Bathroom mirrors, bathtubs, and sinks are some of the most iconic parts of a bathroom setting. Bathroom mirrors are different from regular mirrors because they are made of tempered glass. If tempered glass breaks, it will break into small pieces, reducing the risk of injury. Bathroom mirrors are also different from ordinary mirrors in structure and beauty.
In this article, we will show you the differences between bathroom mirrors and regular mirrors. Bathroom vanity mirrors are different from ordinary mirrors in many ways. Here’s a closer look at the differences.
1. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: purpose
Bathroom mirrors are different from regular mirrors. The first one is on purpose. Bathroom mirrors are more practical, while regular mirrors are more decorative.
1) Uses of bathroom mirrors
Bathroom mirrors are designed to reflect as much light as possible compared to regular mirrors. This can be helpful when you’re getting ready for the day or trying on makeup. Whether your bathroom is small or large, you can find the right mirror to hang on the wall or sit on the countertop.
Some bathroom mirrors even have features like anti-fog and built-in lighting. Because bathroom mirrors can withstand humid conditions, they are generally more durable than regular mirrors.
2) Uses of regular mirrors
Regular mirrors are designed to reflect as little light as possible. This can be helpful when you are trying to create a relaxing environment in your home. Decorative mirrors are also designed to reflect light in a certain way to create a specific effect.
A beveled mirror will add a touch of elegance to any room. A small round mirror can be used as part of a gallery wall. A large rectangular mirror is perfect for placing above a fireplace.
Pro Tip: Always consider the purpose of the mirror before purchasing.
(Another related post: A Complete Buying Guide for Bathroom Mirror)
2. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: size
Bathroom mirrors come in different sizes than regular mirrors. They are designed to match the bathroom sink vanity. Sinks are usually square or rectangular, and mirrors have the same shape and proportions to fit over the sink. Make sure not to use a mirror that is too large as it can make the area look crowded and bulky. If the mirror is too small, you’ll have to lean against the dresser to see your reflection. It is important to determine the dimensions of the wall where you will install the bathroom mirror, as a mirror that is too large will appear bulky.
On the other hand, a bathroom mirror that is too small will force guests to lean against the vanity to see themselves. For both men and women, it is important to remember the purpose of a bathroom mirror:
- makeup
- Putting contact lenses into eyes
- Cleanse and wash your face
- facial care
That’s why it’s important to consider size when buying a bathroom mirror. If you purchase a mirror that is too large, it may be difficult to reach the top corners for cleaning. If your bathroom sink is a large vanity, have a full range of products for cleaning and proper use of your bathroom mirror.
Also, keep in mind the thickness of the mirror. Most mirrors are 3/16 inch thick and can withstand a lot of contact without any problems. Thinner mirrors can break if hit hard, whether an object slips from your hand or a door closes quickly. It’s always good to plan for the worst-case scenario.
(Another related post: How to Choose a Mirror for the Whole Home?)
3. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: structure
There are three types of bathroom mirrors: with medicine cabinet, without medicine cabinet, and with shelf. A mirror with a bathroom cabinet allows you to store items like contact lens solution, toothbrushes, and hairbrushes out of sight; it’s also hygienic. For sane reasons, it’s best to hide your toothbrush from people’s backsplashes when they go to the bathroom. Putting it in the medicine keeps it protected and dry from any airborne diseases.
4. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: function
Bathroom mirrors usually have a protective film on them to reduce the formation of water spots. Ordinary mirrors generally do not have this function. Anti-fog coating is a thin layer of silicone-based polymer that creates a protective coating that prevents fogging, which can be caused by moisture and condensation in hot shower steam. The coating also helps protect bathroom mirrors from water damage.
Since they are used in bathrooms, which are exposed to more water than the average home environment, bathroom mirrors require additional protection against corrosion. Bathroom mirrors need to have anti-corrosion coatings and anti-fog coatings. The layers are applied one on top and baked onto the glass at extremely high heat using a specialized electric oven that can achieve precisely the required temperature.
