Whether it’s a modern bathroom or a luxury hotel suite, the Polished Edge vs Beveled Edge Mirror chosen can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. Some of the most popular are polished mirror edges and beveled mirror edges – what’s the difference between them?
The difference between polished edge mirrors and beveled edge mirrors is whether or not the edge of the mirror is polished: polished edges are rounded and unpolished edges are straight. A polished edge is a polished finish on the edge of a mirror that makes it rounded and flat, suitable for butting up against other materials, such as aluminum frames, while a beveled edge is a cut on the edge of a mirror that creates a sloped or beveled profile, adding a modern and stylish look to the mirror. Beveled edges are sometimes referred to as beveled edges or beveled sanded edges and can be finished at different angles and widths.
In this article, we’ll look at the differences between polished edge and beveled edge mirrors to help you decide which one is right for you based on your style and needs.
Types of Mirror Edge Finishes
There are several different types of mirror edge finishes, each providing a unique look:
- Polished Edge: Milled edges are usually straight or slightly rounded and are better suited for use in combination with other materials. Examples include: pencil polished edges, which have rounded, soft edges that are safe and won’t cut; and flat polished glass, which has clean, modern edges.
- Beveled edges: the edges of mirrors are cut at a bevel and different angles and widths can be cut for the beveled edges.
Each of these finishes can be customized based on the size and functionality of the mirror, such as custom LED mirrors for bathrooms, bedrooms, or commercial spaces.
What is a Polished Edge on a Mirror?
Polished edge mirror refers to glass that has been polished on the edges. The edges are ground down and polished to a smooth, reflective finish. This gives the mirror a clean, sleek look with no sharp or rough edges. It’s perfect for modern and minimalist designs.
Why Choose a Polished Edge Mirror?
The number one benefit of a polished edge mirror is the smooth, seamless look. It’s great for custom LED mirrors and personalized LED mirrors that need a modern edge to match their sleek design. The polished edge gives a clean, consistent look that adds elegance to a space without taking away from the overall design.
The smoothness of the edges makes the mirror reflect light more evenly. This is why polished edge mirrors are so popular for mirrors used in bathrooms, living rooms, and other interior spaces. When you choose a polished edge mirror, you create a sharp, modern look that works well with minimalist decor.
What is a Beveled Edge on a Mirror?
A beveled edge mirror is a mirror that has its glass cut at an angle, usually a 45-degree angle, to create a decorative edge that adds dimension and depth. Beveled edges are usually used for mirrors that need a little more style, such as luxury bathrooms or hotel mirrors.
Why use beveled edge?
The beveled glass edge provides a more traditional and ornate look compared to the polished edge. The angled cut of the beveled edge catches and refracts light, creating subtle reflections that enhance the mirror’s beauty. This effect is especially nice in custom LED mirrors where light is a key design element.
If you want a mirror that makes a statement and adds a touch of elegance to a room, then a beveled edge mirror is the way to go. It’s a favorite among bathroom mirror manufacturers and interior designers because it can make any room look better.
What is the Difference Between Polished Edge and Beveled Edge Mirrors?
Both polished edge and beveled edge mirrors serve similar functions, but their aesthetics and craftsmanship differ significantly.
Design and Appearance
- Polished Edge: Offers a sleek, modern finish with smooth, straight edges. It’s a minimalist design choice that pairs well with contemporary custom LED mirrors and works well in spaces with clean lines and a modern feel.
- Beveled Edge: Provides a more classic, decorative edge, often with a diamond-shaped pattern or angled cuts. It’s perfect for creating a luxurious, high-end look in spaces like bathrooms or hotel lobbies.
Durability and Maintenance
- Polished Edge: Because the edges are ground and smoothed, a polished edge mirror is usually easier to clean and keep clean. Since there are no sharp corners, it’s less likely to collect dust and dirt in the corners.
- Beveled Edge: While more visually appealing, beveled edges can collect dust in the angles, making them a little more difficult to keep clean. However, their beauty usually makes up for this small inconvenience, especially for larger mirrors.
Bevel vs Flat Edge Polish
When comparing beveled edges to flat polished edges, the primary difference lies in the structure and design intent:
- Flat Polished Edge: This type of edge is smooth and polished with no additional angles or bevels. It’s a clean, straight finish that is often used in flat polished edge glass for more contemporary settings.
- Beveled Edge: The beveled edge introduces an angled cut that enhances the mirror’s visual appeal, making it ideal for spaces that require a bit more detail or luxury.
While flat polished edges are preferred for modern, minimalistic spaces, beveled edges are better suited to more traditional or ornate designs.
The Difference Between Mirror Edging and Beveled Edges
Mirror edging refers to the way the edges of the mirror are finished, while beveled edges specifically involve cutting the glass at an angle. Other types of mirror edge finishes include pencil polish edge, which gives a rounded, subtle edge, and flat polished edge glass, which creates a sleek, clean look.
Each type of edge finish serves a different design function, allowing you to choose a mirror that suits the unique style of your space.
