Rating of the best illuminated mirrors for 2022

A mirror is a popular, necessary piece of furniture, a working tool (make-up artists, cosmetologists). By studying the rating of the best illuminated mirrors for 2022, you can trace the popularity of additional features, fashion trends, choose a quality product at the best price.

History of appearance

The first mirror was the reflection of people's faces on the water surface - rivers, lakes, puddles after rain. Until the 13th century, metal products were made - round, oval shapes made of bronze, copper, gold, and rock crystal were polished to a shine.

Products made from obsidian (volcanic glass, which is formed when lava cools) were popular. Parts of such rock were carefully polished. Man-made obsidian mirrors are found during excavations in the territory of modern Turkey. It is believed that such products were made in 6000 BC.

In ancient Rome (early AD), the first reflectors were made of glass, a thin layer of lead, gold, and tin.

The development of the production of glass objects, blowing various forms (1240) helped to start the manufacture of surfaces that clearly and vividly reflected the image. In 1279, John Pecamum, an Italian monk, invented the real glass mirror. The principle of production is that it is necessary to pour molten tin into a glass ball through a tube, evenly distribute it along the walls of the vessel.The cooled ball was broken, large fragments were framed, used as mirrors. The main drawback is the distorted image.

At the beginning of the 15th century, Venetian craftsmen invented flat mirrors, mercury amalgam (an alloy of mercury and other metals). A hot glass cylinder was divided into parts, rolled out on a copper surface, and a layer of amalgam was applied.

Mirrors began to be produced in large sizes, with beautiful frames. The cost is several ships for one mirror.

The French king Louis 14 (the sun king) lured away several Venetian masters, opened his own production of Saint-Gobain. The cost of mirror products has decreased several times. Mirror paintings began to be installed in royal palaces instead of stained glass windows.

The German chemist Justus von Liebig (1835) described the technology of using silver for mirror surfaces. This technique is used in the modern manufacture of reflectors, reflectors.

How is it made

Mirrors are made from polished, unpolished sheet glass.

Sheet glass

The main components - sand, limestone, soda are checked for impurities of metals, iron (high content - a greenish tint). Mirror glass is brewed in bath, pot furnaces of continuous, periodic action.

The glass ribbon is formed on a rolling machine between metal rollers that are cooled with water. To increase strength, it is fired. Improving the quality of the surface (fire polishing) - passing through a bath of molten metal.

Polishing, grinding - a special conveyor removes 1.25-2.5 mm. Diamond, steel rollers cut the canvas to the specified dimensions.

Finished mirror glass has a thickness of 2-6 mm. Light transmission - 84-85%.

Unpolished glass - small items (25-35 cm).

Making a mirror

The main stages of production:

• cutting

Desktop machines with rough diamonds (a large number of faces) are cut to the desired parameters.

• Faceting

Grinding, polishing glass edges. Facet - an edge processed at a certain angle. There is a steep, wide facet. Steep facet - processing with a width of 4-8 mm, at an angle of 40-50⁰. It is used for small, medium sizes (manual, pocket). Wide bevel - processing with a width of 20-25 mm, at an angle of 10-15⁰, large products.

There are three stages of faceting:

1. Rough grinding - metal friezes, carborundum stones.
2. Fine grinding - stones.
3. Polishing - felt discs of polishing machines.

• cleansing

The product in a vertical position between the rubber rollers is treated with steam, chalk powder (brushes). Rinse with hot air and dry. Degrease from all sides with a solvent (gasoline, industrial alcohol).

• Metallization process (use of silver, aluminum)

Silver plating is the most common technology. The production uses an alkaline solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3). Reducing agent - invert sugar (boiling sugar, sulfuric acid), formaldehyde, salts of tartaric acid. The main chemical reaction is reduction, the deposition of silver on the surface under the influence of glucose from the reducing agent. The process takes place within 5-10 minutes, a silver film of 0.15-0.3 microns is obtained. Get a greater thickness - double, triple pouring (re-silvering). The disadvantage of the technology is the high cost of the product, the darkening of the surface (film of silver sulfide Ag2S) with humidity.

