As convenient as internet shopping can be, there’s something to be said for holding a material in your hands and seeing it in its designated space. Ordering frame samples before finalizing your custom mirror frame order is the best way to ensure you’ll love your chosen material and color. Plus, at just $1.00 a piece, it’s a low-risk way to try out a few different styles before making a final decision.

If you have received your frame samples—congratulations! You’ve made a smart, conscientious design decision. That’s step one… but now what? If you’re choosing between a few favorite styles, don’t panic if a clear winner doesn’t immediately emerge. It might take a little while to decide which mirror frame looks right in your space, and that’s okay. 

woman deciding between samples

There are a few steps you can take with your frame samples to help make the decision process a bit easier:

  • Adhere them to an existing mirror. Rather than just holding each sample up and trying to visualize how it would look as a full frame, stick your samples directly on your existing mirror and observe how you react when you come into your space and see it. If you have more than one sample, put them on opposite sides of the mirror so you can imagine the full effect of each.
  • No mirror? No problem. If you are creating a Custom Framed Mirror from scratch and don’t have an existing mirror to adhere a sample to, it’s still worth it to position the samples in an way you can see them against existing fixtures (like faucets and sconces). This way, you can get an idea of how each sample meshes with other elements in the room.
  • Observe in various lighting. If your bathroom has a lot of natural light, notice how you feel about your frame samples at different times of the day, depending on how the light hits.
  • Get a second opinion. Poll the other members of your household or bring in a friend to see what they think. While you want to be careful to stay true to your own opinion first, it never hurts to seek other insights.
  • Give it time. Live with your samples for a few days and see how you feel. You might be surprised to find that one sample grows on you while another no longer feels right.

woman holding sample next to vanity mirror

If you’re still not sure which frame is right for you after a certain period of time, you may consider ordering more samples to test out. The right mirror frame elevates any space and should feel perfectly suited to your unique tastes. You want to feel confident in your framed mirror. And trust us: when you’ve found the right fit, you’ll know.

Peruse all your frame options and order a sample now, or opt for a pre-selected Sample Bundle that includes four favorites from our bestselling categories. View all sample options here.