Buying a mirror

Aquamarine

Figured Fabbers would have some advice on purchasing a mirror. We have done some renovations and I would like a nice wall mirror, not a standing floor mirror, in our bedroom. Our previous full-length mirror was purchased at a big box store over 30 years ago and hung on the back of the bedroom door. Seems like it would be easy to purchase a new one, but I’ve gone down the internet rabbit hole and now I’m confused and maybe overthinking it. Thickness, low quality/distortion etc etc—all caveats when I read about purchasing a mirror! Must be easy for DH to hang on the wall, also. Is a $700 mirror really better than a $200 mirror? Is buying online a mistake? Help!

2 weeks ago

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9 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Jenni NZ

Veteran

When we built our new house in 2018 we were going to need a mirror in the walk in wardrobe. My husband decided one that took up the whole space would be best, so he measured extremely carefully several times and went to a local glass supplier who cut a mirror to fit and then installed it. It has been perfect, here is the result. It spans the whole space between 2 sides of the wardrobe.

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2 weeks ago

JAileen

Veteran

Sorry, I don’t have any advice regarding mirrors. I had really terrible photos here until I got this giant mirror. We were remodeling a bathroom, and this mirror had been installed over the sink and counter for over 30 years. How the contractor was able to move it without breaking it was a miracle.

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2 weeks ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Jenni, that’s a great idea. Your outfit selfies are always so good. The location I’d like is right outside my walk-in closet, which is not as big as yours, nor does it have a good spot for a mirror.

2 weeks ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

JAIleen, that’s amazing. My DH is none too excited about hanging a big mirror himself, haha.

2 weeks ago

Carla

Veteran

In our last house we repurposed a mirror (like JAileen did). It was very old, heavy, and thick. It had been installed over the fireplace in the living room. We had it cut into two pieces and installed them in the bathrooms. Great mirrors!

The basement rec room in our current house was half rec room, half gym - with two enormous mirrors flanking a window at the gym end. When we did a reno, we kept the mirrors because they bounced the natural light from the window. That’s where I take my outfit pics (and why you always see a pool table behind me, lol!)

When we renovated the guest bedroom closet as one of our Covid projects, we installed a standard long mirror from the hardware store on one wall. I think it cost under $100, wasn’t too heavy, was easy to install, and I don’t feel there is any distortion.

I highly recommend at least one full length mirror somewhere in your home, so you can check yourself out!

2 weeks ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Absolutely, Carla. I am really missing the one in my bedroom—especially when I order or buy something new and want to try it on. We do have an old mirror in the unfinished part of our basement, but I find it depressing to look at myself down there.

I figured your selfies were taken in a rec room/basement!

2 weeks ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I highly recommend having TWO full length mirrors in your home, and preferably in good light! We live in 1600 square feet, and have a full length mirror at the top of the stairs on the landing - brilliant light and next to my wardrobe! - and one right by the front door (so you can see how you look before you leave with shoes and topper). You've seen me take my outfit pics in front of both the last year, post remodel.

Both of our mirrors are pieces of decorative furniture that stand up against the wall - so not what you are looking for, Aquamarine.

I'd check out Ikea and West Elm for the type of mirror you're looking for!

2 weeks ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Angie, I’ve seen nice mirrors in West Elm in the past…thanks for the reminder. Would love a mirror by a door, and had suggested such to DH. I’ll work on him after he puts up a bedroom one

2 weeks ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good idea, and good luck! And keep us posted, Aquamarine

2 weeks ago

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