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Mirrors are no longer just functional pieces in the bathroom. Interior design trends have mirrors set as decorative elements to evoke ambiance, brightness, and playfulness in any room.
But the traditional glass mirror is not the most convenient option for many DIYers. It is heavy, very delicate, dangerous around kids/pets, and requires drilling to mount.
That is why more people are turning to peel and stick mirrors. Usually made from acrylic, they are shatterproof, lightweight, and easy to customize and apply.
So, how do you apply peel and stick mirrors? You apply peel and stick mirrors by removing the protective backing on the sticky side and pressing it on the intended surface. Of course, there are a few tips and tricks for the most flawless, long-lasting application.
If you stick around longer, you learn about all that. We also review some of the best peel and stick mirrors.
How To Apply Peel And Stick Mirrors
Installing peel and stick mirrors is easy peasy. No drilling is necessary. You only need to be careful and accurate with placement. If you are ready to spruce things up, here is what you’ll need:
- Pencil/chalk/erasable marker
- Measuring tape
- Rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth
- Favorite peel and stick mirror
1. Identify A Spot
You probably already identified where you want your mirror(s). Empty walls, hallways, pillars, doors, closets, and furniture are all great places.
You should always apply the peel and stick mirrors on a smooth surface. This could be polished wood, plastic, steel, glass, marble, ceramic tiles, etc.
These mirrors will not stay on textured surfaces like brick walls, or powder walls. Therefore, check with the manufacturer for compatibility if you are not sure.
2. Clean The Surface
A clean surface provides the best adhesion. Therefore, you want to grab your rubbing alcohol (or appropriate cleaning solution for the particular surface) and rug and wipe down the area to remove dirt, oil, etc.
3. Plan The Layout
Next, you want to unwrap the mirror from its packaging or box to look at what’s inside. Take note of the measurements, and plan the layout.
Would you like the mirror tiles vertically aligned like a full-length mirror, random arrangement or horizontal placement? Do you want gaps in between them or not?
You can even draw the plan on a notebook or paper.
4. Measure And Mark
Once decided on how to place the mirrors, measure and make tiny marks exactly where each tile or piece should go on the decorative surface. You can use a pencil, chalk, dry erase marker, or anything that can rub off with ease.
It is not uncommon to measure with your eyes only to realize later after installation that you miscalculated. You want to make sure the mirror doesn’t end too high or too low, or isn’t too far spaced or off-center. So, make use of the tape and measure.
5. Remove Backing
You’ll notice protective backing on both the reflective side and the back side, which is supposed to be tacky. Carefully peel off the protective sheet on the back.
It is easier to peel from the corners. If the sheet seems stubborn, you can use a pair of tweezers, a pin, or fingernails to rub the edge until it lifts.
Sometimes the mirror pieces are not packed individually and instead come as stencils on one sheet. You must break each piece from the sheet carefully to avoid breaking or bending them.
Though self sticking mirrors are often flexible, bending them entirely may leave permanent lines.
6. Affix
Without touching the adhesive, hold the mirror by the edges and firmly press it on the appropriate area as previously marked. Hold down for a few seconds.
7. Remove Top Protective Film
Finally, extract the protective film at the front to reveal the shine, and voila! You are done.
Most people assume the mirrors are a scam and not reflective as advertised only because they didn’t peel the cloudy protective film off of the top. It is super thin and easy to miss.
The film protects the mirror from scratches while in transit. Also, it deters you from leaving fingerprint marks all over your mirror during installation hence should be peeled off last.
For a visual tutorial of the process, watch this video from VibesWithValencia on YouTube.
How To Choose Peel And Stick Mirrors
The range of peel and stick mirror options is overwhelmingly huge. How do you pick the best one? By considering the following.
Size And Shape
Think about the mirror size that best satisfies your needs or the space available, then make a choice. You may buy one that is the perfect size or combine several mirror tiles to create the size you want.
Style is 100% preferential. There are squared, rectangular, round, and oval mirrors to choose from. In addition, there are non-geometric shapes and patterns.
Workability
Next, you want to check whether the mirror is permanent or workable. This depends mainly on the type of adhesive used.
If the type of glue used remains tacky even after installation, chances are the mirror can be repositioned. If it dries permanently, repositioning is impossible without applying fresh adhesive.
In the same light, factor in how it affects the surface after a transfer, for example, peeling off paint, tearing wallpaper, etc.
Surface Compatibility
Peel and stick mirrors, also known as self-adhesive mirrors, typically work best on smooth surfaces. They may not stick well on any surface that is grainy, uneven textured or leaves powdery or ashy residue.
Also, check how the mirror fares in bathrooms or kitchens where it will be steamy, humid, and wet. While the surface may be smooth, these elements sometimes affect the adhesive.
Reflection Quality
Most importantly, check the quality of the reflection. Peel and stick mirrors are usually made from some type of PET/acrylic. So it would be best if you lowered your expectations a bit regarding reflection quality as it is not comparable to a real glass mirror.
Notwithstanding, choosing a high-quality acrylic mirror will provide you with outstanding clarity and non-distorted reflections.
Best Peel And Stick Mirrors
The most exciting thing about peel and stick mirrors is their versatility. You can place them literally anywhere in any organized style. They are that flexible.
If you are yet to choose a design, we’ve sampled some of the best peel and stick mirrors for you to explore.
