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A mirror is often thought of as a simple household item, yet it can completely change how a room feels. Homeowners across New Zealand are discovering that the right mirror doesn’t just reflect—it can brighten, enlarge, and transform any space. Whether you’re renovating a home, adding the finishing touch to a new build, or simply updating a tired room, choosing the perfect mirror can bring both beauty and function.

If you’ve ever stood in a shop feeling unsure whether a mirror will look right on your wall, you’re not alone. Mirrors come in countless shapes, sizes, and styles, and without a plan, it’s easy to end up with something that looks awkward or doesn’t work with your space. This guide will give you practical, easy-to-follow steps so you can select a mirror that feels like it was made for your home.

 

Understand the Role of Mirrors in Home Design

A mirror isn’t just there to help you check your reflection before leaving the house. It plays two major roles in design:

 

• Practical: Mirrors help with grooming, dressing, and even improving light distribution. A full-length mirror by the bedroom door saves last-minute outfit stress, while a hallway mirror can give you that quick check before heading out.
• Decorative: Mirrors can be striking design features. A framed mirror above a mantel can anchor the living room, while a cluster of smaller mirrors creates texture and personality on a feature wall.

 

When you start thinking of mirrors as both functional and decorative, it becomes easier to select one that adds genuine value to your home.

 

Choose the Right Size for Balance and Impact

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a mirror that doesn’t suit the scale of the room.

• Too small: A small mirror can feel lost on a large wall, giving the impression that something is missing.
• Too large: Oversized mirrors can overwhelm a room, making furniture and décor look out of proportion.

 

Here are two simple guidelines that can help:

 

a) Match the width of furniture.

If you’re placing a mirror above a console table, sofa, or fireplace, aim for a width that’s similar to or slightly smaller than the furniture below it. This keeps the look balanced.

b) Think about wall proportions.

On narrow walls, tall mirrors draw the eye upward and make the space feel higher. On wide walls, horizontal mirrors spread light and make the room feel broader.

 

By paying attention to size, you can avoid the “something feels off” effect and create harmony between your mirror and the rest of the room.

 

Decide Between Framed and Frameless Mirrors

Frames do more than outline a mirror—they set the tone for the entire space.

 

• Framed mirrors: Ideal if you want a feature piece. Wooden frames bring warmth to traditional homes, while metallic frames can add a contemporary industrial touch.
• Frameless mirrors: Perfect for modern interiors. Their clean edges make them blend seamlessly into walls, which works particularly well in bathrooms and minimalist spaces.

 

For example, a rustic wooden frame might look beautiful in a farmhouse-style kitchen, while a frameless mirror will give a bathroom a sleek, hotel-like feel.

 

Pick Shapes That Suit Your Space

The shape of a mirror has a big impact on the mood of a room:

• Round or oval: Soften spaces with many sharp edges, such as kitchens or offices.
• Square or rectangular: Create a structured, formal look that works well in living rooms or bedrooms.
• Irregular or geometric: Trendy mirrors with unique shapes add playfulness and personality, becoming instant conversation starters.

 

If your room already has strong lines, a round mirror can balance them out. On the other hand, if your space feels too soft, a rectangular mirror can add structure.

 

Use Mirrors to Enhance Natural Light

Many New Zealand homes have rooms that don’t get as much sunlight as you’d like, whether that’s a shaded lounge, an inner hallway, or an older villa with smaller windows. Mirrors can help.

By placing a mirror opposite or near a window, you bounce light deeper into the room. A well-placed mirror can make a dark corner feel warm and inviting, almost as if you’ve added an extra window. This simple trick works especially well in rental homes where adding new windows isn’t possible.

 

Create the Illusion of Space in Small Rooms

If you’ve ever walked into a bathroom or hallway that felt instantly bigger because of a mirror, you’ve experienced this effect. Mirrors create the impression of depth, which is perfect for smaller spaces.

 

Here are two approaches that work particularly well:

a) Use full-length mirrors vertically.

In bedrooms or entryways, a tall mirror stretches the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher.

b) Go wide in tight spaces.

In narrow hallways, a horizontal mirror runs along the wall and gives the impression of extra width.

 

These placements are affordable ways to make small spaces feel open without knocking down walls.

 

Place Mirrors Opposite Key Features

Think of a mirror as a spotlight. By positioning it opposite a window, piece of art, or feature wall, you highlight the very best parts of your home.

For example, if your living room has a view of a garden, a mirror opposite the window doubles that greenery indoors. On the flip side, avoid placing a mirror opposite cluttered shelves or storage boxes. Nobody wants to see those doubled in size.

 

Match Mirror Styles to Your Home’s Interior

Your mirror should feel like part of the family, not an outsider.

• Modern homes: Frameless or thin-framed mirrors with sharp lines.
• Traditional homes: Ornate or wooden frames that echo period features.
• Mixed-style homes: Transitional mirrors that combine clean lines with subtle detailing.

