Framed Bathroom Mirrors: Complete Guide to Frame Finishes & Styles
Framed bathroom mirrors are making a strong comeback in Australian bathrooms, and for good reason. The frame finish you choose doesn’t just add a decorative edge—it significantly impacts your entire bathroom’s style and how well everything works together visually.
At Ross’s, we stock five trending frame finishes: matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold, gunmetal grey, and matte white. Each finish brings its own character and works differently depending on your bathroom style, existing tapware, and the overall look you’re creating. If you’re still identifying your bathroom style, our guide to 10 Australian Bathroom Design Style Ideas covers Hamptons, industrial, contemporary, and other popular styles in detail.
I’ve helped countless Perth customers select bathroom mirror frames over the years, and the most common mistake I see is choosing a frame finish without considering how it coordinates with taps, towel rails, and cabinet hardware. When these elements clash, even an expensive mirror can look out of place.
This guide covers the characteristics of each frame finish, which bathroom styles they suit best, and how to coordinate them with your tapware and hardware. We stock these frames across round, oval, and LED mirror options, giving you flexibility in both shape and finish.
Matte Black Framed Bathroom Mirrors
Matte black framed bathroom mirrors have absolutely dominated Australian bathroom renovations over the past two years, and that trend shows no signs of slowing in 2026. I see more customers requesting black frames than all other finishes combined—and it’s not just a passing fad.
The appeal goes beyond aesthetics. Matte black frames resist fingerprints and water spots far better than polished black finishes. In Perth’s hard water conditions, this is a genuine practical advantage. You’re not constantly wiping down the frame to keep it looking clean.
Style Versatility
What surprises many customers is just how versatile black framed bathroom mirrors actually are. Most people assume they only suit modern or industrial bathrooms, but I’ve seen them work beautifully in Hamptons-style bathrooms, and even some traditional spaces when paired thoughtfully with other elements.
Black frames create strong contrast against white subway tiles and vanities—it’s a classic pairing that never looks dated. But they’re equally effective in bathrooms with grey, navy, or even deep green colour schemes. The black acts as a grounding element that pulls everything together.
Coordination with Tapware
One advantage of matte black frames is their flexibility with tapware finishes. They work seamlessly with matte black taps and mixers for a fully coordinated look, but they also pair well with chrome or brushed nickel if you prefer mixed metals. I generally recommend keeping your tapware and frame in the same temperature range if not the same—either all warm metals or all cool metals—but black is neutral enough to bridge both.
Our Matte Black Range
At Ross’s, we stock matte black frames across three different mirror styles. Our Brooklyn Round Mirror in Matte Black is our most popular framed vanity mirror—it comes in 600mm, 750mm, and 900mm diameters, so you can scale it to suit your vanity size. For double vanities or larger wall spaces, the Como Oval Mirror in Matte Black provides more horizontal coverage.
If you want integrated lighting, the Great Gatsby Framed LED Mirror in Matte Black combines the frame style with built-in LED illumination. We stock this in two sizes: 450x1200mm for bathrooms, powder rooms or ensuite vanities, and a matching 600x1800mm version for walk-in robes.
Styling Advice
The pairing I recommend most often is a matte black framed mirror above a white vanity. It’s clean, it’s classic, and it works in virtually any bathroom size. For a bolder approach, you can create a fully monochromatic scheme by matching your black mirror frame with matte black tapware, towel rails, and cabinet hardware.
One thing to remember: larger black frames make stronger visual statements. A 900mm round framed bathroom mirror commands attention, so make sure your wall space can handle it without overwhelming the room.
Brushed Nickel Framed Bathroom Mirrors
Brushed nickel sits in a sweet spot between finishes—it’s warmer than chrome but cooler than brass or gold. I find it’s the finish customers choose when they want something sophisticated without going too bold. It’s particularly popular in transitional and contemporary bathrooms where you want a refined look without the starkness of chrome.
The brushed finish itself is remarkably practical. Like matte black, brushed nickel hides water spots and fingerprints far better than polished finishes. In my experience, this makes a noticeable difference in how often you need to clean your mirror frame, especially in busy family bathrooms.
Best Bathroom Styles for Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel framed bathroom mirrors work beautifully in coastal and Hamptons-style bathrooms. The soft metallic sheen complements the light, airy feel of these styles without adding harsh contrast. I’ve also seen them work well in contemporary bathrooms where chrome feels too clinical and black feels too heavy.
The light reflection quality of brushed nickel is softer and more diffused than chrome. It catches light without creating sharp reflections, which contributes to a calmer, more relaxed bathroom atmosphere.
