Mirror Buying Guide

Discover Different Types of Mirrors and How to Pick the Right One for You

Mirror shopping is an art. As simple as a mirror may be, it can add the perfect accent to a room OR throw the entire motif off. The type of mirror you select for a room also affects the overall décor. A floor mirror might ad elegance and style to a room but it might take up too much space. So as you can see, shopping for a mirror takes careful planning and execution.

Types of Mirrors

Before you step foot out of the house to go shopping for your new mirror, you need to know what mirror options you have. When it comes to mirrors, you have basically 4 types to choose from:

Wall Mirror - a mirror that hangs on the wall.

Floor Mirror - a full-size mirror that has an attached base.

Fixture Mirror - a mirror attached to a vanity or dresser.

Makeup Mirror - a free-standing, table-top mirror that is often small in stature and used primarily for applying makeup

Each category has its own variations in style and design - so don't worry about the details yet. You first want to establish what type of mirror will work well in your room. You need to see how much room you have and define the primary function of the mirror. This will narrow your options and help you chose the right type of mirror.

After you've decided on the perfect mirror, the next step is to figure out what features you want.

Mirror Features

Among each mirror type there are traditional features seen throughout. Such features include:

Round vs. Square Shaped - the shape of the mirror can vary greatly. Round and square mirrors are the more traditional but oval, arched, and geometric shapes are also quite easy to find.

Framed vs. Frameless - today, you can find mirrors that have frames and those that don't. A frame is often used to add color and style to the mirror. However, an unframed mirror adds its own unique look and feel.

Fixed vs. Rotational - depending on the type of mirror, you might have the option to purchase a fixed or rotational mirror. This feature is more common with floor mirrors where movement is easily incorporated into the design.

Wall-mounted vs. Furniture-mounted - this feature is commonly found with vanity mirrors. It's possible to purchase a mirror that you simply hang on the wall above your bathroom or bedroom vanity. However, it's also possible to purchase a mirror that you can mount to a dresser or vanity (a.k.a. fixture mirror).

Once you've figured out what features you want in your mirror, now it's time to check out styles.

Mirror Styles

Most mirror styles are dependent upon the type and features of the mirror. However the lines, colors, and details of any mirror can be summed up in the following styles:

Traditional Mirrors - this style of mirror is based on older designs from previous generations and often includes carved accents and curves combined with straight lines and dark features.

Modern Mirrors - this style is very forward-thinking and combines untraditional materials and shapes to create a stunning motif and conceptual look.

Contemporary Mirrors - this mirror style is a combination of traditional and modern. Contemporary mirrors have very clean and simple lines yet don't have traditional dark hues. This style is very sanitary looking but adds just enough style to work well with many different décors.

Congratulations. Now you know all the attributes of today's mirrors. Now it's time to pick the right mirror for your home.

Advice on Picking the Perfect Mirror

Once you've discovered the different types, features, and styles you have to choose from, the next step is to figure out which ones will work in your home. If you have primarily a traditional look and feel throughout your home, you probably should stay away from modern or contemporary mirrors. If you're looking for a bathroom mirror for your small guest bathroom, a floor mirror probably won't fit. Take the time to figure out exactly what type, features, and styles you need. You might want to take a picture of the wall and/or the room where the mirror will go and take it with you when you shop. It's also a good idea to go online and see what deals you can find. Going online will allow you compare designs and styles from your very own home. In any case, always keep your existing space and style in mind when you shop for a mirror.