Often regarded as only grooming aids, mirrors are so much more than that! Nowadays, architects and interior designers are increasingly experimenting with home décor, and amongst the many things that have caught the fancy of architects and interior designers, mirror glass ranks among the highest. Nowadays, mirror glass is being utilised as a crucial decorative tool that can quickly transform the interior space of your home.
History of Mirror
Before the modern mirror glass as we know it came to be, mirrors, in general, have been around for quite some time. The very first mirrors were probably the quiet pools of water, where people first started looking at their reflections. The earliest human-made mirrors were made from polished obsidian (volcanic glass) and were found in Turkey. These mirrors are dating back about 8,000 years. Along with this, there has also been evidence of different cultures, creating reflective mirrors at various times throughout history. For example, ancient Egyptians used polished copper to make mirrors, and in China, mirror makers crafted mirrors out of bronze.
The silvered mirror glass that is used around the world now first got its start in Germany almost 200 years ago. In 1835, Justus von Liebig- a German chemist developed the process of applying a thin layer of metallic coating on one side of a clear glass pane. This technique was soon adopted by many and then subsequently improved upon, which led to the production of modern mirrors as we know it.
Mirror Glass: What is The Science Behind It?
A significant component of a mirror is glass; however, as glass is a poor reflector; it must be coated to make a mirror. Mirror glass is created by applying multiple layers or coatings of aluminium or silver to the backside of a float glass sheet or pane. This process of applying the metallic coating is called silvering. This metallic coating creates reflection. This is done because light reflects best from those surfaces which are opaque or non-diffusive. The modern manufacturing process of mirror glass begins with smoothening and flattening of the glass surface and then applying the metal coatings of uniform thickness on the inner side of the glass surface. While applying these metal coatings, utmost care and attention should be given because if even one of the coatings become thicker than the rest, the mirror glass will distort the reflection and make you look thinner or fatter or stretched than usual. If in any circumstance, the metallic coating ends up being scratched, the brightness will become uneven. On the other hand, if the metallic coating is applied too thin, you will be able to see through to the other side of the mirror, even if slightly.
A Plethora of Benefits of Mirror Glass
Mirror glass not only adds an aesthetic touch to your home, but it also brings with it a host of benefits, which is why they are the perfect addition to your home. Here are some of the benefits.
Make the Rooms Appear Larger
If you have a small apartment or a small drawing-room, bathroom, bedroom, then a sure-shot way of making your space appear larger is to incorporate mirror glass into your interior décor. As mirrors reflect objects, an instant illusion of space and length can be created if the mirror glass is installed at the right place. This means that irrespective of how small your living space may be on square footage, mirror glass can make it appear bigger. You can install mirror glass on one side of your cramped corridors to give an illusion of space and make it seem less narrow. Another great way of using mirror glass is to install it above your bed, instead of portraits or pictures. This will make your bedroom appear larger than it is. You can also cover a single wall in your bathroom with mirror glass. This will not only make your bathroom appear more spacious, but it will also make the light bounce, making your bathroom look brighter. Placing mirrors strategically around your home can give your living space a spacious and airy vibe.
Light Up Your Living Space
Since mirrors reflect light, they are an excellent way to maximise a room’s lighting and brightness. If your home or one of the rooms is poorly lit or is gloomy, mirror glass can easily help remedy the situation. With carefully positioned mirrors, you can take advantage of the mirror glass’ reflective properties and optimally use whatever light you already have in your home. You can do this by placing two mirror glass facing each other on opposite sides of the room. This way, the artificial light or ambient light can get reflected off the glass surface, making the room brighter. If you have a magnificent chandelier, you can place a mirror around it so that its light spreads throughout your living space. Oversized mirror glass can reflect more substantial amounts of light, which is why you can use them as wall piece in place of artwork.
Furthermore, mirror glass can also help you spread natural light throughout your living space. You can do this by placing mirror glass on the same or adjacent walls of windows so that the natural sunlight can be reflected at an angle to brighten up the room. By optimising natural light inside your home with the help of mirror glass, you can reduce the usage of artificial lights, especially during the day. This will ensure that your home consumes less electricity, which will lead to you saving more on electricity bills.
Tasteful Way to Hide Problems with Your Walls
Not every home or apartment is perfect. Your room’s wall could have a hole, or the wall could be damaged; in such a case, you may choose to call a masonry expert to have it fixed, but sometimes you might not get an immediate response from the expert. In such a situation, you can get an attractive mirror glass installed over it to conceal the area. The mirror glass will not only add a visual appeal to your home but will also protect the area from any further damage. This way, the mirror glass can prove to be an aesthetic solution that adds a touch of style to your home till you can get a reliable expert to get the wall fixed or patched over.
Customisable
Mirror glass can turn out to be an incredible addition to your home. They can be cut in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a perfect fit for any home. Moreover, mirror glass can also be customised by using different ways like cutting, polishing, sizing, or edging. If you want a mirror glass of a specific size, you can get it customised as per your exact specifications so that it goes well with your home décor.
Make a Unique Style Statement: How to Use Mirror Glass at Home?
Mirror glass is exceptional as a décor item as they can instantly make your home look chic and stylish. Most people think that a mantelpiece or a colourful painting can only become the focal point of a home. However, that’s not the case as mirror glass can also be used to make a style statement. An array of mirror glass cut in different shapes and sizes with decorative frames can be installed on a wall and make it the focal point of that room. Instead of using paintings that do nothing to open up space, you can use mirror glass behind your bed or the sofa. You can also use mirror glass strategically so that the reflection can bring attention to the beautiful vase or any other attractive element of your home. This way, the mirror glass can become an intelligent way to highlight the already-existing focal points of your room.
Mirror glass can also change the way your bathroom looks. You can add a customised mirror glass installed over your bathroom vanity. You can also opt for recessed mirror glass cabinet in your bathroom. This can include shelving so that you can have space for storing your toiletries and cosmetics. You can play with the different décor possibilities with mirror glass and make your bathroom look more modern.
Since mirror glass offers such extensive possibilities for personalisation, they can surely fit well with your stylistic tastes. Mirror glass oozes sleekness and is aesthetically pleasing, which is why they are excellent décor choices for those who love to experiment with their interior design. If you are thinking of remodelling your home or want to change the way it looks, it is the perfect time to work with mirror glass.
The Right Choice: AIS Mirror
When you are looking to purchase mirror glass for your home, head to AIS Glass. AIS Glass is known to be India’s most significant and organised player in the architectural glass processing segment. Our mirror glass– AIS Mirror is a high-grade mirror glass due to its superior manufacturing process, and it lasts three times longer than conventional mirrors. The AIS Mirror is free of copper coatings which ensure that no oxidised stains appear. Our mirror glass is also environment-friendly as it is lead-free. Moreover, it offers unparalleled resistance to corrosion and ageing. Our product is also compatible with a vast range of adhesives. Furthermore, the AIS Mirror is also available in various sizes, and thickness options. We also offer you a complete 360-degree solution for all your glass needs.
For your mirror glass needs, contact us today!