The 5 Minute Guide To Standing Mirrors

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A free standing mirror is a mirror that is not attached to the wall or a vanity. Instead, it uses a base to stand upright on its own. There are a few different types all of which can make an attractive and functional addition to your home as well as make your daily life easier.

Advantages Of Free Standing Mirrors

Each type of mirror has its own unique strong points as they are designed for different uses. In general, a standing mirror is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a mirror that:

Won’t Warp: Many mirrors which are screwed into the wall end up eventually bending or warping as a result. This can lead to a reflection that makes you look too thin or too fat. You always want a mirror that gives you a true reflection of yourself, not like something you would see in a funhouse; a standing mirror will give you that.

Allows You To See Your Full Reflection: There is nothing more annoying than having to stand on something or back up really far to see your full reflection, especially when looking at your outfit before leaving the house. Most standing mirrors are full length. This allows you to see your whole body as opposed to just part of it.

Takes Up Very Little Floor Space: While some take up less than others, in general, their compact nature makes them ideal for anyone who does not have a lot of space. In fact, many standing floor mirrors will take up less than a square foot, allowing anyone who has a small bedroom or lives in a studio apartment to enjoy all the benefits of a full length mirror.

Allow You To Free Up Wall Space: By using one instead of a wall mirror, you free up wall space for other décor options like photos and paintings. Standing mirrors can also be a simple solution if you don’t have the wall space in the first place, for a full length mirror but still want to enjoy all the benefits of one.

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Options Everyone Can Enjoy

Floor Standing Mirror / Standing Floor Mirror: These are probably the most commonly seen type of free standing mirrors. They get their name from the fact that the frame will often directly rest on the floor. Some models have two short front legs under the frame. Floor standing mirrors are also supported by a foldable back frame similar to that of an easel.

Many options will also have straps on the sides connecting the front and back for extra support. Floor standing mirrors are virtually all rectangular in shape. Usually, they are found with frames made from wood in a variety of different stains and finishes. White standing mirrors along with black are extremely popular as they can easily match most décor.

Other materials such as metal are also available. A frame made from steel, for example, can look unbelievably attractive with clean and sleek lines for someone who likes a minimalist or modern look.  Mirrors which are beveled can also be very appealing.

Most customers also appreciate the fact that the majority of floor standing mirrors require no assembly (the ones that do need only a minimal amount), allowing them to be used right out of the box!

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Standard size models usually are around 11”-14” wide to 51”-59” in height depending on the brand. Because they fold flat and are very thin, they are extra convenient should they have to be stored away in a closet or under a bed. Being lightweight also helps to make storage a cinch.

However, if you are looking for something bigger don’t worry, there are other options as well. Large standing mirrors normally are around 28”- 29” wide and from 72”- 77” high. A large free standing mirror can make for a stunning focal point particularly as many models can look much more expensive than they really are. Just remember to pick a frame color that matches or complements the décor in the room.

They also can be a very simple way to make a room appear bigger than it really is as they reflect more light due to their larger surface area compared with standard size models. This can also be a benefit if you want to add more light to a room as well! A large sturdy mirror like the one below can really make quite a big impression.

Standard size full length standing mirrors are most often used wherever you get dressed. For many people, this is in the bedroom. The most common spot is in a corner which is perfect for the back frame and makes use of a place you would normally overlook.

Many people also use them in a spare bedroom which they use as a dressing room, in their walk-in closet, the hallway, and even the bathroom. They also can be used in just about any narrow space if that’s what you need. Placing one in front of an unsightly wall panel or outlet is another smart idea.

A large free standing mirror would also work in the bedroom but also in the foyer or even the dining room. Leaning one against the wall is also an attractive way to go in any room. Some people even end up mounting them on their walls. The choice is yours! And of course, they are both also very popular with business owners who own boutiques and even salons.

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Cheval Standing Mirror: Another option that falls into the standing mirror category is what’s commonly referred to as a cheval mirror. “Cheval,” means “horse” in French, and this type got its name for its distinctive base that has vertical bars held up by four feet, which resemble those of a horse. These have been popular since the 1700s when they were invented, and for good reason.

The design of cheval mirrors is not only different from floor standing mirrors by the fact that they have four feet, but also that the mirror and stand are two separate pieces. Making it more unique is the fact that the mirror itself is attached to the stand by a joint that can swivel.

This is one of the features which makes them so popular because it allows you to tilt the mirror to any angle you desire, enabling you to use it to see your entire body or just part of it! Cheval standing mirrors also are an elegant stand-alone piece of décor that can add to the look of any space.

Many are very reasonably priced and offer a fantastic return in beauty for their cost. Frames and stands come in a wide array of woods and also metal. When it comes to shape they are either oval or rectangular. Oval mirrors tend to portray a more antique or vintage look if that is what you are going for.

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Some even have ornate carvings making more of an impression. Rectangular-shaped ones can look very modern so you can definitely find one that will match your home. There are even mirrors made specifically for children.

Because they are not one single piece, cheval standing mirrors will require some assembly. However, it is extremely minimal normally only requiring around fifteen minutes at the most. And while for some models you’ll need a screwdriver to do so, with others you won’t need any tools at all.

While they are not going to fit into super narrow spots like a standing floor mirror would, chevals can work just about anywhere you are looking to add some style. Most commonly this means the bedroom, bathroom, and many times the living room or dining room as they can complement antique furniture very well.

Since they can be detached from their stands, if you end up falling in love with your mirror and want to mount it on the wall, that is always an option as well!

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Standing Mirror Jewelry Armoire: Also sometimes called a standing mirror jewelry cabinet or even a standing mirror jewelry box, these are a brilliant way to keep your jewelry and accessories. The mirror is attached to a cabinet door which opens up to reveal hidden jewelry armoire notches with hooks, holders, and notches for all your rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry.

Being able to get dressed and accessorize with your outfit in one place can save a huge amount of time each and every day. Not only that but a standing mirror jewelry armoire will keep your things organized, free of dust, and from becoming tangled (which is always an annoying problem). Most are spacious enough to hold even very large collections.

Because they are cheval style mirrors, the mirror and cabinet are attached to a joint that can swivel letting you adjust it to whatever angle you need or prefer, and have a base with legs to support them. To maximize the amount of jewelry they can hold, they are made to be rectangular in shape.

And as far as material goes, wood is the only option, however of course there are many types, colors, and finishes to fit every individual preference and need. Many models are even lockable with a key to keep your possessions safe.

It’s needless to say they make a great space-saving and functional gift idea for females of all ages even if they happened to be particularly hard to shop for! And don’t worry they only need a few minutes of assembly time. Over the door mirror jewelry organizers are another take on this idea if you have limited space.

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Free Standing Bathroom Mirror: While these are not full-sized, not used for getting dressed, and should not be confused with the three types above, technically they are free standing and they are mirrors so we threw them in too.

They’re actually used for applying makeup(and that’s why they are almost always referred to as makeup mirrors), tweezing unwanted hairs, skincare, and are fantastic for shaving as they are magnified so you can see your skin very clearly. Some even have LED lights to help you do so. They are most often round or oval in shape and rest on a short stand and base which is placed on a bathroom counter or vanity.

A free standing mirror regardless of the type is always a smart and good-looking choice. With so many convenient features it’s not hard to find one you’ll enjoy owning and using every day. You can never go wrong with the value and function they provide!