Holywood · County Down
Bespoke Mirrors in Holywood
An awkward alcove or sloping ceiling in Holywood does not have to rule out a mirror, because each one we fit is templated and cut to the real shape of the space.
- BT18
- Guide from £205
Made to measure mirrors for homes and businesses in Holywood
To protect the edges, spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth rather than directly onto the mirror, so liquid does not run down and soak into the bottom edge. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, and dry the edges after cleaning in bathrooms.
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.
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.
Mirrors must be bonded with an adhesive made to be compatible with mirror backing. Some general-purpose adhesives and acidic sealants can attack the protective coatings and the silver, causing dark patches that spread from behind. We only use mirror-compatible products.
What's included
- Mirror cut to size with your chosen edge finish
- Survey, measuring or templating of the wall or recess
- Cut-outs and drilled holes for sockets, switches or fixings
- Fixing with mirror-compatible adhesive, clips or channels
Working in Holywood
- Postcodes covered
- BT18 and the surrounding area, including Dundonald, Newtownabbey and Belfast
- Coast
- Holywood is about 2 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. Mirrors are fitted indoors, but salty, humid coastal air can still reach the silver backing through exposed edges, particularly in bathrooms and near entrances. Protected edges, a compatible adhesive and good ventilation all help prevent black edge corrosion.
- Daylight and sun
- In Holywood the midwinter sun reaches about 12° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.0 hours of daylight, rising to about 59° and 17.0 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
- Older rural homes often have uneven walls of stone or lime plaster, which can distort a bonded mirror unless the wall is levelled or a backing board is used. Damp solid walls also need checking before a mirror is fixed to them.
- Rules in Northern Ireland
- Technical Booklet V covers safety glazing in Northern Ireland, including glass in and around doors and low-level glazing where people could walk into it.
Guide prices in Holywood
| 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 |
Choosing your bespoke mirrors
Tinted mirror
Grey or bronze tinted mirror that softens the reflection and adds warmth or depth, often used as a feature wall or in hospitality spaces.
Antique-effect mirror
Mirror with a deliberately aged, mottled finish, giving a vintage look for feature walls, alcoves and period-style rooms.
Heated demister pad
A thin heating pad bonded behind a bathroom mirror to keep an area clear of steam, wired in by a qualified electrician.
Bespoke Mirrors in Holywood: questions
Why do mirrors go black around the edges?
Black edges are corrosion of the silver layer behind the glass, usually caused by moisture or cleaning fluid getting into the edges, or by an adhesive that reacts with the backing. Bathrooms are especially at risk because of steam. The damage cannot be reversed, so the mirror needs replacing, ideally with better edge protection and a compatible adhesive.
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.
Can a mirror be cut around sockets and light switches?
Yes. We mark socket and switch positions on the template, cut the openings in the mirror, then remove and refit the faceplates so the mirror sits neatly behind them with the power isolated. If sockets need moving or adding, a qualified electrician should do that before we template so the cut-outs line up.
Do you cover Holywood for bespoke mirrors?
Yes. We can quote for bespoke mirrors across Holywood and the surrounding County Down area, including postcode districts BT18, and nearby Dundonald, Newtownabbey and Belfast. 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 Holywood
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.