Planning some innovative decor for your home? Along with furniture, lighting, art, carpets, vases, curtains and much more, mirrors are an integral part of interior design. Used for both practical and decorative functions, they come in a diversity of shapes, styles and sizes to choose from. Discover the number of stores producing or importing mirrors and find one or more which suit your space, regardless of what your tastes and your needs are.

Why buy mirrors?

Apart from being functional objects which will help you determine the outfit of the day and apply your cosmetics, they have the power to enhance a room's spaciousness. Depending on where you position them, a room or hallway will be able to look longer or wider. Additionally, they will also intensify the brightness of a room. Seeing as they reflect light, they should be hung opposite a window for optimum brightness. If, on the other hand, you have a room with no windows, it's best to install light fixtures in such a way that mirrors would reflect their luminosity.

Apart from heightening space and light, mirrors are also used for decorative purposes. Together with other home decor items, such as art and furniture, they can contribute to the ambience of a room if chosen with care.

Types of mirrors

Wall mirrors

Wall mirrors are the most common type of mirrors due to their versatile use. They are fitting for all types of rooms, but are especially popular additions in the hallway for that last hair and makeup inspection and in the living room above the sofa. Mirrors on ceilings are also sometimes added to create an illusion of a skylight.

Floor mirrors

Floor mirrors are used when having full length is of the essence. This is especially the case in bedrooms, or any place where you'll be dressing up, such as in boutique changing rooms. These articles can either be freestanding or leaning against the wall. The latter would generate a more flattering reflection due its angled position and is quite an eye-catching statement piece.

Vanity mirrors

Also defined as dressing table mirrors, these items are generally used in bathrooms and bedrooms to apply makeup and groom facial hair. Having integrated lighting and adjustable swings, they are flexible objects which can be used for different functions.

Mirror panels

Large mirror panels can be used to conceal wall imperfections or enhance spaciousness and are screwed on wardrobe doors if space is restricted. Wall to wall mirrors are especially popular in gyms and dance studios.

What to consider when buying mirrors

Position and purpose of mirror

Where do you intend to place the bought mirror? What do you intend to achieve from its position? Positioning is crucial as it will reflect the opposite side. Sea views or country views can be reflected and you can choose to reflect objects you want to accentuate, transforming them into a focal point of the room.

You can opt for a full length standing mirror for your bedroom, a bulky wall mirror for your living room instead of a painting, an elongated one in your hallway to make it look bigger, or small bathroom mirrors with lights above the sink or attached to medicine chest doors.

Mirror Shape

Mirrors come in all imaginable shapes. From horizontal and vertical ones to square, rectangular, round, oval and octagonal shapes, the shape you choose depends on your tastes and the space you have available. Original abstract shapes are nowadays commonly added to contemporary spaces.

Mirror Size

The size of the mirror you opt for depends on how prominent you want it to look in the room and on the size of the wall in question. If you wish to augment spaciousness, best to go for a large mirror or a group of small ones. Make sure you take accurate measurements before shopping around and don't forget to take framing into consideration.

Mirror Style

Choosing the right style is imperative to create a harmonious look in your living spaces. You may choose to use the same style of the rest of the wall decor or else opt for a contrasting style to create a stylish setting. From Victorian, Baroque and Venetian classical mirrors, to more modern and contemporary mirrors, box and sunburst mirrors, ornate mirrors for hallways and corridors, window and arch mirrors to create the illusion of a window, rustic and distressed ones, the choice is vast. If there is a deficiency of light, opting for mirrors with lights would be an ideal option, while a lack of space may require you to install mirrors with shelves. Additionally, the colour you select is also a crucial feature. If you want to play it safe, neutral shades are the way to go, while gold and silver hues would give a more ornate and formal feel.

Mirror Quality

Having a high quality mirror is imperative if you want it to last long and this is reflected in its thickness and silvering. The thickness you opt for depends on whether you wish your mirror to be framed or not and on whether it will be freestanding or not.

Cost of Mirrors

Mirrors will vary greatly in price, depending on the size and material used. Set a budget before shopping around but do not forfeit quality if you want to ensure accurate reflections.

Mirror Framing

To frame or not to frame a mirror? A framed mirror would attract more attention to it, and the right frame can transform a plain piece of glass into a sophisticated piece of decor. Materials you can find include wood, metal, bronze, copper and acrylic. The texture you choose depends on the style of your interior space, how much you're willing to spend and your tastes. On the other hand, a frameless mirror would add a modern touch to your space due to its sleek nature.

Mirror Finishes

Mirrors can be polished and single or double bevelled, depending on how much you want them plain or decorative. If you prefer a bevelled mirror, we suggest you don't put it in a frame as it would be decorative enough as it is.

Glass Services

Apart from selling all kinds of mirrors, a number of glass contractors may offer engraving, repair and installation. If you cannot find a mirror to your liking or which suits your space, you may choose to have it customised.

How can you take care of mirrors?

Want your mirror to have a long lifespan? Make sure you protect its back side from moisture, clean the glass using the right products, and mount it safely according to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid damage.

Short of ideas? Click here for some innovative mirror ideas for your home. Check out the number of glass contractors on Yellow for more glass products.