What is safety glass in mirrors, and why is it so important?

A mirror is much more than just a functional object. It’s a stylish design piece that makes a room appear larger, reflects light, and adds character to your interior. But what’s often overlooked is the importance of safety—especially with larger or frameless mirrors. At Nordic Style, safety is our top priority, without compromising on aesthetics.

Safety glass is a type of glass designed so that, when broken, it produces almost no sharp, dangerous shards. Instead, it breaks in a controlled manner or even remains largely intact. This makes it ideal for applications where there is a risk of falling, impact, or pressure—such as mirrors hung on the wall or freestanding against the wall.

Not all mirrors on the market come standard with safety glass. At Nordic Style, however, they do—and that’s a deliberate choice. There are two different ways we ensure safety:

1. Frameless mirrors: explosion-proof glass
Our frameless mirrors are made of high-quality silver mirror glass that is coated with a so-called explosion-proof film on the back. This special film holds virtually all glass shards together if the mirror should break. As a result, fewer dangerous glass shards end up on the floor, and the mirror remains relatively intact. This makes frameless mirrors extra safe, even in high-traffic areas or in households with children and pets.

“The glass in our frameless mirrors is at least 5 mm thick and has a black film on the back that absorbs the impact of breakage. It’s a comforting thought, without compromising on style.” – Thijs Scholtes, Nordic Style

2. Framed mirrors: glued MDF backing board
For mirrors with frames, Nordic Style uses a sturdy MDF board that is glued to the back of the mirror glass. This prevents the glass from coming loose in the event of an impact or a fall. Instead of shattering, the glass remains firmly attached to the backing board. Here, too, safety and durability are combined in a single solution.

✔ Breakage Protection
A mirror doesn't usually break just like that. But if it does happen—for example, due to an impact, a fall, or improper installation—you want the damage to be minimal. Safety glass prevents injury and makes cleanup considerably easier.

✔ Suitable for damp areas
With mirrors in places like the bathroom or entryway, it’s not just the risk of breakage that’s a concern—oxidation is as well. The silver safety glass used by Nordic Style features an extra protective layer that prevents oxidation—even in damp conditions.

✔ Extra safety in family homes and public spaces
In homes with children or pets, as well as in hotels, wellness centers, or yoga studios, safety glass is an absolute must.

✔ No compromises on design

The best part of all? Safety glass is visually indistinguishable from traditional mirror glass. At Nordic Style, all safety features are fully integrated into the design. So you can enjoy a sleek, modern design without any visible modifications—and with complete peace of mind.

At Nordic Style, you don't have to look any further. Every mirror comes standard with one of two safe designs:

• Frameless? Then it's equipped with an explosion-proof film.
• With a frame? In that case, the MDF back panel is firmly glued in place.

In addition, Nordic Style uses glass that is at least 4 mm thick. For larger mirrors, the company even opts for 5- or 6-mm-thick glass to prevent warping and breakage.

When choosing a mirror, you don’t want to worry about safety. Thanks to the use of explosion-proof film and bonded MDF backing panels, Nordic Style offers a solution that is both as safe as possible and stylish. Whether you choose an elegant frameless mirror or a characterful framed model, you can count on both quality and safety.

“A mirror should last for years—not only in terms of design, but also in terms of quality and reliability.” That’s why we always choose safety glass.” – Nordic Style