Mirrors, often underestimated, offer both practical utility and significant stylistic impact in interior design. They can imbue a space with drama and light, serve as a striking focal point, or subtly blend into the background. Whether placed in a bathroom or a dining room, mirrors inherently create depth and reflect light throughout a room. Given the wide array of mirror types available, several factors warrant consideration before making a purchase.
Glass Quality
A high-quality mirror glass should be free from inconsistencies that distort the reflection. Look for glass that presents an even and uniform surface.
Glass Thickness
Mirror glass typically comes in 1/4-inch (approx. 6.35mm), 1/8-inch (approx. 3.175mm), or 3/16-inch (approx. 4.76mm) thickness. For general home décor, we recommend 1/4-inch-thick glass for superior quality and minimal distortion.
Mirror Silvering
A good mirror should feature a thick, high-quality coating of silvering—the silver-nitrate-compound applied to one side of the glass that provides its reflective properties. This coating is crucial for a clear and lasting reflection.
Shape
The choice of shape impacts how the mirror integrates with its surroundings. Consider the desired ambience for the room. To introduce balance into a room with predominantly straight lines, opt for a round mirror. If you’re aiming for symmetry or a more modern feel, explore geometric shapes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with unexpected shapes in unusual spaces to cultivate a unique aesthetic.
Size
The correct mirror size makes all the difference. Select a mirror that does not overwhelm a room. Additionally, if mounting it on a wall, take into account the available wall space to ensure proper proportion and visual harmony.
Style
A mirror’s style provides an opportunity to infuse your personal aesthetic into your space, serving as a powerful decorative element.
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Types of Mirrors
When choosing a mirror, there are various features to consider, including glass type and mount type. Regarding glass, three types are commonly used in mirrors: plane, concave, and convex. Each glass type creates distinct light effects.
Mirrors can be utilised to brighten a space or provide a decorative focal point anywhere in the home—on walls, over a buffet, leaning on a table, or above a fireplace. The mirror’s mount type is a significant consideration, as it partly dictates where you can place the 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 are the best choice for a reflection that accurately depicts real and true proportions.
Concave Mirrors
Concave mirrors are typically used in bathrooms and often in bedrooms. They possess a spherical surface that curves and reflects light inward, creating the illusion of largeness (magnification).
Convex Mirrors
Convex mirrors also feature a spherical surface, but they bulge outward and distort images, making them appear smaller. They are typically mounted on the exterior of a home for a wider field of view.
Full-Length Mirrors
Full-length mirrors—also known as floor-length mirrors or full-body mirrors—are visually dramatic mirrors that can be mounted on the wall, leaned against the wall, or placed on a stand. They allow you to view your entire body while serving as decoration and reflecting natural light. Full-length mirrors are typically at least 48 inches (approx. 122 cm) high. If you want to view yourself entirely, look for one that is at least half of your height tall. These are an excellent choice for bedrooms.
Wall Mirrors
Wall-mounted mirrors are directly fastened to the wall. When selecting a wall-mounted mirror, choose one with a frame that complements the wall colour and surrounding décor.
Over the Door Mirrors
You can hang over-the-door mirrors on the inside of wardrobe or bathroom doors, allowing them to remain out of sight until needed. They can also be hung on the outside of doors. They effectively utilise 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 featuring a magnifying mirror. Some vanity mirrors also include built-in lighting. Wall-mounted versions occupy minimal to no space and come in various finishes to match your décor. They can tilt and pivot in multiple directions, and some models extend from the wall. Freestanding or countertop makeup mirrors are portable, allowing them to be moved from room to room.
Mirror Shapes
The shape of a mirror is an excellent way to introduce 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 particularly well in contemporary or modern design schemes.
- Rectangle: Rectangle mirrors draw focus to the height or width of a room. They are also versatile and easy to style. Consider adding a rectangular mirror for the wall above a dining room buffet table or fireplace mantel.
- Square: Alongside rectangular shapes, square mirrors for walls are another common choice. Their clean lines and sharp edges make them a good fit for a variety of design schemes.
- Arched: Arched mirrors make a great addition to 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 desire a mirror that makes a statement and serves as a significant decorative element, a sunburst mirror is an excellent choice. 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 profoundly impact a room. Large mirrors in small rooms create the illusion of space or simply enhance beauty. The larger the mirror, the more expansive the space appears. Whether round, rectangular, or another shape, mirrors are broadly categorised into four basic sizes according to height.
- Small Mirrors: Typically 16 inches (approx. 40.6 cm) or less in height, small mirrors work better in smaller spaces. Consider them for narrow walls—perhaps in a foyer near the front door—or used as an accent piece integrated with other décor.
- Medium Mirrors: Medium mirrors range between 16 inches (approx. 40.6 cm) and 30 inches (approx. 76.2 cm) in height. Depending on your space, medium-sized mirrors can easily fit into entryways or offices.
- Large Mirrors: Large mirrors fall between 30 inches (approx. 76.2 cm) and 50 inches (approx. 127 cm) 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, ensure it’s not competing with other décor on the same wall.
- Oversized Mirrors: Oversized mirrors are over 50 inches (approx. 127 cm) and create a significant impact in your space. Propped against the wall in your bedroom, they enhance the room’s style while offering a full-length view when needed. They can also work effectively in entryways and living rooms.
Tip: The larger a mirror, the more susceptible it is to cracking or splitting due to pressure. These are general size guidelines; actual mirror sizes may vary by manufacturer.
Mirror Frame Materials and Colours
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 establishes the aesthetic tone for the entire mirror. However, frameless mirrors are a popular choice. They are lighter than framed mirrors, versatile, and can easily blend into 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, colours, and finishes
- Metal, which has a regal, polished look
Mirror frames also come in various colours, 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 aesthetic of the mirror, which includes the frame. A stylish mirror is a way to inject your personality into a room and create a decorative impact. Do you want the mirror to be the centre of attention? Or perhaps you need it to blend with the décor while making a subtle statement. Maybe you only require the mirror for its functionality. Whatever style you desire, 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 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 in any space. This style of mirror often features sleek lines and minimal 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 feature bold colours 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 extend beyond just choosing a style, shape, and size. Here are a few ideas for incorporating mirrors into your decorating:
- When placed opposite a window, a mirror reflects natural light, creates the illusion of another window, and brings light to darker areas 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 perform 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.
- Embrace an eclectic approach 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 also create an interesting look.
- 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 it’s advisable to use mirrored furniture in moderation.
However you choose to decorate your home with mirrors, finding the right one for your space is key to creating the look you desire. 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 those 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 contributes more to visual interest and style than to the accuracy of the reflection. If you’re looking for a mirror that offers real and accurate proportions, choose a mirror with plane glass.