Vacuum aluminizing - immersion of glass in vacuum chambers (pressure 0.003 Pa).Aluminum evaporates and forms a film 0.12-0.14 µm thick. The metallization process is 15-20 minutes. Products with aluminum coating are moisture resistant (1.5-2 times more than silver coating), the cost is lower.

Large furniture mirrors - silver sputtering technology, everyday small ones - aluminized products.

• Protective covering

Copper layer, paintwork materials.

Apply a copper film of the same thickness as the silver layer. The second layer is nitroenamel, nitrolac. Apply using lacquering machines. Protection against high humidity - a layer of nitro enamel with bituminous varnish.

Titanium coating is the most durable, strong, expensive.

What are

There are several types according to functionality, place of application, fastening.

• Decorative

Decoration of premises, buildings. They use different forms (wood, flames), artificially aged (patinated), colors (tinted products).

• Functional

They are located in bathrooms, dressing rooms, hallways, halls. The main function is to convey a clear, high-quality image of a part of the body, face, full height. Distinguish according to the method of location - floor, wall, desktop (stationary, portable).

Double-sided - one side gives a normal image, the second - an increase (3-10 times).

Swivel - rotate 180-360⁰.

Boudoir (dressing table), 2, 3-leaf - bedrooms, with shelves, cabinets for storing cosmetics, jewelry.

• Multifunctional

Additional functions - heating, touch panel, clock, wardrobe with mirrored doors, car (viewing angle up to 40⁰), music center.

The novelty of 2019 is a smart mirror with a backlight, a Bluetooth speaker, wireless charging for the phone.

Backlight

The use of different light sources helps with cosmetic procedures, applying makeup. There are lighting formats:

• external - illuminates the mirror surface, shelves, cabinets. Lamps are used on three sides for uniform illumination;
• internal - LED strips, blocks mounted under a matte surface;
• decorative - various colors, shades, located along the outer diameter of the product, performs design solutions.

Lamp types

1. Incandescent lamps are budgetary, burn out quickly, fragile, consume a lot of energy.
2. Halogen lamps - work at high humidity, durable, consume little energy.
3. Fluorescent light sources - the natural spectrum of lighting, the disadvantage is the flickering effect.
4. Discharge, neon lamps - high light output.
5. Light-emitting diodes (LED) - a bright glow, work for a long time.

Applying makeup - light sources with a color rendering index (CRI) - 80-100, lighting from 3-4 sides, brightness control.

How to avoid mistakes when choosing

Modern technologies offer a wide selection of mirrors in shape, color, size, functional features.

The main criteria for choosing a quality product that you should pay attention to.

Location

The main criterion is where the mirror will hang (stand):

• bathroom;
• entrance hall, hall;
• wardrobe;
• mobile (portable) options.

The size

The most common options:

• 40 cm - allows you to see the face, chest area;
• 60 cm - view to the waist;
• 120 cm - a reflection of the figure to the knees.

Form, design

Standard figures, design solutions - different interiors:

• square, rectangular shape - modern style;
• round, oval - classic interior;
• forms under the order individual choice (books, dew drops).

Mirror quality

Long-term use depends on the quality of the base material:

• thickness - the optimal choice is 4-6 mm. High-quality goods - from sheet glass of the highest grades (M1 - mirror improved, M2 - mirror, M3 - window polished);
• smoothness - without dots, spots, irregularities;
• coating - consists of 3 layers: reflective silver coating, protective from moisture, mechanical damage - paint, polymer;
• edge - end processing. Euroedge - straight, curly;
• manufacturer's certificate with information about the materials used in the manufacture.

Frame, mount

Moisture resistant materials - plastic, stainless steel. Simple, high-quality fastening - large dimensions, heavy frames.

Lamp type, switch

LED, halogen or incandescent bulbs. Switching on is carried out by a button, a sensor, a remote control.

Additional accessories

Shelves, lockers, sockets, functions - heating, clock, music via bluetooth.

Rating of the best illuminated mirrors for 2022

A large selection of mirrors is offered by online stores, branded salons of famous brands. The purchase can be made directly in the store, order the goods online. When compiling a review of popular models, we focused on the popularity of goods from well-known online sites, the opinions of buyers.

