All About Bathroom Mirrors - Ideas
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Bathroom Mirrors - Saving Lives from Embarrassment since 6000 BC
Why dedicate one whole lens to the bathroom mirror? The answer is simple. We can't live without them.
Well, not literally. We can, in fact, walk out of our house, without sparing a single glance at the bathroom mirror, and just hope that we look decent enough. And we can shave, pluck our eyebrows, apply makeup, brush our teeth, spray some dye on our hair, etc. without the aid of our reflective buddy. We just probably wouldn't do a good job. Or we'd end up getting one nick too many.
In short, mirrors, bathroom mirrors especially, help us in so many of our daily routines, that they deserve to be talked about in greater detail.
Well, not literally. We can, in fact, walk out of our house, without sparing a single glance at the bathroom mirror, and just hope that we look decent enough. And we can shave, pluck our eyebrows, apply makeup, brush our teeth, spray some dye on our hair, etc. without the aid of our reflective buddy. We just probably wouldn't do a good job. Or we'd end up getting one nick too many.
In short, mirrors, bathroom mirrors especially, help us in so many of our daily routines, that they deserve to be talked about in greater detail.
Table of Contents
- Vain People Everywhere Should Thank...
- Mirror Check!
- Mirror Shopping
- Unique Mirror Ideas
- Cool and Unique Mirror Ideas!
- Mirror TV DIY
- How to Clean Mirrors
- Bathroom Mirrors and Self-image
- Bathroom Mirrors in Movies and Videos
- Mirrors, Superstition, and Fairy Tales
- Have you Ever Played "Bloody Mary"?
- Compact Mirrors
- Compact Mirrors
- Thoughts? Ideas? Leave a Note!
- Shop for Mirrors!
- eBay Mirror Finds
Vain People Everywhere Should Thank...
The History Behind Mirrors
The earliest man-made bathroom mirrors / mirrors in general were first found back in 6000 BC in Turkey. These were made from obsidian (volcanic glass), and would later on be further improved by Egypt, Lebanon, etc. Sometime during the 16th century, Venice perfected the method of making mirrors out of tin-mercury coated glass, and in 1835, German chemist, Justus von Liebig created a silvered-glass version of mirrors, which is what most of the mirrors today are made from (silver or aluminum).
Of course, a lot of other details happened in between the abridged version I wrote above. If you're a history geek, check out the full History of Mirrors over at Wikipedia.
Of course, a lot of other details happened in between the abridged version I wrote above. If you're a history geek, check out the full History of Mirrors over at Wikipedia.
Mirror Check!
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Mirror Shopping
Not to be confused with "window shopping"
Back in the olden days, mirrors were considered expensive luxuries. Lucky for us, today, mirrors come in such a vast variety of designs and prices, that almost everyone can afford a piece of vanity in their home.
Here are the 2 most important ideas to consider when you're ready to buy your mirror.
1. How often can you clean your mirror (including the frame)?
The more ornate mirrors will need much more care, while the simple rectangular frame-less mirror will be a breeze to maintain.
2. What is the theme of your home?
Never leave out the mirror in your decision to tie a room based on a design. The mirror is an important member in your design family, and like lighting, mirrors can make your space look bigger and brighter.
Ehow presents Unique Bathroom Mirrors ideas, especially for frames
Here are the 2 most important ideas to consider when you're ready to buy your mirror.
1. How often can you clean your mirror (including the frame)?
The more ornate mirrors will need much more care, while the simple rectangular frame-less mirror will be a breeze to maintain.
2. What is the theme of your home?
Never leave out the mirror in your decision to tie a room based on a design. The mirror is an important member in your design family, and like lighting, mirrors can make your space look bigger and brighter.
Ehow presents Unique Bathroom Mirrors ideas, especially for frames
Unique Mirror Ideas
Mirrors By Theme
If you haven't been out shopping for mirrors recently, then you'll be surprised to find just how many different mirror designs are out there!Here are 5 awesomely unique finds online:
From left to right, top to bottom:
The Stag Mirror - For a Rustic Feel
Look for mirrors with leaves, branches, etc - anything that reminds you of the great outdoors.
Victorian Mirror - Classic Elegance
Nothing says classic elegance more than filigree-carved frames.
