Size – the first point to consider is the size of the mirror itself and the size of the whole product.  Both must be suitable for the room it is to be placed in and the needs of the person who will be using it.  For example, whilst a 12 inch mirror may be cheaper (for example, if it were in a sale), the full size of the product, including the base and frame, may exceed 15 inches.  This would be unsuitable for a room where a mirror of only 6 inches is required, as not only will it take up too much space, but the extra inches will be unwanted and therefore wasted.

Design – the actual aesthetics of a vanity mirror play a large part in the purchasing process for many.  Especially in terms of use in a bedroom, the mirror should look part of the room and be as fitting as possible to where it is to be situated.  A prime example would be for use on a dressing table.  It would be inappropriate, aesthetically, to purchase a gold framed and based mirror if the majority of the dressing table was based around silver.

Base or fixings – one of the main points to consider that is often overlooked are the fixings or base that comes with the mirror.  Depending on the type of mirror required and where it is to be placed depends on the type of fixings or base that is required.  A mirror that is for the bathroom wall, for example, requires the correct fixings for it to be attached securely to a tiled wall.  However, a mirror for a bedroom dressing table will often only require a sturdy base to ensure that it is not easily knocked over.

Rotating mirror – useful for all uses of vanity mirrors, a rotating mirror allows the person using it to get the best reflection possible.  Depending on the light that is being used in the room, the reflection on the mirror can be terrible and can make the mirror impossible to use.  Therefore if the mirror is moveable, it can be adjusted to ensure it is in the best possible position for when it is being used.  Furthermore, many moveable mirrors have a second mirror on the back that often provides a larger reflection – perfect for more close up work, such as precision shaving.

Generally split into designs for males and females, one of the more popular vanity mirrors for males is the simple yet effective circular design.  Mounted in a metal frame and upon a metal stand, the mirror itself is approximately 8 inches wide and can be rotated so both sides of the mirror can be used.  The reason it is created this way is that the normal mirror often has a magnified mirror on the reverse, providing a fantastic mirror for, in the case of men, shaving, even for those with poor eyesight.  Furthermore, these mirrors can be placed either on a shelf using the stand provided or can be fixed to the wall by the base of the stand, allowing the mirror itself to still move and provide the utmost flexibility.

Although there are many similar designed vanity mirrors for females, many of the mirrors designed and aimed at the female market are often produced on a slightly larger scale.  For example, some of the more popular designs are mounted in a traditional wooden frame and stand around 12 inches high and 8 inches wide.  Sat on a swivel bar so that they can be rotated (not only for a larger mirror on the reverse but to get the best possible reflection in terms of light, etc), they are designed to be placed upon a female dressing table where they can take center stage and look fantastic in any bedroom or dressing room.

Whilst vanity mirrors are often of a medium size, there is a selection available for women that are designed to be placed in a purse or clutch bag.  Measuring only approximately 2 inches in width, they are displayed in a case similar to that of a powder compact and can be easily stored in an evening bag, taking up only a minimal amount of the precious space available.

Available for both men and women alike, vanity mirrors are created in many different styles and with the internet providing a somewhat exhaustive display, the only problem one is most likely to come across when viewing mirror is simply choosing which mirror is the most suitable.