Arched elegant mirror

Wall mirrors are perfect for enhancing your updated décor. This year we are seeing some familiar styles remaining popular as well as the rise of fresh approaches to interior design. Many fashionable decorating modes move away from the minimalism that has long dominated home décor, but others simply put a new twist on it. Let’s delve into wall mirror options as well as how mirrors complement various trending styles.

  1. What types of mirror glass are available?
  2. Can I customize the wall mirror edge?
  3. How can I create a mirrored wall?
  4. What role do mirrors have in a gallery wall?
  5. How should I use wall mirrors in maximalist decorating?
  6. Will a mirror fit in with the Japandi style?
  7. Are mirrors too modern for cottagecore?
  8. Can a wall mirror be part of a grandmillenial decorating scheme?
  9. How can wall mirrors be used to make my space more transitional?
  10. What about pairing a mirror with Grid style glass?
  11. How should I care for my wall mirrors?
  12. Are there tips for ordering custom wall mirrors?

1. What types of mirror glass are available?

Standard mirror is the glass we are most familiar with. Basically, it’s created by applying reflective backing to glass. This type of wall mirror gives you a clear reflection of whatever is in front of it and is the most widely used type of mirror glass. Its look is very versatile, so it can be incorporated into just about any decorating style. Popular uses for standard mirror glass include:

However, they are also widely used as wall ornaments, foyer mirrors, office mirrors and more.

Standard and antique wall mirror examples

Antique style mirror glass is the same product, but an acid wash is used to “age” the backing and give the mirror an antique appearance. Antique style mirror can be used like normal mirror glass, but keep in mind that it won’t give you a perfectly clear reflection of what’s in front of it. For decorating purposes, this is not typically an issue, but in a bathroom you might want to also include a standard mirror option.

Difference between an antique mirror and a standard mirror

2. Can I customize the wall mirror edge?

Yes! Edge options are one of the ways you can customize your wall mirror. Let’s get answers to some FAQs.

What mirror edge options are available?

ABC Glass & Mirror invites clients to choose from:

  • Polished – A smooth machine-polished edge surrounds a mirror with a consistently level surface.
  • Beveled – The perimeter of a beveled edge mirror is cut to angle downward and outward.
  • Metal wrapped – A metal wrapped mirror is bordered by a thin metallic strip.

How are polished edge mirrors typically used?

Polished edge mirrors match many of today’s trending looks and are often used to create mirrored walls. If you want a mirror cut to fit in a frame, this will typically be a polished edge mirror.

What are the perks of a beveled mirror?

Like polished mirrors, beveled mirrors also have an extremely versatile look. They are at home with just about any mode of décor and have a dressier appearance.

How can metal wrapped mirrors be customized to my design plan?

Mirrors from ABC Glass & Mirror are available in metal wrapping with chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and oil rubbed bronze finishes.

Examples of polished edge, beveled and metal wrapped mirrors

3. How can I create a mirrored wall?

mirrored wall is a specific use of reflective glass that’s perfect for enhancing your on-trend décor. To create a mirrored wall, contact a custom glass shop such as ABC Glass & Mirror. Glaziers can cut glass to the right custom dimensions for your wall and even make cutouts so that it will fit around existing elements like outlets and light switches. There are several different approaches to designing a mirrored wall:

  • One possibility is totally covering a wall with mirrors that extend from edge to edge with no gaps between the mirrors and adjoining surfaces.
  • To reduce the price point a bit, you can opt to cover the wall with mirrors but leave a small space between the mirrors and the adjacent walls, ceiling, etc.
  • Another variation is to simply cover a large section of the wall with one or more big mirrors.

Often, polished edge mirrors are installed side by side to create a mirrored wall with a smooth, flowing look. Alternatively, large or small beveled mirrors can be used for added detail and visual interest. For example, sometimes a whole wall is covered with small beveled mirrors that are square or diamond shaped. The best mirrored wall design depends on the vibe you want to create within the specific space.

Before and after of a regular wall converted into a mirrored wall.

4. What role do mirrors have in a gallery wall?

gallery wall is a curated collection of wall hangings grouped in a thoughtful way. Mirrors make an excellent addition to any gallery wall. The wall mirror will be different than the other items in the collection, but it will coordinate with all of them. In short, reflective glass allows you to add another object to the gallery without any concern about matching colors and themes.

Another possibility is to create a gallery wall using just mirrors. You can mix framed and unframed mirrors, polished and beveled edge mirrors, antique and standard mirror glass, and mirrors of various shapes. You may wish to unify the display with a common theme such as vintage or modern. However, in other decorating styles, an eclectic assortment is most attractive.

