Glint and reflectivity are the reason why mirrors were included into interiors. But modern models are not just a utility, used solely to inspect one’s appearance. Using mirrors in interior designs is one of the hottest trends of the last couple of years. Let’s take a look at types and shapes, popular in 2024, and see why they are in demand.
Multi-faceted panels
Interiors nowadays lean towards asymmetry, dynamic forms and unusual solutions. Multi-faceted mirror panels are a great way to represent these tendencies. They consist of several differently sized and shaped mirror sheets, interconnected under different angles.
A construction like this visually expands room space and adds depth and volume thanks to reflective facets. In addition, a multi-faceted mirror makes everything seem more fractal and dynamic – each facet refracts light and reflection in a different way.
The sheets used can be of any shape and size. For example, one of the popular types is a triangular mirror made up from three sheets. Or a so-called “cube-mirror”, that consists of six facets. Other variations can utilize four, five, seven or more sheets.
Designers often experiment with differently sized facets: make them contrast with each other or smoothly groove the interconnections. Sometimes panels are being enhanced by decorative lighting on the rim or inside. That creates some fantastic visual effects.
Multi-faceted mirrors are a good fit into any stylistic solution — from classical to avant-garde. Due to their extraordinary shape they always enhance the interior and become the compositional centerpiece. It is a great choice for daring and creative personalities.
Mirrors with lights
Another popular tendency of recent years is to use mirrors with in-built lighting. The created play of light makes them look especially glamorous.
Lights used can be of any variety: separate lightbulbs along the perimeter or LED strips on the sides, top or bottom. Or even an entire lightbox, integrated inside the reflective surface.
Thanks to the play of light, builds of this kind present a volumetric and distinct look. But there’s more – lighting can change color and make the mood you want to be made. Colder tones can fit a working environment, while a warm golden tone creates a homely atmosphere.
Integrated illumination also lets you to use the mirror as a separate source of light in a room. Cleverly placed lighting accents complete the overall concept of the interior.
Showy light glares and dispersed lighting will turn this mirror into the crown jewel of your décor.
Mirrors with shelves and tables
In terms of interior, a mirror has long ago ceased to be just a thing to give you a one last once-over. Nowadays, mirror builds often come together with shelves, tables and other furniture. This expands their range of functionality and practical usage.
For example, an entryway mirror combined with a table is a traditional solution. You can put your keys, bags, gloves or any other trivial stuff on the tabletop, and use in-built drawers to store documents or something larger.
Another common variation is a mirror with shelves or niches at the sides. Usually those are being placed in bedrooms or wardrobes. People commonly keep photos, figurines, souvenirs and other decorative knick-knacks on shelves and use niches for make-up, fragrances or jewelry.
Sometimes a dressing table is being kitted out with additional regular or storage drawers. This makes it even more capacious and hides your belongings from prying eyes. Models of this type are sought after for tiny entryways, where every centimeter counts.
Mirrors, combined with shelves, tables and cabinets solve a number of problems at once. They save space, rationally utilize every centimeter of taken space and still look aesthetically pleasing or even give a room a stylish and harmonic vibe.
Hand-crafted mirrors
Hand-crafted mirrors grow in popularity and serve as a stark contrast to current tendencies and technological manufacturing. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.
Their creation of such an artwork is long and painstaking. As a first step, the craftsman carefully chooses fitting materials for the framework: noble solid wood (walnut, cherry or oak), copper, brass or even silver for more exclusive models.
After that comes treatment and decoration. The patterns are being masterfully carved on the surface, giving it texture and shape. Quite often it is being encrusted with non-ferrous metals, nacre or semi-precious stones. That gives the mirror an even more luxurious look.
Next, the framework is being coated by a multilayered compound and reflective amalgam. Only after that the mirror glass is installed. The result is a true craftsmanship masterpiece that can be passed through generations.
These exclusive items are a mark of status and uniqueness of any interior. They will become a truly precious acquisition both aesthetically and materially.
Floor-to-ceiling mirrors
Room-high floor-to-ceiling mirrors are able to give a room even more depth and visually increase its space. Their usage is an effective design decision that has been growing in popularity for the last couple of years.
Panoramic mirror contraptions basically double the visual space by reflecting and refracting glares of light. By an intelligent use of lighting or by utilizing play of light from the windows these mirrors can create an astounding effect of infinite space. It will seem like the room itself is unending, with no borders to limit it.
Floor-to-ceiling mirrors are especially popular for cramped entryways, bathrooms or narrow corridors. With visually increased room space, they seem bigger and more comfortable. And, of course, they look magnificent!
Designers often play with shapes of such mirrors. You can find rounded, stretched oval and rhomboid models aside from the classic rectangular ones. Intermingling silhouettes elevates the composition’s expressiveness even higher.
Hidden mirrors
Usage of hidden mirrors is a separate trend on its own. They can be placed behind a cloth drape, disguised as a painting or just be placed behind any other interior object.
