WHICH DOOR MIRROR IS BEST?
If you’re in the market for a new mirror, you might not have enough space for a large, freestanding design. To optimize your space, your best bet is a door mirror.
Door mirrors remain popular for their space-saving designs, but that’s not all they have to offer. Many designs feature adjustable heights, which means no more getting “cut off” at the head or knees when checking out your outfit. Other door mirrors have ventured into organization, making them multipurpose solutions that also provide storage and organization for accessories, makeup, or jewelry.
To learn more about door mirrors, read our buying guide, which features a few of our top picks. Our favorite design, Best Choice Products’ Mirrored Hanging Jewelry Organizer, functions as a mounted mirror armoire and has a lockable door.
What to know before you buy a door mirror
Types
For the most part, door mirrors fall into three categories: simple, expandable, and multipurpose.
Simple door mirrors are by far the most affordable. They’re hung by mounting hardware or over-the-door hooks. Expandable door mirrors have more involved designs that feature one to three additional mirrors to allow multiple vantage points. The most advanced designs are multipurpose door mirrors, which may have LED lights or storage compartments.
Sizes
Full-length door mirrors range in size from 14 x 48 inches to 16 x 60 inches. Most door mirrors fall toward the shorter end of this range, and the larger they get, the more expensive they become.
There are also half-length mirrors that measure approximately 14 x 24 inches. They’re best if you only need to view your look from the waist up or intend to use it to apply makeup or style your hair.
Hanging vs. mounted installation
Hanging door mirrors are easy to install and won’t cause any permanent damage to your door. Unfortunately, you need to use tack or mounting brackets to secure the bottom of the mirror, as they’re notorious for slamming against the door when you open or close it.
Mounted door mirrors require a bit more effort for installation, but when they’re properly hung, they have clean lines and look like they’re built into the door. One of the pitfalls of mounting the door mirror is that the drilling leaves permanent holes on the door that can be somewhat challenging to repair.
What to look for in a quality door mirror
Frame style
The most common frame style for door mirrors features a simple, thin edge. Black, white, and brown remain the most popular, and some mirrors are available in vibrant colors. Decorative frames have a high-end look, especially those with ornate details, such as engraving or unique staining. Frameless door mirrors have gained popularity and offer an attractive look, particularly for those who prefer a streamlined or minimalist design.
Frame materials
Door mirrors usually have frames made of plastic, metal, or wood composite. The most affordable door mirrors have plastic frames, but they’re known for being flimsy and low-quality. Those with metal frames are more durable, though they can have sharp corners.
Door mirrors made of a wood composite can be hit or miss with quality. Some are well-made and stained to look like real wood, while others might be poorly assembled and eventually splinter.
How much you can expect to spend on a door mirror
Door mirrors with basic designs and plastic frames usually cost $40 or less. Better-quality mirrors with ornate frames and more secure mounting hardware run closer to $75. If you prefer a multipurpose door mirror or one with storage, be prepared to spend $150-$200.
Door mirror FAQ
What’s the best place to install a door mirror?
A. There are pros and cons to each location. Bathroom door mirrors are convenient if you do makeup or style your hair there, but they can fog up from hot showers. Door mirrors hung in bedrooms also work, but that means they aren’t always in a well-lit location.
How do I clean a door mirror?
A. It’s recommended to wipe the mirror down with a streak-free glass cleaner. As far as the frame goes, you need appropriate cleaning products for the material. Unless otherwise specified, you can use most alcohol-free surface cleaners on them.
What are the best door mirrors to buy?
Top door mirror
Best Choice Products’ Mirrored Hanging Jewelry Organizer
What you need to know: This well-made cabinet design is for the fashionista with plenty of jewelry or makeup.
What you’ll love: It offers numerous storage options, including drawers, cubbies and lots of pegs. The mirror quality is superb, and the unit includes LED lights. The overall construction of the unit is solid.
What you should consider: The unit must be secured to the door, or it rattles against it and jiggles around its contents.
Top door mirror for money
Americanflat Over the Door Mirror
What you need to know: It’s a decent option if you’re on a budget and prefer a sleek design.
What you’ll love: It’s made of tough, shatterproof glass, and the MDF frame is well-made. It doesn’t distort images like similarly priced mirrors.
What you should consider: It needs assembly.
Worth checking out
MCS 16×55 Over The Door Mirror
What you need to know: This mirror has an attractive design with a wide frame available in five colors.
What you’ll love: Adjustable door hanging height. Consumers love the convenient, no-tools installation system. It looks great whether it’s hung horizontally or vertically.
What you should consider: Some people reported that the mirror’s surface appears warped.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