Many modern models perform several functions at the same time (desktop - magnifying, cosmetic, wall - multifunctional).

wall

Medici, double-sided, 3x magnification 501

Italian brand Boheme. Cosmetic, double-sided, with a 3-fold increase. The shape is round. Design is classic. Bronze color. Material - glass, brass. Parameters: width - 253 mm, height - 320 mm, depth - 450 mm. Installation - wall, hidden connection of electricity.

• double-sided, 3x magnification;
• can be rotated, extended;
• 1 year warranty.

• price;
• antique style bathroom.

AM.PM Gem with LED light, 80 cm

Manufacturer - Germany. The style is modern minimalism. Frame material chipboard. Rectangular shape. For the bathroom (high humidity). Parameters: height - 55 cm, width - 80 cm, depth - 3 cm. Weight - 5 kg. Installation - hanging, attached to the wall with two canopies. There is a backlight control. Warranty - 3 years.

• modern design;
• easy installation;
• low power consumption;
• long lamp life (up to 20,000 hours).

• not found.

AM.PM Gem with LED light, 64 cm

German brand AM.RM. Made in Russia. Mirror surface. Material - glass, frame - chipboard. Weight - 4 kg. Hanging installation. Width 64 cm, height 55 cm, depth 3 cm. There is a backlight control with a switch.

• modern design;
• economy, long service life.

• price.

Mixline Blues 525408 80×60 cm unframed

Manufacturer Mixline (Russia). Rectangular shape. Location - walls of rooms with high humidity. Dimensions: height - 60 cm, width - 80 cm. Set - LED strip (terminal connection), fastening - dowel crutch. Moisture protection IP 68. The product is without a frame, there is a facet

• price;
• modern design;
• low power consumption.

• not identified.

With the increase

Belberg BZ-04 upv.7

Producer - Belberg (Germany). The shape is round. Mirror diameter - 17 cm, width - 21 cm.The frame is metal, silver. Double-sided: one side is normal, the other is 7x magnification. Swivel - 360 ⁰. Set - 4 batteries. Warranty - 12 months.

• touch control backlight;
• the base is stable;
• velvet covered stand.

• price.

Beurer BS55

The manufacturer is the German company Beurer. Round shape on a chrome-plated leg. Desktop, two-sided. One side is 7x magnification. Diameter - 13 cm, width of the entire product - 20.5 cm. Product height - 31.5 cm. Light sources - 18 LEDs. Powered by 4 AAA batteries (included).

• stable base;
• backlight adjustment by touch button;
• automatic shutdown after 15 minutes of operation.

• insufficient backlight brightness - an additional light source is required in the evening.

Belberg BZ-05 (with 10x magnification)

German manufacturer. Round mirror on a leg. Material - glass, chrome-plated metal. Dimensions: diameter - 21 cm, width - 25 cm, height - 40 cm. Double-sided, one side - 10x magnification. The LED backlight is controlled by a touch button. Swivel 360⁰.

• stable base;
• bright adjustable lighting (4 AAA batteries included);
• modern design;
• warranty - 12 months.

• price.

Desktop

Marta MT-2654 backlit

The shape is rectangular. Case material - plastic. Illumination - 16 LEDs. Power supply - 4 AAA batteries. Rotation - 180 ⁰. Weight -0.4 kg.

• the angle of inclination is adjustable;
• stand is removed;
• price.

• change the batteries frequently when using the backlight for a long time.

Xiaomi Amiro Lux High Color (AML004W) backlit

Producer - Xiaomi Amiro (China). Round shape, plastic body. There is a brightness adjustment. Turns, folds. Diameter - 17 cm, height - 32 cm, weight - 0.6 kg. Light source - LEDs, power supply - built-in battery. The kit includes a USB-MicroUSB charging cable, a care cloth.

• the stand is suitable for additional storage of accessories;
• 3 brightness levels;
• long battery life;
• price.

• no charging indicator;
• there is no power supply (suitable from a smartphone 5V - 1A).