Mosaic Mirror - Creative, Artsy
Add some color to your life with this eye candy mosaic mirror!
Geometric Mirror - Contemporary / Industrial
I am a sucker for geometric shape designs, so I absolutely love this one. The frame is made from metal so it gives that industrial edge to it.
TV Mirror - For the Couch Potato
I say who cares about frames, when you've got a friggin' TV inside your mirror? Yes, you heard me. Not beside, not on top of, but inside - as in futuristically inside. Scroll down to the next section to view a youtube DIY tutorial for TV mirrors.
There are a LOT of other cool mirrors and unique mirrors out there so go ahead and explore all sorts of ideas. Just don't forget about your budget while you're shopping!
Cool and Unique Mirror Ideas!
Including the bathroom mirror TV, and a couple of quirky handmade wall and bathroom mirrors - lots of great ideas for you to choose from for your DIY interior decorating project =)
Mirror TV DIY
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How to Clean Mirrors
Home Remedies vs Commercial Glass Cleaners
1. Glass cleaner - which, for me, works best among all
2. Vinegar - wipe using newspaper
3. Rubbing Alcohol
I recently tried a little experiment with a small bathroom mirror to see which cleaning method works best. I splattered some toothpaste on the mirror with my electric toothbrush and let the toothpaste stains stay and harden on the mirror for 2 full days. Afterward, I decided to try using the methods above (except the glass cleaner because I already knew how well it works based on multiple times I've cleaned my full length bathroom mirrors with it) but using a soft cloth instead of newspaper. I also tried cleaning the mirror with just water, as well as just using a dry cloth, as my control variables. I found out that after the glass cleaner, rubbing alcohol seems to do the second best. You can refer to my image above to see.
Of course, this is not fully conclusive. A lot of further experiments need to be taken, but in my own opinion, if you can get yourself a glass cleaner, this is still your best bet.
Bathroom Mirrors and Self-image
Why you need good bathroom mirrors and good lighting
The bathroom mirror is an important piece of your home because in some ways, your self-confidence depends on it. How so? Because the mirror is the most accurate representation of yourself. By getting bathroom mirrors with cheap glass or imperfect curves, or leaving these mirrors smudgy and dirty, or by getting bad lighting / extremely bright lighting, your reflection tends to look bad.
It's always good to have a physical affirmation that we look fine - so make sure you buy bathroom mirrors that work toward that goal instead of against it.
It's always good to have a physical affirmation that we look fine - so make sure you buy bathroom mirrors that work toward that goal instead of against it.
Bathroom Mirrors in Movies and Videos
Mirrors have also been crucial elements in movies. The mirror is the perfect scare tactic in horror movies! Heck, there's even a horror movie named "Mirrors" featuring THE 24 man, Kiefer Sutherland. Horror movies always like utilizing the creepy idea that something will pop out of the mirror unexpectedly. In the Candyman movie, people who chant "Candyman" in front of the mirror 5 times will get an unexpected and absolutely terrifying experience.
Comedies have also loved using mirrors for the "funny". In How I Met your Mother, Marshall gives himself a hilarious pep talk for an upcoming marathon in front of a mirror just in time for Robin to catch him. In Arrested Development, Barry makes an inside joke by doing his Fonz pose (back in the old Happy Days decade) in front a bathroom mirror. South Park makes a satire out of the whole "something pops out of the mirror" scare (which is also popularly known as the Bloody Mary), when the boys dare each other to chant "Biggie Smalls" (as in the guy from Notorious BIG hahaha!) thrice in front of the mirror.
As one of the commenters below mentioned, the mirror is also the perfect prop for music videos as it provides quick dramatic effects that are particularly useful for short-length music videos.
Nobody uses the mirror concept more awesomely and innovatively than Duck Soup's mirror sequence. Check out the video below :)
Comedies have also loved using mirrors for the "funny". In How I Met your Mother, Marshall gives himself a hilarious pep talk for an upcoming marathon in front of a mirror just in time for Robin to catch him. In Arrested Development, Barry makes an inside joke by doing his Fonz pose (back in the old Happy Days decade) in front a bathroom mirror. South Park makes a satire out of the whole "something pops out of the mirror" scare (which is also popularly known as the Bloody Mary), when the boys dare each other to chant "Biggie Smalls" (as in the guy from Notorious BIG hahaha!) thrice in front of the mirror.
