Last year, moving into my own place filled me with excitement about the purchases I’d make. High on my list were a TV larger than 32 inches, new plants that would thrive with sunlight, and crucially, a full-length mirror. My previous bedroom was too small for such an item, and I’d always yearned for the ability to check my appearance from head to toe before heading out – and perhaps snap a selfie or two!
During a visit to a HomeGoods store (the UK equivalent might be a large homeware retailer like Homesense or Dunelm), I stumbled upon what seemed like the perfect full-length mirror. Its height and width were ideal, and it boasted a slender black frame – subtle yet stylish. Best of all, it was under £100. Within days, it was mounted on my wall, and while I adored its aesthetic, I didn’t quite love my reflection in it. I initially chalked it up to myself. With inescapable headlines about ‘quarantine weight gain’, I wondered if that was the reason for the perceived change in my appearance.
However, as lockdown restrictions eased and I began to host friends, others expressed similar dismay at their reflections. That’s when the penny dropped: it was the mirror, not me. In pursuit of an explanation – and guidance on how to find a mirror with a more accurate reflection – I contacted two mirror manufacturers and an interior designer. Their insights revealed some trade secrets and essential knowledge for consumers. Here’s how to ensure you find a truly honest mirror.
The Thickness of the Glass
Every expert I consulted emphasised that the thickness of the mirror’s glass is the most critical factor in determining its quality. As Sergio Mannino, principal designer and founder of Sergio Mannino Studio, explains, “a mirror is just a layer of silver applied to the back of a glass,” meaning the glass’s thickness is fundamental to a quality reflection. “We constantly seek cheap options, but ‘cheap’ often means manufacturers are making the glass thinner and thinner. And when the glass is thin, it warps,” he states. This warping in turn creates that dreaded ‘fun-house-mirror’ effect. Mannino advises looking for a mirror with glass at least three-eighths of an inch (approximately 9.5mm) thick. Cailee Rae, the artist behind Fuugly and its distinctively framed mirrors, concurs that thickness is paramount. She uses quarter-inch (approximately 6.35mm) thick glass for her creations. “I wanted to ensure that from any angle, the mirror wouldn’t warp or appear distorted, which typically occurs with very inexpensive mirrors,” she notes. Rae suggests a simple visual check: if you can see the back of the glass when you turn the mirror sideways, it’s a good indicator that you might experience warping. High-quality mirrors are typically mounted on sturdy wood or plywood, leading us to our next crucial tip.
The Backing
Beyond the thickness of the mirror itself, what it’s mounted on is equally important. The frame and backing must be robust enough to provide adequate support. “If a mirror is thin, the reflection will become distorted because most mirrors will bend over time due to their own weight,” explains Paul Jarda, co-founder of West Mirrors. He adds that some of his brand’s mirrors feature wooden backing, “which significantly increases the rigidity of the mirror” and effectively prevents it from bending over time. This could well have been where I erred; my mirror had a simple brown paper backing, and if you poked through it, there was no solid material between it and the glass. Our experts clarified that this might be less of an issue with a smaller mirror, but large, full-length mirrors absolutely require a stronger frame, thicker glass, and rigid backing.
The Ruler Test
A quality mirror needs to be not only thick and securely mounted but also perfectly flat. If you’re shopping in person (or once your mirror arrives), you can perform the ruler test to verify its flatness. Simply place “a long metal ruler perpendicular to the mirror to check if the wood panel is straight or not,” Mannino advises. If you don’t have a ruler handy, he suggests studying the reflection carefully: “Imagine you’re in the middle of a shop, and you see a door behind you reflected in the mirror. Does the door frame look perfectly straight, or does it appear slightly warped? It might be challenging for an untrained eye to spot, but there are often immediate tell-tale signs.”
The 360 Check
Rae employs what she terms the 360 check: “This is when you position your face in the centre of the mirror and slowly move around in a circle. You can usually discern if the image is slightly off,” she explains. “Cheaper mirrors often look perfectly fine from a direct front-on view, but it’s typically from the side that distortions become apparent.”
Hanging and Lighting Techniques
Unfortunately, a mirror that meets all these quality criteria is unlikely to be the cheapest option. If a full-length mirror is what you’re seeking, our experts suggest viewing it as an investment. “It’s glass, so it’s not always the most inexpensive item to purchase. However, a genuinely good quality mirror is worth the outlay,” says Rae. Jarda adds, “Choosing a mirror based solely on price can be a poor long-term decision, as the mirror will most likely warp and distort over time, giving your home a cheap feel.”
If a high-quality mirror isn’t within your immediate budget, there are still some tricks you can employ to improve the performance of a less expensive one. Mannino advises that if you are mounting it, you must ensure the surface you are mounting it to is perfectly flat and straight. He also stresses the crucial role of lighting: “Let’s say you’ve put the mirror in your house, and you have a light installed directly in the ceiling. When the light is right above your head, your face will create unflattering shadows. The best approach is always to direct the light towards you from the front, not from above.” He elaborates, “If you visit a dressing room in a high-end retail store, you’ll often notice the lights are installed on both the left and right sides of the mirror. This is because the light comes towards you, preventing the creation of shadows.” If you prefer natural light, positioning the mirror near a large window is an excellent strategy.
Bearing all these tips in mind, a discerning approach to mirror shopping can lead you to a truly honest reflection.