When deciding between cheap mirrors and expensive mirrors, many people worry if the extra money is worth it. Do high-end mirrors truly provide improved quality and durability? Let’s investigate the differences.
The main differences between cheap mirror vs expensive mirror lie in material quality, design, and longevity. Expensive mirrors use better glass and craftsmanship, offering a clearer reflection and lasting durability. While cheaper mirrors are budget-friendly, they may not withstand wear and tear.
Let’s look at the variations in quality, price, and durability to help you get the ideal mirror for your room.
Quality Differences Between Cheap and Expensive Mirrors
The quality of a mirror is one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase. You may be tempted to purchase a cheap mirror because of the low price, but they come with drawbacks that can affect their functionality and appearance. Expensive mirrors are made to last and look better.
Cheap mirrors are usually made with inferior glass that might diffuse light, causing a slight warp and an unclear reflection. The glass is often thinner, which makes it more prone to damage. The frame of a cheap mirror might be made of plastic or low-cost wood, which doesn’t have the same structural integrity as higher-end options.
Also, they often do not hold up well to moisture in bathrooms or other humid environments, which means they will lose quality over time. For example, a cheap bathroom mirror made to withstand moisture is not something you’ll find very often, so they corrode and fog up more readily.
On the other hand, expensive mirrors are made with high-quality glass that ensures a distortion-free and clear reflection. Expensive mirrors often use thicker glass (e.g., 6mm mirror glass) that’s more resilient. The frames are usually made with durable materials such as metal or hardwood that don’t just make the mirror sturdy, they make it look better. If you opt for a mirror with special features such as a beveled mirror, you’ll see the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into making the mirror.
These mirrors often come with special benefits, such as being moisture resistant and having anti-fog properties, making them perfect for bathrooms or other locations where humidity is a concern.
Price Differences Between Cheap and Expensive Mirrors
When it comes to mirrors, the price may be a good indicator of their quality and endurance. However, the price reflects both the type of mirror and the functions it provides.
Cheap mirrors are just that; cheap. They’re priced low and often reflect the cost of the materials used as well as the simplicity of their design. Inexpensive mirrors are often basic, and are just that; a mirror. A basic framed bathroom mirror can be had for a fraction of the cost of a backlit mirror or a vanity mirror with lights. While inexpensive, they’re cheap because they don’t have the features, and they may not last as long as more expensive options. A used bathroom mirror or the mirrors you see at discount stores like Bed Bath and Beyond mirrors may be priced quite low, but that’s for a reason.
On the other hand, expensive mirrors are made with higher-grade glass and often feature high-end designs. A backlit bathroom mirror or a LED bathroom mirror will cost more. This is because the mirror has integrated lighting technology, and it’s made with higher-quality materials. Mirrors with additional features such as LED lights, Bluetooth connectivity, or touch sensor technology are also going to be priced higher. A great full length mirror or mirror with led lights will cost more up front, but the design and the convenience of the added technology can give you a longer-term investment in your home.
Durability and Lifespan of Cheap vs Expensive Mirrors
Mirrors are an investment, and durability plays a significant role in determining that value. How long mirrors last often depends on the materials they’re made from and how they’re taken care of.
Though cheap mirrors look nice to your wallet because of how inexpensive they are, they won’t last as long. The glass in cheap mirror are often thin, so they’ll break easier. Cheap mirrors also tend to lose their reflective qualities over time. Cheap mirrors are often made with low quality materials which won’t stand the test of the moisture in a bathroom or the potential scratches from cleaning products used in bathrooms. If you find a moisture resistant mirror for the bathroom, it might last longer, but that’s not the norm for cheap mirrors.
On the other hand, expensive mirrors are made with higher quality materials that are built to last. Thicker glass, such as 6mm mirror glass, is going to last longer without getting damaged or wearing out. Additionally, many high end mirrors are made with coatings that make them impenetrable to fogging, scratches, and damage from moisture, making them perfect for bathrooms. Backlit mirrors and LED mirrors are typically made with durable, high quality materials designed to last even in humid environments where they are used frequently. So while inexpensive mirrors may look nice due to their low cost, you typically get what you pay for in the long run.
Design and Aesthetics: Cheap Mirror vs Expensive Mirror
The design of a mirror can completely change the look and feel of a room. The frame, the shape, and special features can greatly affect the overall aesthetic of the space.
