Have you seen a TV disappear before? No? Well, they exist! They are called mirror TVs. Having a TV that’s a mirror is all the rave right now and for good reason.
A mirror TV is somewhat similar to an Art TV because something replaces what’s displayed on a TV screen after the TV is turned off.
In the case of TVs that look like art, it is art – pictures, paintings, and even your photographs, if you like. But for mirror TVs, the screen transforms into a mirror whenever you ask Alexa to turn off the TV. Amazing, right?
Mirror TVs are not produced by the TV brands you’re familiar with – the likes of LG, Sony, and Samsung.
Mirror TVs are regular TVs transformed into mirror TVs following a seemingly complex process that includes a frame and a dielectric glass.
Continue reading to learn more about mirror TVs – what they are, their aesthetic and functional benefits, how to use them, and our best recommendations for you.
Let’s get started!
What is a Mirror TV?
A mirror TV is a TV that doubles as a mirror and a TV. When turned off, it is just a simple mirror, but when turned on, the mirror transforms into a TV screen.
The mirror TV is also called a magic mirror TV because of its ability to transform from a mirror to a TV screen and vice versa.
Types of Mirror TVs
The mirror TV comes in different sizes and specifications to suit people’s preferences.
Here are the different types of mirror TV
Standard Design Mirror TVs
Standard design mirror TVs have fixed sizes of screen and mirror. In other words, this mirror TV is ready-made – no customizations whatsoever.
Custom Design Mirror TVs
These TVs are always designed to fit the customer’s specifications. If you want your mirror TV to look and feel a particular way, you must customize your new or existing TV with a mirror. More about this later.
How Are Mirror TVs Made?
If you were wondering how a mirror could transform into a TV screen when turned on, well, the answer is simple.
A television is installed behind a particular two-way mirror āan optical glass lens āsilvery-white color.
The installation is done through nano sputtering technology, where a thin metallic film covers the glass.
How Much Does a Mirror TV Cost?
TVs that double as mirrors are rapidly gaining popularity because of their numerous features and the fact that they double as mirrors.
The cost of a mirror TV varies depending on the shape, size, frame type, and other detailed requirements provided by the customer.
The cost of a mirror TV also varies depending on whether you’re buying a ready-made mirror TV or you want to employ the services of professionals to help turn your existing TV into a mirror TV.
If it is the second option, you’d have to pay for the materials that they will use – this includes the glass, frame, and any other material. The cost will also include the installation fee. And if you’re buying a new regular TV, you’d have to spend more.
Indoor mirror TVs cost anywhere from $5000 upwards, depending on the manufacturer or the installation services you use.
The price also depends on the custom features chosen, taking into cognizance the size of the mirror, the TV size, and more.
Bathroom mirror TVs are cheaper because they come without a frame, and the TV is usually smaller than the mirror.
You should budget between $500 – $ 3000 or more for a bathroom mirror TV.
The outdoor mirror TV is the most expensive because it has more features than the others – High brightness, waterproof, and more.
Like the indoor TVs, it’s difficult to say how much an outdoor TV installation costs, but you should know that it is not cheap either.
The Popular Option – Converting a Samung Frame TV to Mirror TV
Although there are TVs that are mirrors by design, most of those brands aren’t well known. So many people turn to the best alternative; converting a Samsung The Frame TV to a TV that doubles as a mirror.
The Frame TV is a slim TV designed to look like a real picture frame. It’s a wonder of modern TV technology. The Frame TV is 24.9mm thick; that’s pretty slim and allows the TV to lay flat on the wall like a piece of art. It also has one invisible connection that connects all of the messy wires together causing it to blend seamlessly blend with any decor.
To convert a Frame TV into a mirror TV, you’d have to buy a pretty expensive TV frame. You can custom make one yourself if you’re handy and great at measurements. A reflective TV screen cover can then be used to give that mirror effect.
Converting a Frame TV to a mirror TV can be a bit more expensive than buying lesser-known TV name brands. Plus many of the actual mirror TVs come in such small sizes that people prefer the size flexibility of the Frame TV option.
If you find the Frame TV option too expensive for your taste or budget, you can simply get one of the lesser-known brands. They’re cheaper; although not as cheap as regular TVs.
TVs That Are Mirrors ā Our Best Recommendations
If you would rather buy a ready-made mirror TV, see our best recommendations below. These TVs have fixed prices, so you don’t have to worry about additional installations.
1. Soulaca Smart TV
The Soulaca smart TV is a frameless vanishing mirror TV, and the TV is waterproof and runs on the Android 7.1 Operating System.
It has 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, 1 Audio Out port, LAN, and integrated Wi-Fi.
The Soulaca TV grants access to all channels without a TV box, and it comes with Google Chromecast, Google Chrome, YouTube, and Netflix.
Pros
- Full-HD smart TV
- IP66 certification
- TV and a mirror at the same time
- Frameless TV
- High-quality picture
Cons
- Low Android OS
2. SunBrite Mirror TV
The SunBrite Mirror TV is an ultra 4K HDR TV that offers 50% more brightness than your regular indoor TVs.
It is an outdoor TV that can withstand harsh weather conditions and deliver superior performance and display quality.
Built-in speakers provide rich and crisp sound for an immersive audio experience.
It is equipped with 3 HDMI ports and 1 USB port.
Pros
- Large-sized 55 inches
- Ultra 4K HDR LED
- Provides 5% more brightness
- Rust-proof powder-coated aluminum exterior
Cons
- There’s no IP66 certification
- It doesn’t have advanced features
3. Furrion TV
Furrion Mirror TV is a LED TV specially designed for outdoor and bathroom entertainment.
It comes with an IP67 waterproof remote control, and it is three times brighter than regular indoor television.
