Mirrors, an essential part of the bathroom, come in a wide range of styles, sizes, shapes and functionalities. If you’re looking to complement a single-sink vanity in the guest room, a decorative hanging mirror may do just the trick. If you’re looking to add dimension in the master bath, consider an oversized recessed mirror.

When shopping for bathroom mirrors, be sure to look into the following:

How do you want your bathroom mirror to function? Do you need it to double as storage with a medicine cabinet, or are you looking for it simply to be more decorative? Your needs may change depending on which bathroom you’re looking to outfit. Is it the master bath, which will get a lot of use from two people, or a guest bathroom, used only on occasion? Draw on these factors as a guide to help you make a decision.

What type of style is best for your bathroom? If you have a contemporary bathroom, consider a sleek square design or a mirror in a stainless steel frame — or no frame at all. If you’re going for a more eclectic look, add a mirrored face to a vintage piece or choose a vintage-style Venetian mirror. Pay attention to what you’ve chosen for your walls as well: are they tiled or painted? Paneled or wallpapered? Depending on your design style, your mirror frame can offer a bold contrast, or pick up a pattern or hue from the overall style of your bathroom.

What size should you consider? This is based both on preference and available room in your bathroom. Generally, the larger the better, particularly if you have a double vanity with a shared mirror, or if you have a small bathroom. The large shiny surface will make the space seem larger and reflect more light. But if you have a smaller, more traditional vanity, you may prefer the look of a decorative mirror no wider than the sink. The key is to strike the balance with the mirror and its surrounding elements, while also achieving the function you desire.

How will you want it to be displayed? Mirrors can be recessed, or floated away from the wall, or simply hung flush with your wall. Sconces and even faucets can be installed within the face of a large mirror for an especially sleek and surprising effect. Each of these options will result in different looks and functions for both the mirror itself and the overall bathroom.

Think about how you’ll be lighting your vanity. Overhead lighting can create shadows, whereas side-lit mirrors provide more even lighting on your face. You may want to consider a mirror that comes with light fixtures on the side, or one that can be customized to include light fixtures. Another option is backlighting your mirror; in this case, you’ll need to find a mirror which you can float away from your wall.

Should you install a shaving mirror? Shaving mirrors are a helpful addition if you’re sharing the mirror above the vanity, or if you simply want a closer look while you shave. Many shaving mirrors are fog-free, eliminating the problem of condensation on a bathroom mirror, whether it’s above the sink or in the shower.