"Which one is the fairest of them all?" It's a question I've been repeatedly asking myself for the last year. In planning for our master bathroom makeover I've long debated what kind of vanity mirror should reside in the space. 

If you've been reading along, you may remember that Alex and I discovered an old buffet in a second hand/antique shop in Del Ray, a neighborhood of Alexandria. This solid walnut piece, scored on clearance for a mere $400, will soon be transformed into a petite double vanity. 

While it looks pretty good now, once we're done painting it white (I know, I know), changing out the hardware, shortening it a bit, and installing a Carrara marble top, she's going to be a beauty. Sounds simple, right? But we'll save that project for another day, because today I'm mirror shopping.

In addition to our soon-to-be-vanity buffet, we've been stockpiling other master bathroom-related hardware and fixtures, including three of the Restoration Hardware Lugarno bathroom sconces. These great looking sconces were obtained during a manic purchase fit brought on by big discounts at RH's summer bath event...circa 2009.

With all of these great pieces, and our decision made on the wood vs tile wainscoting debate, my focus turned to the all important vanity mirror, or mirrors, as they may be. 

I thought long and hard regarding the primary options of one mirror vs. two, medicine cabinets vs. fixed, vintage vs. new. I weighed my options while I researched, pinned, googled, read, snooped, you name it. Nobody can say I didn't do my due diligence when it comes to the element I will rely on to offer me my reflection on a daily basis. 

From my research I can tell that I do truly love the look of two mirrors and three sconces, like this gorgeous bathroom.

Photo Credit: Kayron Brewer, CKD, CBD / Studio K B

And I'm also a fan of the more traditional vintage/cottage look of using a built in medicine cabinet.

Photo Credit: thebuilderdepot.com

But given the small-ish width of our eventual double vanity, I worry that two mirrors and three sconces would make the already petite piece feel even smaller. Again, I've had more than a year to mull this one over, and though it wasn't an easy decision, I ultimately feel that one larger mirror with one sconce on either side is the best choice for our space. 

My goal is to maximize the amount of reflective surface while also offering something very interesting, all while keeping the size small enough to ensure it doesn't overpower the vanity. With these factors in mind, what will be the perfect marriage of form and function? How can I introduce something a bit more sleek to balance out the number of salvaged or repurposed items? How can I ensure this mirror is a valuable addition to the room, not just an afterthought? After all, I want the room to feel like an appropriate space in an 1880s victorian while still offering all of the modern conveniences you'd find in a bathroom of today. 

I'd like to have the charm of an old buffet, the character of a salvaged claw foot tub, the original window sash with wavy glass, heavy period moldings, and other valuable details, like vintage inspired tile that make you know our home has been around the block, and stood the test of time. 

On the other hand, I'm a bit selfish when thinking about modern day comforts, and let's face it, resale value. (Even though they'll have to pry my cold dead hands off that claw foot tub in order to get me out of this house.) I want warm toasty floors underfoot, the sounds of Dave Matthews Band emanating from the wireless whole house audio, elegant lighting, and of course a little bit of glitz. 

I've been slowly amassing a collection of my dream bathrooms on Pinterest, and a common theme has emerged. Isn't it funny that perhaps you don't realize you have a "type," but Pinterest is sure shine a light on your obsessions, crushes, and objects of your fascination...whether it's fashion, food, or decor? In my case, I have it bad for white bathrooms, vintage claw foot tubs, mosaic Carrara tile, pedestal sinks, and chandeliers. And dessert. And cocktails. But those are different vices.

While perusing I stumbled on this pin and I instantly loved the look of the mirror seen in the bathroom below.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch

In fact, that mirror looks nearly identical to the mirror we have hanging above or dining room fireplace. 

With my idea in mind I began searching high and low for a similar look in just the perfect size. For the last year I've trolled the aisles of Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls looking for a deal. I've greatly increased my chances at developing carpal tunnel thanks to all the online scouring I've done on Google, as well as on sites like West Elm, Crate and Barrel, and Z Gallerie. While there were several mirrors I found and liked along the way, either the size or the price wasn't just right. I was beginning to feel like the Goldilocks of vanity mirrors. 

After all of my searching, and having nearly given up hope, last week I finally stumbled upon it. After opening an email from Pottery Barn, I casually started tooling around, half paying attention to what I was seeing. As I perused their mirror selection, I started to think the email was a bust. I didn't see anything that even remotely resembled the size and shape I was looking for. I found two small square mirrors that were the look I was after, but not the size I required. Just as I was about to call it quits, something strange caught my eye about this photo.

Do you see it? Even though two small square mirrors are depicted in the photo, I noticed there was a pretty large range in price. Why would these small mirrors range from $126 to $237? I decided to investigate further and my extra mouse click paid off when I discovered the mirror was, in fact, still available in a larger size.

At this point I began to see stars align and hear angels signing. There it was. The twin to my dining room mirror...in several sizes...and wait for it. ON SALE!!! Thanks to an extra 10% off promo code, the once $279 mirror rang in at a mere $213.30 plus shipping and tax. 

I measured and remeasured the buffet. I calculated sconce clearance. And I knew it was the one. Excited, and with a bit of trepidation, I nervously keyed in my credit card numbers and clicked the small button graphic that became my portal to the world of bathroom dreams realized. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this mirror will be the perfect fit both in look and size, and will be a wonderful complement to our one-of-a-kind vanity. I'm hopeful this mirror will add a bit more of a modern, sleek balance to the vintage and salvaged aesthetic in the room. And finally, I'm optimistic the angled mirror "frame" won't hinder my ability to look in the mirror as I brush my teeth over "my" sink. (Gosh it will feel so great to claim a sink as my own for the first time in this house!) Unfortunately only time will tell, as we work through the punch list on our project.

After only two business days from my time I clicked my portal button, I arrived home to find a ginormous box protruding from our vestibule. I could barely believe my eyes, but the mirror had arrived in record time. Weighing in at a whopping 55 pounds and wrapped in a box nearly as tall me, with all my might I tugged and pulled until my purchase was safely inside. Think I'm exaggerating about the size? 

Yep, that bad boy has been sitting in my living room for the past 48 hours, and rather than do my happy dance or even tear off the packaging to inspect it for damage, all I can think of is our lack of available storage space and mutter to myself, "Well shit, now we really need to get moving on the bathroom."