Reflections and recommendations on finding the right mirror.

August 18, 2021

There’s more to a stylish wall mirror than pure functionality.

Mirrors are great investments for adding framed-art to a room (especially, when one looks into it ;-) or for brightening up a space. Throughout history, mirrors have been used as large showpieces—think floor to ceiling reflections of the Versailles and Baroque-style kind. They've also become sculptures of art in various sizes and expressions in more modern times.

Like the Hall of Mirrors, there is much to be admired and intrigued by what is reflected or 'seen' in the mirrors' surface. But for now, we will skip the psychological aspects of a mirror's ulterior function and stick to the practical applications of mirrors as design elements in one's home and office.

So how do you find the right mirror for a space? Well, to answer that we must understand what one is looking for in a mirror:

Is it for practical reasons, such as in the bathroom for daily use?
In this case, does it need to serve more than one purpose?
Does it need to brighten up a too-dark space or add light to a windowless room?
Or is the mirror for making a statement and/or for having a transformational impact on the room it is placed in, such as above or behind a large piece of furniture?
Is it easy to mount or hang as well as flexible in size for small spaces, such as in an apartment?

Beyond these questions, budget and style can influence one's mirror quest. So much so that when it comes to choosing a mirror suited to one's style and space, the endless options can feel a bit overwhelming.

However, don't lose hope! Because the most important things to consider when trying to select a mirror, are the Three-S's:

SHAPE
SIZE
STYLE

The SHAPE of the mirror is about individual preference, but it also means it needs to fit into the space.

The aesthetic and practical applications where it is to be placed also determine the shape. Is it alone or with other shaped arts or light fixtures? Does it give a whole picture scenario such as square and rectangle shapes or only a small glimpse such as a round or oval-shaped mirror? Is it for up-close and personal details or for reflecting far-away light and flurried colors?

When shape is the biggest concern, we recommend something different that is also multi-functional, such as the Round Pharmacy Mirror. Its retro-industrial style and moderate round size make it practical in the bathroom or in a space that will also utilize its built-in shelf for displaying creations, favorite objects, or those daily-used items.

The SIZE of a mirror is of equal importance, because the practical or aesthetic applications determine where and when it can be placed in a space.

Budget and desire also influence how big or small of a mirror is needed. If limited wall-space are issues in determining size, Pop of Modern offers both the Rope & Circle Hanging Wall Mirror for its easy mounting and smaller circular shape (above) and the multifunctional Wallace Table Mirror with Display Tray for those that need up-close and personal but don't have the wall space needed to hang.

Both mirrors are on the smaller size, but have very different styles, think rustic, industrial-chic versus Art Nouveau mixed with some Art Deco.

Finally, STYLE is wholly individualistic and the most fun part of choosing a mirror. While the former two S's need practical and functional applications, what one is looking for in a mirror determines its style presence. The style is a reflection of one's own style, be it modern, antique, nautical, baroque or any many others.

If size and shape are not as importance as style, such as for adding dramatic appeal or depth to an otherwise selectively empty space, we suggest checking out the Gold (Bathroom) Mirror. Not just for the bathroom as the parentheses suggest, the Gold Mirror is beautiful and useful in all spaces. But, it also contains MDF backing that prevents humidity corrosion for protection in humid spaces such as bathrooms. Its large rectangular frame makes a classic, functional mirror and rounded golden edges turns it into a dramatic, modern statement piece, where ever placed.

As one can see, mirrors perform many functions. Use one to define or accentuate a space, or place it where it reflects a favorite view. Using a mirror to open up a room or to add some light are also great ways to pick a shape, size and style appropriate for the space! For a limited time, Pop of Modern wants to help you find the perfect mirror, by offering our selection of mirrors on sale.