A wall mirror is more than just a tool to check your hair or apply lipstick. A wall mirror is a smart accent piece that serves double duty as a decoration that provides a stylish element to your décor. Wall mirrors also visually extend walls by bouncing light around a room, which helps smaller or darker rooms look more expansive. The frame of the mirror is generally what defines the style, and can be rectangular, oval, or geometric in style. They are available in a variety of materials, including wood, more mirrors, metal, and resin. While bathroom mirrors are traditionally frameless, the current trend is toward those with more decorative frames. When selecting your wall mirror, pay attention to the style, size, and shape that will best suit your décor. The three top retailers offering unique, affordable, or traditional wall mirrors with the best deals are The Home Depot, Ikea, and Wayfair.
Why not both? Art will add warmth, color, and personality, while mirrors expand and enlarge a space. Use the size of your foyer as a guide. In a smaller area, a medium-sized mirror surrounded by small art pieces will make an impact, while larger spaces can accommodate a large mirror as well as impressive artwork.
The most important thing about hanging a mirror is using the right hardware. The hardware needs to be able to support the weight of the frame. For example, Ikea’s frameless “Minde” wall mirror ($12.99) will need less support than The Home Depot's 38-inch by 34-inch Howard Elliot Collection window pane framed mirror ($269.66). If you aren’t the DIY type, it’s best to have it professionally installed.
The best way to clean a mirror is to work from top to bottom. Any commercial glass cleaner will clean mirrors, but some people swear the key to a streak-free shine is a mixture of rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and water. Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel, and make sure you don’t get any solution on the frame. Keep the frame clean by dusting frequently.
A quality mirror won’t be affected by humidity and changing temperatures. Unlike mirrors in the past, modern mirrors have several coats of sealant to prevent moisture damage. Your frame might not be able to withstand the humidity, though, especially if it is carved wood. Ask your retailer if a frame is suitable for bathroom use, or opt to go with a frameless style.
There are a variety of reasons frame prices vary. Generally, it’s due to size, materials, and finish. An ornate composite frame may cost more than a simple wood frame due to time-consuming finishes such as gold-leafing or hand-antiquing. The Galm Sunburst carved wood accent mirror from Wayfair ($161.99) has a unique, bold design, so it costs more than Ikea’s Ung Drill polystyrene mirror ($39.99), even though it’s more ornate.
The most common way is to place the mirror against the wall where you want it and have someone else level it by sight. When level, mark the wall where the hangers should be placed. You can also use a level if you have one. The easiest way to hang a mirror level is to mount it to the wall using J-hooks.
Let the room dictate the type of mirror selection. For a small space, it’s possible that a large wall mirror could overwhelm the space or reflect a nearby wall. Often, smaller spaces do best with an arrangement of interestingly-framed smaller mirrors, while larger spaces can look cluttered with smaller mirrors.
Mostly the price. Today’s technology produces polyurethane frames that look and feel like wood, without the high price. They last just as long as wood, and take finishes just like wood. Especially among items with a high-end finish, you’d be hard-pressed to guess it wasn’t wood.