A Guide to Custom Mirror Frames

Custom mirrors open a world of opportunities, allowing homeowners to effortlessly customize their interior designs. Versatile and beautiful, custom mirrors are cut to fit specific sizes, which makes them an excellent option for custom or already-built homes. Custom mirrors are also an outstanding option for upscale rentals, adding an elegant touch of class that is sure to become an instant focal point.

Common Mirror Sizes

There are several types of common mirror sizes. In the table highlights below, are the most common sizes of non-custom mirrors. These mirror sizes are readily available from a wide majority of retailers, both online and in big box stores. An excellent online site is The Oval and Round Mirror Store, which carry a wide variety of common everyday mirror sizes and styles. These measurements also include frame sizes.

*Information provided by The Oval and Round Mirror Store

Types of Custom Mirrors

Custom mirrors reflect unique spaces in homes. Some examples of custom mirror types include the following:

• Clean Mirrors – This type of mirror features a clear glass front with silver backing, which includes paint and copper. Standard thicknesses vary from 3/32”, 1/8”, 3/16” and 1/4". Custom sizes can be in excess of 65”x84” and smaller sizes are available upon special request.
• Ultra Clear Mirrors – This type of mirror reflects reduced iron content, which lacks the green tint found in most modern-day mirrors. This type of mirror is perfect for hair salons and spas and is especially helpful for makeup artists.
• Antique Mirrors – This type of mirror reflects an aged appearance, which includes colorful tints or coatings.
• Concave Mirrors – With an image that curves inwards, this style of mirror generates large reflections, which makes them perfect for close-ups and grooming. First-Surface Mirrors – These fragile mirrors have a reflective coating on the front, which gives spaces a unique, designer look that mimics the appearance of kaleidoscopes and cameras.
• Tempered Mirrors – These mirrors have a roll-style distortion that that lacks the specific quality needed for silvering.
• Laminated Mirrors – Combining clear glass with heat-strengthened, annealed or fully tempered styles, these mirrors also feature mirrored glass details.
• Safety Backed Mirrors – While this does not prevent mirrors from breaking, it does help reduce potential injuries caused by glass breakage.
• Non-Silvered Mirrors – These types of mirrors include two-way mirrors, which are an interesting touch to more contemporary homes, serving as wall dividers that offer light reflecting benefits.

Custom Mirror Designs

There are endless options for custom mirror designs. Custom mirrors can accommodate specific hard to decorate areas that feature unusual dimensions and measurements. Mirrors can literally transform rooms, generating ambiance, opening spaces, giving depth perception and even mimicking the light of windows.

Custom mirror designs are ideal for bars, bathrooms, vanities, bedrooms, ceilings, foyers, doors, walls, living rooms, family rooms, fireplaces, hallways, entryways, gyms and even exercise rooms.

These mirrors can be customized to reflect unique, eye-catching designs, such as etching, tinted colors, beveled edges, custom shapes, frameless designs, two-sided and more standard shapes such as round wall mirrors, rectangle mirrors and oval mirrors.

Beveled glass adds interesting dimensions to rooms, creating an angled surface that acts as a prism of colors. Beveled glass can combine same-style glass or can feature special textured designs.

Glass etching adds an instant, bold impact to mirrors. This process instantly elevates any mirror into a fine quality work of art. This process is achieved by applying abrasive substances, including caustic or acid chemicals.

Frameless wall mirrors are perfect for small spaces that do not require frames’ definition, but simply need a mirror to help brighten up small, dark spaces. These frameless designs come in standard shapes, such as round mirrors, oval mirrors, rectangular mirrors or square mirrors and can reflect driftwood furniture or more unique geometric shapes.

Overall, frames are only limited to the imagination. Mirror designers can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect unique, contemporary furniture designs, giving rooms an upscale, elegant appearance that is timeless and cohesive.

Measuring for Large Wall Mirror

Since most custom wall mirrors are non-refundable, it is important to properly measure spaces to ensure the best fit and style. This step-by-step guide will help you determine what size of custom mirror best needs and suits specific room styles and sizes.

1. Using a tape measure, record the height and width of the wall. If the space measures, for example, 40” in width and 50” in height, this is the total mirror measurement, including the frame.
2. Working backwards, select a mirror that includes the total measurements, as noted above, with the frame. If the frame measures 4” on each side, choose a mirror that is 36” wide and 46” high. This gives the wall space enough room to easily accommodate the mirror without appearing overwhelming. Generally, mirrors will state that they are 40”x50” with a 3” molding border. The molding is in addition to the mirror’s actual measurements.

By following the aforementioned measuring tips, homeowners can easily order the right custom mirror design to fit their homes’ needs.

Best Places to Hang Mirrors

Several areas invite the lively warmth of wall mirrors. In fact, mirrors are a decorating necessity, adding spacious feelings to any area of the home. Wherever a mirror hangs, make sure it reflects an attractive setting, as this gives homes balance and class.

• Bathroom – Instead of the standard construction-grade mirror, opt for something more popular. Framed mirrors add class, while mirrors that mimic the shape of cabinet pedestals and sinks provide instant chic touches.
• Bedroom – A full-length mirror is a necessity in any home. Whether it hangs in the bedroom or on the back of a door, these full-length mirrors are convenient and make it easy to get ready in the mornings.
• Desk – For small office areas where desks face walls, consider installing a mirror above the desk, as it helps make minimal-size spaces feel larger.
• Front Door – Last minute hair and makeup checks are easy with a foyer or entryway mirror. Consider pairing with a table, which makes a perfect welcoming area for bouquets of freshly cut flowers, mail, keys or even electronics.
• Fireplace – No area of the home begs for a mirror more than a fireplace. Adding warmth and a glowing reflection, fireplace mirrors become instant focal points.
• Table – Hang a mirror above a table, which helps amplify soft candlelight glow, fresh flowers and attractive knickknacks, such as terrariums, orchids or live plants.
• Buffets – Dining rooms look complete with a buffet and mirror. When entertaining, a mirror doubles the amount of light and magnifies delicious buffet lines full of home-style cooking.
• Long Hallways – Long hallways can often appear dank and dark. Freshen up these dull spaces with wall mirrors, which help add light and reflection, breathing new life into these confined areas.

Purchasing Custom Mirrors

Custom mirrors are available at a wide variety of independent mirror and frame stores. While many of these are rather expensive, more customers and interior designers are turning to online stores for custom creations. The Oval and Round Mirror Store specializes in creating custom dimensions and sizes, unique colors and finishes and one-of-a-kind styles. They can also create non-beveled mirrors, which are perfect solutions for more contemporary or modern-day decors.

References:

http://www.mirrorlink.org/tech/types/

http://www.kosinsglass.com/customglassmirrors.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Your-Space-for-a-Large-Wall-Mirror

http://interiordec.about.com/od/accessframes/a/a_hangmirrors.htm