“Look at yourself in the mirror and don’t be afraid to notice how beautiful you are.”
For ages, people are using mirrors for different purposes. Now there are numerous types of mirrors They are not just practical and functional but also enhance the beauty of your home. You can create illusions (a small room looks larger), decorate your walls (framed or customized mirrors), and even hide the imperfections (scratches and holes) by putting on beautiful mirrors on the wall. A simple play with mirrors can create an amazing look which, sometimes, cannot be created with expensive decoration pieces.
In a broad spectrum when we talk about the types of mirrors, there are three basic types:
-
Table of Contents
Plane Mirrors
The mirrors having flat surfaces and show the real images are called plane mirrors. They show almost same image, in the same proportion, as the real. They show reversed images, from left to right. This is the most commonly used mirrors in homes, salons and many other places.
-
Concave Mirrors
These are curved mirrors. These spherical mirrors are curved inwardly, like a spoon. Its inner side is reflective. These mirrors show a magnified image when put close to the object but as we move the mirror away from the source the image becomes smaller, almost the real size. This type of mirror is usually used in magnifiers.
-
Convex Mirrors
These are also the curved mirrors but unlike concave mirrors, convex mirrors are reflective from the bulged side. No matter how near or far the object is put to this type of mirror, the image created on the mirror is always small and diminished. Amusements parks and places for play and fun often have these types of mirrors.
We use these, plane and curved mirrors, in our homes for many purposes. It’s a quick and easy way to give an elegant look to our home. Bedrooms, living rooms, and especially the entrance ways are the best spots for decorative mirrors to impress the visitors. These are the best accessories for an interior design either for homes or offices. They come in many different shapes and sizes to fit in any space you have. Let’s have a look at the different types of mirrors.
Antique/Vintage Mirror:
The earliest mirrors were made of polished stones or metals rather than glass. They were very expensive and were considered a luxury. Large production of mirrors started with the invention of large sheets of plate glass. We call a mirror antique if it is 100 years old. Oh, why am I telling you about history? The reason is you are a person who loves history and historical things. You love to add an antique touch to your surroundings. People who love the antique and classy look in the homes must go for these types of mirrors. Most of the antique mirrors found today are reproductions of the original mirrors. The new framework adds beauty and takes it to the next level.
Baroque Mirror:
This style originated from Italy as part of Baroque Art. These are the mirrors with dramatic and elaborate designed carvings on the frames, with a limited color palette. Later on, Spanish and French people changed the colors and added floral patterns to the frames to make them different from the original Italian mirrors. These mirrors give a sense of majesty, a luxury antique, and a vintage look to the place.
Wood Framed Mirror:
These types of mirrors add a rural and rustic style to your place. These frames are available in different types of woods which can give variation in colors as well. Natural-looking wood with its highlighted grains gives a special look to the frame. A large variety of sizes is available in wooden frames, though in terms of style and shapes we don’t have many options. Handcrafted wooden mirrors give artistic look to your walls.
Vanity Mirrors:
These types of mirrors are usually found in bathrooms. The most common shape used in such mirrors is oval or rectangular. They complement any kind of accessory you want by your sink side. This is a functional mirror that comes in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Framed or unframed, you can use it either way. A large variety is available in such mirrors from large wooden frames to small polished mirrors. They not only add beauty to your washrooms but are useful as well.
Bohemian Mirrors:
If you are fond of exotic designs and bright colors then Bohemian designs are the best for your home decor. People who want their homes full of life, culture and they want interesting things all around them then surely this is their style. The natural material is used in these designs. These types of mirrors are often informally styled, sometimes ropes wrapped around the mirror or decorated with colorful pompoms. Most artists, writers, and other creative people are fond of adding a Boho touch to their surroundings.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Mirrors:
These are the not-very-large mirrors without any border or frame. They are mostly found in geometrical shapes. They provide you with endless options for decoration. You can decorate them in any way you want and arrange them according to your space and need. Ladies, it’s the best time to show the creativity you have. Decorate your mirrors, hang them on walls, or lean on a fireplace, and impress your family with your skills.
You can use multiple mirrors and make an eye-catching composition on the wall. Mirrors can be arranged in such a way so that they reflect light and brightens up your room.
Sunburst Mirrors:
These types of mirrors are amazing when it comes to creating a focal point. It gives an artistic and sophisticated look to the room. No matter what your room’s decor style is, these mirrors blend well with all the styles. If you are a sophisticated art lover, this one is definitely for you.
Circular Mirrors:
To create a balanced look in a room having things with corners and edges, the circular mirror is the best option. It provides a visual appeal to your space. Simple or ornate, framed or frameless, large or small sizes, these mirrors are available in a large variety.
Venetian Mirrors:
Let’s talk about another option for both functional and decorative mirrors – The Venetian Mirrors. This style includes decorative edging along with the frame. The designs may vary from arches to lines. These types of mirrors add a luxurious and glamorous look to your room.
Full-size Floor Mirror:
A framed, large-sized mirror resting up on the floor in your living room or entrance gives a wider look. These types of mirrors are best for small places. Adding this type of mirror in the entranceway gives the visitors an impressive first look at your home and you can have a final look at yourself while leaving your house.
Frameless Mirrors:
Okay, we have talked so much about decorations and styles. What if your space is already very busy in terms of decor? A room with heavy furniture or wallpapers all over. For this type of room, we need a simple frameless mirror. This mirror will fulfill the functional need without creating a heavy look. Mostly these are used in washrooms but it’s definitely a good choice for space with a lot of busy decors.
Abstract Mirrors:
Unique people have unique choices. If you are a person who wants something jaw-dropping in your house, this one is surely for you. These artistic customized mirrors have a unique place in the market. Printed, painted or funky cuts have made them more than just mirrors. They are an art piece added to the walls of your house to reflect the artistic beauty inside you.
Where can I put my Mirrors?
After getting an idea of the shapes and styles of mirrors let’s have a quick look at the types of mirrors in terms of placement. “I have an empty corner in my room, what type of decoration piece shall I put there?” You can place a mirror there, yes, let me tell you about a few types of mirrors which you can use in different parts of your home.
Wall-Mounted Mirrors:
The types discussed above are mostly wall-mounted mirrors. They are functional as well as decorative. Some of them give the room a luxurious look and some are hung up as an art piece. It’s best to mount your mirrors on the wall at eye level. So that everyone can easily have a look at themselves.
Leaner/Free-standing Mirrors:
A mirror with a stand (so that it can rest on its own) is called a free-standing or footed mirror. The mirror in the stand is adjustable and can be leaned according to our desire. They come in many designs, sizes, and shapes. They don’t need to be wall-mounted. You can put them anywhere in your home. Full-length free-standing mirrors are more popular as compared to the small-sized ones.
Full-Length Mirrors/Dressing Mirrors:
This one is typically for you ladies. These are narrow and full-length mirrors for a full-length reflection. These mirrors are designed especially for dressing rooms.
Table-Top mirrors:
These mirrors are designed to rest on table-tops or any surface. You can decorate them on tables, fire-places, or counters.
It’s a Wrap:
So, whether it’s your bedroom, living room, entranceway, or bathroom, mirrors are designed for every place. It’s practical, functional, and, decorative as well. Give your home a funky, stylish, radiant, or antique look by decorating every dull corner and empty wall with mirrors. It’s time to make some changes to your. Buy some from the market or design some with your own creativity, it is classy both ways.
Mount a beautiful mirror on the wall and acknowledge seeing the beautiful you!!
