How do I write a bathroom mirror spec?
A bathroom mirror spec entry needs seven fields to be build-ready: location reference (e.g. “Ensuite 1”), model number (e.g. VLFR-01), nominal dimensions in millimetres (700×700mm W×H), frame finish (brushed gold), CCT range or preset (tunable 2700K–6500K), IP rating (IP44), demister (yes or no), and installation method (plug-in or hardwire). That is the complete minimum for a builder’s spec schedule. Missing any one of these creates a substitution risk during procurement or a compliance question at inspection.
Why each field matters on a spec schedule
Location reference ties the mirror to a room on the drawing set. Without it, the procurement team cannot cross-check quantities against the room schedule, and the site supervisor has no way to confirm the right mirror went to the right room. Use the same room code that appears on your floor plan — “E1” for Ensuite 1, “MB” for main bathroom, “PB” for powder room.
Model number is the procurement anchor. It eliminates ambiguity between similar products in the same range. If you write “700×700 LED mirror, brushed gold” without a model number, you are inviting substitution. Write the full model code as it appears on the supplier’s spec sheet — for VUELUXE, that is a format like VLFR-01 or YRC-02.
Dimensions must be in millimetres, width × height. Round up to the nearest 5mm if rounding is needed. Do not use centimetres — trades work in millimetres and a spec in centimetres creates a conversion step that introduces error.
Frame finish needs to be specific. “Brushed gold” and “satin brass” may look identical in a catalogue photo and be completely different at installation. Use the finish name as it appears on the supplier’s product page. If the finish is not specified on the supplier’s page, request a finish code and include it in brackets — e.g. “Brushed Gold (BG-03)”.
CCT (correlated colour temperature) determines the warmth or coolness of the light. Tunable mirrors (2700K–6500K) give the homeowner flexibility. A fixed CCT preset is lower cost and simpler for the electrician. The spec should state which — “tunable 2700K–6500K” or “fixed 4000K”. If you leave this blank, the supplier will default to their standard product, which may not suit the client’s preference.
IP rating must appear on the spec for two reasons: it confirms the product is suitable for the bathroom zone, and it is the document an electrician references when completing the compliance certificate. IP44 is the minimum for Zone 2 installation under AS/NZS 3000. If the mirror will be closer than 600mm to the shower or bath, check the zone classification against the AS/NZS 3000 zone map before specifying.
Demister (yes or no) affects both wattage and price. A demister adds approximately 15–25W depending on mirror size. It also adds a relay or switch requirement to the electrical circuit. If the spec says “demister: yes” but the circuit is not designed for it, the electrician will need to revisit the installation.
Installation type (plug-in or hardwire) determines the electrical rough-in requirement. A plug-in mirror needs a GPO within the mirror’s cord length, typically located inside the cabinet or at mirror height. A hardwire mirror needs a conduit termination behind the mirror at the specified location. Both require a licensed electrician. The electrician needs this information before rough-in.
A complete spec entry — example
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Location | Ensuite 1 |
| Manufacturer | VUELUXE |
| Model | VLFR-01 |
| Dimensions (W×H) | 700×700mm |
| Frame | Brushed Gold |
| Glass | 5mm float, polished edge |
| IP Rating | IP44 |
| CCT | Tunable 2700K–6500K |
| CRI | 90+ |
| Wattage | 22W |
| Demister | Yes |
| Touch Control | Yes — LED + demister independent |
| Installation | Hardwire |
| Compliance | RCM, IP44 test report available |
| Warranty | 5-year LED, 2-year electronics |
Common spec errors and how to avoid them
Specifying size without frame: a 900×750mm mirror has a different overall footprint depending on whether the frame is 15mm or 30mm wide. The rough-in and tile layout should account for the framed dimension, not just the glass. Ask the supplier for the framed overall dimension and specify that in addition to the glass size.
Writing “LED mirror” without a CCT: this is the most common spec omission. The procurement team will order the default product, which may be the wrong colour temperature for the client’s lighting scheme. Take 10 seconds and write the CCT.
Missing the compliance column: some spec schedules include a “compliance” column that is left blank for mirrors. This column should always reference the required standard (RCM) and confirm the IP rating. It is the first thing an assessor looks at on a bathroom fixture spec.
Getting pre-filled spec sheets from VUELUXE
VUELUXE provides pre-filled spec sheets for all current models on request for trade account holders. The spec sheet covers all fields listed above and is formatted for direct insertion into a builder’s specification schedule. Request via the trade portal or by email with the model number — turnaround is same business day.
For large projects with multiple mirror types, VUELUXE can provide a consolidated schedule in Excel format with one row per location, pre-populated with the model data. This reduces the administrative time for the project manager and eliminates transcription errors.
The specification worksheet in the guides section provides a blank template in the same format. The guides hub contains additional resources for builders and specifiers, including installation guides and compliance documentation. For a full overview of specification requirements and format, visit the spec hub.