Illuminated mirrors: features and types

The mirror with built-in lighting is a very original detail in the interior. Such an accessory attracts not only makeup artists, but also ordinary lovers of creative design. There is a huge variety of illuminated mirrors, and it is important to find the one that is right for your apartment from the wide range. Before installing such an attribute in an apartment, you should also familiarize yourself with all the nuances and characteristics of popular products. Only by taking into account all the features, you can successfully equip the room with a backlit mirror, without experiencing difficulties in the process of its operation in the future.

Recessed lighting products have a number of characteristics that set them apart from conventional mirrors and other accessories. These features must be taken into account both when choosing and installing devices.

• The primary feature of the illuminated mirror is its original appearance. Such devices will transform the look of the room and diversify its design.

• Usually, these mirrors are used not as the main, but as an additional light source. They can also function separately from the basic lighting, helping to create a romantic or even intimate atmosphere.

• Products can be of any shape and size. They fit perfectly even in small rooms.

• Mirrors with lamps can be combined with various interior styles. For most destinations, it is possible to select devices that do not violate the concept.

• Backlighting is not limited to just one type of luminaire. You can choose from a variety of models of lighting fixtures, both single lamps and LED-backlights popular among many users. The location and number of light sources can be designed independently.

• The mobility of products is also important. The small models, equipped with a special case, folding mechanism and battery-operated lighting, can be easily carried or taken with you on long trips.
• Mirrors of this type can be combined with various interior items, creating a separate cozy space. Products can be built into various pieces of furniture and headsets, greatly simplifying the process of their operation.

• Modern models are often equipped with additional devices such as a monitor or built-in telephony. In addition, various state-of-the-art lighting control systems are available to facilitate the use of the device.

• Each lamp item comes with an accessory kit, which may include items such as dedicated batteries, AC adapter mechanism, brackets, and convenient carrying cases. Versatile options are models with an outlet, which are often installed in bathrooms.

• These mirrors are great for zoning rooms.By placing the lights in the right way, you can create cozy areas in both large and small rooms.

• When installing mirrors with lamps, keep in mind safety. Use grounding technology as well as protective insulation to keep all risks to a minimum.
• It is important that the illumination of the product is not detrimental to health. Do not install bulbs with too harsh light, otherwise stress and fatigue may result.

Taking into account all the features, you can get a complete picture of what are illuminated mirrors, what are the main nuances of these products.

The range of mirrors with built-in lighting is huge: there are telescopic models, samples on a stem and even mirrors with lighting that create a 3D effect. Products are classified into types according to several criteria.

The most popular configurations are as follows:

• Round product, popular for the bathroom, is usually small and well-defined. It often does not have a frame, or its frame consists of a built-in light strip.

• Oval mirror can be used as a built-in piece of furniture. It often has a separate frame fitted with fixtures. This shape is also common for miniature designs.

• Rectangular product can have both clear straight and rounded corners. It is hung horizontally and vertically. Light is sometimes embedded in the form of a contour that runs counter to the contour of the product itself, creating an original asymmetry.

• Among the illuminated mirrors there are models of non-standard shapes... Such an option includes a heart-shaped design, triangular shapes and products with smooth contours.

It is important to take into account the parameters of the mirror.

Depending on the place where it will be located, the model can have different dimensions:

• A large mirror in the floor has a height of more than one and a half meters, and the average width is 90 cm. The width of 900 mm requires a large section of the wall for the mirror surface. Such models can be equipped with large lamps.

• The popular sizes of medium illuminated mirrors are 1200x900 mm and 1200x800 mm. Reflecting in such a mirror, a person sees himself approximately to the waist.

• A mirror measuring 800x600 mm is usually placed horizontally above the sink. You can see yourself in it up to the shoulders or chest. The vertical alternative 600x800mm captures less space in width, but significantly increases the length of the view.

• A product with parameters 400x800 mm is a horizontal strip. It can be an interesting decorative detail in any room.

• Both large and small sizes are popular among square models. You can find products with a length and width of 50 cm, a significant section of the wall is occupied by models measuring 80x80 cm.

• Rectangular mirrors often have dimensions of 60x80 cm.

• The small product has dimensions of 370x170 mm. The smallest backlit mirror is 110x110 mm.