1. Q-BICS Flexible Reflection Mirror Sheets Stickers
Q-BICS flexible mirror sheets offer two glass mirror clear reflective surfaces for interior decoration, playrooms, and crafting projects. The high-quality acrylic mirror sheets are versatile, bendable, and self-adhesive.
Each rectangular sheet measures 11.9″ by 17.9″. Placed side by side, they make a large enough mirror for your sink, closet, wall, etc. You only peel the backing and paste them.
The mirror sheets are paper-thin and fully customizable as well. You can cut out different shapes or reduce the size using sharp scissors or a utility knife.
Whether you want a standard rectangular mirror or looking to personalize one hassle-free, these QBICS sheets will make it happen.
2. Removable Acrylic Mirror Setting Wall Sticker Adhesive
An alternative to four-cornered mirrors is this round set of mirrors. There are over 30 pieces of peel and stick mirrors.
These come in an assortment of sizes ranging between 6″ diameters and slightly under 1″. Installation is as easy as removing the backing on individual circles and sticking them.
You get to play around with the design as they are decorative mirror pieces, and the placement order is entirely personalized.
The round-shaped mirrors are acrylic and don’t break like glass; hence safe for any room. Each piece offers a clear reflection adding sophistication to any room.
3. Aneco Acrylic Round Mirrors Non Glass Round Mirror
For size over numbers, get this set with fewer but broader circles. It is a pack of 6 round acrylic peel and stick mirrors.
The flexible sheets are only 2mm thin with smooth edges.
You can have these as centerpiece decor on tables at a party or stick them to walls, create a sunburst, etc. There are two sizes to choose from; 6″ or 8″ in diameter.
The reflection is not real glass professional, but the clarity is still superior enough to make them functional mirrors and stunning decor.
4. SelfTek DIY Mirror Stickers Removable Adhensive Wall Stickers
Nothing screams sophistication like these geometric Greek key pattern mirror stickers. The set contains 60 easy-to-peel and stick mirror-like stickers.
They are thin, highly reflective, with strong adhesive, so you must be careful with alignment during placement.
These mirror tiles are fantastic for covering surfaces where you want only partial reflection. You can also apply them along trims and frames for a mirror effect.
Each piece measures about 4 inches on the sides, with a silver and gold mirror reflection to choose from.
5. Manco Luella Mirror Wall Stickers Hexagon Mirror Art DIY Home
Another on-trend mirror style is the honeycomb. You can achieve it with this Manco Luella hexagonal mirror set.
There are 12 hexagonal acrylic mirror tiles for unlimited creativity with placement. Although not an actual glass mirror, it is very clear and provides sharp images and bright light reflection.
Installing the tiles is as easy as peeling and sticking. And with their thin, light profile and excellent adhesion, nothing comes off unless you take it down.
The hexagonal tiles are, however, not as massive as pictured. Each one is about 7.8 inches wide. Still, they are gorgeous mirrors when done.
6. CCINEE Heart Shape Mirror Wall Sticker 3D Art Wall Decal Removable Mirror
We recommend this next peel-and-stick mirror for lovers of hearts or anyone who wants love-themed art. The heart set contains 23 big and little heart mirror pieces.
It comes ready with a design template to follow. But you are free to unleash your creativity and organize them however you want.
The heart mirrors are acrylic made and thus won’t shatter. They are also paper thin and easy to install.
The adhesive back particularly has a firm grip, and the mirrors cannot fall off. You must be sure of the position before installation because once it grabs a surface, it doesn’t let go without a fight.
Unfortunately for painted walls, it will come off with paint too, if you need to remove them. They are that sticky.The results are, however, cute, and the mirror shine and reflection are superb.
7. iCAGY Acrylic Self Adhesive Mirror Sheet For Wall
Another option is the iCAGY acrylic mirror sheets. They have excellent reflective qualities, are lightweight, and are easy to install.
We like this rectangular peel and stick mirror because of its versatility. Whether you want to create a full-length mirror, cover a section of the wall, or just have a small locker mirror, it is up to you.
There are various sizes from 6″ to 17″ in length and sets of 1, 2, 4, or 12 to choose from, depending on your needs.
Also, the mirror sheets are safe around the home with kids and pets as they are shatterproof, and the corners are rounded. The tacky side is also strong and holds up well.
8. 3D Wavy Mirror Wall Stickers Mirror Art
The best thing about peel and stick mirrors is that they are available in virtually any shape. So if you want a twist of the traditional straight rectangular shaped mirror, you might like this wavy design.
The 8-piece set contains acrylic mirror tiles but with curved edges instead of straight right-angled planes.
Being acrylic, the clarity is obviously not glass mirror quality. Still, it is a good enough reflection for adding style, enhancing light, and just sheer fun.
Installation is a no-brainer. Just peel off the protective cover off the sticky side and slap it on the surface you are decorating.
9. MYRO Self-Adhesive Designed Mirror
How about this Venetian-style self-adhesive mirror for your space? The 11.9″ long 6.7″ wide acrylic mirror is the perfect size for your personal space, be it locker, bathroom, or kids’ room.
Made from top-grade acrylic, it provides a clear non-distorted reflection when you need to touch up on your makeup or brush your teeth or hair. And since you get two pieces, you can combine them to make a fuller mirror.
The paper-thin featherweight mirror sheet is easy to install and isn’t an overwhelming load. It comes with double-sided tape that secures it to the wall effortlessly.
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