You’ve just finished renovating your bathroom. You’ve installed the bathroom vanity you’ve always wanted, you tiled your floors and painted your walls in your favorite color. But still, something’s missing. You’ve overlooked something. Then you realize that, with all the remodeling excitement, you completely forgot to replace your shoddy old rectangular mirror and its old fixed lighting. Well, luckily, this is one problem that’s easy to solve.

When you’re in the market for mirrors, understand that bathroom mirrors and vanity lighting tend to go hand in hand. Without the right lighting, what’s the point of a mirror anyway? Mirrors are functional, but they also satisfy an aesthetic need with their beauty and irresistible appeal. A well-designed mirror will enhance the overall appearance of your bathroom, and might even create the illusion of additional space. But with so many styles and designs to choose from, selecting the perfect mirror and lighting is no simple task. Here are some tips to help you get going:

-Style This might seem like common sense, but buy a bathroom mirror that complements the overall look and feel of your bathroom. If your bathroom is simple and efficient, a massive and decadent mirror with frosted-glass lamps will, frankly, look pretty silly. If your bathroom is a modest size, find a modestly-sized mirror. It’s a simple idea, but with so many different kinds of mirrors and vanity lighting available to a customer, it’s easy to lose track of your original design. Shape is also important: Square and rectangle-shaped mirrors are generally more conservative, while circular or elliptical mirrors tend to convey a more elegant atmosphere. For a modern look, try something unique like a triangle-shaped mirror, or a wave mirror. Just make sure that the mirror you choose, as well as its frame and lighting components, fit within your overall bathroom scheme.

-Location Keep your guests in mind when installing your mirror. For a child’s bathroom, install the mirrors closer to the ground than you would for, say, the master bathroom. Also, recognize the effect your mirror’s location has on the bathroom as a whole. If placed correctly, a mirror has the effect of making the room seem larger than it actually is. But don’t forget to keep your other furnishings in mind, too: it won’t do you any good to have your mirror against a far wall, while your sink is right inside the door. Why make that walk just to wash your face and brush your teeth every morning?

-Personalize it So you bought your mirror, and it’s the right shape and size, and you’ve mounted it in the perfect location, but it’s still missing something. Now’s your chance to make this mirror your own! Experiment with different frames, varnishes, and colors. Consider decorating the frame with ceramic rosebuds or seashells or polaroids. Try sponge-painting it for a unique, hand-crafted look. Use wood stain for a more antique-like feel. Decide what you want your mirror to say about you and your personality, and go from there.

-Lighting Lighting is a very important component in any bathroom. Besides, you want your guests to see all of your impressive remodeling work! It is necessary to find the perfect vanity lighting for your bathroom.

First, consider covering your light bulbs with a lampshade or some sort of barrier. The glare from exposed lighting damages your eyes and will prove distracting whenever you pay a visit to the bathroom. Again, these barriers and lampshades should complement the bathroom and particularly your mirror.

Also, opt for fixtures that emit soft light, especially if you have a modestly-sized bathroom. Soft lighting tends to make a room appear quite larger than it actually is, which will make even the most cramped bathroom feel a little more comfortable. Soft lighting also reduces glare, giving your eyes a rest from light over-exposure. Soft lighting is even more energy efficient than other types of lighting! You can brighten up your bathroom while being energy conscious.

If your bathroom has a low ceiling, consider installing horizontal tube lighting; this type of fixture is very space-efficient and effectively brightens up a room. For bathrooms with a higher ceiling, try a suspended fixture for heightened dramatic impact.