Mirrors are a critical part of your decor and your home. This guide gives you details about all the different types of mirrors to help you select the perfect one for you.
Mirrors are a critical part of your decor and your home. You most likely do not even realize how important until you do not have one. They can enhance the decor of your space. Most importantly, they allow you to see yourself before leaving your house.
Mirrors come in many sizes and shapes. You may think that you do not have enough space in your home for another mirror, but I am willing to bet you do. So you can probably begin adding mirrors to your decor without taking up much space.
There are a wide variety of different types of mirrors, including some with frames while others have no frames. In addition, there are mirrors that can stand on their own or lean against a wall.
There are decorative mirrors that stand out in your home, but you can also find more understated versions. Finally, you can find a mirror that blends into your decor and does not attract attention. Mirrors are great to hide holes or imperfections in the walls.
There are even some mirrors that provide a little more, such as making a small room look bigger. Finally, there are acoustic mirrors that do even a little more. This guide gives you details about all the different types of mirrors to help you select the perfect one for you.
Types of Mirrors For Home Decor
Acoustic Mirrors
Acoustic mirrors are slightly different than the mirrors that most homeowners are used to having. Another name for acoustic mirrors is parabolic sound mirrors. These types of mirrors are intended to reflect sound waves instead of a reflection that one can see in the mirror.
At one time, acoustic mirrors were used mainly by the military but now are found at outdoor places, such as sporting events. This is because they can pick up distant sounds, making them ideal for these events. Acoustic mirrors are constructed from concrete and used in specific microphones and other devices to pick up far away sound.
While it may seem that using the term mirror for acoustic mirrors is odd because it does not reflect physical images. You cannot see objects in these mirrors. Instead, it reflects sound waves.
These mirrors are available in large and small sizes. They need to be able to fit in many different devices. They do not have a standard size. It is critical that they are positioned correctly when inserted in a device or microphone.
A professional must be the one to build the devices or microphones that contain an acoustic mirror.
Antique Mirrors
Antique mirrors are a great way to add to your vintage decor. There are mirrors that have special coatings and tints to give them an older and antique look. However, they may not truly be antique mirrors.
For a mirror to be considered an antique, it must date back to one hundred years or more. Some of these mirrors may be collectibles and worth a good deal of money.
Technology has advanced over time, making antique mirrors fairly easy to recognize and identify. However, they typically have oxidation tarnishing, and the glass may have a small amount of waviness to it. You will not find these features in more modern mirrors.
Keep in mind that you may see aging in mirrors, but they may not be antique. Instead, these mirrors have a distressed look which allows them to look vintage and work within a vintage decor, which has become popular more recently.
These mirrors typically have been treated with chemicals to give them their appearance. They are attempting to mimic trends from different periods of time, such as the Baroque and Gothic periods.
Bathroom Mirrors
A bathroom mirror is a critical need. You may not be able to think of a bathroom you were in that did not have a mirror. If you were, it was probably an uncomfortable place to be. We all look forward to taking one last look at ourselves before we leave the bathroom.
Bathroom mirrors help you while you wash your face and brush your teeth. Some bathroom mirrors are a thin sheet of glass in front of you. Some others are on a medicine cabinet which gives you a mirror and space for storage.
There are federal laws governing and mandating the safety standards for all bathroom items, including mirrors. For example, federal safety laws state that bathroom mirrors must be tempered glass.
Tempered glass has also been referred to as toughened glass. This glass is a special type of glass that is constructed with safety in mind. It has been chemically treated before it is molded into a specific shape.
This all happens in an environment that is temperature controlled. This glass can withstand more force put upon it. When it is struck, the glass breaks; it is in rounded pieces instead of sharp pieces. This is to help prevent injuries if it breaks.
In addition, you may find bathroom mirrors made from laminate glass. Often, bathroom mirrors have a thin layer of aluminum or molten silver sprayed on the back of a transparent sheet of glass.
Tempered glass is able to stand up to fluctuations in temperature, like when you take a hot shower or bath. If a mirror is not tempered, pressure could build up, and it could shatter. In addition, tempered glass is better able to resist fog and grease buildup.
Bespoke Mirror
A bespoke mirror is a customized mirror that is hand cut and tailored to your specific requirements. You are able to select everything about the mirror, including the size, the frame, cut of glass, and mounting. There are no real limitations to what you can create.
A bespoke mirror is able to fit into your decor without compromising what you want in your mirror. For example, you can have an oversized bespoke mirror or want that fits into a oddly shaped space. A bespoke mirror is custom designed, but not every custom mirror is a bespoke mirror (see below).
