Gym mirrors are useful but expensive for something you don’t even touch. Luckily there are some cheaper alternatives although they have their downsides.
The cheapest alternatives to gym mirrors are standard wall mirrors, mirrored wardrobe doors, and what is available secondhand. Most of the alternatives won’t be made out of tempered safety glass however which means the chance of injury is higher.
Let’s get into the details of which alternatives to gym mirrors are the best and what the downsides are.
Contents
1. Standard Wall-Mounted Mirrors
Look for wall-mounted mirrors that are designed for home use, such as those used for dressing rooms or bedrooms. These mirrors are usually less expensive than gym-specific mirrors and can be easily installed on a wall.
These come in both framed and frameless varieties. The frameless option is usually better for gym purposes. That’s because standard mirrors are often too narrow so you’ll need two next to each other. Frameless mirrors are much easier to mount together with only a small seam.
Keep in mind, these mirrors are usually not made from tempered safety glass. That means when they break you get large, dangerous, shards.
Before you run out and find the cheapest thing you can find, check first how much you can expect to pay for a high-quality gym mirror.
2. Mirrored Wardrobe Doors
Another cost-effective alternative is to repurpose mirrored wardrobe doors. If you have old wardrobes or closets with mirrored doors, you can repurpose them by removing them from their original location and installing them in your gym area. This can provide a large reflective surface at a lower cost. And you want a fairly large surface to make a good gym mirror.
You could even just rest them against the wall although having something secure at least the top to the wall is a lot better.
3. Local Classifieds and Secondhand Stores
Check out local classified ads or online marketplaces for used gym mirrors or other large mirrors. Many people sell or give away mirrors they no longer need, which can be a great way to find affordable options.
Just think about how you’re safely going to transport a large mirror safely. Just throwing it in the back of your truck is likely not going to end well. Some good padding is essential to getting it home safely.
Also don’t forget to visit any thrift stores or flea markets in your area. You may come across inexpensive mirrors that can be suitable for your workout room.
If you’re not sure what to look for when shopping for a gym mirror, here is a buying guide that helps you select the right features.
4. Glass Mirror Tiles
Smaller mirrors are usually cheaper, even per square foot than larger mirrors. Just like there are plexiglass mirror tiles, there are also glass mirror tiles. These are a bit more expensive than acrylic/plexiglass but have a much better reflection quality.
you’ll have to make sure that they’re mounted on a very flat surface. If the different tiles are at slightly different angles, the reflection gets very distorted.
5. Acrylic/Plexiglass Mirrors Tiles
Acrylic or plexiglass mirrors can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional glass mirrors. They are lightweight, shatter-resistant, and less expensive than glass mirrors. Look for acrylic sheets specifically made for mirrors, which are available in various sizes and can be easily mounted on walls.
These acrylic tiles often don’t have the best reflection quality though. Sometimes they’re warped and make it seem like you’re at the fun fair instead of the gym.
The affordable options are usually in tile (12”x12”) form. That means you need to use many to get a large enough mirror and all the seams between the tiles can be distracting.
6. Reflective Window Film:
Reflective window film is a thin, adhesive film that can be applied to existing glass surfaces to create a mirrored effect. While this option may not provide as clear a reflection as dedicated mirrors, it can be a cost-effective way to add some reflective properties to a large glass surface like a window or glass door.
Maybe you have a large glass panel laying around somewhere. This film can turn it into a workable gym mirror.
Downsides Of Gym Mirror Alternatives
While the options above are cheaper than ‘real’ gym mirrors, they may have some downsides compared to dedicated workout mirrors. Here are a few considerations:
- Size and Availability: Finding large-sized alternatives that offer sufficient reflective surface area can be difficult. Dedicated gym mirrors are often available in larger sizes specifically designed for fitness spaces, whereas alternative options may have size limitations. Many are too narrow to see your whole body on some exercises.
- Safety: Most alternatives to gym mirrors are not made from tempered, safety-backed glass. That’s why they’re cheaper in the first place. Tempered glass is harder, more durable, and breaks up into small less sharp pieces which is much safer. A safety backing keeps broken pieces in place so they don’t scatter around where you could step on them.
- Clarity and Reflectivity: Cheaper alternatives such as acrylic, plexiglass, or polished stainless steel sheets may not offer the same level of clarity and reflectivity as high-quality glass mirrors. The image in the reflection might not be as sharp or clear, which can affect your ability to accurately observe your form during workouts.
- Durability: Some alternatives may not be as durable or resistant to scratches as dedicated gym mirrors. For example, acrylic or plexiglass mirrors can be more prone to scratches and may require careful handling to maintain their quality over time.
- Installation Challenges: Cheaper alternatives might have different installation requirements or be more difficult to mount securely on the wall compared to gym-specific mirrors. You may need additional tools, hardware, or expertise to install them properly, which could add to the overall cost and effort.
- Aesthetics: Cheaper alternatives may not have the same aesthetic appeal as gym mirrors, which are designed to enhance the overall look and feel of a fitness area. The frames, finishes, or edges of alternative options might not be as visually appealing or cohesive with the gym decor.
Not all the points above will apply to all the alternatives but there will be at least one that applies, and usually more than one.
If you’d rather have a purpose-built, high-quality gym mirror, you can find my recommendations here.
