Reading · Berkshire
Bespoke Mirrors in Reading
Mirrors with black edges in Reading cannot be restored, but we can measure and replace them with new mirror bonded using a compatible adhesive to protect the silver.
- RG1
- RG4
- RG30
- Guide from £205
Reading: wardrobe mirror doors
A safety-backed mirror has a film bonded across its back that holds the pieces together if the glass breaks, so fragments stay on the backing instead of falling or scattering. Some backing films are classified for impact under BS EN 12600, and the film is applied before fitting.
Large mirrors are usually fixed with mirror adhesive and supported at the base by a slim channel or clips while the adhesive cures and afterwards. Smaller mirrors can be screw-fixed through drilled holes with decorative caps, which also lets them be removed later.
Black edges, often called edge creep, are corrosion of the silver layer, usually started by moisture or cleaning fluid getting into the edges, or by an unsuitable adhesive. Once the silver has corroded it cannot be restored, so the mirror has to be replaced.
Most mirrors for internal use are made from silver-coated float glass covered by BS EN 1036-1, which sets definitions, quality requirements and test methods, including resistance to damp and corrosion. Mirror for bathrooms or other humid areas should come from a supplier whose product meets that standard.
What's included
- Cut-outs and drilled holes for sockets, switches or fixings
- Mirror cut to size with your chosen edge finish
- Final clean and advice on protecting the edges
- Fixing with mirror-compatible adhesive, clips or channels
Local details for Reading
- Postcodes covered
- RG1, RG4, RG30 and the surrounding area, including Earley, Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham
- Coast
- Reading is well inland, around 67 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Reading the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 hours in midsummer. A mirror opposite or beside a window reflects daylight deeper into a room, which helps dark north-facing spaces through winter. Low direct sun on a large mirror can cause glare, so its position and any tint are worth considering.
- Access and setting
- Large mirrors for flats, salons and gyms often have to travel through narrow stairwells and small lifts, so walls may be covered in several panels with planned joints. Loading limits and building working hours can affect fitting times.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Reading
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Polished mirror, 1200 × 900 mm | £205 – £265 |
| Safety-backed mirror, 1800 × 1000 mm | £365 – £465 |
| Gym mirror wall, 4000 × 2000 mm | £995 – £1,295 |
What you can choose
Clear silver mirror
Standard silver-coated float glass mirror, cut to size, suited to most rooms, wardrobes and wall mirrors where a true, neutral reflection is wanted.
Antique-effect mirror
Mirror with a deliberately aged, mottled finish, giving a vintage look for feature walls, alcoves and period-style rooms.
Safety-backed mirror
Mirror with a bonded backing film that holds fragments together if it breaks, recommended for doors, full-height mirrors, gyms and children's rooms.
Bespoke Mirrors in Reading: questions
Can I have a bespoke mirror in a bathroom?
Yes, provided the room is well ventilated and the mirror is protected from standing water. We use mirror that meets the relevant standard for internal use, bond it with a compatible adhesive and keep edges away from splashes where possible. A heated demister pad can keep part of the mirror clear, wired in by a qualified electrician.
Can a large mirror be fixed to plasterboard?
Often, yes, but it depends on the board, its fixings and the surface finish. Adhesive grips the paint or plaster layer, so flaky paint or weak skim can let go under the weight. We check the wall at survey and may add a base channel, mechanical fixings into studs, or a backing board to spread the load.
How should I clean a mirror without damaging it?
Spray glass cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth rather than directly onto the mirror, then wipe and buff dry. That stops liquid running down and soaking into the bottom edge, which is where black edges usually start. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemical cleaners, and dry the edges after cleaning in bathrooms.
How long does a bespoke mirror take?
Plain mirrors cut to size are often ready soon after measuring, while bevelled, tinted, safety-backed or shaped mirrors take longer to process. Fitting is usually completed in a single visit, though full gym or studio walls can take longer. Your written quote sets out the expected timescale, and we confirm the date when the mirror is ready.
Do you cover Reading for bespoke mirrors?
Yes. We can quote for bespoke mirrors across Reading and the surrounding Berkshire area, including postcode districts RG1, RG4 and RG30, and nearby Earley, Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Reading
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.