How do backlit mirrors achieve that lighting effect, and how are these mirrors mounted and prepared for use? Aside from lighting up space, what else can backlit mirrors do? If you\u2019ve been asking these questions yourself, we\u2019ve got you covered!<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/How-Do-Backlit-Mirrors-Work-1.jpg\")
How Backlit Mirrors Work<\/h2>\n
Backlit mirrors work by emitting light from behind them. There are three aspects that factor into how this happens. These are their lights, their use of electricity, and their build. <\/strong>Let\u2019s take a look at those now.<\/p>\n Backlit mirrors are installed with lights called LEDs, or light-emitting diodes. LED bulbs are small, with a standard size of 5mm. Backlit mirrors have several of these mounted on an LED strip that functions as a circuit board.<\/p>\n This strip of LED lights is then mounted onto the mirror base along its perimeter so that you have it going around the base. The LED strip is then connected to a <\/b>direct current or DC power supply.<\/p>\n The LED lights on backlit mirrors run on electrical power. For the bulbs to light up, an electrical current must travel through the strip. LED strips to use DC power, but since the power grid works on alternating current or AC, a power supply unit<\/a> is needed to convert the AC signal into DC. Power supply units for LED strips look the same as those used by laptop computers.<\/p>\n Backlit mirror LED strips are then connected to the power supply unit, which can then be plugged into a standard power source, such as a wall outlet. As for the light switch, backlit mirrors may have a separate wall switch or an integrated on\/off mechanism on the mirror itself.<\/p>\n A backlit mirror is built in such a way that the mirror glass does not touch the wall on which it is mounted. The base behind the mirror not only holds the LED lights but also functions as a separator between the mirror and the wall. The space between the mirror glass and the wall is how the mirror achieves the backlit, \u201cfloating mirror\u201d effect.<\/p>\n This is also a space where the glow of the LED lights comes from to illuminate the mirror\u2019s surroundings. This explains why backlit mirrors are called such\u2014they\u2019re lit up from behind the mirror surface. <\/p>\n Backlit mirrors are set up in a particular way so that all of the aspects we\u2019ve discussed come together and achieve that stunning backlighting effect. There are three major components of standard backlit mirrors: the frame or backing board, the mirror glass, and the base containing the LED circuit. <\/strong>Here\u2019s how backlit mirrors are set up.<\/p>\n The frame is the part of the mirror that is attached to the wall. The frame may be made of aluminum, wood, or any other sturdy material that would be compatible with the type of wall, which can be plaster, masonry, or drywall. The frame of a backlit mirror would usually have metal cleats or brackets on which the base of the mirror would be hung.<\/p>\n It\u2019s recommended to have the power source within this frame to conceal it. For this reason, it\u2019s important to have the help of a professional electrician when installing backlit mirrors.<\/p>\n What makes a mirror a mirror is its reflective glass. This glass is made up of three layers: at the front surface is a clear glass layer, which is followed by a thin and smooth layer of reflective metal, then a layer of paint at the back to keep the metal layer in place.<\/p>\n The base behind a backlit mirror is where the magic happens. The base is attached to the back surface of the mirror and it\u2019s where the LED lights and their circuitry are mounted. The LED power supply unit in the base connects to the wall outlet in the frame. The base would also have cleats or brackets for hanging the mirror<\/a> onto the wall frame.<\/p>\n As backlit mirror models differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, there may be variations in terms of their components and methods of installation. For instance, some backlit mirrors may have the lights installed directly on the frame-mounted to the wall instead of at the mirror base. What\u2019s important is that all backlit mirrors work the same way. We have also written this article on how to make an LED backlit mirror<\/a>. Check it out for useful tips and information.<\/p>\n This video features one of the backlit mirrors by an Australian company called Clearlight Designs. The presenter shows how the mirror works, how it is mounted on the wall, and how it\u2019s connected to the power supply. You can also see how bright it is and how it illuminates the surrounding space.<\/p>\n\n\nLED Lights<\/h3>\n
Electricity<\/h3>\n
Build<\/h3>\n
How are Backlit Mirrors Set Up?<\/h2>\n
Frame<\/h3>\n
Glass<\/h3>\n
LED base<\/h3>\n
\u2705 Video – Reverb LED Mirror – Made in Australia by Clearlight Designs<\/h4>\n