Are you considering including mirrors in your next project? If so, you have several important decisions to make, not just about how to incorporate the mirror(s) but also which type to choose. Nowadays, both acrylic and glass mirrors are commonly used in interior design, and understanding your specific use case and goals can help you pick between the two.
Acrylic and glass both have similar reflective properties, making them useful as mirrors. However, many project managers are choosing acrylic over glass because of the advantages it offers compared to its minimal disadvantages. Here are the basics to keep in mind as you make this decision for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic and glass mirrors can both serve as aesthetic and functional installations, but they are not equivalent.
- Acrylic weighs around half as much as glass, making installation easier.
- Glass shatters more easily than acrylic, which is about 17 times stronger.
- Acrylic can be customized in ways glass cannot, such as bending and warping.
- When factoring in shipping weight and the number of team members required for installation, glass mirrors often end up being substantially more expensive than anticipated.
- Because of their weight, glass mirrors often require wall modifications to support them, while acrylic can be installed almost anywhere.
How to Choose Between Acrylic and Glass Mirrors
Acrylic and glass mirrors can both function in a variety of contexts. However, to make the right decision for your specific space, be sure to evaluate your options based on the following criteria:
Weight
How much a mirror weighs affects several attributes, including where it can be installed, how many people are required to install it, and whether it can be moved easily if the room needs redecorating. Glass mirrors typically weigh about twice as much as acrylic mirrors. For those unable or unwilling to handle an unwieldy installation, acrylic mirrors are typically the better fit.
Shatter resistance
For many people, the single most important attribute of a mirror is its resistance to damage, especially shattering. A shattered mirror cannot easily be repaired, and it may even cause serious harm to those nearby. Cleaning up afterward is no simple matter, either.
This is why acrylic mirrors are becoming more common. Acrylic can be up to 17 times stronger than glass, standing up to direct forces as well as flexion. For those looking for a long-lasting mirror that is safe to keep anywhere, acrylic is the clear choice.
Customization
Mirrors need not be solely round or rectangular. Many projects benefit from mirrors in intriguing shapes, such as those that wrap around pillars or form interlocking patterns. Glass can be challenging in this regard, requiring precision cuts that may leave the final product weak and prone to damage. In addition, some shapes, such as bends, are nearly impossible with glass.
Conversely, acrylic is highly flexible and customizable. It can be shaped to suit any type of project, from cutting it into intricate patterns to molding it around any feature, curved or otherwise. Thanks to this versatility, acrylic offers significantly more customization options than most glass mirrors.
Unexpected costs
In addition to the mirror’s cost, buyers must consider other expenses from order placement through installation. Glass mirrors can complicate this process. For instance, their higher weight can increase freight and delivery costs compared to acrylic, which is lightweight and easy to load and unload.
Additionally, glass shatters more easily than acrylic, which might demand more expensive shipping insurance. Once the mirror arrives, its weight will determine how many team members are required for installation, and, of course, each worker must be paid, which can drive costs higher.
Room modifications
You may envision a mirror in a specific location, but there is no guarantee it can actually be installed there. Glass mirrors are not always eligible for installation in some locations due to their weight. As a result, building owners will need to consent to more substantial changes, such as wall modifications or reinforcement, to support the mirror’s weight.
Acrylic, by contrast, can be easily affixed to most walls with no issue. Its light weight, flexibility, and customizability allow it to fit in anywhere without the need to modify the room to accommodate its presence.
Get the Perfect Mirrors for Your Next Project
As you consider which type of mirror is right for your project, be sure to factor in factors such as weight and any additional shipping charges. For most people, the advantages of acrylic make it the clear choice. Contact Tree Towns to learn more about the many ways acrylic mirrors can be customized for your specific project!