GUIDE TO MIRRORS

CHOOSING THE BEST MIRROR FOR YOUR HOME

As well as a functional tool for seeing your refletion, a mirror is a decorative home accessory that can add drama and light to an interior, create a focal point and add depth and a sense of space. Here is our handy guide to help you choose the right mirror for your home.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING

Glass Quality: A high-quality mirror glass is free from inconsistencies that distort the reflection. Look for glass that has an even and uniform surface.

Shape: Which shape works best in your surroundings? If you want to add balance to a room with straight lines, opt for a round mirror. If you’re looking for symmetry or want a more modern feel, try geometric shapes. Play with shapes in unexpected spaces to create a unique look.

Size: Choose the right-sized mirror for the space, you don't want it to overwhelm the room.

Style: Consider if you would like a mirror with vintage glass, one with an ornate frame or a simple, more pared down look? Your choice will add to the character of the room.

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MIRROR TO BUY?

A plane glass mirror with a flat surface is the most popular as it the most accurate, giving a true-to-life reflection that works well in any room in your home.

Mirrors with a concave surface - generally spherical in shape - curve and reflect light inwards making things look larger so are handy for smaller rooms to give the appearance of space.

A convex mirror that bulges outwards makes things appear smaller so is commonly found outdoors.

WHAT TYPES OF MIRROR IS THERE?

Wall Mounted Mirrors - The most popular as they are the most versatile and can be hung anywhere with wire, hooks or string. Choose a large design to make a statement, or a small one to light up a dark corner. Select one with frame that complements the wall colour and decor of your room remembering that a contrasting colour will stand out, while a similar colour will blend in.

Floor Mirrors - Generally, visually striking full length mirrors that either sit on the floor and lean against a wall, or in a stand with a tilt point so they can be angled up or downwards. They are perfect for full-body reflection, ideal for hallways and bedrooms and are a practical option if you don't have the wall space.

Dressing Table Mirrors - Designed to sit on top of a dressing table or chest of drawers and designed with a swivel base so you can tilt the mirror up and down. Some have magnified glass and book ends for wrap-around accuracy. These take up little space so are handy for smaller rooms.

WHAT SHAPE MIRRORS ARE POPULAR?

Square or rectangular mirrors - the most popular as they blend with most interior schemes and suit modern and period homes. They are easy to style and can be hung vertically or horiztontally to focus on the height or width of a room.

Rounded mirrors - help break up flat walls and add an understated elegance to your home. These work particularly well in modern homes to break up symmetry. Oval mirrors can give an attractive vintage feel to your decor.

Abstract - unique, decorative designs that act like pieces of wall art to draw your eye, add interest and create a focal point.

WHAT STYLE MIRROR SHOULD I CHOOSE?

A stylish mirror is an inexpensive way to add personality to a room and create decorative impact so you need to consider the overal aesthetic that includes the frame. How much of a statement you want it to make? Do you want the mirror to be a focal point or a more subtle statement piece?

Metal - the popularity of metallic fittings around the home continues unabated, with a focus on warm natural metals such as brass or copper alongside cooler, more contemporary options like polished steel and nickel. Classic styling that will never date.
Wooden - add a warm and natural touch with weathered or distressed finishes creating a rustic, informal feel in a room. Opt for sleek veneers for a modern appeal.
Glass - without a dark frame to absorb light, these mirrors are bright and airy, reflecting even more. An elegant and stylish additions to your home.
Plastic and resin - can be sleek and contemporary, or ornate and vintage inspired in design. They are lighter than wood and glass options making them easier to hang.
Global-influenced mirrors that have bold colors and exotic designs will brighten up your space with a bohemian touch.

WHERE SHOULD I HANG A MIRROR?

When placed opposite a window, a mirror reflects natural light, creates the illusion of another window and brings light to dark spaces in the room.
Placing a mirror over a fireplace mantle, console table or other piece of furniture complements and adds symmetry to the room.
A mirror can do double duty by adding a functional or decorative element to a room as well as by hiding imperfections on a wall.
Clustering mirrors of different sizes is a stylish way to create a focal point that enhances a room.
Go eclectic and use mirrors as art pieces. Look for mirrors with high-resolution images printed on tempered glass or mirrored squares arranged in an offset tile pattern i a living room up up a staircase.

HOW TO HANG A MIRROR

The most important consideration when hanging a mirror, is its weight. Mirrors can be very heavy so it is essential they are attached securely to the wall.
Equipment you may need: masonry nails (for brick/stone walls) a drill, rawlplugs, screws, tape measure, a pencil for marking the wall and a spirit level.

1.

Make sure there are no electric cables in the wall area where you wish to hang your mirror. These are usually fitted vertically from light switches and the best way to find them is by using a handheld detector that detects cables, pipes and studs in your wall.

2.

If you are hanging your mirror stud wall, you will need to find the wooden struts that support the plasterboard as these will provide a stronger fixing point than the plaster.

3.

If you have stone walls or brick walls you will need masonry nails and if your mirror is heavy, you may also need a drill, screws and rawlplugs. Your mirror should come with the necessary fixings that will be suitable for the mirror's weight.

4.

If your mirror comes with two D-rings and a metal or string cord, attach the cord to the rings first. Make sure you tie an unslippable knot for a string fixing, and for metal wire, twist it securely together doubled over for at least 5cms.

5.

Hold the mirror up to the wall and make a couple of pencil marks on the wall where the centre of the top edge. Mark the wall at the corners if your mirror is square or rectangular in shape. This will help guide you where to position it.

6.

If you plan to use 1 x centre fixing, turn the mirror over and measure the distance between the middle of the hanging wire or string to the top of the mirror. The go back to the wall and make a second amrk the same distance below your original top mark. This is where the screw or nail will go.

7.

If your mirror is heavy and you wish to use 2 fixing points; on the back of the mirror measure the distance from the fixing point on each side to the top of the mirror. Go back to the wall and measure the same distance down from your original corner markings to determine where the fixing points are. This is where your screws or picture hooks will need to go.

8.

If your mirror has a keyhole fixing or a serrated plate on the back, you’ll need a heavy-duty nail, pin or screw with a rawlplug. Heavier mirrors tend to come with straphangers (that look a little bit like a short belt) for which you will need to attach J-hooks to the wall. Use the same method as described in 7 to find the fixing points.