“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”
There are many iconic stories, scenes and tales surrounding mirrors. Maybe it’s because of the nature of intrigue from a backwards world beyond the glass. Or maybe it has more to do with the magic of somewhere not quite accessible. Maybe it’s just about vanity and power over your world, as the Evil Queen from Snow White would have us think. Mirrors can be hung to be used for viewing a reflection, opening up a small room, or simply accenting a wall.
No matter how you use a mirror, why not design one that is unique only to you and your home? There are several features to think about when designing or choosing a ready-made framed mirror. Read on for ideas!
- Size and Shape – Think first about the purpose and space for which you are designing the mirror. A bathroom mirror will be far different than a bedroom mirror, office mirror, or restaurant mirror. A bathroom might be the most common room in a household for mirrors, but how is it truly used? If it’s used for for doing hair or putting on makeup, the mirror could be as small as the size of a face. Whereas, a bedroom mirror (even one that hangs on a wall) might be floor-length for checking the way a garment fits. Shape depends more on the rest of the room. A mirror, like a picture, should be considered a piece of furniture. It’s a permanent fixture that adds to the overall aesthetic. A rectangle or square screams modern and bold while a circle or oval mirror whispers classic and soft.
- Glass – Mirrors can be made of any type of glass, from clear to colored, float or blown, and everything in-between. Most mirrors are made from float glass (the kind typical for windows). It’s the layer of metal that goes on the backside of the glass that makes the true difference. Typical mirrors are made from a layer of silver which is then painted over for protection of the metal. The metal reflects the refracted light that passes through the glass. However, you could realistically have a mirror custom-made from any type of metal and glass combination. In addition, mirror glass can be stylized. Etchings and cuts can be made, especially for mirrors whose purpose is decoration rather than utilization. However, it’s not unheard of to fancy up a bathroom or bedroom mirror with an outer edge etching or beveling.
- Frame – Once you’ve decided on a place, size, shape, and type of glass for your mirror, you will need to finish the design with a beautiful frame. Frame Warehouse offers a large selection of frame styles, types, and colors. Wood, metal, plastic; antique finish or jet black; ready made or custom – the choices are practically endless!
If a picture says a thousand words, think how many words a mirror could say! Stop into Frame Warehouse to design your perfect mirror, then take it home and let it inspire looks and reflections for years to come! Or score one of our ready-made framed mirrors! While you’re there, take a look at the framed art and prints; you never know what piece might be a perfect companion to your new mirror.