In the manufacture of mirrors, including models with lamps various materials are used for spraying a mirror surface and making frames:

• Silver is used as a sputtering. This option is considered to be of the highest quality. The image in such a mirror is always very clear, not distorted.
• Titanium sputtering may slightly distort the reflection in the mirror, but this change is not critical.
• The cheapest are products with aluminum spraying. This component can significantly affect the clarity of the reflection.

• The most suitable surface coating is considered to be a combination of copper with titanium or silver.
• The paintwork is of the lowest quality.
• Materials such as ivory, wood and steel are used to create the frame. The specific material must be selected depending on where the mirror structure will be located.

An important aspect is the color of the mirror surface.

There are various model options:

• Aluminum and silver films are used to create colorless surfaces that are considered the traditional version of mirror glass.

• Matting the mirror surface followed by silk-screen engraving creates a matte finish.

• There are also double-sided mirror options. One side is clear glass while the other is a mirrored surface that does not let your eyes pass through. These models often have a rotating body.

• Some models have an optical zoom effect. These mirrors are especially often used in the field of cosmetology and make-up.

An important principle for the classification of mirrors with built-in lighting is the types of luminaires they contain:

• Incandescent lamps are used for inexpensive products. They have more disadvantages than advantages, since they are not capable of a long service life. With a rather fragile structure and large size, they are not very reliable lighting devices. Such lamps will look organically only in certain interior styles.

Fluorescent lamps have a fairly high level of efficiency. They create natural light in the room. Such devices can flicker, which will lead to eye fatigue, therefore, when installing them, special starter circuits are used. A system of such lighting lasts from 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

• The difference between halogen lamps is the presence of gas that fills the interior of the lamp. Such devices are considered to be energy efficient and have a long service life.

• Neon products have a high light output, but they can cause eye fatigue with prolonged use.

• The most economical in terms of energy consumption are LED types of lamps, which give bright light and have an aesthetic appearance. Such products are characterized by the longest service life, which often exceeds 10 years. Such lamps do not harm the eyes and have a very soft switching technique. Lamps with LED elements can function as a source of additional lighting or be used as a decoration. The latest varieties include LED strips. If the lighting is made in the form of ribbons, then it can have different colors and switching modes.

• One of the unusual types of lighting is diode tape - it is used as an additional light source, decorative element or as a means of room zoning. The surface of the tape is self-adhesive, so with its help it is easy to arrange the mirror yourself. The tapes do not require an additional heat-insulating layer.

When choosing, consider the following factors:

• The density of the diode lamps. In a decorative version, it can be small - from 40 to 70 diodes per meter of tape. If you want diodes to function as a lighting fixture, place at least 120 lamps per meter.
• Method of fastening the tape. When increased waterproofing is required, it is better to give preference to silicone fasteners. In other cases, glue will do.
• The color of the lighting should be in harmony with the style in which the room is decorated. It is permissible to choose not only one, but also several shades, if the color switching mode is provided in the ribbon.

There are two main types of arrangement of lamps near the mirror: external and internal. External lighting of mirrors can be made in the form of incandescent lamps, spots and even sconces.

A system for regulating their position is built into the mechanism of devices:

• Lighting devices are often located around the perimeter of the mirror frame.
• Large luminaires need to be positioned carefully because they often create unwanted shadows.
• There is a remote type of device, which is characterized by the compactness of the lamps.
• You can use point elements, the light of which falls on the location of the mirror. They are often embedded in the surface of cabinets or shelves.
• The spots are also mounted in the surface, which are adjusted using brackets.

Interior lighting involves the placement of lighting devices on the inside of the mirror frame. To decorate the lighting, special profiles of gold or silver color are used, with which you can hide the cable. For such a backlight, a built-in strip or LED design is most often used. Many models are equipped with a heating system that prevents the mirror from fogging up in high humidity conditions.

Internal backlighting enhances reflection detail.

Luminaires, in addition to full frame framing, can have the following location options:

• Only at the top of the product. In this case, they should be directed away from the mirror so as not to create unnecessary shadows or highlights.
• Lamps, which are located only on the sides, are sometimes quite large, the direction of their light can be adjusted independently.
• The working type of lighting involves such an arrangement of lamps when the light is directed at a person sitting in front of a mirror.

