Metal doors with a mirror: pros and cons

The interior of the apartment consists of many parts that complement it and emphasize certain features. One of these components is the door. Of course, the most reliable and practical is the metal model, which is often decorated with a mirror. Let us consider in more detail the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of such a canvas, and also get acquainted with the features of its operation.

Most often, metal doors are installed on the entrance group, since the use of such a heavy canvas as interior partitions may be impractical. A mirror mounted in metal doors is not as functional as a decorative element.

Often, such models have a metal surface only on the outside, and inside the door leaf is finished with a variety of wood materials, on which a mirror plate is attached.

Metal doors with a mirror must be made in a special way so that even with the strongest slamming of the door or in the case of drafts, the glass surface of the mirror is not damaged or completely broken. The safety of a fragile element is ensured by special fasteners and careful calculations during manufacture.

In addition, such models often have a mirror element built into the inner part of the door leaf, which allows them to be operated like any other structure. But products, on the surface of which the glass element is fixed with clamps and adhesive elements, require a particularly careful attitude.

An iron door with a mirror has a number of advantages.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

• Such a model looks very beautiful and impressive, therefore it often becomes a key element of the interior of the hallway. Often, the rest of the situation is thought out taking into account the display of various elements of the situation in the mirror surface.
• With the correct placement of lighting devices in the area of ​​the doorway, before leaving the house or apartment, you can always evaluate your appearance and correct any flaws in the image, if necessary.
• Such a model helps to visually increase the space, so even the smallest hallway will look more spacious, and depending on the design, it will be lighter and more comfortable.

• A mirror is an integral part of any hallway, but if the space does not allow installing a canvas with a reflective surface of the desired size, it will be very difficult to find the right option. Therefore, doors with a mirror also solve the issue of preserving space in small rooms.
• In addition, this type of door leaf is able to somewhat lighten the heavy look of the interior or a massive door.
• It should be noted that the metal is very strong, so this door model is a solid and reliable solution.

Like any other interior item, be it a functional or decorative element, this type of door leaf also has a number of disadvantages.

Let's take a closer look at them to find out if they are critical or just minor flaws.

• If the mirror surface occupies a large part of the door leaf, the installation of the fittings can be somewhat complicated, since there is a risk of damage to the glass element.
• In models with a built-in mirror element in the very surface of the canvas, it may be difficult to replace it if serious damage appears. Often it is necessary to disassemble the door leaf itself almost completely, and then reassemble it.
• High-quality models with durable Venetian mirrors are very expensive, so purchasing such a door leaf together with additional details and installing it can be very expensive.

• The installation of such a canvas requires the presence of particularly strong fasteners and awnings, since the structure itself is heavy.
• Any imperfections, dust particles or fingerprints are visible on the surface of the mirror element, so the canvas needs daily maintenance, which can also be considered a disadvantage.
• In the event of a breakage or malfunction of the locking mechanism during its replacement, the mirror element may break or be damaged.

A door with a mirror does not have to have a solid mirror element located around its entire perimeter. The design of the door leaf can be completely varied.

Let's take a closer look at the most common options.

• Very often, mirror elements are used exclusively as decor, so making a mosaic from small pieces of different sizes and shapes will help decorate not only the door itself, but the entire hallway as a whole.
• A curly-shaped mirror cloth, accompanied by carvings and patterns, will be an excellent decoration for a door in a classic-style room or interior in a Provence style.
• Sometimes mirror inserts are accompanied by patterns made of metal elements in the form of ornaments, floral curls and other natural patterns.

Since a door leaf of this type is not quite a common interior solution, therefore, the operating conditions, as well as the care of such a part of the interior, must be special.

Let's take a closer look at some of the subtleties:

• The door leaf should be equipped with special rubber pads to soften their closing. Thus, even the most severe impact will be softened and the load on the mirror is minimized.
• If the mirror sheet is not built-in, but is attached to the surface of the door, you should wipe it carefully and make sure that personal items do not cling to sharp edges. This can lead to both damage to things and affect the reliability of the fasteners.
• The surface of such a door should be taken care of only with the help of special means in order to avoid damage to both the mirror and other materials and paints.
• In order to avoid the appearance of scratches on the surface of the mirror, you should use a special protective film. It is so thin that it does not distort the reflection, but nevertheless it perfectly protects the glass reflective surface.

In order for a door leaf with a mirror element to be not only beautiful, but also functional, it is necessary to pay special attention to its choice and be sure to take into account some of the features:

• In pursuit of beautiful exterior decor, reliability and functionality can be easily overlooked, so the choice of decorative additions should not come first. The quality of the design itself plays a major role.
• Safety is also valued above all else, so you should be aware that high-quality, dense and durable metal alloys should be used for the manufacture of the frame, stiffeners and the outer part of the door. Even with the strongest impacts, practically no dents or marks remain on such materials.

• The door should not only be tight, but also have a high degree of sound insulation.
• It is good if the canvas has the ability to remove the mirror.Thus, the installation of fittings, installation, repair and replacement of locks will be much easier.
• Do not choose an overly expensive door leaf, since the high cost does not always correspond to the quality of the product.

A rectangular mirror built into the wooden surface of the inner part of a metal door is framed by a decorative frame made using woodcarving technique. The light shade of the inner part will fit into any interior.

An elongated curly mirror looks great in a composition with cut patterns. The dark surface of the inside of the mirror will undoubtedly become a highlight of the interior.

You will learn more about metal doors with a mirror in the following video.