Coordination and Hardware Matching
The real advantage of choosing brushed nickel frames is the seamless integration with brushed nickel tapware. When you match your mirror frame with brushed nickel taps, towel rails, and cabinet hardware, you create a cohesive look that feels intentionally designed rather than randomly assembled.
At Ross’s, we stock the Brooklyn Round Mirror in Brushed Nickel across all three diameter options (600mm, 750mm, 900mm), plus the Como Oval Mirror in Brushed Nickel for larger wall spaces. For integrated lighting, the Great Gatsby Framed LED Mirror in Brushed Nickel (450x1200mm) combines the finish with LED functionality.
Working with Colour Palettes
Brushed nickel works with both warm and cool colour palettes, though I find it leans slightly warm compared to chrome. It pairs beautifully with soft greys, whites, beiges, and even warmer timber tones. The finish doesn’t fight with your colour scheme—it enhances it.
When customers ask about creating a polished, hotel-style bathroom, I usually point them toward brushed nickel. Repeat the finish across all your bathroom hardware, and the space immediately feels more pulled together and professionally designed.
Gold Framed Bathroom Mirrors
Gold framed bathroom mirrors have seen a massive resurgence in Australian bathrooms, but we’re not talking about shiny, polished gold from the 1980s. The gold and brass finishes popular now are brushed or matte—they have a sophisticated, subdued quality that reads as luxurious without being over the top.
These are statement finishes. When you choose a mirror with golden frame, you’re making it a feature piece in your bathroom. I rarely recommend gold frames for minimalist or ultra-modern spaces, but in the right setting, they absolutely transform the room.
Best Bathroom Styles for Gold Frames
Gold framed bathroom mirrors work exceptionally well in Art Deco bathrooms, glam styles, and modern traditional spaces. I’ve also seen them used brilliantly in eclectic bathrooms where mixing metals and finishes is part of the design approach.
The warm metals trend has really taken hold in Australian bathrooms over the past few years. Customers are moving away from the cool chrome dominance and embracing warmer tones that create a softer, more inviting atmosphere.
Colour Palette Coordination
Gold and brass frames pair beautifully with white marble—it’s a classic luxury combination. But they also work surprisingly well with deeper colours like navy, emerald green, and charcoal. The warm metallic tone adds richness against these darker shades without creating harsh contrast.
At Ross’s, we stock the Brooklyn Round Mirror in Brushed Gold and the Como Oval Mirror in Brushed Gold. For integrated lighting, the Great Gatsby Framed LED Mirror comes in Brushed Brass (450x1200mm), which gives you that warm metallic finish with built-in illumination.
Styling Balance and Coordination
Here’s where customers often get it wrong: they either go too timid with gold (one lonely mirror) or too heavy (gold everywhere). The approach I recommend is treating your gold-framed mirror as the hero piece, then echoing it with gold tapware and key accessories like towel rails or toilet roll holders.
You don’t need to match gold with gold exclusively. Brushed brass taps coordinate beautifully with brushed gold frames—the slight variation in tone actually adds depth rather than looking mismatched.
Warm-on-Warm Layering
One pairing I particularly like is gold frames with timber vanities. This warm-on-warm layering creates a rich, inviting feel that works especially well in main bathrooms where you want a more luxurious atmosphere. The timber grain and metallic sheen complement each other without competing.
If you’re hesitant about committing to gold, start with a smaller mirror in a powder room. It’s a lower-risk space to try the finish, and you can always expand to your main bathroom once you see how well it works.
Gunmetal Framed Bathroom Mirrors
Gunmetal grey is the finish I recommend when customers want something more interesting than brushed nickel but less bold than matte black. It’s a modern alternative that brings sophisticated, understated elegance to contemporary and minimalist bathrooms.
The finish sits in that perfect middle ground—it has more character and depth than nickel, but it doesn’t create the stark contrast that black frames do. I find it works particularly well in bathrooms where the overall palette is soft and you don’t want one element dominating the space.
Best Bathroom Styles for Gunmetal
Gunmetal framed mirrors suit contemporary bathrooms beautifully, especially those with a minimalist or industrial-lite aesthetic. It’s also my go-to recommendation for bathrooms with grey vanities, concrete-look tiles, or white subway tiles where you want to add a metallic element without going full black or chrome.
The finish has a subtle depth to it—it catches light differently throughout the day, which adds visual interest without being flashy. In smaller bathrooms, this quality helps the mirror feel like a considered design choice rather than just a functional necessity.
Creating Tonal Schemes
One of the best uses for gunmetal frames is in tonal grey bathroom schemes. When you layer different shades of grey—pale grey walls, mid-tone grey vanity, darker gunmetal frame—you create depth and sophistication without introducing contrasting colours or finishes.
