“I want to buy full length mirror, but I don’t know too much about it.”
Full length mirror shows entire length of the human figure. Instead of use small mirror where you can only get a view part of you is better to use full length mirror where you can see larger refection of yourself. For example scarf is good fitting to blouse but pants ruins the effect. You cannot see it in medicine cabinet mirror or other small mirror but only in full length mirror. Therefore this type of mirror should be one of the most important equipments in your home.
But how to buy it, where, what type and how much I should pay for it. It is easier than you think. We have collected basic tips for you to read before buy full length mirror.
Types:
- hanging
It can be installed on doors or walls. There are many types of mounting. You will find more about them bellow.
- free standing
Standing mirror, not installed on wall on door. You can easy move it.
Both have advantages and disadvantages. Biggest advantage of hanging mirror is that mirror doesn’t take almost any place and you can hang it on door or wall. But you can’t move it. With free standing mirror is different: you can move it but it takes much place. Big advantage of free standing mirror is that you don’t need install it anywhere just stand it and start using.
Full length mirror have minimum 48” height.
Prices:
Price ranges from $40 to $ 1000 or more. It just depends on your budget and tastes. I would recommend spend no less than 100$ because 50$ mirror could have been broken in less that a week.
Best place to buy:
Online is the best place to buy it. You have all types to choose and best prices. They deliver it to your home. However if you prefer buy in store I suggest local Ikea, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Walmart, Kmart. You can buy it almost everywhere.
Installation:
• If mirror has frame, where you can put some screws from back side. Put a couple of screw eyes in the back of the frame and run a wire or heavy cord between them, like on the back of a painting. Use some kind of drywall anchor (you can find hem in local hardware store) to hang it by wire. For door installation you need to steady mirror. Use double sided tape to glue mirror frame on both sides of mirror.
• If you cannot (or you don’t want) put screw or nails then use little brackets screwed or nailed to the wall. The mirror rests on “L” shaped hangers which will go over the edge of the mirror and nail or screw to the wall. These are called mirror mount clips For wall installation you really need four of them. Two on the bottom and two on the top. Set the bottom clips first to get the wanted height. Position the top clips after the mirror is in place to get the correct spacing. For door installation, use additional one clip on both sides or double glued tape. If mirror is very heavy, use more hangers (space them about every foot or so around the mirror).
three kinds of mirror brackets
Major mirror glass types:
Clear Mirror: Clear glass with a silver backing – used in most mirrors. Thicknesses can be 3/32, 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 “.
Ultra Clear Mirror: Made similar as clear mirror but iron content is reduced in glass. Clear mirror have very slight greenish tinge but Ultra Clear Mirror don’t have it. This fact makes this kind of mirror clearer and view is better.
Antiqued Mirror: Special coatings or tints make this mirror looks like very old.