Not only are they great for checking your outfit before you leave the house, but there are other advantages. Like, did you know that a full-length mirror can reflect a greater amount of light, brightening up a space and making a room look bigger?
There are so many full-length mirror styles perfect for every style of decor. Don't worry if you're pressed for space, since many come with simple frames and hang against walls or lean against them. But what else should you consider when deciding which one is best for your home?
In this article, we delve into everything about how to choose a full-length mirror. From style, mirror sizes, to placement. Whether it's minimalist, modern, or vintage-inspired, we have it all covered.
Now, all that stands between you and your beautiful reflection is making sure you choose the best full-length mirror for your space. Read on to find out more.
1. Think About Size and Space Available
The placement of a full-length mirror is a critical consideration. It should be more of a practical decision than an aesthetic one.
For home use, the mirror should take up about three-quarters of the wall space. When you're shopping around, you'll find a multitude of full-length mirror sizes. Make sure you know how big the space where you want to put it is to work out how tall it should be.
2. Follow the Law of Reflection
A full-length mirror should be tall enough to allow you to see your entire body in the reflection. According to the laws of optics, this typically requires a mirror at least 6 feet high for people of average height.
For taller people, the mirror must be even higher; for shorter people, it should be lower accordingly. It is important to choose a full-length mirror that fits well into your designated space and reflects your full height from top to bottom.
To understand how a full-length mirror works, it's important to understand the law of reflection. According to this law, when light hits a flat mirror, it is reflected at an equal angle and opposite direction from its origin.
This is visualised in a ray diagram, which shows the paths light can take to get from one place to another. Based on this information, you can see how this works. For people of average height, the full-length mirror should be at least 6 feet high to correctly reflect the entire body. For taller people, the mirror must be even higher; for shorter people, lower accordingly.
3. Frame and Style
For mirrors that will be placed in bedrooms or other practical spaces, a simple design is often preferable. On the other hand, for mirrors intended as decorative pieces in living areas, an elaborate frame can make the mirror more visually appealing.
No matter what type of frame you choose, it should complement and enhance the look of the rest of your room, whether that modern or traditional. You might even want to go for a custom mirror design.
A frameless mirror can be used in any room of the house, such as the bedroom as a full-length dressing mirror, and the living room as a decorative piece. Frameless mirrors provide a sleek, modern look and can help to open up space, making it more useful for multiple people to use the mirror at once. Additionally, since the mirror is not framed, there is less of a risk of damage from water or steam.
4. Thickness
When it comes to glass thickness, thicker glass offers enhanced sturdiness but may slightly impact the accuracy of reflections. We recommend a glass thickness between 2.8mm and 5mm to ensure both durability and clear reflections. All our mirrors adhere to this standard, providing you with reliable and high-quality products that stand the test of time.
MDF-backed mirrors might not be the best choice for New Zealand’s climate, as winter humidity can cause distortion over time. Instead, our mirrors feature durable aluminium alloy frames and shatterproof backing, ensuring long-lasting use without distortion, even in challenging weather conditions. This commitment to quality guarantees that your mirror remains clear and pristine year after year.
5. Mounting Options
When selecting a full-length mirror, several different mounting methods can be used. The space and style of the mirror will dictate how you should mount it.
- Leaning the mirror against a wall
- Hanging it over a door with appropriate hardware
- Mounting it to a wall using nails or screws
- Using a freestanding frame to support the mirror without assistance from a wall or door
If you're opting for a wall-mounted mirror, then you might want to hire someone to help install it. Mirrors can be extremely heavy, especially if they're full-length. If you're mounting your mirror on an inner wall made of plasterboard, they may advise that your wall needs reinforcement to support the mirror.
To save yourself from mishaps and problems with hanging, enlist a professional with the right tools for the job rather than risk damaging your home or breaking the mirror.
6. Cost
Budget is an important consideration when it comes to purchasing a full-length mirror. Not only are there different styles in which the mirror can be mounted, but they also come in a wide range of prices.
At C&F Creations, we understand that budget is a key factor in your decision-making process. As a direct factory sale, we eliminate the middleman, allowing us to offer high-quality full-length mirrors at more affordable prices. This means you can enjoy premium craftsmanship and durable designs without breaking the bank.
Want More Full Length Mirror Inspiration?
A full-length mirror can be a great addition to any home, and there are many factors to consider when selecting which one is best for you. Whether you’re looking for something practical or decorative, spend time making the right choice.
If you want to find something that suits your style for your home, then check out our full-length mirror collection. We offer a wide range of full-length mirrors suitable for every space. Explore all products here to find one you love.