A separate type of lighting is decorative. It does not perform the function of additional lighting, but simply brings an original note to the design of the room. In this case, the entire perimeter of the mirror, as a rule, is filled with LEDs, presented in various colors. The backlight can be turned on and off at will.

There are models of mirrors with different lighting colors.

There are two main types:

• Luminaires that are warm in color suggest a yellowish undertone or daylight dim light. Such lighting looks rather modest, but it brings a cozy atmosphere to the room.
• Cold light bulbs have a brighter and sharper glow. They are used as interior accent pieces. Bright light contributes to the highly detailed reflection in the mirror, and it can also adversely affect the condition of the eyes.

Modern devices use various options for turning on light in a mirror structure:

• The classic version is push-button. The lamps are switched on by pressing a button, usually built into the back or side of the mirror structure.
• The touch sensor assumes activation by touching the hand. Sensors are infrared. They turn on when you bring your palm to a special sensor. A touch sensor means lighting the backlight by directly touching the surface of the mirror.
• Exists remote switching mechanisms... They imply the use of a special remote control that allows you not only to turn on and off the light, but also to select the operating mode of the backlight.

There are four main types of arrangement of illuminated mirrors, which largely determine their main function.

• Versatile designs are usually placed on a wall or table. They are often equipped with two types of mounts, allowing you to change the position of the mirrors as needed. Such options can be located in almost any room in the house.They are perfect for those who like to periodically change the decor in their apartments.

• The wall mirror only has a mount for a vertical surface, which provides a fundamental fixation. Sometimes the mount can be movable, allowing you to change the angle of inclination of the mirror relative to the wall surface. The backlight works by connecting to an electrical network or from a battery. If the mirror is powered by an electrical outlet, then it is important to hang it on the wall and position the outlet so that the cord is not conspicuous. Sometimes an illuminated vanity mirror is attached to the wall. It is located on a special cord mechanism and is a very convenient and compact accessory for daily use.

• Tabletop models are often used by beauticians and makeup artists. Attachment to a horizontal surface is carried out using a special stand, the main advantage of which is mobility. You can install the device on any part of the table, as well as take it with you. Small products of this type are often double-sided, one of the surfaces is magnified.

• An illuminated floor mirror can often be seen in a dressing room. It reflects a person at full height. The variant can be equipped with rather large incandescent lamps. For such a mirror, the frame must be highlighted with a different texture. It is quite easy to disguise the connection of the backlight of this device to the mains, it is enough to place it directly in front of the outlet.

Illuminated mirrors look different in every room, but always original. The choice of a model of a mirror structure depends on the main function of the room.

• In the hall you can often see large rectangular wall mirrors. They are equipped with large lamps or single-color diode illumination. Sometimes a smaller illuminated mirror is hung in the corridor, placing it horizontally on the wall.

• In bathroom there can be wall mirrors of various shapes and sizes. Most often, backlit structures are located near the sink. Mirrors should be illuminated in such a way as to facilitate daily hygiene and beauty procedures.

• In the bedroom the presence of illuminated floor mirrors can be observed. They are often located next to a dresser or dressing area. In some sleeping rooms, there is an element such as a dressing table. It is very often equipped with a mirror, complemented by lighting fixtures.

In order not to be mistaken when choosing an illuminated mirror, keep in mind the strategy you need to develop before purchasing this accessory.

It involves taking into account the following nuances:

• The location of the mirror. This criterion determines the size of the structure and the need to equip the mirror with a heating system.
• The need for additional accessories. For some rooms, a single illuminated mirror is suitable, for others, a combination of the product with other pieces of furniture, for example, a shelf or wardrobe, will be a convenient option.

• The intensity of light required for a lamp or backlight. After analyzing this factor, you can determine the number of luminaires or diodes when choosing a diode tape.
• The need to transfer the structure. If you are going to transport the mirror, pay special attention to the mechanism of its fastening and accessories.
• The purpose of using a mirror design with lamps. This factor plays a huge role. It determines the location of the luminaires, their color and direction.
• Stylistics.Choose a construction from materials that will fit into the interior concept. The shape also plays an important role, because for some styles only one kind of mirrors is permissible.