Concave Mirrors
A concave mirror is one that has curved glass. Concave mirrors have a curve that goes inward towards the center, like a spoon. The intention of this curve is to make object appear larger than they really are.
Concave mirrors reflect light and the curve allows more light to enter the surface, which makes objects appear larger. Concave mirrors are often found in bathrooms and in magnified mirrors. This allows you to see better, including all the details of the face, especially for shaving or applying makeup.
Convex Mirrors
A convex mirror is also curved but in the opposite way of a concave mirror. The edges of the glass curve inward, like the back of a spoon on a convex mirror. This type of mirror distorts the image to make it look smaller.
A convex mirror bulges outward to present you with a wide field of view. These mirrors are typically used in rearview or side mirrors on a car. You may also see them at an intersection in the road because they give drivers the ability to see traffic approaching the intersection better.
Customized Mirrors
Customized mirrors are exactly how they sound, mirrors that are custom made for your needs. They can cover a wide range of needs. Some examples include a mirrored kitchen backsplash, mirrored table, mirrored walls, or mirrored frames.
There are countless ways you can use and create a customized mirror. Customized mirrors can be beveled, with frames, without frames, and even come in colors.
Mirrored walls or backsplashes can add light to a room to make it bigger and brighter. For example, a mirrored tabletop can bring attention to your table. A customized mirror can be anything from a mirrored frame to a full wall that is mirrored.
Dresser Mirror
A dresser mirror is one that is hung above or attached to your dresser. These are ideal for putting on makeup and jewelry. In addition, you can do your hair adjustments, scarves, hats, and other accessories before leaving your room. This is one of the most practical ways of adding a mirror to your room.
Dresser mirrors can reflect light to make your room appear bigger. It can be a simple decoration or part of your decor while also having a function. You can select a frame for the mirror that matches your furniture. When you center a mirror above your dresser, it helps finish the room and gives it a nice touch.
There are many designs from which you can select when it comes to dresser mirrors. They can be a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and textures. In addition, they can be mounted to your dresser.
You can choose to hang the mirror on your wall above the dresser. There are frameless mirror styles. You can even find a mirror that lights up to give you extra light when you need it.
Entryway Mirrors
An entryway mirror is one that is located close to the entryway of your house. For example, it may be right next to the door. It could be several feet from the door. It could be right next to the coat closet.
An entryway mirror provides you the ability to take one last look before leaving the house. For example, it could alert you that you spill toothpaste on your top or your child wiped something on you that you do not want to take to work.
As with all mirrors, an entryway mirror is going to reflect light and bring it into the space. It can help make your entryway feel bigger and brighter. You do want to take some care in deciding where to hang it.
You also want to consider your space and the purpose of your mirror when determining how big you want it to be.
Freestanding Full-Length Mirrors
A full-length mirror is ideal when you want to see a full view of yourself from head to toe. Full-length mirrors come in different styles. This particular one is a free-standing model.
These mirrors typically have an elliptical or rectangular shape. With a freestanding full-length mirror, you do not have to hang it on the wall. Instead, you can move it wherever you want easily. This allows you to have the mirror exactly where you need it when you need it.
It can also piece a statement piece as part of your decoration. These mirrors come in various sizes, designs, and styles.
Full-Length Mirrors (Traditional)
A traditional full-length mirror allows you to get a full head-to-toe view of yourself. The traditional version of a full-length mirror is not as wide or as large as other full-length mirrors.
As a result of their smaller size, traditional full-length mirrors give you the ability to choose between mounting on the wall or leaning it against the wall. This version of full-length mirror gives you the ability to be more versatile.
Some traditional style mirrors have an easel on the back of them, which gives the mirror more support if you choose to lean it on the wall. You can even hang these mirrors on the back of your door or in your closet.
Full-Length Mirrors (Cheval)
A cheval full-length mirror provides you functionality with a touch of beauty and class. This is a free-standing full-length mirror that has a base. This base is attached to the mirror with swivel screws on either side of the mirror.
The purpose of the base is to support the mirror. The screws allow you to tilt the mirror in the position you would like and then use the screws to hold it in that position.
A cheval mirror also has feet to give them stability and sturdiness. You will typically find them in a walk-in closet or dressing room. These mirrors can have a vintage or modern styling. You may seem them constructed with wood or chrome.
Leaning Mirror
A leaning mirror is another full-length mirror. This mirror is also referred to as a leaner. Typically, these mirrors a placed on the floor, and the top part of the mirror leans against the wall.
A leaning mirror is typically oversized and adds a touch of decor to your room. These types of mirrors often have a decorative frame around the mirror.
