Mirrored glass is an incredibly versatile material to use as a stunning focal point. It opens up spaces, illuminates them, adds drama and warmth to the environment.
Mirrored glass is available in an array of colors and can be customized to create unique designs. Before deciding on mirror glass for your next project, weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Price
Mirrors are an excellent way to add a decorative touch to your home or office. They can be tailored to fit any space and shaped according to the theme of your room, making them suitable for many interior designs.
They can be tailored to include unique optical effects, like bevels and polished edges. This is ideal if you want to create an eye-catching focal point in your home or business.
Mirrored glass prices vary based on its size and shape, as well as any customizations you select. In general, bigger and thicker mirrors cost more; however, basic customizations can be quite affordable.
You can save money by purchasing a pre-made mirror that has been custom sized and cut to fit your wall. These are usually less costly than custom-cut mirrors and usually come with mounting hardware for simple installation.
However, these products can be vulnerable to chipping if accidentally moved or hit. That is why you should keep them in a place where people won’t bump them accidentally.
These products should never be given to children as they can be hazardous. Furthermore, they require special cleaning methods, so avoid using them in a bathroom or shower.
A reliable glazier can assist you in selecting the ideal mirror for your space and installing it correctly. They may also suggest which type of edge best meets your requirements and budget.
Some glaziers offer custom-cut glass cutting services to create the ideal mirror that matches perfectly with the decor of your home or business.
Mirror glass comes in various varieties, such as standard float glass and one-way mirror glass. The latter has a metallic coating which allows one side to reflect and the other remain opaque.
The metallic coating should have a uniform thickness and not be too thin that you can see through to the other side. Furthermore, make sure the coating is strong enough to stop your mirror from shattering into pieces if broken.
Durability
Mirrored glass is an increasingly popular option for homeowners searching for a durable option that will last. It boasts several benefits over traditional glass, such as its durability and the ability to reflect light without glare.
Good-quality mirrors will be thicker and coated with a protective coating that shields them from scratching or tarnishing. Cheaper or lower quality models often use thin coats of reflective material which are susceptible to fading and scratching. For best results, work with an experienced glass company with extensive expertise in producing mirrors of high quality at great values.
Mirrored Glass fabrication involves several steps: sensitization, deposition of the metallic reflecting layer, protective paint layer and overlayer to protect metal from corrosion. This barrier layer can be composed of tin, silver or aluminum and plays an essential role in maintaining mirror-like clarity and durability.
Mirrors may also receive dielectric coatings to alter their reflection or mechanical characteristics. These layers are typically applied in several stages and may consist of materials like silicon oxides or silicon nitrides.
Dielectric coatings can be applied as one-way mirrors to enhance reflectivity, or in various ways to create decorative patterns on the surface of a mirror. Some processes involve multiple evaporation steps for maximum effectiveness.
Other methods may involve the use of gaseous dielectrics such as silicon oxides or silicon ions. When heated to extreme temperatures, these gases assemble to form a solid coating on the surface of a mirror.
Acrylic and polycarbonate mirrors are an ideal option for those seeking to prevent corrosion. Not only are these more durable than glass, but they’re much easier to install as well. You can cut them to various shapes and sizes with ease, plus they can withstand stressors such as children’s toys or pets.
Mirrors may require more upkeep than other types of glass, though not much more. A special glass cleaner and a soft cloth are usually enough to keep them sparkling clean; however, other than that the upkeep required is fairly minimal.
Light Reflection
Mirrors can be an ideal way to open up and airy your interior, making it more welcoming. Installing mirrors in bathrooms also creates a dramatic effect and adds an air of luxury to your home.
Practical and durable, you don’t have to worry about them being damaged easily. Furthermore, custom designs can be created for your tastes and requirements; for instance, applying colored or textured designs on your glass helps create an original piece of artwork.
Another reason you might want to consider a mirrored glass backsplash is that it reflects color, allowing you to incorporate vibrant hues like crimson, magenta and emerald hues in your space. Plus, you have the option of selecting a textured look which complements any patterned tiles or wallpaper perfectly.
Install a mirror glass window to let natural light into your space. The reflected light will brighten up the room and give it the illusion of being larger.
However, this effect can be debilitating for your eyes if the mirror is of low quality. Fortunately, modern innovation in mirror making has produced smooth and flat surfaces as well as metal coatings of uniform thickness that better reflect light without causing distortions.
A suitable mirror should have a non-diffusive surface, meaning opaque, and its roughness should be smaller than the wavelength of light being reflected. This guarantees even reflection across all wavelengths.
Two lighting models exist to model different surfaces and their reflection: diffuse and specular. Diffuse simulates a shiny or glossy surface, while specular simulates dull or matte ones.
Both models can be combined to approximate the properties of various surfaces, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, diffuse is better at simulating roughness on surfaces that scatter light while specular is better suited for modeling glossy or smooth ones.
Both techniques can roughly approximate the properties of various surfaces, but it’s essential to remember that they are only useful in certain circumstances. Therefore, always select a model which best serves your needs.
Contrast
Mirrors are often a focal point in interior design, providing an eye-catching focal point and adding visual interest to any room. Their reflective qualities make them especially suitable for creating an energetic atmosphere.
Additionally, use of contrasting colours in your design for an eye-catching effect. For instance, placing a black mirror against either white or cream walls will have an impressive result.
Another way to draw attention to your mirror is by adding an eye-catching cut. You can achieve this look by beveling the edge or giving the glass a unique finish through sandblasting. Either way, make your mirror an eye-catcher!
Sandblasted mirrors featuring geometric patterns make for an eye-catching feature wall, adding depth and dimension to your space – particularly in large rooms.
If you’re looking to display artworks in an art space or gallery, mirrored walls are an excellent option. Not only does this add visual interest and dimension, but they can also create the illusion of more room.
Consider installing a mirrored door in an office or meeting room to break up the monotony of a neutral space. This can create a more stylish atmosphere when combined with other eye-catching features like frosted mirrors on the door.
For those seeking a modern aesthetic in their home, adding bronze or grey mirrors may be beneficial. These colors are popular in contemporary luxury homes as they elicit feelings of sophistication and stability.
This shade can be combined with other warmer or cooler tones, like orange and greens, to create an overall serene and sophisticated atmosphere in the room. These colors can be used on walls, floors or ceilings for a unified design scheme.
Mirrored glass has the added advantage of reflecting light, which can brighten up any room. However, this type of reflection only works with special one-way mirror glass that can be found from select retailers. While more expensive than other varieties of glass, investing in one-way mirror glass ensures you won’t fade or chip it over time.