Cheap mirrors often come with plain designs or simple, mass-produced frames. They serve their purpose, but they don’t necessarily contribute to the overall appearance of your room. They may be frameless or have thin, cheap frames made from plastic or some type of inexpensive wood. If you’re looking for something that looks good in an upscale interior, a cheap mirror will not have the visual appeal and attention to detail that an expensive mirror will.
Expensive mirrors, on the other hand, come in a wide range of designs. There is a lot of choice when it comes to finding a mirror that complements the style of your room. You can get all kinds of ornate frames, or you can find sleek, modern designs. If you want a framed vs frameless bathroom mirror, you can have both. Expensive mirrors often come with extra touches like LED lights, backlit mirrors, or lighted bathroom vanity mirrors that not only improve the design of the mirror but also help with the functionality.
Whether you’re looking for a magnifying mirror with light, or a light up cosmetic mirror, you can get that extra attention to detail in the design of an expensive mirror.
Are Beveled Mirrors in Style?
Beveled mirrors remain a popular option for many homeowners and decorators. They offer a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home, whether modern or classic. Whether you pick a beveled mirror for your bathroom or living room, this style has stood the test of time because to its adaptability and sophisticated appearance.
Can Decorative Mirrors Be Used in Bathrooms?
Decorative mirrors may definitely be utilized in bathrooms! While it is essential to select mirrors suited for bathrooms, such as those with moisture-resistant coatings, ornamental mirrors may lend a fashionable touch to the area. A framed mirror or lit bathroom vanity mirror may make your bathroom more efficient and visually appealing.
Are Cheap Mirrors Any Good?
In summary, cheap mirrors might be okay for a quick solution in a lowpriority area. However, they do not have the same quality, durability, or aesthetic value as an expensive mirror. They may be okay for someone with limited funds who needs a mirror right now, but they probably won’t last. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a mirror for your master bathroom, bathroom vanity mirror lights, or something you’re going to hang as a decorative piece in your living room, it’s worth it to spend the extra money for a high quality mirror.
How to Identify Good Quality Mirrors?
Glass Quality: The glass in an expensive mirror is going to be smooth, clear, and thick. It’s going to offer an accurate reflection.
Frame Quality: Cheap mirrors often have very cheap frames. If a mirror has a sturdy, well-made frame, that bodes well for its longevity and overall attractiveness. Expensive mirrors use materials like solid wood or metal.
Reflective Surface: The reflection in a cheap mirror might not be as sharp, and it might not be as bubble or scratch free.
Added Features: This includes things like LED lights, touch sensors, backlit mirrors, and a light up cosmetic mirror you might find near the bathroom vanity. These are all things found in high-quality mirrors.
How Much Should You Pay for a Mirror?
The price can vary greatly. It depends on what type of mirror you’re buying, how big it is, and what features it has. A basic bathroom mirror with lights is going to cost you less than a mirror with more advanced LED technology like a lighted vanity mirror. A high quality full length mirror will cost you more than a small, basic mirror. In the end, how much you should spend depends on what you need, but if you want something that’s well made and that will last, expect to spend more than you would on a cheap mirror.
Why Are Mirrors So Expensive?
The high cost of expensive mirrors may be attributable to a variety of factors, including the usage of high quality mirrors and long-lasting materials such as moisture-resistant bathroom mirrors. Additional additions, like as LED lighting and backlit bathroom mirrors, increase the cost. These mirrors are designed to provide exceptional durability, clarity, and beauty, which accounts for their premium price.
Where to Buy Good Quality Mirrors?
What I have found is that name brand and specialty manufacturers are where you’re going to find good quality mirrors. So, look for LED mirror suppliers, LED mirror manufacturers, and mirror suppliers who specialize in high-end products. You can certainly look at retailers like Bed Bath and Beyond mirrors for these types of mirrors. However, often the best place to find a high-quality mirror is through a specialty supplier or online. Just make sure that you check the reviews and check the warranty.
Summary
In conclusion, cheap mirrors have their place, but expensive mirrors are better designed, better built, and better looking. Spend a little more for the right mirror and you won’t be disappointed in how your space looks for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a backlit mirror, an LED bathroom mirror, or a more traditional style, quality makes all the difference.
