If the whole world's a stage, I definitely need better lighting
December 1, 2010 1:05 PM Subscribe
There's something about the mirrors - or the light - or both, in certain places that's really flattering. What is it?
I look noticeably (and consistently) better in the mirrors at two places I go than I do anywhere else. They're restaurant bathrooms, but I've seen the same thing in a few stores. I don't see anything special about the lighting - it looks like ordinary florescent tubes, though they might be a different color that I can't discern - and I can't see anything unusual about the mirrors, but there's definitely something at both places that makes me think "Hey, I don't look too bad" every time I go.
(I'm pretty sure it's not a shape distortion; but rather some kind of color/light combination. I'm looking at my face only, not my whole body.)
I'd very much like that effect in my bathroom at home. I've replaced my CFLs with regular incandescents, but that didn't do much. What's the secret?
I look noticeably (and consistently) better in the mirrors at two places I go than I do anywhere else. They're restaurant bathrooms, but I've seen the same thing in a few stores. I don't see anything special about the lighting - it looks like ordinary florescent tubes, though they might be a different color that I can't discern - and I can't see anything unusual about the mirrors, but there's definitely something at both places that makes me think "Hey, I don't look too bad" every time I go.
(I'm pretty sure it's not a shape distortion; but rather some kind of color/light combination. I'm looking at my face only, not my whole body.)
I'd very much like that effect in my bathroom at home. I've replaced my CFLs with regular incandescents, but that didn't do much. What's the secret?
Light direction is very important. Single-direction light that rakes across your face at a low angle will show every tiny bump and line. A single overhead bulb also creates weird shadows.
In contrast, those movie star-style bulbs that ring the whole mirror flood your face with direct light from many angles, and are thus more flattering. Likewise, have you ever happened on a photo shoot? There's always someone holding up a big silvery thing to reflect light onto the model at a diffusion of angles. Those silvery umbrellas the school photographers use do the same thing.
Not saying you need 20 light bulbs in the bathroom, but do consider where the fixtures are placed.
posted by the_blizz at 1:24 PM on December 1, 2010
In contrast, those movie star-style bulbs that ring the whole mirror flood your face with direct light from many angles, and are thus more flattering. Likewise, have you ever happened on a photo shoot? There's always someone holding up a big silvery thing to reflect light onto the model at a diffusion of angles. Those silvery umbrellas the school photographers use do the same thing.
Not saying you need 20 light bulbs in the bathroom, but do consider where the fixtures are placed.
posted by the_blizz at 1:24 PM on December 1, 2010
There are lightbulbs that cast a pink glow, at your Home Depot or grocery, and read this article. I searched "light bulb flattering" and got interesting-looking results.
posted by theora55 at 1:44 PM on December 1, 2010
posted by theora55 at 1:44 PM on December 1, 2010
I have two mirrors on my medicine cabinet. one reflects a distinctly cool hue, and the other is warm. If you want to see what you'll look like in the tomb, peer into the former.
posted by klanawa at 2:16 PM on December 1, 2010
posted by klanawa at 2:16 PM on December 1, 2010
I'm with the_blizz in thinking it's probably the reflected light. The countertop and sink in the toilets at my work are white and reflect back the horrible flourescent light above - the results in the mirror between are almost magical.
posted by Wantok at 2:18 PM on December 1, 2010
posted by Wantok at 2:18 PM on December 1, 2010
Reflected light is a really big deal, although I once rented a crappy, basement apartment that had uber-cheap bathroom fixtures. Finally figured out the bathroom mirror had a slight warp in it, probably from the mounting, and it ever-so-slightly changed the proportions of my face in a way I found flattering. Up until then, I couldn't figure out why I looked so much better after the shower than 10 min later after dressing in my bedroom (where another mirror lived).
CSB. Go with better, warm-toned lighting.
posted by IAmBroom at 2:56 PM on December 1, 2010
CSB. Go with better, warm-toned lighting.
posted by IAmBroom at 2:56 PM on December 1, 2010
The quality and thickness of the mirrors are also a factor - I own a dance school, and when we procured mirrors for our studio, the very passionate mirror man gave me a spiel about it all.
Basically, the thinner your mirror (3-5mm), especially in large mirrors, the less "depth" its reflection has. It also has more propensity to curve EVER so slightly, meaning you may get a slight distortion in proportions. Thicker mirror (7mm is what we got) gives much better reflection, and is less likely to curve, so will give truer proportions.
How the mirror is angled also makes a big difference. The mirror guys spend days aligning our huge sheets of mirror (8 large panels), and all of them are "skinny" mirrors with the exception of one - where the wall is slightly curved and they couldn't quite get the mirror flat on it.
I generally like to have my mirrors angled ever so slightly - it lengthens your body and draws your eye to the height of your body. Failing that, you can "trick" the eye by placing a wall sconce light directly above the mirror, with soft glow type bulbs.
As for lighting - you should try and have absolutely soft lighting (pinks and soft golds are best - you can get bulbs that create these effects at lighting stores - they will know what you're talking about). Halogen down lights are absolutely the best but they cost a lot in electricity. Chandeliers, or other kinds of multiple bulb extending out type fixtures are also good, as they diffuse light outwards. Stay away from light fixtures that are like a domed bowl/plate affixed to the ceiling.
The direction of light is also important. If the light is positioned behind where you stand, it's better. I don't know why! But if it's directly above your head or in front of you (in between you and the mirror) it creates a lot of harshness. A light on the ceiling BEHIND you, and a light above the mirror for clarity, is best.
HTH,
the mirror enthusiast
posted by shazzam! at 5:10 PM on December 1, 2010 [5 favorites]
Basically, the thinner your mirror (3-5mm), especially in large mirrors, the less "depth" its reflection has. It also has more propensity to curve EVER so slightly, meaning you may get a slight distortion in proportions. Thicker mirror (7mm is what we got) gives much better reflection, and is less likely to curve, so will give truer proportions.
How the mirror is angled also makes a big difference. The mirror guys spend days aligning our huge sheets of mirror (8 large panels), and all of them are "skinny" mirrors with the exception of one - where the wall is slightly curved and they couldn't quite get the mirror flat on it.
I generally like to have my mirrors angled ever so slightly - it lengthens your body and draws your eye to the height of your body. Failing that, you can "trick" the eye by placing a wall sconce light directly above the mirror, with soft glow type bulbs.
As for lighting - you should try and have absolutely soft lighting (pinks and soft golds are best - you can get bulbs that create these effects at lighting stores - they will know what you're talking about). Halogen down lights are absolutely the best but they cost a lot in electricity. Chandeliers, or other kinds of multiple bulb extending out type fixtures are also good, as they diffuse light outwards. Stay away from light fixtures that are like a domed bowl/plate affixed to the ceiling.
The direction of light is also important. If the light is positioned behind where you stand, it's better. I don't know why! But if it's directly above your head or in front of you (in between you and the mirror) it creates a lot of harshness. A light on the ceiling BEHIND you, and a light above the mirror for clarity, is best.
HTH,
the mirror enthusiast
posted by shazzam! at 5:10 PM on December 1, 2010 [5 favorites]
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