Mirrors are a common household item found in bathrooms, bedrooms, and other living spaces. While traditional mirrors offer a clear reflection, colored mirrors provide an alternative aesthetic option. Colored mirrors allow you to add a splash of color to your home decor while still serving a functional purpose.
What are Colored Mirrors?
Colored mirrors, also known as tinted mirrors, are simply standard mirrors that have been coated with a colored tint. This tint can come in virtually any color, but some popular options are blue, green, gray, bronze, gold, and silver. The tinted coating is applied to the backside of the mirror glass. When light hits the mirror, some of the wavelengths are absorbed by the coating while others are reflected back, giving the mirror its rich, colored appearance.
How are Colored Mirrors Made?
Creating colored mirrors is a fairly straightforward process. It starts with a piece of regular, clean mirror glass. The glass is placed in a vacuum chamber, and metal oxide powders are vaporized and deposited evenly onto the glass surface. The thickness of the deposited layer determines the depth and intensity of the color. The now-tinted glass pane is coated with paint and silver on the backside to create the actual reflective mirror surface. The edges are polished smooth, and some mirrors receive an additional protective lacquer coating.
Where Can You Get Colored Mirrors?
Colored mirrors are widely available from many home decor retailers, both in-store and online. Some sources where you can purchase colored mirrors include:
- Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s
- Furniture stores like IKEA and Crate & Barrel
- Bath and hardware stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and Build.com
- Online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon
- Specialty mirror retailers like MirrorMate and decorativemirror.com
- Some local glass and mirror companies also offer colored mirror products
The selection of colors and sizes available will vary by retailer. Online stores in particular tend to have a wide array of colored mirror options spanning the entire color spectrum.
Benefits of Colored Mirrors
Colored mirrors offer several advantages that make them a popular decorative choice:
- Aesthetic appeal – Colored mirrors can add subtle elegance, vibrant color, or an exciting focal point to a room’s decor.
- Versatility – Many color options are available to match any style, from traditional to contemporary.
- Customization – Choose a color that coordinates with your room’s existing paint, furniture, and accents.
- Light control – Colors like bronze and gray offer a soft, diffused reflection.
- Privacy – Darker tints make the mirrors more opaque.
- Durability – Quality colored mirrors are very long-lasting when properly cared for.
Popular Colored Mirror Styles
Colored mirrors come in a diverse array of shapes, sizes, and frames to suit any decor. Here are some of the most popular colored mirror styles:
| Mirror Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Framed | Colored mirrors with elegant wood, metal, or plastic frames in various finishes and profiles. |
| Beveled | Mirrors with a colored beveled edge, creating a pretty prismatic effect around the perimeter. |
| Leaning | Tall, vertically-oriented colored mirrors designed to lean against a wall for decorative accent. |
| Round | Circular mirrors in a range of colored tints and diameters to accent a space. |
| Wall Mirrors | Large colored mirrors for mounting directly on walls above dressers, tables, etc. |
| Mosaic | Mirror tiles arranged in colorful abstract patterns to create mosaic designs. |
These styles demonstrate the versatility of colored mirrors for home decor applications.
Colored Mirror Options by Color
Colored mirrors encompass a wide spectrum of tints and shades. Here is an overview of some of the most popular colored mirror options grouped by color:
Blue Mirrors
– Light blue – pale, icy blue with a soothing, relaxed vibe
– Dark blue – dramatic midnight or navy blue tone
– Aqua blue – bright, refreshing watery hue
– Coastal blue – greenish robin’s egg blue
Bronze Mirrors
– Light bronze – warm golden finish, like a sunkissed tan
– Medium bronze – rich, neutral metallic shade
– Dark bronze – deep chocolate brown bronze hue
Silver Mirrors
– Light silver – soft, moonlike sheen
– Gray silver – muted gray/silver blend
– Mirrored silver – opaque, chrome-like reflective finish
Green Mirrors
– Lime green – vibrant, youthful color
– Forest green – earthy, natural grassy tone
– Sea green – tranquil blend of blue and green
Gold Mirrors
– Rose gold – stylish blend of gold and pink
– Bronze gold – rich, warm metallic gold
– Champagne gold – soft, glamorous shiny gold
Pink Mirrors
– Baby pink – light, feminine hue
– Dusty pink – muted, elegant neutral
– Hot pink – bold, punchy bright pink
How to Care for Colored Mirrors
Caring for colored mirrors involves a few simple steps to keep them looking their best:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust the mirror surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Clean with a mild glass cleaner and wipe gently in one direction.
- Never spray the cleaner directly onto the mirror.
- Dry the mirror thoroughly with a clean cloth after cleaning.
- Check that any frames/backings are also kept dry to prevent damage.
- Avoid direct sunlight hitting the mirror to minimize fading.
With regular gentle cleaning and care, quality colored mirrors will retain their beautiful finish for many years.
Pros and Cons of Colored Mirrors
Here is a quick look at some of the key pros and cons to consider with colored mirrors:
Pros
- Add color and visual interest to room decor
- Available in a diverse range of colors and styles
- Softer, diffused reflection from tinted coating
- Light control and glare reduction
- Easy to incorporate into existing decor
Cons
- More expensive than clear mirrors
- Color match may not be exact to existing decor
- Darker tints can make small spaces feel closed in
- Reflection may be slightly distorted
- Durability depends on quality of mirror backing
Conclusion
Colored mirrors provide a fun, decorative way to add a punch of color and personality to your living space. They come in a diverse range of shades and styles to match any existing decor. Quality colored mirrors will enhance your room with their aesthetics and light control when properly cared for. Just be mindful of the price and moderate color distortion before choosing your ideal colored mirror.