Other coating options include scratch-resistant coatings, tinted mirrors, and decorative reflective layers.
(Another related post: How to Choose the Perfect Backlit Bathroom Mirror?)
5. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: material
Bathroom vanity mirrors are made of tempered glass, while regular mirrors are made of regular glass. Tempered glass is a special type that bathroom mirror manufacturers designed with safety in mind. It is treated with special chemicals and then molded into the desired shape. The molding process takes place in a temperature-controlled environment.
This is why when a bathroom mirror is hit hard or faced with extreme temperature changes, it doesn’t break into sharp pieces like a regular mirror. Instead, it breaks into small round pieces to prevent injury. You can also use bathroom mirrors made of laminated glass.
Regular mirrors are more likely to fog-up than bathroom vanity mirrors. Additionally, bathrooms tend to be constantly exposed to high humidity, which regular mirrored glass doesn’t handle well. This can promote mold growth and eventually cause the back of the mirror to crack.
6. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: shape
Mirrors come in a variety of shapes, so you have plenty of room for creativity when customizing your mirror cabinet. The most traditional option is a rectangular bathroom mirror cabinet that is styled in the same style as the rest of your decor.
However, you can also opt for round bathroom mirror cabinets for a simple yet stylish look. They have instant appeal and are visually pleasing due to the inherent softness of the design. You can also choose ornate mirrors with unique shapes and exaggerated frame designs to create a statement piece.
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7. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: lighting
With its built-in lighting, bathroom mirrors are easily distinguished from regular mirrors.
1) Bathroom mirror lighting
Bathroom mirrors often have lights around the perimeter or on the back of the mirror. These illuminated bathroom mirrors provide even illumination to help you see your reflection more clearly.
Bathroom mirrors are well-lit, with natural or artificial lighting. This is to ensure that you reflect clearly when preparing.
2) Regular mirror lighting
On the other hand, regular mirrors don’t light very well. They can be hung on the wall or placed on a shelf, but they do not have the same type of lighting as bathroom mirrors.
8. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: picture frame
Bathroom mirrors can be framed or unframed, whereas regular mirrors usually do not have frames. Framed mirrors add a decorative touch, while frameless mirrors offer a more modern look. Wood and metal frames are the most common frame types for bathroom mirrors. Medicine cabinets with new bathroom mirrors are also common.
9. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: price
The price of bathroom mirrors and regular mirrors depends on their size, shape, and material. A small frameless bathroom mirror can cost as little as $20, while a large framed bathroom mirror can cost up to $200. A regular frameless mirror can cost as little as $10, while a larger framed version of the same type of mirror can cost ten times as much, reaching $100.
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10. Bathroom mirrors vs. regular mirrors: making
The difference between a regular mirror and a bathroom mirror is the type of glass used and how these types of glass are made.
The main difference between a regular mirror and a bathroom mirror is that annealed glass is not suitable for bathrooms as it can crack under high temperatures.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, is made by heating annealed or regular mirror-grade flat glass until it becomes soft enough to be formed into a specific shape (eg: square or rectangular). The heated slab is then rapidly cooled using a water spray or air blast until it reaches room temperature again (the cooling process only takes about one second to complete).
This heating/cooling process creates internal stress within the glass molecules so that they will not break even if hit by heavy objects such as fists or stones!
1) Regular mirrors use annealed glass, which means their manufacturing process is much simpler.
Regular mirrors use annealed glass, which means their manufacturing process is much simpler. Annealed glass is formed by pouring molten glass into a mold or dipping a sheet of steel or copper into the molten glass. This creates annealed glass that can be cut and polished like regular flat glass.
2) This simple manufacturing process makes them quite affordable.
When it comes to mirrors, there are a variety of different materials and finishes available. For example, regular mirrors are made using a vacuum deposition coating process, while bathroom mirrors are heated and sprayed with thin layers to create their unique surface.
The difference between a regular mirror and a bathroom mirror is that the former is made by coating glass with a thin layer of silver, while the latter is coated with multiple layers during the manufacturing process. This simple manufacturing process makes it quite affordable (more than 30% cheaper than bathroom mirrors).
