Mirrors

Mirrors Buying Guide

A mirror is a reflective surface that can be used for both functional and decorative purposes. A mirror can be placed anywhere and can even be customized according to your needs. The basic composition of a mirror may be the same, but it comes in so many different styles, sizes, and shapes. Below, let’s take a look at the "do"s and "don't"s when it comes to buying mirrors.

What Kind Of Shapes Do Mirrors Come In?

Mirrors come in many shapes. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones and what makes them so beloved by everyone:

Round

Round shaped mirrors are generally used for accenting. They’re not that big, and their diameter is probably in the range of 2-3 feet. They can be placed on a statement wall to emulate some extra oomph in your spaces. They can also be hung above a mini-dresser so you can check out your reflection while getting ready. A round mirror can also be hung above a sideboard buffet or console for aesthetic purposes.

Rectangular

Tall, rectangle-shaped mirrors are the most commonly found ones in the world. This is because you can usually see your full reflection in them. It’s also because the large size of such a mirror shape always makes a bold statement in any space. Tall rectangular mirrors can be used as statement pieces in bedrooms, offices, entrance foyers, and retail areas as well.

Square

Like round mirrors, square-shaped mirrors also come in compact sizes and are mostly used for accenting. They can be featured above vanity countertops, hung on top of sideboards, be featured like artwork on a statement wall, and also be paired with a standalone dresser. The very symmetrical shape of this mirror makes it super pleasing for the eye.

Elliptical

Elliptical shaped mirrors are less common. They’re mostly used for stylistic purposes. You can use them as full-length dressing table alternatives, hang one in your foyers or entryways, and put one up in your living room for aesthetic purposes.

How Do Mirrors Work?

Mirror storage is when a mirror is installed on top of a storage element like a wall-mount cabinet, a compact dresser, etc. The mirror actually becomes a part of such furniture and is usually used as the ‘face’ of these pieces. Most of the time, the mirror can either be opened like a door or slid sideways to reveal a storage compartment where you can keep various objects. Here are some popular forms of mirror storage:

Jewelry Mirror Cabinet

This type of mirror storage is slim, smart, and portable. The mirror-faced cabinet with a simple frame opens to reveal a full-length compartment where you can store your jewelry, make-up, key-chains, and other such items. Some of them even have in-built bangle stands and tiny drawers for more versatile storage options. It’s a great way to keep your accessories organized. Since this type of mirror storage is also portable and compact, it’s perfect for small style homes.

Vanity Cabinets

Vanity cabinets are the most mainstream form of mirror storage that you’ll ever encounter. The cabinets installed above the vanity countertop have mirrored facades and open up to reveal spacious storage cabinets where you can keep your shaving essentials, skin-care routine items, tooth-brushes, and other bathroom related paraphernalia. They can be designed to suit your bathroom style, or you can even find some gorgeous prefabricated designs.

Wall-Mounted Decorative Cabinets

General wall-mount cabinets can also make an attractive form of mirror storage. They can be hung in bedrooms, living rooms, and den areas. You can keep miscellaneous items such as magazines, pillow covers, books, etc. inside of them.

Considerations for buying mirror storage

Here’s everything you need to consider before buying your mirror storage:

Purpose

The very first thing you have to determine before buying mirror storage is what’s going to be its purpose? For example, jewelry cabinets and vanity cabinets both have very specific purposes. You’ll need to figure out the overall intention of the storage piece before buying it.

Placement

Where you want to place your mirror storage is also an important consideration to factor in. you’ll need to know whether you want a wall-mount or floor-bound piece, which will determine the design of whatever you need. You’ll also need to decide whether you’d want it to be easily portable. Knowing where you want to place your mirror storage will also determine the size, design, and overall aesthetic of whatever piece you want to buy.

Style

Most mirror storage items come in modern designs. This is because they’re designed for small style living and there’s barely any room for elaborate designs in such spaces. Their sheer simplicity evokes elegance and sophistication, which is always a bonus when you’re looking for aesthetically pleasing functional storage items.

Factors to consider while buying mirrors

Buying a mirror may seem like the easiest task in the world, but you’ve got to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you need. Below is a checklist of some criteria that you need to mark off while browsing for your ideal mirror storage:

Style

Ultimately, your mirror is going to be a part of your interior design and you have to ensure that its style suits the overall theme of your space. You cannot bring a modern mirror storage in a traditional style setup and vice versa. Therefore, you have to carefully appraise the designs you like and try to picture them within your spaces in your mind’s eye. Make sure that it complements the theme before you lock on the purchase.

Size

The size of a mirror is also something that you must carefully think about before buying it. You first have to measure or eyeball the dimensions of the wall that you want to place it on and then think about what sized mirror would look the best on it. If your purchase is too oversized or too small, you’ll end up with an unpleasant overall ambiance.

Shape

Like the style and size, you also have to factor in the shape of your mirror. Rectangular ones are usually used on medium or small-sized walls that require some oversized accenting. Round mirrors are used to accentuate larger pieces of furniture such as dressers, sideboards, and vanities. They are rarely ever used alone. Same is the case with square-shaped mirrors. Elliptical mirrors are also used for accenting. They come in large sizes and are perfect for complementing bigger statement walls.

Frame

The frame of a mirror determines its overall style. Without a frame, a mirror loses its decorative edge and has zero visual impact of its own. Rococo style mirror frames are perfect for traditional or neo-classical themed spaces. Simple wooden or painted frames make a great addition to modern, contemporary, industrial, and Scandinavian spaces. You can determine the visual capacity of a mirror just by looking at its frame, and whether or not it’s going to be able to complement your space.

What type of frames do mirrors come in?

These are some popular mirror frame types and where they can be used:

Wood carved frames

Carved wood mirror frames are some of the most commonly found ones in the market. They come in both elaborate as well as simple designs. The overly embellished ones can be used as statement pieces in traditional style home interiors while the simpler ones can be used to accentuate contemporary or eclectic style spaces.

Fabric clad and tufted frames

More often than not, fabric clad and tufted mirror frames are used to complement neo-classical style spaces. They are usually customized and feature lush fabrics such as suede, velvet, jute, etc. They’re used as decorative accessories and can be used to make the most of an empty statement wall. Such frames are highly stylish, but also require a lot of maintenance so that the fabric won’t become dirty.

Rococo style frames

Rococo style mirrors are hand carved and feature stylistic vine/floral designs. They usually come in elliptical or rectangular shapes. They are also generally large and are used for adding accentuation to a traditional, contemporary, or neo-classical style interior design theme. Another thing to note is that they also come in gilded tints – most generally gold – which makes then instantly statement-worthy!

Simple frames

Simple, unembellished mirror frames are some of the most commonly found designs. They’re perfect for complementing sleek modern, minimalistic, and Scandinavian style home interiors.

DIY frames

Many people like to customize their mirror frames and make them one-of-a-kind, which is why they partake in DIY ventures. There are a variety of DIY mirror frames that you can find everywhere. Some are hand-painted refurbished vintage frames, while others are made out of a cluster of twigs. Similarly, you can find designs that feature sea shells, stones, artificial flowers, and so much more. One can get as creative as they want to be while designing such a project.

(Note: All of these mirror frame types can be customized on your personalized mirror storage furniture items.)