 

Matching style creates a cohesive look and prevents the mirror from clashing with other elements in the room.

 

Consider Custom or Bespoke Mirror Options

Sometimes, standard mirrors just don’t work. Maybe you have a wall with an unusual angle, a curved ceiling, or a desire for a one-of-a-kind feature. This is where custom mirrors shine.

Bespoke mirrors are tailored to your exact dimensions and design preferences. They can transform awkward nooks into beautiful focal points or become a statement feature that nobody else has. Allan Low Glazing specialises in custom solutions, making it easier to bring your unique ideas to life.

 

Combine Mirrors With Other Glass Features

Mirrors don’t have to stand alone. When paired with other glass services, they create a sleek, modern flow throughout the home.

• Splashbacks: In kitchens, pairing a mirror with a glass splashback reflects both light and colour.
• Balustrades: Mirrors complement glass balustrades on staircases, giving a cohesive look.
• Double-glazed windows: Combining mirrors with double glazing improves energy efficiency while keeping interiors stylish.

 

These combinations elevate your home beyond basic décor, blending practicality with design.

 

Use Trendy Mirrors as Statement Pieces

Trendy mirrors aren’t just functional—they can become the star of a room. Think bold frames, oversized arch mirrors, or asymmetrical shapes. These mirrors work especially well in entryways, where they greet guests with personality, or in living rooms, where they double as artwork.

If you’re nervous about going bold, start with one statement piece in a smaller area, such as a powder room, to test how it feels.

 

Learn Simple Tips for Mirror Maintenance

Nothing ruins a mirror faster than streaks, smudges, or black spots around the edges. Luckily, proper maintenance is simple:

• Use a microfibre cloth with glass cleaner.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.
• In bathrooms, wipe mirrors regularly to prevent fog and moisture damage.

 

With the right care, your mirror can look brand new for years.

 

Avoid Common Mistakes When Decorating With Mirrors

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to get mirror placement wrong. Here are three mistakes to avoid:

1. Too many mirrors: This creates a funhouse effect that feels cluttered.
2. Bad placement: A mirror that reflects glare from lights or clutter reduces comfort.
3. Ignoring proportion: A tiny mirror on a large wall looks awkward and incomplete.

 

Keeping these in mind ensures your mirrors elevate the room rather than overwhelm it.

 

Work With Professionals for the Best Results

Large mirrors can be heavy and difficult to install safely. Uneven installation can cause cracks, slips, or long-term damage. A glazing professional ensures your mirror is installed securely and precisely, giving you peace of mind.

Allan Low Glazing not only supplies and installs mirrors but also offers re-glazing and wider glass services, making them a one-stop solution for homeowners across New Zealand.

 

Transform Your Home With the Perfect Mirror

A mirror can be so much more than a reflective surface. With the right size, style, and placement, it can brighten a room, create the illusion of space, and tie your design together. From trendy mirrors to bespoke custom solutions, the options are endless.

When you’re ready to take your living space to the next level, work with a trusted glazing expert who can guide you from selection to installation. Contact Allan Low Glazing today for mirrors, re-glazing, and professional glass services that turn your house into a brighter, more stylish home.

Most people spend their days juggling deadlines, managing households, and squeezing in moments of rest where they can. When that’s your everyday rhythm, the last thing you need is your own home making things harder, especially when the problem is something as basic as the windows.

If your glass is starting to feel just as foggy as your thoughts, or if a winter breeze seems to be sneaking into your lounge despite everything being shut, you might not be imagining it. And no, you don’t need a full renovation. What you probably need is reglazing.

Reglazing is one of the simplest ways to regain control over your comfort, your energy use, and your view. It’s far easier than a total window replacement, more cost-effective than most people realise, and often the one fix that makes everything else in your home feel better.

Here are 15 signs it might be time to stop squinting through the haze and consider a reglazing service from the team at Allan Low Glazing.

 

1. Your windows haven’t been clear since that one storm in 2019

You remember the one. Heavy rain, sideways wind, that rattling noise you tried to ignore. The windows fogged up then, and somehow they never really cleared. Maybe you told yourself it was just seasonal. Or maybe you hoped the sun would fix it.

But here’s the truth. If your glass has been cloudy since that storm, there is probably internal moisture or a broken seal affecting your insulation. Reglazing deals with that directly, without removing the entire frame.

 

2. You keep wiping condensation off the inside like it’s normal

If you wake up and have to dry your windows with a tea towel, something’s not right. Condensation that builds up overnight and lingers is more than an inconvenience. It’s a sign that the window is not doing its job.

Good glazing creates a barrier between inside and outside temperatures. When that seal breaks down, humidity collects and forms droplets. Over time, that moisture can cause mould or damage to sills and nearby walls. A proper window condensation fix starts with reglazing.

 

3. You can feel the breeze even when everything’s shut

You’ve closed every window, locked each latch, and drawn the curtains. Yet, there’s still a chill in the air. It might not be your imagination. Older glazing can loosen or crack, creating micro gaps that let outside air slip in.