Mounted Mirrors
A mounted mirror is usually in the small to medium size range. Usually, you can only view your head and shoulders in these mirrors. However, if it is closer to the medium size, you may be able to see some of your upper body.
Mounted mirrors come in various shapes and serve different purposes. You will find them as oval, round, rectangular, and more traditional mirror shapes.
These types of mirrors are great for the bathroom. Typically, you will find them on fixtures or drilled into the wall in a bathroom. A more modern styling is the mirror is mounted to an arm that is attached to the wall.
You can pull the mirror closer to you as needed. When not in use, you can push it flush against the wall to conserve space. You can also choose to hang the mirror from a hook and suspend it on a wire or strap.
Non-Reversing Mirrors
A non-reversing mirror is also called a true mirror or a flip mirror. This mirror shows a person exactly as they are without distorting the image. It is an accurate reflection of the person. It is as if you are looking at yourself in a picture.
A non-reversing mirror is really two mirrors that are joined together at 90 degrees, so one mirror reflects off the other mirror. This creates a double reflection. In this instance, one mirror flips the image that the other mirror creates.
In some cases, you see a line where the two mirrors meet. However, a well-made non-reversing mirror does not have a visible line as long as the two mirrors are lined up correctly.
These mirrors are commonly found in fitting rooms and public restrooms. While this type of mirror can come in any size, they are usually found in commercial spaces, so they are typically large. Therefore, this concept works best with two medium to large sized mirrors.
There are no special materials used to create this mirror. Therefore, it is recommended that a basic mirror is used without any special designs or bevels.
One or Two-Way Mirrors
The terms one-way mirror and two-way mirror are used interchangeably. These mirrors are clear on one side and reflective on the other. These types of mirrors are used in labs, police interrogation rooms, and dance studios.
The metal backing on a two-way mirror is thinner than a classic mirror. This thinner coat is able to filter the light that comes through the mirror, which means one side of the mirror is more reflective while the other is transparent.
The coating on the back uses silver, tin, or nickel. The glass is covered with a copper material to prevent oxidation from happening. It is then painted by a layer of paint.
These types of mirrors come in various sizes. When they are used by a security camera that is hidden, they must be small. Or they can be large enough to cover an entire wall.
Over-the-Door Mirrors
An over-the-door mirror is a great option when you want a mirror but do not have the space for one. This mirror has long hooks that are square shaped. It hangs from these hooks, which hook over the top of the door.
These mirrors are lightweight and thin. They are flush with the door, so you can open it without obstruction. Some of these mirrors have frames, while others do not. Some of these mirrors have shelves or baskets where you can store items.
Plane Mirrors
Plane mirrors are the most common mirror option. It has a surface that is defective and is typically flat, but it may have a slight curve. Some of these mirrors are cut into designs, like shapes and animals.
Images in a plane mirror are the same size and shape as the original image. These images, while realistic, is laterally inverted. This is what makes a right hand look like a left hand in the mirror. They come in many different sizes.
Silvered Mirrors
Silvered mirrors are coated with a material that is reflective. These mirrors have several different materials, with silver being the most common.
There was a time when mirrors were silvered with a mixture of mercury and tin, but that changed to pure silver in the 18th century. Today, mirrors are commonly made from aluminum or other compounds.
The compounds used to make mirrors serve several purposes. Silver does not corrode, and as a result, it will last longer. It is highly reflective and is a low-density material making it lighter than other compounds.
Vanity Mirror
Classic vanity mirrors are rectangular or square. These mirrors often have lights around them. They are usually found in dressing rooms or at a dressing table. Vanity mirrors can be used for everyday hair and skincare, but also for special occasions when you want to spend extra time and care on your hair and make-up.
What Mirrors Are Made Of?
The most common material for mirrors is transparent glass, usually in plate form. They also have a thin reflective layer on the back. This coating is intended to protect the mirror from corrosion, abrasion, and tarnishing.
What Mirrors Are In Style?
The top mirror style is an arched mirror. They have a rounded top with a straight bottom edge. This type of mirror brings a touch of softness and style to your room.
Which Mirror’s Edge Is Better?
The mirror edge that is best for you depends on your personal preference. A beveled mirror adds a decorative flare with polished edges that look like they were built in the frame. The angles of beveled mirrors catch and refract light. This may distort the reflection. A mirror with a flat-front edge drops off at the edges, which makes them perfect for frames.
Can Mirrors Be Recycled?
Mirrors are made from glass. Typically, glass from jars and bottles are able to be recycled in more places. However, the type of glass that is used to make mirrors has a reflective coating on the back of the mirror. This reflective coating makes it difficult to be recycled. Even if the reflective coating can be removed from the back of the mirror, the glass itself is not able to be recycled.