Scarlett SC-MM308L05 backlit

Producer - Scarlett (Russia-China). Rectangular shape (width - 21 cm, length - 16 cm), plastic case. Rotatable, the brightness of the lighting is adjusted by the touch button. Weight - 0.39 kg. Light source - 16 LEDs. Food - from 5 AA batteries.

• stand - storage of accessories;
• long work without changing batteries;
• tilt angle up to 180⁰.

• not identified.

Cosmetic

BaByliss 8438E backlit

Manufacturer - BaByliss (France). Diameter - 12 cm, height - 22 cm, weight - 0.5 kg. Two sides - normal, with 8x magnification. Power supply - from the network. Three backlight levels (cold, warm, neutral). Switch - based, mechanical.

• rotation angle up to 360⁰;
• fixing the desired slope;
• stable base;
• warranty - 24 months.

• price.

GESS uLike backlit

Producer - GESS (Germany). Shape - rectangular, plastic body, three doors. Brightness adjustment, 3x magnification. Width - 19 cm, weight - 1 kg. Light source - 24 LEDs, power supply - 4 AA batteries.

• comfortable stand;
• develops;
• the ability to rotate the sash 180⁰.

• not found.

Xiaomi Yeelight LED Lighting Mirror (YLGJ01YL)

Manufacturer - Xiaomi (China). The product is round in shape, diameter - 18 cm, height - 32 cm. Case material - metal, plastic. Weight - 0.7 kg. Light - LEDs, power supply - built-in battery.

• automatic shutdown function;
• infrared sensor of inclusion, detection (30 cm);
• stable base.

• price.

Bilateral

Diasonic DL-100CH

Manufacturer - South Korea. Stylish design, white color, made of high-quality plastic, glass. Product width - 27 cm, height - 32.5 cm. Product weight, boxes - 2 kg. The magnification of one side is 7-fold. Brightness levels - 5, lighting modes - 3. Color rendering index (CRI) - 90. There is a USB port. Mains powered.

• low energy consumption;
• touch switch, timer;
• long service life (40.000 hours);
• warranty - 36 months.

• works only from the network;
• high price.

Planta PLM-1925 Copper

Country of origin - China. The body color is copper nickel. Product diameter - 17.5 cm, images - 13.5 cm. Rotation angle - 360⁰. Base - anti-slip coating. Magnification of the image by 5 times. Power LED backlight - 4 AAA batteries.

• bright uniform lighting;
• compact;
• price.

• batteries are not included;
• no light adjustment.

LM 194, Gezatone

Producer – GEZANNE I.T.C. (France). Shape - round, color - chrome. LED backlight, powered by 4 AAA batteries. One side has 5x magnification. Product width - 13.4 cm.

• stable base;
• warranty - 12 months;
• price.

• batteries need to be purchased separately.

Multifunctional, "smart"

Misty Neon 2 LED 100×80, with clock, sensor

Producer - Misty (Russia). Wall mirror cloth (width - 100 cm, height - 80 cm). Case material - white plastic. Built-in LED strip (power 12 W). Edge - facet 10 mm.

• Sensor switch;
• Digital Watch;
• warranty - 3 years.

• high price.

Aquaton Elio 100 with backlight, clock and magnifying mirror

Aquaton (Russia). Style - hi-tech. Rectangular canvas - width 100 cm, height 70 cm. Additionally built-in magnifying mirror. Coating - a special film (protection against moisture, damage). Light (top, bottom) - LED strip 12 watts. Built-in electronic clock, touch switch.

• convenient sensor-switch;
• watch;
• modern design;
• warranty - 3 years.

• price.

Conti Melody with LED light and sensor

1st Mirror Factory Continent (Russia). Suspended, rectangular shape (90 by 70 cm). There is a LED strip, power consumption 32 watts. Touch control:

• built-in clock (time, date);
• air temperature sensor;
• music system (listening to music via bluetooth);
• against sweating.

• listening to music;
• no need to wipe the surface;
• convenient control, shutdown;
• warranty - 12 months.

• high price.

Conclusion

When choosing a suitable illuminated mirror, important criteria must be taken into account - quality, additional functions, price, manufacturer (foreign, domestic). Knowing all the nuances, having familiarized yourself with the popular models of 2022, you can quickly choose a quality product.