Dressing room mirror with light bulbs: main criteria and features of selection

Dressing room mirrors with light bulbs originally appeared in theaters and cabarets. They were used to create makeup for actors and dancers, which is an important component of the stage image. The role of lighting is difficult to overestimate. It helps remove shadows from the face and see the smallest skin defects. This allows you to most effectively change the artist’s appearance, making him older or younger, healthy or sickly.

Now this piece of furniture can be found not only in the offices of professional makeup artists, but also in the interior of many private homes. Mirrors with lamps are installed in the dressing room, bathroom, bedroom. Women use them for high-quality application of makeup, men - for even shaving of the beard and its curly haircut.

Features of using illuminated makeup mirrors

The prototype for creating dressing room mirrors with lamps was cosmetic models with candlesticks, which appeared long before the invention of electricity. Like their predecessors, the design of modern products is quite simple. They consist of a mirror cloth framed by a frame around the perimeter of which there are light bulbs. There are also options without frames, and the lamps cut directly into the mirror surface. The presence of backlight is their main feature.

These items are used by makeup artists, hairdressers, and makeup artists. They have long been installed in the homes of ordinary people who constantly monitor their appearance and want to look well-groomed and elegant. Good lighting allows women to examine all skin imperfections, do professional makeup on their own, and perform various cosmetic procedures aimed at eliminating wrinkles, bags under the eyes, and rejuvenation.

In addition to practical functions, a mirror with light bulbs is characterized by high aesthetic qualities. This decorative element will become the highlight of any interior. When choosing the most suitable model, its purpose is first taken into account. Professional stylists will require large canvases with a perfectly smooth surface without any defects. For home use, you can choose structures of any size, depending on the location of their installation.

Types of lighting organization

Bathroom mirrors with external or internal lighting are very popular. This success is due to the use of remote lighting in these models. The mirrors are equipped with connectors for various types of lamps; in addition, they can have fastenings that allow the lamps to be placed at a convenient distance. The backlight illuminates not only the mirror, but also the objects located next to it.

Mirror lighting can serve as full bathroom lighting.

Internal

Internal lighting sets the optimal direction of lighting, which is provided by spotlights located on the sides of the mirror and one long fluorescent lamp located in the center.

The intensity of the lighting built into the mirror can be adjusted using a dimmer.

This model is distinguished by a variety of lighting colors. However, in this case, it will not be able to fulfill its main purpose, but rather will be a spectacular decoration.

Modern designers add lighting to mirrors in various ways.

External

External lighting is an excellent assistant when applying makeup, shaving, and performing other cosmetic procedures.

External lighting is the most relevant today.

Advantages and disadvantages

A cosmetic mirror, framed around the perimeter by lamps emitting uniform light, allows you to accurately evaluate the created image and see all the inaccuracies of the applied makeup. Having decided to purchase a product or make it yourself, you should understand its main characteristics and consider its positive aspects. The benefits of using this item include:

• long service life of the mirror surface;
• LED bulbs rarely burn out and can be replaced if necessary;
• the item can be used as additional lighting for a certain area in the room;
• serves as an original decorative element in the interior of the room;
• There is a wide variety of mirrors that differ in shape, color, and dimensions;
• some models visually increase the space;
• thanks to the simple device, the design can be made independently at home;
• allows you to examine your face, identify skin imperfections, and conveniently perform hygiene procedures, for example, brushing your teeth, washing your face, shaving;
• This is a great gift for any woman or man.

Among the disadvantages are:

• high price;
• low performance characteristics of budget options;
• searching for a suitable model will be difficult, the products are not sold in all stores;
• additional energy consumption.

Will help you create an interior in Hollywood style

A dressing room mirror, even a small one, is an accent detail in the interior. Add to it a chair that resembles a director's chair, a red carpet or a fur rug on the floor, a pop art portrait on the wall and a couple of silver or gold decorative details - figurines, candlesticks. You will get your own luxurious corner in the apartment, where you will indulge in bohemian life: drink champagne and sort through jewelry donated by numerous fans.

Types of mirrors

There is a wide variety of backlit mirrors. They differ from each other in various parameters. To choose the optimal model, you need to understand the existing types. All products can be divided according to the following criteria:

1. Shape: round and oval; square and rectangular.
2. Location method: wall-mounted; floor; desktop; built into a furniture set.
3. Size and display parameters of a person: full height; waist-deep in a standing position; waist-deep in a sitting position.
4. Material used to make the frame: wood; metal; plastic.
5. Type of lamps: incandescent, fluorescent, LED.
6. Raw materials used to create the reflective layer: aluminum, silver.