Let’s look at some tips for success in creating any type of gallery wall:

  • Be intentional in choosing items and take the time to edit or adjust the collection as needed before hanging everything.
  • There are various ways to unify an eclectic collection. These include colors, themes, and frame styles.
  • Once you’ve chosen the wall hangings, you can make paper cut outs of matching shapes. Arrange these on a table or desk to get a feel for how the items will look together and to choose the best placement of each item.
  • Unless you are going for an edgy look with pictures hung crookedly, use a level.
Gallery mirror exammple

5. How should I use wall mirrors in maximalist decorating?

Maximalist décor is kind of like bringing the gallery wall idea to your overall decorating style, and mirrors fit in beautifully. It’s a “more is more” type of design, but all the items should be thoughtfully curated and intentionally layered. Maximalism can involve many different pieces, but it should not be mindless clutter or messiness. Other hallmarks of maximalism include:

  • bold colors
  • wall displays
  • books as décor accents
  • eclectic groups of items
  • choosing pieces YOU like

Where do wall mirrors come in? For one thing, a mirror can reflect a beautiful maximalist element such as glass shelves filled with collectibles and art, floor to ceiling bookcases, or a bold print or painting. A large mirror is also the type of bold statement piece that melds perfectly with maximalist decorating principles.

example of how to mix a wall mirror with a maximalist décor

6. Will a mirror fit in with the Japandi style?

Wall mirrors are also at home in the Japandi style, which blends elements of Scandinavian decorating with traditional Japanese interior design. Its features may include:

  • a light neutral color palette
  • contrasts of color and texture
  • natural materials like wood and cotton
  • sleek furniture pieces with appealing silhouettes
  • clutter-free, minimalist spaces

A mirror can be a beautiful addition to a home decorated in the Japandi style. The clean lines and smooth surface of a mirror fit nicely with the overall aesthetic found in this way of decorating. A custom mirror also provides an opportunity to add a contrasting shape. For example, if the room and its furnishings have a lot of straight lines and right angles, you could hang a mirror that’s round, oval, or rectangular with rounded corners. Choosing a mirror wrapped in dark metal would provide one of the pleasing contrasts that are a hallmark of Japandi design. Finally, a wall mirror allows you to double the impact of your Japandi-inspired pieces. It can reflect a potted bonsai tree, a unique rattan chair, a piece of Japanese artwork, etc. 

Wall mirrors are also at home in the Japandi style, which blends elements of Scandinavian decorating with traditional Japanese interior design.

7. Are mirrors too modern for cottagecore?

Cottagecore decorating takes inspiration from an idealized view of past agricultural living in the west. While it may not be grounded in realism, cottagecore décor can be comforting, whimsical, and environmentally friendly. Vintage and mismatched items reign supreme in cottagecore, so you can often use items from a flea market or thrift store to create this aesthetic. Wildflowers, potted plants, and hanging bunches of herbs are perfect, as are light billowy fabrics and floral prints. How could a custom mirror enhance cottagecore décor?

  • Choose an ornate vintage frame and order a piece of antique style mirror glass to fit inside it.
  • Have a piece of antique mirror cut to fit within an alcove or area surrounded by decorative moulding on a wall.
  • Include an oval antique mirror in a gallery wall.
  • Hang an antique style mirror above a vintage cabinet or sideboard and place beautiful plants and cottagecore knick knacks where the mirror will reflect them.
  • Use a metal wrapped wall mirror for a wall hanging or focal point. Matte black and oil rubbed bronze are especially nice finishes for a cottagecore room.

If you prefer standard mirror glass, this can also be put inside a dainty frame or used to reflect other décor elements. Hang a bunch of flowers, a large bow, or a wreath above a standard mirror to give it cottage charm. ABC Glass & Mirror can also supply and install replacement mirrors for antique make-up tables, dressers, etc.

Cottagecore decorating takes inspiration from an idealized view of past agricultural living in the west.

8. Can a wall mirror be part of a grandmillenial decorating scheme?

Grandmillenial or Granny Chic interior design is another hot trend that welcomes mirrors and overlaps somewhat with the cottagecore vibe. This style of interior design combines grandma-esque items with more modern décor components. Needlepoint wall hangings, doilies, floral patterns, chintz, ornate candlesticks, fancy lamps, and the like are all part of this style. However, you can feel free to pair these with modern architecture, furniture, and accent items. This is nice because it means you could pick an old-fashioned mirror, a very contemporary one, or even one of each! Here are some tips for choosing a mirror for YOUR granny chic space:

  • Take a look at the room’s current aesthetic. Does it have more “grandma items” or more millennial items? Do you like the existing balance or do you want to amp up one or the other? If the room needs more granny glam, you might want a metal wrapped oval mirror to hang behind your candlestick collection. If you want more of a modern edge, consider a mirrored wall or a mirror in a unique shape like a triangle or half circle.
  • Think about what mirror size, shape, and placement would do the most for the room. Can you reflect a favorite item? Enhance the sunlight coming in a window? Add character to a boring wall space?
  • Ponder whether you want standard or antique mirror glass. Antique mirror glass in a fancy frame is just the thing for giving a room more of a granny chic flavor.
Grandmillenial or Granny Chic interior design is another hot trend that welcomes mirrors and overlaps somewhat with the cottagecore vibe.

