In this article, we are going to talk about what those mirrors with lights are called. We know how much easier it is to shop for something if you know exactly what to type in the search box, so let’s get right down to the topic.
What is the mirror with lights called? It’s called a lighted mirror, a light-up mirror, or an illuminated mirror. Another popular term for it is an LED mirror, which means it is lit up with LED or light-emitting diode bulbs. There are different types of lighted mirrors, such as LED makeup mirrors, edge-lit mirrors, backlit mirrors, and Hollywood or vanity mirrors. These lighted mirrors vary in terms of design.
We’ll go a little deeper into lighted mirrors and their different types according to design. We’ll also discuss their uses and what you can get from using them. Ready? Let’s go!
What to Call Mirrors with Lights?
Mirrors with lights are commonly and simply referred to as lighted mirrors or light-up mirrors. Another term for them is illuminated mirrors. They mean the same thing: mirrors that are installed with a lighting system. LED bulbs are the most commonly used lights for illuminated mirrors, which is why mirrors with lights are also called LED mirrors.
Illuminated mirrors usually have their lights placed around their edges, like a frame. There are also mirrors with LED lights behind them. We’ll go into greater detail about the different kinds of lighted mirrors later in this post.
Because they have a built-in lighting system, lighted mirrors illuminate the objects around them. If you stand in front of a bathroom mirror with LEDs and the lights are turned on, you’ll see your reflection clearly, with all the parts of your face illuminated evenly. This is because the lighting comes from all angles.
You will also notice that no part of your face is in shadow because the lighting is directly in front of you. In contrast, if you stand in front of a regular mirror and the only source of illumination is a light fixture on the ceiling, parts of your face will be in shadow, like your eyes.
If you need to do your makeup, overhead lighting can make it difficult for you to see your entire face properly. You’ll need to tilt your head this way and that just to see all of your features in the light.
What are the Different Types of Lighted Mirrors?
There are four major types of lighted mirrors: backlit mirrors, edge-lit mirrors, Hollywood or vanity mirrors, and makeup mirrors. They differ in terms of design, where the lights are placed, the kinds of lights that they have, and their size.
Backlit Mirrors
Backlit mirrors are lighted mirrors that have LEDs placed behind them. The lights are attached around a base or frame at the back of the mirror glass. The base or frame creates a space between the mirror and the wall, which makes it look like the mirror is floating. When the mirror lights are turned on, they cast a glow from around the back of the mirror, creating a backlit effect. For more information, you can also check out this article that talks about backlit mirrors.
Edge-Lit Mirrors
Edge-lit mirrors have their lights placed around the edges of the surface of the mirror so that the light is coming from the front instead of the back. This is why edge-lit mirrors are also called front-lit mirrors. The lights are encased behind a frosted or semi-opaque portion of the mirror surface.
Hollywood/Vanity Mirrors
Hollywood mirrors also have their lights placed along the edges of the mirror, with one significant difference: the light bulbs protrude from the surface of the mirror. Hollywood mirrors can often be seen in movies and television shows, usually in scenes that show actors and actresses getting ready and putting makeup on. These mirrors are also called vanity mirrors. Using them can make you feel like a star yourself!
Lighted Makeup Mirrors
Lighted makeup mirrors are smaller and more compact versions of the larger edge-lit mirrors. Makeup mirrors are designed to be portable, so you can place them on any table you use for makeup. Makeup mirrors run on batteries, and some can even be recharged via USB. Because of their size, lighted makeup mirrors make for a great travel companion.
✅ Video – Lighted Bathroom Vanity Mirror
This video shows a variety of mirrors. Based on our description of what lighted mirrors are, can you tell which of the featured models is the odd one out?
What are Mirrors with Lights Used for?
Lighted mirrors have several uses. They are primarily used for personal grooming, but they also function as home decor and a source of extra lighting in the home.
Personal Grooming
Because lighted mirrors provide a good source of soft, balanced lighting, they make grooming tasks a whole lot easier. This is why it’s now becoming common to have a lighted mirror in the bathroom, where most grooming tasks such as applying makeup, shaving, and hairstyling are done. Compact makeup mirrors have also become a must-have for people on the go because these can easily fit in a bag for travel. We have also written this article that discusses if LED mirrors are good for makeup. You can check out the article for more information.
Home Beautification
Lighted mirrors come in a variety of styles and designs and can be used to make your home more beautiful. An LED mirror, as a design element, can instantly add life and sparkle to any space. Lighted mirrors are also eye-catching and can serve as a focal point in a room. LED mirrors can even make a small, cramped space look bigger and brighter.
Added Illumination
Lighted mirrors can also function as a source of additional lighting in the home. The light from LED mirrors can complement existing lighting, especially in large areas. Lighted mirrors work well with wall sconces, drop lights, and accent lighting for a more relaxed feel. You can also check out this article that we have written which discusses the best lighting for a vanity mirror. Check out the article to find out the best choice.
What Can You Get from Using Mirrors with Lights?
A lighted mirror offers several benefits to users. These include a more enjoyable grooming routine, savings on energy costs, a boost in the value of your home.
A More Satisfying Grooming Experience
Because lighted mirrors provide sufficient, even lighting, you will be able to see your facial features clearly from all angles. This helps you do your daily grooming and self-care routines with ease. The warm white light from LED mirrors is also the right color temperature to let you see your true skin tone and the actual colors of your makeup. Using a mirror with LED lights can give you a satisfying grooming experience overall.
Long-Term Energy Savings
LED bulbs are extremely energy efficient and use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting. This lower energy consumption helps you save money on your electric bill. LED lights also last 25 times longer than incandescents, which saves you money on replacement costs.
Increased Home Value
Using energy-saving LED lighting can increase the value of your home. This is why switching to LED bulbs and installing more LED lighting is becoming more common among homeowners who are considering a resale in the future. Even if you are not planning to sell your house yet, it’s still worthwhile to increase its value by making home improvements. LED lighting, including LED mirrors, not only makes spaces look brighter and roomier, but also makes spaces more inviting.
Related Questions
What is the Best Light-Up Mirror?
The best light-up mirror is one that illuminates your face fully and evenly with a bright yet soft, natural-looking light. For this reason, mirrors with LED lights are considered the best option. LED bulbs give off light that mimics natural light, so you can see your skin tone and the colors of your makeup rendered accurately.
Are Lighted Bathroom Mirrors Worth It?
Bathroom mirrors lighted with LEDs are definitely worth the investment. They deliver a well-lit reflection and make it easier to do grooming tasks. They are also low maintenance, and once installed the LED bulbs will not need replacing for many years. We have also shared this article that talks about LED bathroom mirrors and if they are any good. You can check out the article for more information.
How Do You Put LED Lights on a Mirror?
The easiest way to put LED lights on a mirror is to attach a LED strip around the mirror. LED strips have an adhesive back so you can easily stick them on the surface of the mirror’s frame or glass. Follow the instructions on connecting the lighting system to a power supply and you’re good to go! You can also check out this article about how to put LED lights on a mirror. We have shared instructions and tips that you can follow.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed all the basics of illuminated mirrors or mirrors with lights. Lighted mirrors mirror with lights attached to or installed inside them so that they give off a soft and even glow. We also discussed the many different kinds of lighted mirrors in the market, such as wall-mounted backlit mirrors and portable makeup mirrors.
This article also listed the uses of mirrors with lights, including how lighted mirrors are used as a design element in the home. Lighted mirrors also offer several benefits, such as ideal lighting for makeup and savings on energy costs.
We hope this article gives you a better understanding of and appreciation for these practical and beautiful illuminated mirrors. To know more about this topic, check out our other articles on lighted mirrors.