Size – the first point to consider is the size of the mirror itself and the size of the whole product.  Both must be suitable for the room it is to be placed in and the needs of the person who will be using it.  For example, whilst a 12 inch mirror may be cheaper (for example, if it were in a sale), the full size of the product, including the base and frame, may exceed 15 inches.  This would be unsuitable for a room where a mirror of only 6 inches is required, as not only will it take up too much space, but the extra inches will be unwanted and therefore wasted.

Design – the actual aesthetics of a vanity mirror play a large part in the purchasing process for many.  Especially in terms of use in a bedroom, the mirror should look part of the room and be as fitting as possible to where it is to be situated.  A prime example would be for use on a dressing table.  It would be inappropriate, aesthetically, to purchase a gold framed and based mirror if the majority of the dressing table was based around silver.

Base or fixings – one of the main points to consider that is often overlooked are the fixings or base that comes with the mirror.  Depending on the type of mirror required and where it is to be placed depends on the type of fixings or base that is required.  A mirror that is for the bathroom wall, for example, requires the correct fixings for it to be attached securely to a tiled wall.  However, a mirror for a bedroom dressing table will often only require a sturdy base to ensure that it is not easily knocked over.

Rotating mirror – useful for all uses of vanity mirrors, a rotating mirror allows the person using it to get the best reflection possible.  Depending on the light that is being used in the room, the reflection on the mirror can be terrible and can make the mirror impossible to use.  Therefore if the mirror is moveable, it can be adjusted to ensure it is in the best possible position for when it is being used.  Furthermore, many moveable mirrors have a second mirror on the back that often provides a larger reflection – perfect for more close up work, such as precision shaving.

Generally split into designs for males and females, one of the more popular vanity mirrors for males is the simple yet effective circular design.  Mounted in a metal frame and upon a metal stand, the mirror itself is approximately 8 inches wide and can be rotated so both sides of the mirror can be used.  The reason it is created this way is that the normal mirror often has a magnified mirror on the reverse, providing a fantastic mirror for, in the case of men, shaving, even for those with poor eyesight.  Furthermore, these mirrors can be placed either on a shelf using the stand provided or can be fixed to the wall by the base of the stand, allowing the mirror itself to still move and provide the utmost flexibility.

Although there are many similar designed vanity mirrors for females, many of the mirrors designed and aimed at the female market are often produced on a slightly larger scale.  For example, some of the more popular designs are mounted in a traditional wooden frame and stand around 12 inches high and 8 inches wide.  Sat on a swivel bar so that they can be rotated (not only for a larger mirror on the reverse but to get the best possible reflection in terms of light, etc), they are designed to be placed upon a female dressing table where they can take center stage and look fantastic in any bedroom or dressing room.

Whilst vanity mirrors are often of a medium size, there is a selection available for women that are designed to be placed in a purse or clutch bag.  Measuring only approximately 2 inches in width, they are displayed in a case similar to that of a powder compact and can be easily stored in an evening bag, taking up only a minimal amount of the precious space available.

Available for both men and women alike, vanity mirrors are created in many different styles and with the internet providing a somewhat exhaustive display, the only problem one is most likely to come across when viewing mirror is simply choosing which mirror is the most suitable.

Above all reasons, many people purchase these mirrors online for the extensive variety that is available.  In many offline stores related to mirrors, or that have a department that sells mirrors, the range of vanity mirrors available can often be, at best, limited.  However, when looking online, with the sheer amount of websites that are available, the range of mirrors can seem exhaustive.  From specialist websites to general home wares websites, mirrors are available in every size, shape and style imaginable.

One of the more popular websites to purchase these specific mirrors from is eBay.  With the recession hitting everyone, more people are looking to second hand goods as a way to reduce their monthly spending budget.  eBay provides a marketplace where people can both sell and buy their goods online and mirrors are amongst some of the most popular items in the home departments.  Available in all shapes and sizes, as they are considered ‘used’, the prices can be much less than what they would be if purchased brand new.  However, many often appear new due to the care they have received from their previous owner.

Price can be a major factor when deciding on whether to buy online or offline.  Mirrors online can often be purchased at a cheaper price than offline as there are a lot less overheads to take into consideration.  For example, where bricks and mortar stores have to pay for rent and staff – to name just two factors – online stores often have nothing greater than some storage space.  Due to this reason, they can pass their savings onto their customers and it also allows them to focus on inventory. Many online stores that sell vanity mirrors may also carry other relevant products for the kitchen and bathroom, such as counter tops, butcher blocks, kitchen backsplash tiles, oven and matching kitchen exhaust fan, small appliances,and more.  However, offline stores should never be completely ruled out when deciding where to purchase the mirror as many have some fantastic sales that can regularly be of a better price than on a website.

Although purchasing vanity mirrors online can have some fantastic benefits, there are also unfortunately some negative points.  The most primary downfall of purchasing online is the fact the item cannot be seen and therefore a good image has to be relied upon.  Furthermore, if the mirror is faulty or not suitable, it can often be a timely process to return the mirror and can add extra costs to the mirror, as most websites require the buyer to pay for any return postage costs incurred.

For a framed vanity mirror, the first step is to ensure that it has picture wire attached the back.  As most do, problems very rarely arise at this stage.  Secondly, the weight of the mirror must be discovered as this factor affects a lot of the following processes.  For example, most walls are capable of easily holding a 100 pound vanity mirror.  However, for mirrors that weigh considerably more, research may need to be carried out into the strength of the wall to ensure it can support such a large weight.

Once the weight of the mirror has been determined, two picture hooks should be attached to the wall using the screws supplied.  Although one picture hook will often suffice, two will distribute the weight evenly and provide a much more secure setting for the vanity mirror.  After these have been put in place, the mirror should simply hang easily on the hooks by the picture wire that is attached to the back.

Prior to hanging the mirror, many people make markings on the wall to ensure the mirror is in the most perfect position.  However, it is often recommended that the mirror is simply hung up and moved slightly to provide a centre hung mirror.

Slightly more difficult, installing a frameless vanity mirror requires for a frame to be attached to the wall in which the mirror is placed over, giving the effect of a completely frameless mirror.

Four clips are generally required and often come with the mirror itself.  They then need to be fixed to the wall in set locations, depending on the size of the mirror.  Once all four clips are attached to the wall, the mirror should purely fall into the bottom two clips and be snap-shut into the top two, providing an effective and secure way to hold the frameless mirror.

Everyone has their own preference as to which type of vanity mirror they prefer and the type of furniture mirrored they like.  Whilst there are several different variations, most will fit into the umbrella terms of framed or frameless.  Furthermore, with a little due care, attention and time, either kind can be easily placed on a wall to make for a fantastic room decoration.