3) However, they cannot be used in bathrooms because they cannot withstand long-term high humidity.
Tempered glass is less likely to break than annealed glass, but it can still break if enough force is applied to it.
Tempered glass can withstand greater impacts than annealed glass due to its lower coefficient of thermal expansion and higher compressive strength.
In other words, tempered glass is stronger than annealed glass and will not break easily if accidentally dropped or hit by something heavy (like a baseball bat/rock the size of a baseball bat/a block of concrete the size of a baseball bat) (not recommended).
This makes bathrooms safer with kids around because you don’t have to worry about them breaking the mirror while playing in the sink area or standing over the sink trying gymnastics moves that require balancing on one foot and arm. Reach overhead (again, don’t try to do this).
4) As a result, they will fog up and eventually crack and fall off the wall.
The bathroom mirror is the most important fixture in the bathroom. It is both decorative and functional, so it is no surprise that bathroom mirrors are made from a variety of materials. But not all bathroom mirrors are created equal: Some last for decades (or even centuries), while others may not last more than a few years before they start to fog up and fall off the wall. The difference between these two types of mirrors comes down to one thing: tempering.
5) Tempered glass is stronger than annealed glass
Tempering is essentially a heat treatment in which a material is strengthened by applying high temperatures without changing its shape or size by mixing small amounts of different elements into its composition during the manufacturing process – this makes tempered glass much stronger than regular flat glass Because it increases its resistance to breakage due to impact or moisture absorption; when struck or dropped on a hard surface such as a concrete floor, tempered glass will break into large pieces rather than into small pieces like regular flat glass Broken into small pieces when broken under similar circumstances.
6) Annealed glass can also shatter on impact
The annealed glass can shatter on impact, so this is not the ideal type of mirror to install if you have small children or pets running around the house. Another type of glass you should be aware of is tempered glass. Heat-treated mirrors are more resistant to impacts and breakages than regular mirrors. The process involves heating the mirror to over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and then quickly cooling it by immersing it in cold water.
When you see an ad that says “shatterproof,” what they really mean is “impact resistant.” When your bathroom mirror is hit with something like a baseball bat or even a hammer, you may still see some damage – this type of damage can be repaired by replacing just one piece of glass (rather than having to replace the entire unit).
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11. Factors to consider when choosing a bathroom mirror
You can’t just pick any mirror for your bathroom, especially if you want to avoid constantly buying new mirrors.
1) Moisture and humidity
Your bathroom vanity mirror should be able to withstand humidity and humidity. This is why using wood or metal frames is a bad idea as they can warp or rust. Likewise, the backing of a frameless mirror will eventually crack. Your best option is to use beveled mirrors as they last longer.
2) Safety
If a regular bathroom mirror should break, the broken glass will pose a major safety hazard even if you clean the floor. (There always seems to be a stray shard or two lying around.) This is why tempered or laminated bathroom mirror glass is important because it breaks into tiny, rounded pieces that won’t puncture the skin.
3) Shape
Convex mirrors bulge; distort your reflection and make it appear smaller. Concave mirrors curve like a spoon, making your reflection appear larger. You can use them for shaving, plucking eyebrows, or any task that requires careful observation. It goes without saying that flat mirrors are your best choice as they provide more realistic reflections.
4) Form and function
Mirrors can bring a lot of functionality to your bathroom. Decide what other features you want it to have besides reflection. If you want to conveniently store all your cosmetics and essentials, a traditional mirrored medicine cabinet is a great choice. Suitable for small bathrooms, they provide plenty of storage space. In addition, hiding your toothbrush is also a hygienic habit.
Alternatively, you can choose a mirror to make a style statement and make it the focal point of your bathroom. Maybe get bigger, wilder, and trendier. Or use a mirror to make your small bathroom look more spacious. They refract light, and strategically placed they can increase the feeling of space in a bathroom, giving the illusion of a larger space. You can even install two mirrors and use them to brighten your bathroom and illuminate dark corners.
