White Mirror | Types, Craftsmanship, and Mounting Information

Whether for a bathroom, a hallway, or as an elegant finishing touch to a bedroom, white mirrors are always a welcome addition in any home. Traditionally available in a rectangular shape, a white wall mirror also can be purchased in oval or circular shapes. The mounting details, size, and quality of materials should be carefully considered before purchase.

Style: White mirrors owe their durability and their beauty primarily to their ability to hang perfectly still, thus amplifying the beauty of a room or allowing you to concentrate on shaping your appearance. Since white mirrors traditionally are mounted on a wall, check to see if the mirror has its own mounting pins and metal reinforcement.

Mounting Types: Usually, the mirror will have a slightly curved back to allow space between the mirror and the wall so that it may be flush mounted. The mounting may come with a thick wire, positioned about 3/4 of the way up the mirror, or several metal hooks that are shaped to hang off nails. Use a level to position the nails so the mirror does not hang askance. Position the nails so that they are slightly angled, making it harder for the mirror to slip off during a sudden movement, such as an earthquake. Other mirrors may have a locking screw pin design, which will require a power tool to install.

Look Out For: In either case, never buy a mirror that does not have some form of pre-installed mounting brackets. Without these brackets, other methods of mounting the mirror will not be as structurally sound.

Shape: White mirrors are usually rectangular, with some favoring a clean, square shape. If looking for mirrors over 60 inches, consider a standing mirror.

Benefits: When estimating the size of the mirror as it will hang on the wall, rectangular and square white mirrors are the easiest shapes to visualize. Oval and circular mirrors, surprisingly, can take up more space if you do not measure them with a more reliable source than your eye.

Look Out For: Always bring a tape measure with you, and know the dimensions of the room or space that you wish to add a mirror to. Measuring by eye alone may require you to make a few more trips to the store than you had planned on.

Border: The border of a white mirror is often its most defining characteristic. Wood, ceramic or metal borders will add beauty to a room; a plastic border, often as not, will eventually chip and look tacky, so make sure to ask what the border is made out of before purchasing it.