Pros
- IP54 weatherproof
- Climate resistant
- Superior performance
- There are four inbuilt fans
- It has four times more resolution than full HD
- Anti-glare
Cons
- Poor customer service
4. Elecsung Mirror TV
The Elecsung mirror TV is a waterproof mirror TV that has a dual function ā mirror and TV.
The TV has a luxurious look, and it comes with wall brackets. It runs on the Android 7.1 Operating System, giving access to all channels without a TV box.
It has a Full HD, and the aspect ratio is 16:9, designed to provide a high-quality picture.
It has 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, 1 Audio Out port, LAN, and integrated Wi-Fi. It comes with Google Chromecast, Google Chrome, YouTube, and Netflix.
Pros
- Full-HD smart TV
- IP66 certification
- TV and a mirror at the same time
- Included wall brackets for easy installation
- High-quality picture
- Easy installation
Cons
- It does have an LCD screen.
5. Haocrown Magic Mirror TV
The Haocrown magic Mirror TV is a waterproof television that is excellent for the bathroom.
It runs on the Android 10.0 Operating System, giving you access to all channels without needing a TV box.
Popular streaming platforms are also part of the package with YouTube, Spotify, Google, and Netflix.
Pros
- It is a full-HD smart TV
- It has IP66 certification
- It doubles as a TV and a mirror at the same time
- It has a professional design
- It produces a high-quality picture
- It has waterproof certification
Cons
- You cannot find it easily
- It is pretty extensive
Mirror TV Buyer’s Guide
There are various factors to consider buying a mirror TV, such as the screen size, the resolution, the ports, refresh rate, etc.
Learning about all these will help you make an informed decision. So, without further ado; here is our buyer’s guide below:
The Display Screen Differences
The screen is an essential part of a TV; talk more of a Mirror TV. There are different screen types to choose from when purchasing a TV.
There’s the plasma screen or the standard LCD screen, and there are also modern screens available in the market like OLED and QLED.
Learning about the various screen types will help you decide.
OLED
OLED is the acronym for Organic Light Emitting Diode, and it is one of the popular screen types available in the market.
The OLED screen is famous for improved image quality – better contrast, higher brightness, a more comprehensive color range, and faster refresh rates.
LCD or LED
The LED is the acronym for Light Emitting Diode backlight, while LCD is Liquid Crystal Display.
The LCD and LED are the same, and these screen types are the most popular available because they are energy efficient and considerably bright.
Quantum Dot (QLED)
The Quantum Dot screen type is popularly known as QLED, and this is the latest screen type available in the market.
QLED makes use of a type of semiconductor that produces colored lights, and it is way better than LED-LCD, but in terms of quality, they are close to OLED screens.
This screen type is quite expensive.
Waterproofing
If you want to buy a bathroom mirror TV, it must have a waterproofing certification.
Make sure to check this before making the purchase.
The Resolution
The resolution determines how sharp images will be on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
However, higher resolution TVs are usually more expensive. SO, be ready to spend quite a bit if this is what you want. Alternatively, you can still get cheap 4k TVs that are pretty impressive.
Refresh Rate
Refresh Rate is measured by Hertz (Hz), and the term is used to describe the number of times a picture gets refreshed on the screen every second.
The standard refresh rate is 60 Hz, but a 60 Hz refresh rate can make things look blurry on LCD panels.
If you want something better, consider a 120 Hz TV or higher. More so if you’re a gamer.
Connectivity With Other Devices
One of the reasons smart TVs are in high demand is because these TVs can connect to laptops, mobile phones, and any other device.
Make sure that the mirror TV you decide to purchase has these features.
HDMI, Ports
The number of HDMI ports a TV has is often neglected when purchasing a TV.
You need to know how many HDMI ports a TV has before purchasing. Also, you need to check the availability of other ports like the audio out port, LAN, etc. You will need this whenever you connect another device to the TV.
Reviews
Before buying a TV that doubles as a mirror, it helps to read reviews from people who own a mirror TV or have used the installation service you have in mind.
Their opinions will help you weigh your options and make a more informed decision. Check TV and tech forums, and review articles on TVToTalkAbout.
Features
Consider the features you desire in a TV before making your choice. For instance, if you want to own a Mirror TV with an LCD screen, you cannot go for the Elecsung mirror TV.
Mirror TVs Custom and Beautiful Frames
For mirror TV customizations, frames are a crucial component, and they help beautify the TV and make it look more like a mirror whenever it is turned off. Mirror TV frames are very similar to those used for paintings and photos, but the build is different because they are designed for a mirror and a TV.
If you want to transform your new or existing TV into a mirror TV, you might want to learn about the types of frames available to you. We have written a bit about each one below.
Wood: The wooden frames are the most beautiful and expensive ones, and they can be carved into different shapes and sizes.
Polystyrene: The polystyrene frame is widely used to make the mirror TV because it is affordable and quickly produced. They are rich in color and primarily rectangular.
Aluminum: Aluminum frames are pretty solid and affordable, and they are often available in different colors and shapes. These are more suitable for bathrooms.
FAQs
Does mirror TV have inbuilt speakers?
Yes, mirror TVs come with standard inbuilt speakers. Also, manufacturers can customize the TV to suit the customer’s specifications.
What are the available sizes in Mirror TV?
Mirror TVs come in various sizes, starting from 19 inches.
What if my Mirror TV needs repairs?
Just like any other TV, mirror TVs can be serviced when they need repairs.
How do I care for a mirror TV?
You can care for your mirror TV just like you do for regular TV screens. If it has a scratch on the screen, use this DIY guide to fix it.
Use a non-ammonia glass cleaner and a gentle cloth to wipe the screen’s surface.
Don’t spray the liquid directly on the screen, and make sure not to use sharp objects.