As one of the commenters below mentioned, the mirror is also the perfect prop for music videos as it provides quick dramatic effects that are particularly useful for short-length music videos.
Nobody uses the mirror concept more awesomely and innovatively than Duck Soup's mirror sequence. Check out the video below :)
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Mirrors, Superstition, and Fairy Tales
Because of the very nature of mirrors, there tends to be several superstitious beliefs revolving around these reflective items. We all know the well-known belief that breaking mirrors means bad luck. This was brought about by the belief that our soul is reflected on the mirror, so breaking the mirror means also breaking our soul. This is also why vampires can see no reflection - because they no longer have a soul.
Fairy tales have also given magic elements to mirrors. For instance, in Snow White, the Evil Queen would use her mirror to find out if she was still the fairest in the land. In Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Belle was given the mirror in order to see how her family was doing.
As stated in the previous snippet, some people believe that if you repeat certain words in front of the mirror, you will summon something evil. There is a popular childhood game known as the "Bloody Mary" which plays around this idea.
Fairy tales have also given magic elements to mirrors. For instance, in Snow White, the Evil Queen would use her mirror to find out if she was still the fairest in the land. In Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Belle was given the mirror in order to see how her family was doing.
As stated in the previous snippet, some people believe that if you repeat certain words in front of the mirror, you will summon something evil. There is a popular childhood game known as the "Bloody Mary" which plays around this idea.
Have you Ever Played "Bloody Mary"?
Did you ever chant these words in front of your mirror before?
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List of References
Where I got the pictures
- Stock Photos - Girl Looking at Mirror
- Free stock photos
- Victorian Mrror
- Shopping website
- Showcase Mosaic Mirror Gallery Page
- Mosaic creations
Compact Mirrors
Vanity in your Pocket
Compact mirrors are awesome. They're small, you can carry them anywhere, and there are a TON of great designs to choose from. You can probably choose one design for every mood and every day or for every bag design you may have and you will still have more designs to choose from. There are compact mirrors with intricate beaded patterns on the top, compact mirrors in the shape of strawberries, cherries, or any other fruit you may think of, then there are even those that look like chocolate! Compact Mirrors
Go for the basic compact mirror or try new unique mirror ideas such as this classic girl comic book character!
Thoughts? Ideas? Leave a Note!
I LOVE getting feedback - esp. the positive kind ;)
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LaraineRose
Nov 27, 2011 @ 1:40 am | delete
- This is a nice lens on mirrors. I think it is time we got a new one for one for one of our bathrooms. I notice that some of the backing is coming off. Or, can it be repaired?
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rbathroomtv
Jul 4, 2011 @ 6:40 am | delete
- This makes me feel terror. :(
and welcome to my web bathroom tv talk about bathroom tv.
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hlkljgk Feb 21, 2011 @ 7:32 pm | delete
- thanks for the inspiration :)
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ICanCook
Nov 1, 2010 @ 10:13 pm | delete
- I love mirrors. I have some many about my home. A mirror is not only for looking at yourself, but for adding light.
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homebuddy
Nov 3, 2010 @ 9:15 pm | delete
- Agreed! I also love how mirrors make your place look roomier than it really is. Thank you very much for stopping by!
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Desilegend Oct 28, 2010 @ 2:30 am | delete
- What about ceiling mirrors? Thanks for dropping by!
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homebuddy
Nov 3, 2010 @ 9:15 pm | delete
- Good idea, I'll look into featuring ceiling mirrors on the next update. Thanks! :)
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lastlittlebird
Oct 22, 2010 @ 11:34 am | delete
- Really good lens. I didn't realise mirrors could be so interesting! :)
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aesta1
Oct 21, 2010 @ 9:23 pm | delete
- Love mirrors. These were the only ones I brought when we moved house. I think they dress up the bathroom beautifully.
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chipchan
Oct 21, 2010 @ 1:26 pm | delete
- I always see this fat round guy whenever I look in my bathroom mirror, and it isn't me.
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Shop for Mirrors!
eBay Mirror Finds
by homebuddy
Hi, I'm homebuddy and I confess that I look at myself in the mirror way too often. When I'm not doing that, I spend most of my time in front of the co... more »
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