It’s a little trick for a bit of intrigue that adds the element of surprise. A mirror, hidden from plain sight, draws involuntary glances and forces to pay attention to the composition. And each time a reflection has been caught, it fills the onlooker with wonder and joy.
Aside from visual effects, a hidden mirror visually increases the room space. By reflecting the surroundings, it creates an illusion of additional volume and depth. And with extra play of light it’s as if the walls are being “pushed away”.
Even a small hidden mirror can become a special feature of the design and transform a mundane interior into something extraordinary.
Matte mirrors
Alongside traditional glossy mirrors, matte mirrors with a dimmed reflection are also considered fashionable. These items are made from tempered or sandblasted glass.
Due to the opaque surface, the mirror won’t project sharp glares of light, dispersing it instead. The reflection will be fuzzier, muddling up outlines and details. That creates a more romantic atmosphere – an ideal fit for bedrooms and living rooms.
Visual effects aside, a matte mirror is practical as well. Dust, water stains and steam are almost invisible on the surface. For that reason, this model is also widely used in bathrooms and rooms with increased humidity.
To create matte glass, it must undergo a specific treatment. There are several methods for achieving this result. For example, satin-finishing gives the glass an atlas glint. Sandblasting or acid treatment gives it a rougher surface and soft dispersed glow.
Eco-mirrors and “green” technology
Environmental friendliness and sustainable consumption is one more signature trend of recent years that influences design. Eco-mirrors utilize materials that are recyclable or reusable like plywood, cardboard, recycled glass or plastic.
One of the most popular solutions are bamboo mirror frames. This natural product is not only eco-friendly, but also sturdy, light, easy to treat and pleasing to the eye. Also, bamboo is a fast growing plant, which makes it more lucrative than solid wood.
Another popular choice would be frames from plastic waste, scrap metal and car tires. After being chemically treated they turn into a material on par with the original counterpart in terms of durability and practicality.
Application of “green” technologies allows mirrors to be a more responsible and conscious choice as an interior decoration. Today, eco-friendly design is fashionable as never before.
Multifunctional mirrors
Modern homeowners value rationality and the ability of items to multitask. Because of this, there is a demand for multifunctional mirrors, outfitted with shelves, in-built lights, additional coat hooks.
There’s a myriad of available possible options:
- Shelves, niches, storage drawers to keep small stuff are a perfect option for lobbies or bedrooms;
- Integrated electric sockets are convenient for charging appliances in a kitchen or a bathroom;
- Coat hooks, towel hangers or cup holders are invaluable in a bathroom;
- USB charging ports could be a stylish solution for youthful or high-tech interiors;
- Frame with lights will create a cozy atmosphere and a required mood in any room;
- A sensor switch – for the sake of convenience and modernity.
By combining various elements you are able to create a truly universal mirror, capable of solving multiple issues at once. This solution is especially meaningful for small apartments and studios, where every spare centimeter is a luxury.
Thanks to additional options, a multifunctional mirror saves space and looks stylish and modern at the same time. It can be both the interiors “workhorse” and a proud curiosity.
Thermal print mirrors
One of the more interesting tendencies, that has been growing in popularity in recent years, are mirrors with a thermal print. The surface of a mirror, which has been treated in a specific way, allows for a picture to be etched on it using a thermal-transfer printer.
This technology transfers a picture from a blacking ribbon by heating it with the thermal element. The ribbon itself is being printed according to a customer’s design on a specialized machine. After that, it is being applied to the mirror, pressed tightly to the surface and evenly heated up to 400 degrees. The pigment from the ribbon is being “welded” into the top layer of the glass, reliably cementing the picture.
Thanks to this technology, a mirror can be adorned with almost any picture imaginable, whether it is an abstract pattern or a photo-realistic landscape. The pictures themselves are bright, clear and don’t wither with time. This individual customization fits mirrors with classical neat frames and avant-garde faceted creations all the same.
Another advantage of a thermal print is its availability compared to hand etching or pieces from stained glass. A mirror like this stays as spectacular as always and becomes a one-of-a-kind custom element of décor. It is a perfect solution if your design ideas are running wild!
How to properly pick a mirror
We have taken a look at the most interesting and popular tendencies in mirror design for the next year. As you can see, the range is truly wide.
But before you choose something specific, you need to make a decision for a couple of things:
- What are you expecting from your mirror? Does it have to stun and dazzle for the maximum WOW-effect, or do you want it to harmonically fit into your interior?
- Does it need to be something more than just a reflective surface? Maybe you would want some shelves or a LED rim with it?
- What is your budget for this purchase? A big number of designer mirrors don’t come cheap.
By giving yourself answers to these questions you will reduce the entire available range down to several appealing options. And that will help you choose that one mirror to complete your personal interior.
May your search and purchasing be happy!