This not only makes rooms uncomfortable but forces your heating system to work harder. Reglazed windows help re-seal your space and eliminate unnecessary draughts without needing a full window replacement.

 

4. You’re constantly layering up indoors like it’s winter camp

A well-insulated home should not require hats, blankets, and thick socks during daytime hours. If your house feels cold despite the heater being on, the windows may be to blame.

Double-glazed window systems work well when the seals are intact. Once compromised, even expensive setups lose their thermal advantage. Reglazing helps restore that insulating power so you can finally wear regular clothes inside again.

 

5. You squint out your bathroom window like it’s frosted glass on purpose

That textured, hazy appearance might seem intentional at first. But if your clear glass has started looking permanently fogged or speckled, it is likely damaged by internal condensation or age.

Bathrooms are especially prone to this, with temperature changes and steam making things worse. A reglazed window restores the clarity without pulling out tiles or creating a full-scale project.

 

6. The mirror fogs up less than your double glazing does

You would expect a steamy shower to cloud your mirror. But when the window fogs up faster and clears more slowly, it is doing the opposite of what it’s meant to.

This often means the glazing layer is no longer functioning as a barrier. Reglazing replaces just the faulty pane or unit, restoring the insulation while keeping the structure in place.

 

7. You avoid opening the curtains in the morning because the window’s depressing

When you dread natural light because the view is smudged, dull, or uninspiring, that’s not how windows should behave. Morning light can energise your space and your mindset, but not if it filters through tired or clouded glass.

A reglazed panel helps let in clean, bright light again. No new frame needed. No renovation panic.

 

8. Your power bill could fund a small moon mission

It starts small. A few extra hours of heating here. A warmer setting there. Then suddenly the monthly bill feels unreasonably high.

Most people do not realise how much heat escapes through compromised glazing. Energy loss from bad windows is common, especially in older homes. Reglazing prevents heat leaks, supports your insulation, and helps manage rising energy costs. It is not magic. It is just good sealing.

 

9. You considered buying all new windows, but remembered your last energy level

Replacing every window sounds great—until you think about timelines, materials, and the disruption. If you are already tired from keeping the house running, reglazing becomes the better choice.

It delivers results without tearing out frames or making your home feel like a construction site. The team at Allan Low Glazing takes care of everything so you can keep living comfortably during the process.

 

10. You’ve put off every other house task. This one’s actually manageable

You still haven’t fixed the squeaky door. The fence needs painting. The gutters are on your list. You are not looking for another big job.

That’s why reglazing stands out. It is not messy. It is not noisy. And it is done faster than most people expect. Compared to other maintenance jobs, reglazing is a rare win—big impact, low effort.

 

11. You work from home and stare through the same smudgy panel all day

Your desk faces the window. You set it up that way for natural light. But now all you see is fog, streaks, and a general lack of motivation.

Visual clarity affects your focus. A well-reglazed window gives you back the view, reduces distractions, and adds brightness to the room without straining your eyes. This small fix can make a work-from-home setup feel like an upgrade.

 

12. That one window crack is now a conversation piece

You may have called it “character” at first. A tiny line that showed up after winter. But now it is spreading. Friends ask about it. You notice it every time you walk past.

Cracks are more than cosmetic. They weaken the integrity of the pane and open up the chance for moisture or further damage. Reglazing removes the issue and replaces it with strong, clear glass. No patch jobs. No masking tape.

 

13. Every visitor asks, “Is that supposed to look like that?”

It is one of those questions that starts as casual but ends with you defending your home’s quirks. Whether it’s hazy glass, moisture buildup, or surface damage, people notice.

And while your home does not need to impress everyone, clear windows help it feel more cared for. Reglazing is a simple way to tidy things up and stop the commentary.

 

14. You use more towels to stop window leaks than in your entire bathroom routine

Leaking sills are frustrating. You line up a towel. You replace it when it soaks through. And then it happens again.

Window leaks are often caused by broken seals or degraded glazing. These are exactly the kinds of issues reglazing fixes. It targets the problem without requiring full window reconstruction. The result is a dry sill and a towel that can go back to the bathroom where it belongs.

 

15. You already fixed everything else—your windows deserve the same energy

You upgraded the furniture. You cleaned the grout. You replaced old appliances. But the glass is still cloudy and underperforming.

It is easy to forget about windows. They are always there. Always letting in light. Until they stop doing it well, reglazing gives your home a boost with very little effort. Think of it as finishing the job.

 

When Everything Feels Blurry, Start with the Glass

Reglazing your windows might not seem like a dramatic change. But that is exactly why it works. It brings quiet comfort. It restores clarity. It protects your home from weather and costs without upending your schedule.

At Allan Low Glazing, the team makes it easy. They handle the hard part. You get the benefit. That includes better insulation, clearer views, lower power bills, and fewer daily frustrations.

So if things feel foggy, start with the glass. A small fix can shift the mood of your entire home.