• Reviews. Study the reviews of various manufacturers carefully. Do not limit yourself to the most popular ones, because such companies may offer products at too high a price. Choose the best value for money.
• The ratio of the weight of the structure and the reliability of the fasteners. Flimsy fasteners may not support heavy frames or massive mirrors.
• The way of switching on and the presence of devices. For those who lead an active lifestyle, it will not be superfluous to purchase a mirror with a built-in clock or socket. Fully meet the current trends in the design with touch switching.
• The role played by the mirror in the interior. In accordance with this role, the frame of the structure is selected. A product in a baguette often attracts attention. This design is extremely functional, it is usually an indicator of luxury and prosperity. Products in a more modest frame are chosen if the illuminated mirror is not installed as an attribute with an accent role in the interior.

• It should be remembered about the permissible norms of mirror distortion, and a few basic indicators should be known.

The process of installing and connecting a mirror with lamps is easy to do with your own hands. This type differs from the installation of a conventional mirror only in the need to connect the built-in light bulbs to the mains. It is important to take care of safety during installation. The connection process is recommended to be carried out at the stage of apartment renovation. This will help you avoid wasting time installing additional outlets or troubleshooting problems and debris.

To make it easier to connect, it is recommended to stock up on the following necessary equipment:

• Bulgarian;
• puncher;
• screwdriver;
• roulette;
• building level;
• simple pencil.

It is also recommended to create a double level of insulation on the wires. There are a number of nuances to keep in mind:

• It is necessary to provide for such a case as an emergency shutdown.
• Consider hiding the wires in advance.
• When operating the equipment, do not deviate from fire safety standards.
• Clean the room from excess water before installing the illuminated mirror, do not turn on the water during the installation process.

The installation progress consists of the following steps:

• using a simple pencil and tape measure, you should outline the boundaries of the area where the mirror product will be located.
• In the places of the future abutment of the mirror mounting, holes should be drilled with a puncher. In this case, the perforator should work at low speeds.

• Next, the dowels are inserted into the drilled holes. They are inserted as tightly as possible into the wall surface.
• Then the pendants are mounted and the position that the mirror will occupy is adjusted.
• An important step is connecting to an electrical outlet. If the selected mirror works on batteries, then the process is carried out without this stage.
• If the mirror is equipped with additional shelves or cabinets, then they are attached last.

When a mirror is installed on the surface of a tile, the wiring is often hidden in its joints, covering the affected area with putty. If it is impossible to carry out installation in a joint, then a cut is made in the surface for the wire.

For more details on how to install the illuminated mirror, see the following video.

Mirrors with built-in lighting are not a universal component for all interior styles, but such products look very organic and catchy in some directions.

• The Art Deco concept allows for oval, round or rectangular mirrors with discreet light illumination.

• In the loft style, where the shape of the bulb itself is an important part of the attic concept, tall mirrors equipped with incandescent bulbs for outdoor lighting are popular.

• Backlighting is an important attribute of mirrors in high-tech rooms. The understated concept is usually highlighted with neon glow around the contours of mirrors of various sizes.

• The fusion style allows for round mirrors and even elements in the form of colored diode strips or decorative lighting on a mirror surface.

• The retro trend welcomes exterior side mirror lighting with large lamps. Most often, these rectangular mirrors can be seen on a table or dressing table.

Modern designers offer many unusual solutions for the design and arrangement of mirrors with built-in lamps.

The most interesting options are as follows:

• The pattern on the illuminated mirror looks incredibly aesthetically pleasing. It usually becomes an alternative to the frame, framing the edges of the cover. Lighting components are often embedded in the pattern itself.

• When beautiful mirrors are combined with small cabinets, a practical option is obtained. A wardrobe located in a bathroom or hallway with a mirrored door and lighting will become a very original piece of furniture.

• A stunning option for some styles is the tunnel illusion created by decorative lighting on the surface of the mirror. This optical effect looks extremely creative.

Having decided to decorate your home with an illuminated mirror, carefully study all the nuances of the choice and varieties of products. Feel free to experiment by combining mirrors and other furnishings. With a well-chosen mirror with built-in lighting, your apartment will have a truly sophisticated and beautiful look.