Are Beveled Mirrors Better Quality?
Quality is subjective, but beveled edge mirrors are often considered higher end because of the detailed work that goes into making them. Cutting a mirror at an angle takes more time and precision, which makes it more expensive than a polished edge mirror.
Are Beveled Mirrors Worth the Investment?
If you’re looking for a custom LED mirror or a luxury bathroom mirror, a beveled edge could take your design to the next level. However, if you’re on a budget, a polished edge mirror will give you the same functionality and look for less money.
Polished Edge vs Beveled Edge Mirror Price
The cost of a polished edge mirror vs a beveled edge mirror can vary greatly depending on the size, design complexity, and the manufacturer. In general, beveled edge mirrors are more expensive because they require more labor to make the angled edges.
Factors Affecting Price
- Size: Larger mirrors will naturally cost more, whether they have a polished or beveled edge.
- Customization: A custom LED mirror with specific dimensions and design features can increase the price of both polished and beveled edge mirrors.
- Manufacturing Quality: LED mirror manufacturers who use high-quality glass and precise crafting techniques will likely charge more, especially for beveled edge mirrors.
Polished Edge vs Beveled Edge Mirror Cost
The cost of a polished edge vs beveled edge mirror bathroom varies based on the type of glass, design complexity, and location of manufacture. In general, beveled edge mirrors tend to cost 10-30% more than polished edge mirrors, depending on these factors.
Considerations for Budgeting
- Pencil Edge vs Flat Polished Edge: While pencil edges are less common, they’re often cheaper than flat polished edges, which require more precision to achieve the clean finish.
- Polished vs Beveled Edge Mirror Cost: A high-quality beveled glass edge will generally be more expensive than a polished edge, but the choice ultimately depends on your design goals.
What is the Difference Between Polished Edge Glass vs Unpolished?
When choosing a mirror, one of the most important things to consider is the finish of the glass edges. Polished edge glass is glass that has been smoothed and polished, giving the edges a reflective, clean, and sleek look. The process of edge polishing of glass involves grinding and buffing the glass to remove any roughness, creating a smooth, seamless surface that enhances the overall look of the mirror. This is especially important for custom LED mirrors or personalized LED mirrors, where the clarity of the edges adds to the overall design.
Unpolished glass, on the other hand, leaves the edges rough and unfinished. While this may not affect the function of the mirror, unpolished edges can look less polished, making it less suitable for high-end spaces or luxury mirrors. Unpolished edges are generally used in more industrial or cost-effective mirrors, where the look of the edge is not as important.
Key Differences:
- Appearance: Polished edges are smooth, shiny, and uniform, while unpolished edges are rough and unfinished.
- Durability: Polished edges are less prone to chipping or cracking compared to unpolished edges, as the smoothing process strengthens the edges.
- Maintenance: Polished edges are easier to clean and maintain since they don’t have rough surfaces that can collect dust or debris.
In terms of mirror pricing, polished edge glass will generally cost more than unpolished glass due to the additional processing involved. However, for mirrors that will be used in high-visibility areas, such as bathroom mirrors, the additional cost of polished edge glass is often considered worth it for the sleek, finished look.
Is a Beveled Mirror More Expensive?
Yes, beveled mirrors tend to be more expensive than polished edge mirrors because it takes more detailed work to make them. A beveled edge requires special equipment and precise cutting to angle the edges of the glass, usually at a 45-degree angle, which increases both the labor and material costs.
Factors Contributing to the Higher Cost of Beveled Mirrors:
- Additional Labor: Creating a beveled edge takes more time and skill. The cutting process is more complicated than just polishing a smooth edge, which increases the overall cost of making the mirror.
- Material Waste: During the beveling process, some of the glass is discarded to create the angled edges, which adds to the material cost compared to polished edge mirrors.
- Design Complexity: Beveled edges are usually used for more decorative and higher-end mirrors, often found in luxury bathrooms, hotels, or upscale commercial settings. The extra decorative touch adds to the cost.
- Customization: For custom LED mirrors or personalized LED mirrors, a beveled glass edge adds a level of sophistication and is often used in premium products, contributing to a higher overall price.
While polished edge mirrors are simpler and less expensive to make, beveled edge mirrors offer a more upscale look that is desired for more elegant spaces. The price difference can vary, but it’s not uncommon to see beveled edge mirrors priced 20-30% higher than polished edge mirrors, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
Conclusion
If you want a mirror that is beautiful and looks high end, a beveled edge mirror might be worth the extra cost. But if you’re on a budget, polished edge glass is a good, practical, and still good-looking option, especially for functional spaces like bathroom mirrors or personalized LED mirrors.
Choosing the right edge for your mirror comes down to your aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and budget. Whether you choose a polished edge or a beveled edge mirror, both options offer durability and style. Knowing the polished edge vs beveled edge mirror price, maintenance needs, and look will help you make the best choice for your space.
Consider talking to experienced bathroom mirror manufacturers or LED mirror manufacturers to see all the options available, including custom LED mirrors that can be made to fit your design preferences.