To size

When purchasing or making your own illuminated mirror for home use, you need to decide on its size. This parameter depends on several factors. First of all, you should consider the location of its installation:

• In the hall. Experts recommend installing one large mirror in this room. It allows a person to see himself in full growth, to fully appreciate his appearance. You can use floor-mounted, wall-mounted, or stand-mounted models. Illumination from spotlights here also plays the role of additional lighting for the room.
• In the bathroom. Here the item is usually located directly above the sink. Rectangular models should be selected with a width that matches the washbasin or is slightly smaller. There are no such restrictions for round options. Height is determined individually.
• In the bedroom. A makeup table is suitable for the bedroom. It can be corner or wall. The average countertop height is 75 cm, but when choosing, you need to focus on the woman’s height. Width – 40-45 cm. The mirror surface should be located in the center of the eyes in a sitting position.

At home, to apply high-quality makeup yourself, a canvas of 40x60 cm will be enough. To create professional makeup, a master will need a product with minimum parameters of 60x100 cm.

By shape

The main difference between makeup mirrors is their shape. Most often, rectangular and square products are found, less often round and oval. The first two models are the most practical. When choosing a specific option, it is necessary to take into account personal preferences, as well as the stylistic design of the room:

• Rectangular and square. They have the largest reflective area. Fits into any design. They allow you to visually enlarge the room and make it proportional. Rectangular structures can be hung horizontally or vertically.
• Round and oval. They take up less space. Most often they are installed in the bathroom or above a cosmetic table. They are quite popular in many modern styles.
• Models with non-standard parameters in the form of hearts and triangles are not used in practice, with the exception of options with LED backlighting. It serves solely as a decoration and does not allow sufficient illumination of the face.

By placement method and type of lamps

The main advantage of a dressing room mirror is the presence of lighting. It is provided thanks to LED, fluorescent, and incandescent lamps. The last option is used by professional makeup artists. However, it is very difficult to adjust the light intensity for these devices, since their spectrum varies greatly. They also get very hot, so they require large rooms with high ceilings and good ventilation.

The use of fluorescent lamps quickly tires the eyes and causes headaches. They can be used mainly at home, where mirrors are used relatively rarely. Good lighting is provided by LED bulbs. They consume a minimal amount of electricity, are durable, and practically do not emit heat. This is the best choice and is in greatest demand.

Lighting fixtures can be placed in three different ways relative to the mirror surface. The first two methods involve their location on the product itself. The optimal place to install the flashlight is the frame of the structure. Also, light sources can be mounted directly into the mirror surface. Such items can be moved and installed in a new location without any problems. A less rational technique is the option of mounting light bulbs separately on the wall around the mirror.

There are models with LED strips. They are not very popular because they do not allow for high-quality makeup. The main disadvantage of these devices is that they shine only forward and do not create frontal illumination of reflected light.

By installation method

Another important characteristic of light bulb mirrors is the way they are installed. There are floor-mounted, wall-mounted, table-top, and built-in furniture options. Each type has its own characteristics. For example, a large product installed on the floor allows a person to look at himself in full growth, perform high-quality makeup, and choose the right wardrobe.

Wall structures take up minimal space and can be placed in any size room. They are securely fixed to the wall. Unlike floor-standing models, they are less susceptible to various types of damage. Also, these models are characterized by mobility; they can be moved to another place without much effort. Most often, such structures are installed in bathrooms and hallways.

Tabletop devices are the most convenient devices designed for cosmetic procedures and makeup creation. Separately, you can highlight the finished dressing table. Depending on the method of installation of the mirror cloth, the following types are distinguished: dressing table, trellis, with a folding mirror, with a mirror attached to the tabletop. It can be placed in the bedroom or dressing room.

Additional bath lighting options

Depending on the cost of the mirror, its functionality may change and its capabilities may increase or decrease accordingly.

The cost of a mirror depends on the quality of the materials and its uniqueness.

Touch backlight

Today, manufacturers present mirrors equipped with special touch-sensitive lighting. A sensor is a device that responds to movements and turns on and off when you move your hand over it.

Note! When installing, it should be taken into account that it is better not to place shelves and other objects above it at a distance of at least 10-15 cm in order to avoid self-ignition.

The variety of mirror images is divided based on the type of backlight:

• internal;
• external.

