When you go shopping for mirrors for your home, you might be surprised to learn that there is much more that differentiates different types of mirrors than their size and shape. In fact, there are several different types of glass that are used to construct mirrors, giving them unique stylistic and functional features — and also making different options better suited for different parts of the house.
But which types of mirrors are the best option for your needs and personal style? Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types of mirrors on the market today and the distinct aspects that set them apart.
1. Bevelled Mirrors
Bevelled mirrors are a popular mirror option that can make a bold and dramatic statement in almost any room of the house. What makes bevelled mirrors stand out is the fact that their edges are cut and polished at an angle to create the illusion of a glass frame surrounding the mirror. As a result, the edges are thinner than the rest of the glass and redirect the light differently, acting as a prism that diffracts colour and helps the glass stand out even more. Bevelled mirrors are a popular option in bedrooms and bathrooms, as they provide an upscale look regardless of whether they are paired with an additional frame.
2. Non-Bevelled Mirrors
Non-bevelled mirrors could be considered the more “traditional” contemporary mirror option, as their edges are not slanted and polished like bevelled glass. Rather, their edges are cut at a flat angle perpendicular with the mirror surface. Because of this, most non-bevelled mirrors are framed with wood, metal, or another material to enhance their style and fill the available space. Non-bevelled mirrors are perfect for reflecting natural lighting without colour diffraction or simply checking your appearance in the morning. Available in sizes big and small, non-bevelled mirrors can be found anywhere in the house, from the entryway to the bedroom.
3. Smoked Mirrors
While you may not necessarily use smoked glass to check your reflection, there’s no denying the unique aesthetic impact smoked mirrors can have in your home. Darkening chemicals are added during the glass manufacturing process to create a grayish cast. Smoked glass actually decreases the brightness of any light that passes through it, making smoked mirrors a good option for kitchens and other open rooms that already have an abundance of natural and artificial lighting. Smoked glass is also commonly seen in coffee tables, as its dark appearance provides a distinctive and cultured look.
4. Copper Mirrors
Using copper mirrors is another way to achieve a unique look in your home. The glass for these mirrors doesn’t use any more copper than a typical mirror during the manufacturing process — rather, a copper finish is added to standard glass materials to create its distinctive appearance. A copper finish doesn’t diminish the mirror’s ability to reflect light and make a room feel bigger, though its colouring will cause the room’s lighting to take on a more coppery tone. Copper mirrors are a great way to make a statement in the entryway, living room, or another frequently trafficked part of the house.
5. Antique Mirrors
You don’t need to go shopping at an antique store to get an antique mirror! Mirror glass can actually be treated and aged artificially to give it a rustic, old-fashioned look. This “antique” mirror glass is primarily treated around the edges, where most of the natural wear and tear appears on older mirrors. With the proper treatment tools and techniques, an artificially aged mirror can achieve the same vintage appearance as something you’d find in a thrift store — but with the benefit of being made from new, durable glass. Antique mirrors are especially popular for kitchen backsplashes and other decorative areas.
