Infinity Mirror
If you have ever looked into an infinity mirror it is
likely you did not realize it was called an infinity mirror
when you see a succession of continuous frames which appear
like they go on forever. It may also be likely that you
created your own Infinity mirror by taking your handheld
mirror and then holding it in front of another mirror with
both mirrors facing one another. The result is an ongoing
illusion of frames extending into infinity.
Infinity
mirrors used to be novelty items back in the 1970s and now
they are back in a big way and are used for a wide variety
of purposes. They can be used to create decorative tables
that enhance an upscale décor, as an amazing wall display,
and for use in commercial establishments as an ongoing
spectacular display which can occupy an entire wall.
How Infinity Mirrors Work
Infinity mirrors
create a distinctive reflection when you place two mirrors
facing one another. If you place an object between the two
mirrors with two different colors on each side and then look
in one of the mirrors you will notice a replicating pattern
in the image spacing. You will also be able to see the
contrasting colors alternating with one another and
extending into infinity. When the object is placed closer to
one of the mirrors than the second mirror, the object
reflection will alternate between being positioned closer
together to being positioned farther apart and also extends
back into infinity.
The entire Infinity mirror
concept is based on rays of light and the Law of Reflection
where angle of incidence equals angle of reflection. When a
light ray is aimed at one of the mirrors the reflected image
is reflected in the second mirror and then back to the
first. This process is continually replicated back and forth
creating the Infinity effect of going on forever. It is
possible for the Infinity pattern to be modified by small
differences in the angle of the two mirrors or through the
angle in which you view the pattern.
How to Create an Infinity Mirror
The
amazing part about an Infinity mirror is they are quite easy
and cost effective to create yet they provide this
incredibly spectacular display. When used in a finely
crafted table or wall display the design is unmatched and is
the perfect accent for any décor.
The materials you
need to create an Infinity mirror are easy to obtain. All
you need is four boards of 1” x 4”, cardboard backing,
half-inch pieces of wood for the inner frame, Christmas
lights or LED lights, a standard mirror, a two way mirror,
wood glue, and poster board mat.
Construct the outer
frame of 1” x 4” boards and then the inner frame of
half-inch wood. You should also drill holes in the inner
frame to hold each light on the string of lights. Make the
outer frame large enough to allow a 1” space between the
outer frame and the inner frame.
Place the cardboard
backing and glass with the two way mirror against the back
of the outer frame. This allows the two way mirror to act as
a mirror.
Attach the light sockets in each of the
holes in the inner frame and allow the cord to occupy the 1”
space between the outer frame and the inner frame. Place the
inner frame inside of the outer frame and glue blocks of
wood in all of the corners to hold both frames in place.
Cut the poster board mat to conceal the one inch space
located between the outer and inner frames and place it over
the gap. Place the two way mirror so it is facing the other
mirror. This allows the glass to act as a one way mirror to
allow you to see the light design in the two way mirror.
Apply the molding over the glass to hold it in place and
make sure everything that is visible inside the frame is
black.
You can use this design to create a wall
hanging or you can decide to integrate it into an Infinity
table. When the lights are off, it will look just like a
conventional mirror and when they are on you will see an
impressive design that appears to go on forever deep inside
the frame. You can use these basic tips to get started with
making your own Infinity mirror and then use your creativity
along the way to come up with your own unique design.