Mirrors are one of the most critical parts of any room. They enhance the beauty of your space by highlighting your face and giving you a more striking appearance, and there are many types of mirrors, some more decorative and others more functional. It is crucial to choose the right kind of mirror.
Historical development
It is known that people have been manufacturing mirrors for thousands of years. Mirrors are made out of glass or metal. They are used to reflect light and enhance the visual clarity of objects. Since their introduction in ancient times, people have used mirrors in all spheres of life.
In the Middle Ages, mirrors were considered expensive, and only the rich could afford them. It led to their monopolisation. However, after the XVI century, they became an essential tool for social and religious rituals. During this time, mirrors were endorsed by bourgeoisie publications as personal grooming devices and household decor.
In the 13th and 15th centuries, mirror production began to improve. During this period, mirrors began to use a metal alloy called mirror metal. These mirrors had excellent reflective surfaces and were often considered valuable items.
Glassmaking advanced in Germany, Italy and France. The Saint-Gobain factory was a crucial manufacturer. Their technical advances allowed for the production of large panes of glass. Eventually, the Venetians learned to produce glass in a fragile and lightweight form.
Early antique mirrors were made of glass and cut into circular sections. Sometimes they were coated with molten lead. Ultimately, these mirrors could have been better-made and very expensive.
Toward the end of the 18th century, German chemist Justus von Liebig invented a silver-plated glass mirror. He also developed a wet deposition process, which involved the application of a thin metallic layer to glass.
Symbolism
Mirrors have been a symbol in art and literature since ancient times. While they have often been used as a vanity tool, they have also been employed to show a deeper meaning. For example, artists have created the illusion of perspective, light, and depth using a mirror as a conceit.
The symbolism of mirrors varies from culture to culture. Mirrors have many connotations, from an ancient belief that they are gateways to other worlds to modern folklore that they hold magic.
In the ancient world, it was believed that a looking glass could capture the soul. Therefore, during funerals, all mirrors were covered. These cultures believed that the mirror carried magical powers that would bring good or bad luck depending on the mirror.
Similarly, in the eighteenth century, a mirror was a means of self-discovery. Especially useful for women, the mirror was thought to reveal a person’s true nature.
Throughout history, mirrors Adelaide have been used to symbolise wisdom and knowledge. Ancient Romans believed that a mirror could foretell the future. Unfortunately, modern cultures also use mirrors as an allegory of deception and vanity.
A mirror has also been used to project the image of a person into the space in front of it. It is called the chiral effect. For example, when a person faces the mirror, their right hand is seen as the left hand. But when the right hand is raised in the mirror, the viewer will see the left hand.
Besides being used in painting and photography, mirrors are valuable tools in compositional play. For example, they can add to the compositional complexity of a portrait. And, because they can be used to illustrate the human form, they are handy to artists who need help finding models.
Application in architecture
From prehistory to modern times, mirrors have been used in architecture for thousands of years. They serve both decorative and functional purposes. In addition to their aesthetic value, they can add depth and interest to an interior or exterior space.
The use of mirrors in architecture has increased since the early twentieth century. Mirrors have been used to improve the reflection of light, create the illusion of a room or building floating in the air, and create a decorative effect. However, today’s most innovative applications are not conventionally thought of as mirrors at all.
Reflective surfaces are used as cladding on skyscrapers. It gives the building volume a new perspective on the world. They can be placed vertically, horizontally, or angled. Their placement can also vary in scale.
One such application is the New Entrance Plaza in Brussels; it is built around a white gravel patch and is coated in high-reflection materials. The designers created a surrealist image of a floating structure using this material.
Another example is the Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit. Built by Gunnar Birkerts and Associates (GBA), this church’s design makes the most of the reflective qualities of mirrors. A large wall of mirrors stretches 25 degrees from vertical.
Similarly, BVN architects used reflective stainless steel panels in the PlantBank building at the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan. The mirror-backed glazing was installed intermittently throughout the building.
The best use of a mirror in architecture can be as subtle as camouflage. For example, mirrors can be incorporated to hide storage in a large sliding door.
There are many other exciting uses of mirrors in architecture. Whether in the kitchen or the workplace, using these architectural elements can provide a space with an exciting look and feel.
Coatings for mirrors
When choosing coatings for mirrors, you first want to figure out which type of coating is most appropriate for your specific application. A few of the most common choices include aluminium and dielectric layers.
Aluminium coatings are famous for their durability and reflectivity. They can last for centuries if they are correctly stored. However, if they are not protected, they can rust. So, when it comes time to replace the coating, you may need to strip the old layer.
Dielectric coatings are also highly durable. However, they could be better for large mirrors. Instead, it would help if you chose iron oxide paint. It is the best option for protecting mirrors in adverse conditions.
If you are looking for a good mirror coating, you must ensure it is resistant to moisture and chemicals. It would help if you also looked for a lead-free product. It will be especially important for mirror manufacturers, as it will reduce the environmental impact.
Mirrors in engine rooms, fire rooms, and other humid areas are particularly susceptible to corrosion. Because of this, it is essential to keep them in a dry environment. Also, it would help if you watched out for bugs and animal droppings, as these can eat away at the mirror coating.