At Ross’s, we stock both the Brooklyn Round Mirror in Gunmetal Grey and the Como Oval Mirror in Gunmetal. These give you options for different vanity configurations and wall proportions.
Tapware Coordination
The ideal pairing is gunmetal tapware with your gunmetal frame—it creates perfect coordination across your bathroom hardware. However, gunmetal tapware is less common than other finishes, so many customers end up mixing metals.
When gunmetal tapware isn’t available or doesn’t suit your budget, gunmetal frames pair well with both matte black and brushed nickel taps. With matte black tapware, the gunmetal reads as a softer, lighter complement. With brushed nickel, it adds a slightly cooler, more industrial edge to the overall scheme.
If you’re working with a soft-toned bathroom—think pale greys, whites, light timber—and you’re worried that matte black will be too harsh, gunmetal is usually the answer. It provides definition and structure without creating that sharp black-and-white contrast that can feel too stark in certain spaces.
Matte White Framed Bathroom Mirrors
White framed bathroom mirrors create a clean, contemporary aesthetic that works beautifully in light, airy bathroom styles. The frame provides a visual boundary and defined edge without the heavy contrast of black or the metallic presence of nickel and gold.
This is a niche finish—we stock far fewer white frames than other options because it suits specific design approaches rather than broad application. But when it works, it really works.
Best Bathroom Styles for Matte White
Matte white frames are perfect for Hamptons, coastal, Scandi, and minimalist bathrooms where you want to maintain an all-white or predominantly white palette. The frame adds structure and definition without introducing colour or metallic elements that might disrupt the soft, cohesive feel.
At Ross’s, we stock the Great Gatsby Framed LED Mirror in Matte White (600x1800mm). This combines the white frame with integrated LED lighting, which is particularly useful in all-white bathrooms where you need good task lighting without adding visual complexity.
When White-on-White Works
The key to successful white framed mirrors is texture differentiation. If your walls are flat white paint and your vanity is glossy white, a matte white frame adds another texture layer that prevents the space from feeling flat or one-dimensional.
I also recommend white frames when you’ve got bold tile patterns or wallpaper in your bathroom. The white frame creates a calm visual break that prevents the space from feeling too busy or overwhelming.
Maintaining Brightness
In smaller bathrooms or powder rooms without windows, white frames help maintain brightness. Black or dark frames can visually shrink a space, but white frames keep the room feeling open and light.
The downside is practicality—white frames show dirt and marks more readily than darker finishes. You’ll need to wipe them down more frequently, especially around the bottom edge where splashes accumulate.
Before we summarise which frame finishes suit which bathroom styles, if you’re uncertain about your bathroom’s style category or want to explore different Australian bathroom design approaches, our 10 Australian Bathroom Design Style Ideas guide covers Hamptons, industrial, contemporary, coastal, and other popular styles in detail.
Quick Reference: Mirror Frame Finishes by Style and Coordination
If you’re still weighing up which frame finish suits your bathroom best, this table consolidates everything we’ve covered. Use it to quickly match your bathroom style with compatible frame finishes and coordinating hardware.
| Frame Finish | Best Bathroom Styles | Coordinates With | Works With Colours |
| Matte Black | Modern, Industrial, Hamptons, Traditional | Matte black, chrome, brushed nickel tapware | White, grey, navy, green |
| Brushed Nickel | Transitional, Contemporary, Coastal, Hamptons | Brushed nickel tapware/hardware (seamless match) | Greys, whites, beiges, timber |
| Brushed Gold/Brass | Art Deco, Glam, Eclectic, Modern Traditional | Brushed brass/gold tapware, matte black accents | White marble, navy, emerald, charcoal |
| Gunmetal Grey | Contemporary, Minimalist, Industrial-lite | Gunmetal tapware (ideal), matte black, brushed nickel | Grey vanities, concrete, white subway tiles |
| Matte White | Hamptons, Coastal, Scandi, Minimalist | Any metal (neutral) | All-white schemes, light timber, soft pastels |
The most common mistake I see is choosing a frame finish in isolation without considering your existing or planned tapware. If you’ve already installed brushed nickel taps, for example, a brushed nickel frame creates immediate cohesion. If you’re starting fresh, decide on your frame finish first, then select tapware to match.
If you want to understand the practical differences between these metal finishes—including maintenance requirements, durability, and how chrome compares to brushed options—our complete guide Decoding Tapware Finishes: From Chrome to Brushed Nickel covers all five finishes in depth.
