Yes. A battery operated LED mirror needs no mains wiring, so you can fit an illuminated mirror without an electrician, even after the bathroom has been tiled. This guide explains your options and how it is done.
Why does a wired mirror usually need an electrician?
A mains-powered illuminated mirror has to be connected to the lighting circuit, usually through a cable buried in the wall behind it. In England, most electrical work in a room with a bath or shower is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, so it is normally done by a registered electrician. The rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you are planning wired work, check with a qualified electrician.
If the bathroom is already tiled and there is no cable where the mirror will go, adding one means chasing into the new wall, replacing tiles and making good. That is the job most people want to avoid.
Can I fit an illuminated mirror after the bathroom is tiled?
Yes, with a battery operated mirror. Because the power is in the mirror itself, all you need is a secure fixing on the wall. Nothing has to be cut into the tiles apart from the screw holes for the bracket.
What are the options for an illuminated mirror with no wiring?
- Rechargeable lithium-ion mirrors. Our Lustro mirrors and Volta mirror cabinet run on Evo+, our patented rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You charge them by USB-C, like a phone.
- AA battery mirrors. Simple, with batteries you can buy anywhere, but they need replacing when they run flat. See Sierra and Isla Plus.
- Plug-in mirrors. Not an option for most UK bathrooms, which do not have standard plug sockets.
Read the full comparison: lithium-ion vs AA battery bathroom mirrors.
How do you fit a battery operated mirror?
- Mark the position. Hold the bracket level on the wall and mark the two screw holes with a pencil.
- Check behind the wall. Use a detector to make sure there are no pipes or cables where you will drill.
- Drill and fix the bracket. On tiles, use a tile drill bit and a strip of masking tape over the mark to stop the bit slipping. Fix the French cleat bracket with the two screws and wall plugs.
- Hang the mirror. Slide the mirror down onto the bracket and switch it on.
Always follow the installation guide supplied with the mirror. You will find it under Guides & Downloads on each product page.
How do you charge it?
Lift the mirror off the bracket and charge it with the USB-C cable supplied. A full charge takes 4 to 6 hours, and a Lustro mirror lasts up to 3 months on a single charge at 1 hour of use a day. A spare Evo+ battery lets you swap packs instead.
Is a battery mirror safe in a bathroom?
Lustro and Volta are IP44 rated for use in the bathroom. As they run from a battery, there is no mains supply at the mirror.
Is it a good option for fitters?
Yes. It lets you say yes when a customer asks for an illuminated mirror at the end of the job, without going back to the electrics or the tiling. Trade customers can apply for a trade account.
Still deciding? Read are battery operated bathroom mirrors any good?, or see the full range of battery operated LED bathroom mirrors.
