Choosing the Right Mirror

In order to find the right mirror for your project, you will need to consider the different types, shapes and frame materials available as well as the application and the room where it will be placed. We’ll give you some information on these points to help you choose.

• Types of mirrors
• Shapes
• Frame Materials
• Application / designated room
• Additional options

BOWER STUDIOS Stair Mirror

The first thing to know about mirrors is the different types of installation. You can choose to have a wall-mounted, free-standing, table or ceiling-mounted mirror.

Wall-mounted mirrors are the most popular and require appropriate wall fixations to be installed. They come in different shapes, sizes and innovative designs such as the Stair Mirror from Bower Studio. This mirror creates a visual illusion of a staircase jutting out of the wall, giving dimension and texture to the space.

Free-standing mirrors are either self supporting or leaned against the wall. This type of mirror is normally full length to show a full-body reflection. Free-standing mirrors can easily be moved around, but they take up floor space. They also need to be positioned carefully to avoid being knocked over or damaged.

RICHARD YASMINE Ashkal Mirror

Table mirrors are small to medium-sized and may be fixed or tilting. Many designs are supported by a small column or post that holds its position upright. They can be illuminated or magnifying. Some table mirrors can also serve as contemporary design objects, like the geometric Ashkal Mirrors from Lebanese interior architect and product designer Richard Yasmine.

Ceiling-mounted mirrors can either be fixed to a ceiling or hung vertically from a cord or pole. Large ceiling-mounted mirrors help create the illusion of space. This can be particularly useful in commercial spaces such as restaurants, boutiques and public buildings.

Mirrors can come in all different shapes, but the most popular include rectangular, round, square and oval. When choosing the shape of a mirror, you will need to consider how it will fit into the existing space. Large, minimalist rectangular mirrors can make rooms appear brighter and more spacious. Mirrors in unusual designs or shapes can be chosen to coordinate with existing decor or stand out as a focal point.

FARG & BLANCHE Succession Collection

When choosing the mirror frame, consider how it fits with the existing decor and materials in the room. Popular frame materials include wood, metal and leather. In addition to the material, the design and thickness of the frame is also important, as it can define the style of the mirror. Different styles to choose from include classic and contemporary. Some mirrors caneven be frameless, or have very thin frames for a minimalist look.

FERNANDO MASTRANGELO Magma Mirror

Swedish studio Farg & Blanche used leather and textile that they tied up in ropes and then baked to create a mirror frame. The result was a unique mirror with a criss-cross patterned frame, ideal for a modern home or beauty salon. It was part of the design studio’s Succession Collection and was presented in 2016.

Mirror frames can also be made with a mixture of other materials. A poetic example is the Magma Mirror, made with black sand and resin, designed by Brooklyn-based designer Fernando Mastrangelo. The Magma Mirror reflects the designer’s artistic conversation with the environment. It draws inspiration from the erruptions of volcanoes to refer to the increase in tension globally concerning climate change.

You can use mirrors in the home for a number of applications including decoration, making spaces appear larger and checking your appearance. Here are some suggested applications of mirrors for each space in the home:

ESS LED Bathroom Mirror

• The entrance or receiving area of the home can have large wall-mounted mirrors to reflect light.  This can create an impression of a bigger space that is visually appealing and welcoming for visitors.
• The living room can be decorated with mirrors in strategic locations such as over furniture or fireplaces to highlight points of interest.
• An office can have a decorative wall-mounted mirror to reflect more light into the room. Choose a mirror that is well-designed or with an interesting form to liven up the space.
• In the bathroom the most important mirror is the one placed above the washbasin. Many are backlit or LED illuminated to help the user see better for activities such as shaving or applying make-up. A magnifying mirror can be placed beside the main bathroom mirror for precision tasks. Sometimes a full-length mirror can be wall mounted or integrated into a cabinet.
• The bedroom usually has a full-length mirror for dressing.  It is generally integrated into furniture, wall mounted or freestanding. Additionally, a medium-sized portrait mirror for activities such as hairstyling can also be added.  This could be wall mounted or placed on top of a dresser or study table.

When choosing mirrors for commercial applications, it is important to ensure that they are robust and meet local regulations. Some mirrors are designed for specific professional applications or spaces including public washrooms, beauty salons or dance studios.

There are a number of continuing trends to look out for such as art deco style mirrors, round and sun shaped mirrors, as well as minimalist gold metal frame designs.  Fashionable mirror installations include wall leaning floor mirrors and round wall mirrors hung from a rope or strap.  Multifunctional mirror designs available on the market include mirrors with integrated shelving and mirrors with secret drawers, which can be used to keep valuable objects out of sight.  TV mirrors combine the aesthetics of a mirror with the technology of a television or touchscreen.  When the television is turned off, only the mirror is visible, so it no longer detracts from the decor of the living room.