Touch backlighting has many advantages, but the big disadvantage is the price.

The main advantage of internal illumination is the clear detail of the reflection. This is achieved through the presence of LED blocks or strips. To prevent light from hurting your eyes, they are placed under frosted glass. Such lighting will emphasize the effectiveness of the mirror in the bathroom interior.

This version of the backlight is purely decorative.

Style solutions

In addition to its main function, a mirror is also a decorative element. When choosing a product, it is worth considering the direction of the interior design of the room in which it will be installed. The model must fully comply with the existing design and not contradict it. The item must be combined with other items installed in the room. Let's look at a few popular styles:

• Classical. Large models in a massive frame made of natural wood will look appropriate. It is desirable that the frame be decorated with carvings and gilded.
• Minimalism. For this style, frameless products with light bulbs located around the perimeter of the mirror surface are suitable. Rectangular canvases without unnecessary decorative elements are also suitable.
• Loft. For this direction, large-sized floor structures can be used. The frame can be made of roughly processed wood or metal.
• High tech. Here you can use rectangular, square, round mirrors. The frame should be small or absent altogether.
• Provence. It is worth choosing designs of the correct geometric shape. The frame can have patterns and is painted in light colors.

Safety Recommendations and Manufacturing Tips

When working with a backlit mirror, you should always remember that this is an electrical device that requires proper handling. If used negligently, a fire may occur. When working with it, you should follow the following recommendations:

• it is required to limit access to the item for young children;
• When using factory models, you should follow the safety rules specified in the instructions supplied with them;
• the insulation of the wires should be checked periodically;
• Do not place flammable substances nearby, especially near products with incandescent light bulbs;
• when leaving the house, the electrical appliance must be completely disconnected from the network;
• When a product catches fire, it is de-energized, and then the fire is extinguished.

When making a structure yourself, you should adhere to some rules:

• for work it is better to use LED lamps, they practically do not heat up and consume a minimal amount of energy;
• the wiring must have good insulation; if one of the lamps breaks down, they must be checked for integrity;
• when making wiring, you need to take care of the presence of fuses, one is installed at the input on the high side, the second at the output of the transformer;
• bare wires should not touch each other;
• the number of lamps may be different and is selected individually;
• When installing a mirror, it is necessary to ensure a comfortable distance between it and the user.

Tips for placing mirrors in the hallway

Listen to the following recommendations if you want the mirror to bring only positivity into your life, and for negativity to bypass you the tenth way:

1. A good place to place a mirror is on the side wall of a door, but don't hang it too close or the mirror risks breaking. Large mirrors accumulate a large amount of energy, for this reason, choose a fairly large object, for example, a mirror on the entire wall or a mirrored wardrobe.
2. Floor mirrors are an ideal option when there is no direct contact with the front door; Feng Shui fully approves of this arrangement.
3. Mirrors are capable of storing negative events, so if this happens, the best thing to do would be to remove the object that has become “dirty” and replace it with a new one.
4. You can also place a mirror on the front wall, but only so that it does not face the front door. Place the mirror at an angle, in this case the directed energy flows will be refracted, they will not leave the room, but will be attracted inside.
5. Feng Shui experts advise placing mirrors in frames, which provide additional protection.
6. Make sure your mirrors are perfectly clean and wipe them as often as possible. It is also worth placing flowers near the mirror or hanging a picture opposite the reflective surface (in this case, it will accumulate positive energy and distribute it throughout the room).

What to look for when buying a ready-made mirror with lamps

When choosing a finished product, you should consider a number of important points. Initially, it is necessary to pay attention to its shape and aesthetic appeal. A large canvas allows you to visually enlarge the space and see yourself in full growth. The purchased model must fully correspond to the interior of the room in which it will be installed, complement and emphasize the existing style. It is also worth considering the following criteria:

• Place of future installation. The type of structure depends on it: floor, wall, tabletop.
• Quality. The mirror canvas and frame must meet all standards and be free from defects. It is better to take products from trusted manufacturers, for example, IKEA.
• Safety. A very important point is the reliability of the electrical wiring. When choosing an item for the bathroom, you should make sure that it is protected from moisture.
• Backlight. Very often, manufacturers provide the opportunity to buy a design without light bulbs. Lighting elements must be purchased separately. It is better to give preference to LED lamps.
• Price. You should not skimp on the quality of the product. Luxury models will last for decades.
• Type of coverage. The reflectivity of silver-coated mirrors is much higher than that of aluminum-coated mirrors.