What to know of how a mirror is made

Different mirrors are frequently used in interior design, and the size, shape, and style of the mirror normally depend on the overall look that you want to achieve. Knowing the mirror features will greatly help you in deciding what kind of mirror to use in your design project.

Here are some of the basic mirror features:

GLASS

Concave, convex, silvered, and antiqued are the different types of mirror glass. A concave mirror reflects light inward to one focal point. It makes reflections larger and is usually used for personal grooming as it provides a magnified image which is really helpful when shaving or applying makeup.

On the other hand, a convex mirror is a curved mirror that reflects light outward and provides a wider field of view so it is commonly used as a passenger-side mirror of a vehicle. It is likewise used in hallways of various buildings where visibility may be limited.

A silvered glass mirror comes with a thin coating of silver nitrate and paint at the back. This is commonly used in interior design for homes and offices, while an antiqued glass has a layer or tint at the back to achieve a look of deterioration.

SIZES

Size matters when it comes to mirrors used to decorate a room. To make the space look larger and more spacious, try adding a big mirror. A wide wall mirror or a leaning mirror will dramatically expand the room.

In the bedroom, popular choices are standing mirrors and cheval mirrors which give you a head-to-toe reflection, ideal for when you need to check your appearance before going out of the house. You will get maximum impact from larger mirrors but that does not mean that small mirrors do not have the same design potential.

In the bathroom, placing a vanity mirror or one with a swing-arm feature will do the trick in providing a closer look of your appearance. Small mirrors are especially helpful in personal grooming rituals – shaving, makeup application/removal, etc.

FRAMES

Frames add a different look and style to mirrors. Materials used in making frames can be wood, tile, metal, resin, and acrylic. Frames made of acrylic and resin tend to be more affordable, while metal and wood frames can be a bit more expensive but these are more durable and can last for a long period of time.

FRAMELESS

Modern, contemporary designs usually call for frameless mirrors. They provide a clean and an edgy look which is suitable for rooms with a modern design. Some mirrors with beveled edges are frameless but give the illusion of having frames because the edges are angled differently. In small bathrooms, a frameless mirror will work well since it provides a larger mirror surface.