What to Look for When Buying Mirrors
There are both practical and stylish uses of mirrors. Mirrors can add drama and light to a space, create a focal point, or blend into the background. Whether in the bathroom or the dining room, mirrors create depth and reflect light throughout a room. With so many types of mirrors to choose from, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing.
- Glass Quality: A high-quality mirror glass is free from inconsistencies that distort the reflection. Look for glass that has an even and uniform surface.
- Glass Thickness: Glass mirrors typically come in 1/4-, 1/8- or 3/16-inch thickness. For home décor, we recommend 1/4-inch-thick glass.
- Mirror Silvering: A good mirror should have a thick, high-quality coating of silvering — the silver-nitrate-compound coating on one side of the glass that makes it reflective.
- Shape: Which shape works best with the surroundings? Keep in mind the ambience that you want in the room. If you want to add balance to a room with straight lines, opt for a round mirror. If you’re looking for symmetry or want a more modern feel, try geometric shapes. Play with shapes in unexpected spaces to create a unique look.
- Size: The right-sized mirror makes all the difference. Look for one that doesn’t overwhelm a room. Also, if mounting it on a wall, consider the wall space.
- Style: A mirror’s style gives you the opportunity to put your personal stamp on your space.
Types of Mirrors
There are different features to look for when choosing a mirror, including glass type and mount type. When considering glass, there are three types commonly used in mirrors — plane, concave and convex. Different glass types create different light effects.
Mirrors can be used to brighten things up or provide a decorative focal point in any space around the home — on walls, over a buffet, leaning on a table or above a fireplace. The mirror’s mount type determines, in part, where you can place the mirror, so it’s an important consideration when selecting a mirror.
Plane Mirrors
Plane mirrors have a flat surface that reflects light. They produce true-to-life images with very little distortion and are the most common type used in bathrooms. They’re the best choice for a reflection of real and accurate proportions.
Concave Mirrors
Concave mirrors are typically used in bathrooms and often in bedrooms. They have a spherical surface that curves and reflects light inward, giving the illusion of largeness.
Convex Mirrors
Convex mirrors also have a spherical surface, but they bulge outward and distort images, making them appear smaller. They’re typically mounted on the exterior of the home.
Full-Length Mirrors
Full-length mirrors — also known as floor-length mirrors or full-body mirrors — are visually dramatic mirrors that you can either mount on the wall, lean against the wall or place on a stand. They allow you to see your entire body while providing decoration and reflecting natural light. Full-length mirrors are at least 48 inches high. If you want to view yourself in a full-length mirror, look for one that’s at least half of your height tall. These are a great choice for mirrors for bedrooms.
Wall Mirrors
Wall-mounted mirrors are fastened to the wall. When choosing a wall mounted mirror, select one with a frame that complements the wall color and décor.
Over the Door Mirrors
You can hang over-the-door mirrors on the inside of closet or bathroom doors, so you only see them when you need them. But you can hang them on the outside of doors too. They take advantage of the often-unused vertical space a door offers, making them a great space-saving option that still provides a reflective surface.
Vanity Mirrors
Vanity mirrors — also known as makeup mirrors — are sometimes double sided, with one side being a magnifying mirror. Some vanity mirrors also have built-in lighting. Wall mounted versions take up little to no space and come in various finishes to match your décor. They tilt and pivot in a range of directions, and some models extend from the wall. Freestanding or countertop makeup mirrors are portable, so you can move them from room to room.
Mirror Shapes
The shape of a mirror is a great way to bring character and visual interest to rooms. Explore the different shapes of mirrors below.
Round
Round mirrors are simple, versatile and easy to style. The elegance of round mirrors works especially well in contemporary or modern design schemes.
Rectangle
Rectangle mirrors put the focus on the height or width of a room. They are also versatile and easy to style. Consider adding a rectangular mirror for the wall over a dining room buffet table or fireplace mantel.
Square
Along with rectangular shapes, square mirrors for walls are another common choice. Clean lines and sharp edges make it a good fit for a variety of design schemes.
Arched
Arched mirrors make a great addition in small spaces and windowless rooms. This versatile silhouette can feature an ornately detailed top or clean lines for a more simplistic, contemporary look.
Sunburst
When you want a mirror that makes a statement and provides a decorative element, a sunburst mirror is the way to go. It's a decorative motif that adds flair to any room in your home, especially your entryway.
Other geometric shapes, like octagons, hexagons and diamonds, also add interesting touches.
Mirror Sizes
Mirrors can do a lot for a room. Large mirrors in small rooms create the illusion of space or simply add beauty. The larger the mirror, the larger the space appears. Whether round, rectangular or another shape, mirrors are grouped into four basic sizes according to height.