9. How can wall mirrors be used to make my space more transitional?

Since wall mirrors are available in a diverse range of styles, they are great for making a room transitional, rather than strictly traditional or strictly modern. The type of mirror you’ll want depends on whether you’re adding warmth and depth to a contemporary space or introducing some modern elements into a traditional room. Let’s take a look at how each situation could be approached:

  • Want to make classic décor transitional? How about three large floor to ceiling beveled mirrors spaced at even intervals along one wall? What about a cluster of small mirrors of different geometrical shapes? Or maybe a polished edge mirror hung over a fireplace or cabinet?
  • Trying to warm up a contemporary space with some vintage charm and character? How about a mirror wrapped in black metal? Or perhaps antique style mirror glass placed in an old fashioned frame?
  • What if the space is already transitional, with the perfect blend of old and new? Beveled edge wall mirrors meld elegantly with transitional living spaces.
Since wall mirrors are available in a diverse range of styles, they are great for making a room transitional, rather than strictly traditional or strictly modern.

10. What about pairing a mirror with Grid style glass?

Grid style glass pairs clear glazing with black metal framing and mullions. This look pays homage to the steel framed windows made by Grid Windows in the United Kingdom. You will see Grid style shower doors, room dividers, screens, and more in American homes. A wall mirror framed in black metal is the perfect complement to this glass.

  • If your bathroom has a Grid style (also known as Gridscape) shower enclosure, consider hanging one or more black metal framed mirrors above the vanity counter.
  • Sometimes a home office is separated from the adjoining living space by a Grid style room divider. A mirrored wall will make your workspace look and feel larger, AND it can reflect your on trend partition.
  • At times, a single piece of black framed and mullioned glass is used as a decorative screen or to denote separate sections within one room. This is a charming design idea that would be enhanced by an antique style mirror framed in matte black metal.

Bottom line: both wall mirrors and Grid style glass are inherently beautiful décor pieces that look even better when used together.

Grid style glass pairs clear glazing with black metal framing and mullions. This look pays homage to the steel framed windows made by Grid Windows in the United Kingdom.

11. How should I care for my wall mirrors?

The first step in caring for wall mirrors is to protect them from damage. In some ways this goes back to mirror placement decisions. Avoid hanging mirrors where they are at high risk of being struck. Check for swinging cabinet doors, rolling carts, and the like, as well as activities that might lead to mirror damage. For example if you’re hanging a mirror that will serve as both a wall ornament and a gym mirror, you might not want it to extend all the way to the floor. If it would be likely to be kicked, scuffed, or struck with weights, stop the mirror short of the floor.

Mirror cleaning involves both washing and dusting the mirror. Mirror edges, frames, and even the mirror surface can fall victim to dust. Brush it off with a feather duster when dusting other surfaces in the room. At regular intervals, it’s also important to wash off any fingerprints, smudges, splatters and the like that may have accumulated on the glass. When cleaning a mirror, keep these tips in mind:

  • Never use harsh cleaners or abrasive substances.
  • Only wipe the mirror with a soft cloth or paper towel.
  • Apply the cleaning agent to the cloth or paper towel and then wipe down the mirror. Spraying it right on the mirror can lead to drips and possible damage to the mirror backing.
  • Buff until fully dry to minimize streaking.
  • Give special attention to problem areas as needed.
The first step in caring for wall mirrors is to protect them from damage. In some ways this goes back to mirror placement decisions. Avoid hanging mirrors where they are at high risk of being struck.

12. Are there tips for ordering custom wall mirrors?

One of the easiest ways to add wall mirrors to your in-vogue decorating scheme is by teaming up with ABC Glass & Mirror! Serving homeowners in the Northern Virginia region for nearly two decades, ABC specializes in designing, delivering, and installing the customized glass and mirror your home deserves. Follow these steps to take your wall mirror idea from inspiration to reality:

  • Call ABC Glass & Mirror at (703)257-7150 to learn more.
  • Schedule one of our free in-home consultations and estimates.
  • Choose the perfect custom mirror options and dimensions for your project.
  • Place your order.
  • Schedule installation once we let you know everything is ready.
  • Take it easy as a trained team installs your custom wall mirrors!

No matter how you like to decorate, from minimalism to maximalism, a custom wall mirror is the perfect finishing touch!

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