up over and over again:
“Should I buy a mirror from a store or invest in a custom mirror?”
The answer depends on your space, your goals, and how important the finished look is to you. As I often tell customers:
“Most people focus on the mirror itself, but what really matters is how the mirror fits the space and enhances the surroundings.”
In some situations, a store-bought mirror is perfectly acceptable. In others, a custom mirror can completely transform a room.
Let’s take a closer look.
When Is a Store-Bought Mirror the Right Choice?
One thing we’ve always believed at Best Glass is to do what’s right for the customer.
Sometimes that means recommending a custom mirror.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
If you’re purchasing a framed accent mirror to hang over a dresser or add a decorative touch to a room, a store-bought mirror may be perfectly fine.
Many retail mirrors are attractive, affordable, and work well when standard sizes fit the space.
For decorative applications, there is often no need to invest in a custom solution.
Which Option Is Better for Phoenix Homes?
Phoenix homes often benefit from custom mirrors because they:
- Reflect natural light to brighten interiors
- Make smaller spaces feel larger
- Handle heat and humidity better when professionally installed
Custom mirrors also hold up better over time compared to mass-produced options.
When Is a Custom Mirror Worth the Investment?
There are certain situations where custom mirrors offer advantages that store-bought mirrors simply can’t match.
Bathroom Remodels
This is the most common custom mirror project we see.
Many homeowners invest in beautiful countertops, custom cabinetry, upgraded lighting, and new fixtures, only to discover that a standard mirror doesn’t properly fit the space.
A custom mirror can be fabricated to fit the vanity perfectly, creating a clean, finished appearance that looks intentional and professionally designed.
Home Gyms
Large wall mirrors are one of the most requested features in home gyms.
Custom mirrors allow homeowners to create a professional workout environment while maximizing visibility and functionality.
Alcoves and Out-of-Square Openings
Not every wall is perfectly square.
Custom mirrors can be fabricated to fit unique spaces where standard-sized mirrors simply won’t work.
Replacing Broken Mirror Glass
Many homeowners have decorative furniture pieces, antique frames, or custom-built cabinetry that contain damaged mirrors.
In these situations, replacing only the mirror glass often makes more sense than replacing the entire piece.
Mirrored Backsplashes, Bar Backs, and Tub Surrounds
These specialty applications create dramatic visual effects while helping rooms feel larger, brighter, and more open.
Because every installation is unique, custom fabrication is often required.
Why Do Customers Often Say, “I Wish I Had Done This Sooner”?
This is one of the most common comments we hear after completing a custom mirror project.
Homeowners are often surprised by how much impact a mirror can have on a room.
A properly designed mirror can:
- Make a bathroom feel larger
- Brighten dark spaces
- Reflect natural light
- Create a more upscale appearance
- Add visual depth
- Improve the overall design of a room
Many customers expect a mirror to simply serve a function.
Instead, they discover it completely changes how the space feels.
Can a Custom Mirror Make a Room Feel Larger?
Absolutely.
In fact, one of the biggest benefits of custom mirrors is their ability to visually expand a space.
As I often tell homeowners:
“Nothing expands the look and feel of a room like floor-to-ceiling mirrors.”
Mirrors reflect both light and surrounding views, helping create the illusion of additional space.
This can be especially effective in:
- Bathrooms
- Home gyms
- Entryways
- Dining rooms
- Living rooms
Even smaller rooms can feel significantly larger when mirrors are strategically incorporated into the design.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selecting Mirrors
Over the years, we’ve seen a few common mistakes repeated again and again.
Buying a Mirror That’s Too Small
A mirror that’s undersized for the space often looks out of proportion and can diminish the overall appearance of the room.
Not Matching the Mirror to the Vanity Width
In bathrooms, the mirror should work with the size and proportions of the vanity below it.
An improperly sized mirror can throw off the entire design.
Ignoring Lighting
Mirrors don’t create light—they reflect it.
The placement of windows and lighting fixtures should always be considered before selecting a mirror.
Choosing the Wrong Location
A mirror should enhance the room, not simply fill an empty wall.
Strategic placement can dramatically improve both functionality and aesthetics.
Not Taking Mirrors to the Ceiling
This is one of the biggest missed opportunities we see.
Many homeowners stop their mirror several inches below the ceiling when extending it higher could make the room feel significantly larger and more open.
A Better Fit. A Better Result.
The biggest difference between a custom mirror and a standard mirror isn’t the glass itself.
It’s the fit.
A well-designed custom mirror is fabricated specifically for your space, your lighting, your architecture, and your goals.
The result often feels less like adding a mirror and more like improving the entire room.
Bob’s Advice After 35 Years
If I could give homeowners one piece of advice, it would be this:
“A well-designed custom mirror should look like it was always part of the home.”
The goal isn’t simply to hang a mirror on the wall.
The goal is to enhance the entire space.
When done correctly, a custom mirror can make a room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting while adding lasting value to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a custom mirror be cut to fit an unusual space?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of custom mirrors is that they can be fabricated to fit alcoves, out-of-square walls, custom vanities, and other unique spaces.
Are custom mirrors only for bathrooms?
No. Custom mirrors are commonly used in home gyms, dining rooms, entryways, living rooms, bars, backsplashes, and many other areas throughout the home.
Can you replace the mirror inside an antique frame?
In many cases, yes. Custom mirror glass can often be fabricated to fit existing furniture, antique frames, and decorative pieces.
Do floor-to-ceiling mirrors make a room feel bigger?
Absolutely. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors are one of the most effective ways to create the appearance of a larger, brighter space.
Does Best Glass install custom mirrors?
Yes. Best Glass provides custom mirror fabrication and installation for bathrooms, home gyms, decorative applications, and other residential projects throughout the Phoenix area.
Bob Hittenberger
About the Author
Bob Hittenberger is President of Best Glass and has spent more than 35 years helping Arizona homeowners, drivers, and businesses make informed decisions about auto, residential, and commercial glass. He reviews and contributes to the educational content published on BestGlass.com to help customers better understand their options and choose the solution that’s right for them. His guiding principle—and the foundation of Best Glass—is simple: “Do the Right Thing.”
Learn more about Bob Hittenberger →
President, Best Glass
Former President, Arizona Auto Glass Association (AAGA)
Former President, Maricopa Business Alliance (MBA)
Ready to Explore Custom Mirror Options?
Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, creating a home gym, replacing a broken mirror, or looking for a way to make a room feel larger, a custom mirror can make a dramatic difference.
Best Glass has been helping Phoenix homeowners with custom mirrors and residential glass solutions for more than 35 years.
Contact Best Glass today to learn more about custom mirror options for your home.
