Porthole mirrors

How to choose a porthole mirror

Diameter rules: ø180-200 mm for a cloakroom, a hallway or a cabin; ø250-300 mm for the main bathroom or as a wall piece in the living room. The finish — polished lacquered brass or chrome — should follow the taps and fittings of the room; brass asks for wood and warm tones, chrome goes with whites, greys and modern bathrooms. They are solid brass and weigh what they should: hang them with a plug and screw suited to the wall, and in a steamy bathroom prefer the chrome version or well-lacquered brass, which is cleaned with a cloth and nothing else (see caring for marine brass). A porthole mirror next to a bulkhead lamp in the same finish is the perfect nautical bathroom duo.

Frequently asked questions about porthole mirrors

Do they open like a real porthole?

The Foresti & Suardi porthole mirrors reproduce the classic porthole — solid frame, hinge and nautical-style dog clips — with a fixed mirror in the centre; the clips are decorative and the frame screws to the wall.

Which size should I choose?

For a cloakroom or hallway, ø180–210 mm; for a main bathroom or as a centrepiece, ø260–300 mm. Match the finish (polished or chrome-plated brass) with the other fittings in the room.

Polished or chrome-plated brass in a damp bathroom?

Chrome resists humidity and fingerprints better; polished brass develops a warm patina. Read the brass care guide.