Oval vs Rectangular vs Round vs Framed Bathroom Mirrors: Shape Considerations
Beyond frame finish, the shape of your framed mirror significantly impacts how it works in your bathroom. I get asked about shape selection constantly, and the choice isn’t just aesthetic—it affects proportions, balance, and how the frame itself displays.
Oval Framed Mirrors
Oval mirrors elongate walls vertically, which makes them particularly effective in bathrooms with standard ceiling heights where you want to create a sense of height. They also suit double vanities better than round mirrors because the horizontal width covers more wall space above the vanity without gaps.
The Como Oval Mirror works well in these applications. We stock it across all five frame finishes (matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold, gunmetal grey, and matte white), so you can match the finish to your tapware and hardware regardless of which shape you choose.
Round Framed Bathroom Mirrors
Round mirrors soften angular bathrooms. If you’ve got square tiles, rectangular vanities, and straight lines everywhere, a round framed bathroom mirror introduces curves that balance all those hard edges. They also work particularly well above round or curved vanities where the shapes echo each other.
Our Brooklyn Round Mirror comes in three diameters—600mm, 750mm, and 900mm—giving you flexibility to scale the mirror to your space. Like the Como Oval, it’s available in all five frame finishes.
Learn why Why Round Mirrors Are Dominating Modern Perth Bathrooms.
Rectangular Framed Mirrors
Rectangular framed mirrors suit narrow wall spaces and work particularly well in powder rooms or ensuite bathrooms where wall width is limited. The vertical orientation maximises mirror surface area without requiring significant horizontal space. They also create strong architectural lines that complement modern bathroom designs.
Our Great Gatsby Framed LED Mirrors (450x1200mm and 600x1800mm) are rectangular and combine the frame style with integrated LED lighting—available in matte black, matte white, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and gunmetal.
Read our post, Are Rectangular Bathroom Mirrors in Style?, to find out the answer!
Frame Visibility and Impact
The shape you choose affects how prominently the frame displays. Oval frames tend to read as more traditional or classic, while round frames feel more contemporary. Rectangular frames create strong modern statements, especially in larger sizes. Large framed mirrors in any shape become feature elements rather than just functional pieces.
Styling and Placement
I generally recommend matching your mirror shape to your vanity shape. Curved or round vanities pair naturally with round mirrors, while rectangular vanities work with rectangular or oval mirrors depending on available wall space and the overall bathroom style.
Round and oval mirrors also break up repetitive tile patterns effectively. If you’ve got subway tiles or grid patterns, curved shapes create visual relief. Rectangular mirrors, conversely, reinforce linear tile patterns and create cohesive geometry.
One placement difference: round mirrors typically sit centred on the wall, oval mirrors often sit slightly higher to maximise vertical elongation, and rectangular mirrors are usually positioned with careful attention to vanity width and height proportions.
Why Buy Framed Bathroom Mirrors from Ross’s Discount Home Centre?
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock bathroom mirrors with five frame finishes across multiple mirror shapes—round, oval, and rectangular LED options. This gives you genuine choice in both finish and form, with prices ranging from $180 for our Brooklyn and Como mirrors up to $1,189 for our premium Great Gatsby LED mirrors with integrated lighting.
One advantage of shopping at our Perth showroom is seeing these frame finishes in person before you commit. Photos don’t always capture how matte black differs from gunmetal, or how brushed nickel compares to brushed gold under actual lighting conditions. Our staff can also provide guidance on coordinating your mirror frame with existing bathroom fixtures—or help you plan a complete renovation from scratch.
All mirrors are in stock, which means you can collect your mirror the same day or arrange delivery across Perth metro.
Conclusion
The finish of a framed bathroom mirror can significantly impact your bathroom’s overall cohesion. It’s a coordinating element that either pulls everything together or creates visual disconnection.
Matte black remains the most versatile choice, working across multiple styles and tapware finishes. Brushed finishes like nickel and gold offer practical advantages in Perth’s hard water conditions, hiding water spots and requiring less frequent cleaning.
The key to a professional look is coordination. When your mirror frame, taps, towel rails, and cabinet handles share the same finish family, the space feels intentionally designed rather than randomly assembled.
Explore our complete range of framed bathroom mirrors in matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold, gunmetal grey and matte white finishes at our Perth showroom today.
This guide focused specifically on frame finishes for framed bathroom mirrors. For broader mirror selection guidance—including frameless options, sizing, placement heights, and lighting considerations—see The Ultimate Bathroom Mirror Buying Guide. And if you’re still unsure if a framed mirror is right for your bathroom renovation, read our Framed vs Frameless Bathroom Mirror Comparison.
