Rating of the best illuminated mirrors for 2020

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 2020, you can track the popularity of additional functions, fashion trends, and 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 forms of bronze, copper, gold, rock crystal were polished to a shine.

Products made from obsidian (volcanic glass that forms when lava cools) were popular. Parts of such rock were carefully polished. Hand-made obsidian mirrors are found during excavations in the territory of modern Turkey. It is believed that such items were made in 6.000 BC.

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

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

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

Mirrors began to be produced in large sizes, with beautiful frames. Cost - several ships for one mirror.

The French king Louis 14 (the sun king) lured away several Venetian craftsmen, 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.

German chemical scientist 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 of 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 baths, pot ovens of continuous, periodic action.

The glass strip is formed on a rolling mill between metal rollers that are water-cooled. To increase strength, it is fired. Improvement of the surface quality (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 blade to the specified dimensions.

The finished mirror glass is 2-6 mm thick. Light transmission - 84-85%.

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

Making a mirror

The main stages of production:

• Cutting

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

• Bevelling

Glass edge grinding, polishing. Facet - an edge cut at a certain angle. Distinguish between a steep, wide facet. Steep facet - processing 4-8 mm wide, at an angle of 40-50⁰. Suitable for small, medium sizes (handheld, pocket). Wide facet - processing 20-25 mm wide, at an angle of 10-15⁰, large products.

There are three stages of bevelling:

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

• Cleansing

The product in an upright position between the rubber rollers is processed 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)

Electrically 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, tartaric acid salts. The main chemical reaction is reduction, deposition of silver on the surface under the influence of glucose from the reducing agent. The process takes 5-10 minutes, a silver film of 0.15-0.3 microns is obtained. To get more thickness - double, triple pouring (repeated silvering). The disadvantage of this technology is the high cost of the product, darkening of the surface (film of silver sulfide Ag2S) at humidity.

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

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

• Protective covering

Copper layer, paints and varnishes.

A copper film of the same thickness as the silver layer is applied. The second layer is nitro-enamel, nitro-varnish. Applied using liquid filling machines. Protection against high humidity - a layer of nitro enamel with bituminous varnish.

Titanium coating is the most durable, strong and expensive.

What are

There are several types of functionality, place of application, attachment.

• Decorative

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

• Functional

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 other - magnification (3-10 times).

Swivel - rotate 180-360⁰.

Boudoir (dressing table), 2, 3-wing - 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), stereo.

New in 2019 - smart mirror with light, Bluetooth speaker, wireless charger for your phone.

Backlight

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

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

Lamp types

1. Incandescent lamps are low-cost, burn out quickly, are fragile, consume a lot of energy.
2. Halogen lamps - work in high humidity, durable, consume little energy.
3. Fluorescent light sources - natural light spectrum, disadvantage - flickering effect.
4. Gas discharge, neon lamps - high luminous efficiency.
5. Light-emitting diodes (LED) - bright glow, work for a long time.

Make-up application - light sources with color rendering index (CRI) - 80-100, lighting arrangement from 3-4 sides, brightness control.

How to avoid mistakes when choosing

Modern technologies offer a wide range of mirrors in shape, color, size, and functionality.

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 parameters are:

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

Form, design

Standard shapes, design solutions - different interiors:

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

Mirror quality

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

• thickness - the best choice is 4-6 mm. High-quality goods - from high-quality sheet glass (M1 - improved mirror, M2 - mirror, M3 - polished window);
• smoothness - no dots, spots, irregularities;
• coating - consists of 3 layers: reflective silver coating, protective against moisture, mechanical damage - paint, polymer;
• edge - end processing. Euro-edge - 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 lamps. The inclusion is carried out by a button, sensor, remote control.

Optional accessories

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

Rating of the best illuminated mirrors for 2020

A large selection of mirrors is offered by online stores, branded salons of famous brands. A purchase can be made directly in the store, or ordered online. When compiling an overview of popular models, we focused on the popularity of products from well-known online platforms, the opinions of buyers.

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

Wall mounted

Medici, bilateral, 3x 501

Italian brand Boheme. Cosmetic, double-sided, 3x magnification. The shape is round. The design is classic. Bronze color. Material - glass, brass. Parameters: width - 253 mm, height - 320 mm, depth - 450 mm. Installation - wall-mounted, hidden electrical connection.

• double-sided, 3-fold increase;
• can be rotated, extended;
• 1 year warranty.

• price;
• antique style bathroom.

AM.PM Gem with LED-backlight, 80 cm

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

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

• not found.

AM.PM Gem LED-backlit, 64 cm

German brand AM.RM. Made in Russia. Mirror surface. Material - glass, frame - laminated chipboard. Weight - 4 kg. Suspended mounting. 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. Product without frame, with facet

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

• not identified.

With magnification

Belberg BZ-04 SW 7

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

• touch control backlight;
• stable base;
• stand with velvet cover.

• cost.

Beurer BS55

Manufacturer - German company Beurer. Round shape with chrome-plated leg. Desktop, double-sided. One side - 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 in the set).

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

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

Belberg BZ-05 (10x magnification)

German manufacturer. Round mirror with 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.

• cost.

Tabletop

Marta MT-2654 Backlit

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

• adjustable tilt angle;
• the stand is removed;
• price.

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

Xiaomi Amiro Lux High Color (AML004W) Backlit

Manufacturer - Xiaomi Amiro (China). Round shape, plastic body. There is a brightness control. Turns, folds. Diameter - 17 cm, height - 32 cm, weight - 0.6 kg. Light source - LEDs, power supply - built-in battery. The set consists of a USB-MicroUSB charging cable, a cleaning cloth.

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

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

Scarlett SC-MM308L05 Backlit

Manufacturer - Scarlett (Russia-China). Rectangular shape (width - 21 cm, length - 16 cm), plastic case. Rotary, the brightness of the lighting is regulated by a touch button. Weight - 0.39 kg. Light source - 16 LEDs. Power supply - from 5 AA batteries.

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

• not identified.

Cosmetic

BaByliss 8438E illuminated

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

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

• cost.

GESS uLike backlit

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

• comfortable stand;
• folds up;
• the ability to turn the sash 180⁰.

• not found.

Xiaomi Yeelight LED Lighting Mirror (YLGJ01YL)

Manufacturer - Xiaomi (China). The product is round, 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 for switching on, detection (30 cm);
• stable base.

• price.

Double-sided

Diasonic DL-100CH

Manufacturer - South Korea. Stylish design, white, made of high quality plastic, glass. Product width - 27 cm, height - 32.5 cm. Product weight, box - 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 term of work (40,000 hours);
• warranty - 36 months.

• works only from the network;
• high price.

Planta PLM-1925 Copper

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

• bright uniform lighting;
• compact;
• price.

• batteries are not included;
• no light regulation.

LM 194, Gezatone

Manufacturer - GEZANNE I.T.C. (France). Shape - round, color - chrome. LED backlight, power supply - 4 AAA batteries. One side has a 5x magnification. The width of the product is 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

Manufacturer - Misty (Russia). Wall-mounted mirror sheet (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 illumination, clock and magnifying mirror

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

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

• cost.

Conti Melody with LED illumination and sensor

1st Factory of Mirror Continent (Russia). Suspended, rectangular (90 x 70 cm). There is LED strip, power consumption is 32W. Touch control:

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

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

• high price.

Output

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 2020, you can quickly choose a quality product.