Small Mirrors
Typically 16 inches or less in height, small mirrors work better in smaller spaces. Think on narrow walls — perhaps in a foyer near the front door —or used as an accent piece mixed in with other decor.
Medium Mirrors
Medium mirrors are between 16 inches and 30 inches in height. Depending on your space, medium-sized mirrors can easily fit entryways or offices.
Large Mirrors
Large mirrors fall between 30 inches and 50 inches in height. Large mirrors can make a room feel bigger and/or act as a focal point. For a more spacious feel, position it opposite a window or light source. As a focal point, make sure it’s not competing with other decor on the same wall.
Oversized Mirrors
Oversized mirrors are over 50 inches and bring big impact to your space. Propped against the wall in your bedroom, they enhance the room’s style along with offering a full-length view when you need it. They can also work in entryways and living rooms.
The larger a mirror, the more susceptible it is to cracking or splitting due to pressure. These are general sizes. Actual mirror sizes may vary by manufacturer.
Mirror Frame Materials and Colors
A mirror frame is the fitting that surrounds a mirror. Available in a variety of materials — including glass, which creates a clean look — the frame sets the aesthetic tone for the entire mirror. However, frameless mirrors are a popular choice. They’re lighter than framed mirrors and versatile, and you can easily blend them in with any space in your home. Frameless mirrors typically have polished or beveled edges.
Other popular mirror frame material options include:
- Wood, which offers a traditional look
- Plastic, which is available in an array of designs, colors and finishes
- Metal, which has a regal, polished look
Mirror frames also come in various colors, with black mirror frames and silver mirror frames being some of the most popular choices.
Mirror Styles for Your Space
While a mirror’s size plays an integral role in its style, so does the overall aesthetics of the mirror, which includes the frame. A stylish mirror is a way to bring your personality into a room and create a decorative impact. Do you want the mirror to be the center of attention? Or maybe you need it to blend in with the decor while making a subtle statement. Perhaps you only need the mirror for its functionality. Whatever style you want, there’s a mirror that fits your home.
Traditional
Traditional options include round or square mirrors for walls. These shapes offer a timeless look that blends in with the interior for understated elegance.
Modern and Contemporary
For an updated feel, add a modern and contemporary mirror for a touch of simple sophistication for any space. This style mirror often features sleek lines and little embellishment.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse mirrors — like the one pictured — are striking choices that typically incorporate weathered or distressed finishes to lend a rustic feel to any room.
Other styles include global-influenced mirrors, which have bold colors and exotic designs that brighten up your space with a bohemian touch, and transitional mirrors, which offer a balanced blend of contemporary and traditional styles.
Different Ways to Use Mirrors
The uses of mirrors go beyond just choosing a style, shape and size. Here are a few ideas for using mirrors in your decorating.
- When placed opposite a window, a mirror reflects natural light, creates the illusion of another window and brings light to dark spaces in the room.
- Placing a mirror over a fireplace mantle, console table or other piece of furniture complements and adds symmetry to the room.
- A mirror can do double duty by adding a functional or decorative element to a room as well as by hiding imperfections on a wall.
- Clustering mirrors of different sizes is a stylish way to create a focal point that enhances a room.
- Go eclectic and use mirrors as art pieces. Look for mirrors with high-resolution images printed on tempered glass or mirrored squares arranged in an offset tile pattern. Different shapes of mirrors can create an interesting look, too.
- Mirrored accessories, such as mirrored trays and decorative boxes with mirrored fronts, allow you to decorate with mirrors in unexpected ways.
- Mirrored furniture can bring sophistication and dimension to a space, though you’ll want to keep your use of mirrored furniture modest.
However you choose to decorate your home with mirrors, finding the right one for your space is key to creating the look you want. From wall mirrors for dining rooms to long mirrors for walls, mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces. Their shapes can add interest, their style can enhance a room’s look, and their size can create the illusion of an open, airier and brighter space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mirrors
What Type of Mirror is Best for Bathrooms?
You’ll typically find plane mirrors in bathrooms. You’ll also want a mirror large enough to complement your vanity.
What Are the Three Types of Mirrors?
The three most common types of mirrors used in home decorating include plane mirrors, concave mirrors and convex mirrors.
What Mirrors Are in Style Now?
Mirrors with wood or metal frames are popular choices. Full-length mirrors make great additions to living rooms and bedrooms. Decorative wall mirrors, like sunburst styles or ones with ornate frames can make a statement. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a style of mirror that suits the aesthetic of the space it’ll be in.
What Is the Most Accurate Mirror Shape?
The shape of a mirror plays into visual interest and style more than the accuracy of the reflection. If you’re looking for a mirror that offers real and accurate proportions, choose a mirror with plane glass.