(Another related post: A Complete Guide to Buying Bathroom Vanity)
12. Factors to consider when choosing a regular mirror
When decorating your home, mirrors are a great way to add light and depth to a room.
However, not all mirrors are created equal. If you’re looking for a regular mirror that only reflects your image, there are a few factors to consider.
Just like bathroom mirrors, you also need to consider the size you want your regular mirror to be. It should be large enough to provide clear reflections, but not so large that it overwhelms the rest of the room.
Second, consider the framework. You need to choose a frame that complements the style of your home.
Third, consider where to hang the mirror. Mirrors reflect light, so you need to place them in an area where they can brighten the room.
Finally, keep in mind that regular mirrors can be very heavy. Make sure you have a sturdy wall mount that can support the weight of the mirror.
(Another related post: What are the Types of Bathroom Vanity?)
13. FAQ
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about bathroom mirrors.
1) Does the mirror use tempered glass?
Tempered glass is used in bathroom mirrors, such as vanity mirrors, etc. Tempered glass is made by heating ordinary glass and then quickly cooling it to the desired state. When broken, they break down into small pieces. The tempering process gives the glass extra strength and durability, making it ideal for use in bathrooms. Unlike ordinary glass, tempered glass can withstand significant impacts without breaking.
2) Can an ordinary mirror be used as a bathroom mirror?
In short, the answer is no – especially if you live in a humid climate, using a regular mirror as a bathroom mirror is not recommended. The first reason is that the bathroom is a place with a lot of moisture and steam, and ordinary mirrors cannot handle this kind of humidity.
Over time, a regular mirror installed in a bathroom will age due to moisture damage around the frame, especially if it has a wooden or metal frame.
3) What is the principle of anti-fog on bathroom mirrors?
The main differentiating factor of bathroom mirrors is their anti-fog properties. This can be achieved in a number of ways, most commonly by coating the bathroom mirror with an anti-fog agent (such as silicone or colloidal silver) during the manufacturing process.
Another option is to use a surface that doesn’t have any actual contact with moisture, such as dichroic glass or plastic, although these surfaces feel more like cold plastic than reflective glass. They avoid air contact by using an air gap between the bathroom mirror and the reflective material.
4) How long is the service life of anti-fog mirrors?
Actually, it depends on the quality of the mirror. Over time, cheaper anti-fog surfaces can become damaged or covered in soap scum and lose their anti-fog properties. A good quality mirror can last for many years without any problems. The anti-fog properties of a mirror depend on its surface, so if the mirror is damaged, it will not have good anti-fog properties.
Instead, try to keep your mirror clean and free of damage for best results. If your mirror already has scratches or watermarks, you can use an anti-fog spray to help keep it fog-free. A quality mirror should be made from high-quality, non-porous materials that won’t scratch or damage over time and maintain its anti-fog properties. The best way to ensure that reflective surfaces stay clear for as long as possible is to use a glass mirror.
5) How to clean an anti-fog bathroom mirror?
This depends on the type of anti-fog agent. For example, if you have a mirror with an embedded silicone layer, cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with something like a warm, damp cloth. If your bathroom does become very foggy and you are unable to increase ventilation, it may be worth using a stronger chemical cleaner to remove all soap scum and ensure it doesn’t build up again in the future.
If your mirror has condensation or watermarks from condensed steam rather than water droplets, you can use a cleaner. But be careful, as certain types of cleaners can damage reflective surfaces over time. Be sure to check anything related to the manufacturer against their best practice recommendations.
6) Can I frame a regular mirror?
Yes, you can install a regular mirror. However, it is important to choose a frame that is suitable for the size and weight of the mirror. Otherwise, the frame may damage the mirror.
(Another related study case: Bathroom Vanity Orders from the United States)
14. Conclusion
This guide summarizes the differences between bathroom mirrors and regular mirrors and how to pick the right one for your bathroom. I hope this guide will be helpful to you when choosing a bathroom mirror. Please contact Nicemoco if you have any questions.