Mirror, mirror: a complete guide to using mirrors in your home

The mirror has played an essential part in many homes' décor over the centuries, used for utilitarian, aesthetic, and spiritual purposes. The following buyer guide will provide a review of the types of mirrors available as well as important criteria for selecting the best mirror for your needs.

Types of mirrors

When shopping for a mirror, it is important to consider the type of mirror that is best suited to the purpose and design of a particular room. There are three main types of decorative wall mirrors: framed, frameless, and accent mirrors.

Framed mirrors

Framed mirrors are the most popular type, and are available in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They typically consist of a glass mirror panel with a frame on the front. The frame will often feature a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, or even stone and metals like copper. The frame can be ornate and decorative or simple and modern, the choice is up to the buyer. Framed mirrors can be designed to complement almost any décor, and they offer the most aesthetically pleasing look.

Frameless mirrors

Frameless mirrors are very popular and are ideal for modern, contemporary, and minimalist décor. These mirrors offer a more simple, streamlined look. They are made of a single piece of glass with no frame or border.

Accent Mirrors

Accent mirrors are generally designed to be used in specific rooms or to be used as accent pieces. They often come in odd shapes and sizes and may feature a frame or no frame at all. Accent mirrors are ideal for adding a unique, decorative touch to a particular space, such as a hallway or entryway.

Factors to consider when buying a mirror

The key to choosing the perfect mirror for your home is understanding the size, shape and frame material that will best fit your space and functional needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Size

The size of a mirror is a critical factor to consider. It should be proportional to the wall space and the furniture pieces in the room. Measure the wall space to determine the size of the mirror, but also consider how the mirror will look in the space. Large mirrors will dominate a smaller room, so bigger isn't always better (although they're a great choice for expansive rooms like sitting rooms or dining rooms).

Shape

Mirrors come in a variety of shapes. The most common are square, round and rectangular (also known as full-length mirrors, if they're big enough). However, there are plenty of stranger shapes too, like heart-shaped mirrors. Consider the shape that will best complement the overall aesthetic of the space and make sure that the chosen shape fits harmoniously in its designated wall space.

Frame material

The material of the frame is an important factor to consider when selecting a mirror. Materials such as wood, stone and plastic can change the overall look and feel of a mirror, so choose a frame material that will coordinate with the overall aesthetic of the room. Metal is particularly versatile, with each one offering a different finish: a chrome mirror will have a very different feel to a cast iron industrial one.

Weight

Mirrors can be quite heavy, so be sure to consider their weight when shopping for the perfect one. If you buy a wall mirror will need to make sure the wall where the mirror is to be hung can support the weight. This is especially important if you are purchasing an oversized or ornate mirror. If you want more advice on how to hang your wall mirror, read through our blog post on the subject.

Decorative mirrors can serve a variety of purposes and can greatly enhance the décor of any room in the home. By understanding the types of mirrors available, their size, shape, and frame material, you are sure to be able to choose the perfect mirror for your needs.