Why the radius is the specification
On a rectangular mirror the critical dimensions are width and height. On an arched mirror there is a third: the radius of the curve, or more precisely the relationship between the arch height and the width. Two mirrors can share the same width and overall height and still look like different products, because one has a shallow segment and the other a near half-circle.
When you write an OEM specification, define the arch by the rise (how far the curve rises above the spring line) rather than by “large arch” or “small arch”. That single number is what the factory cuts to, and it is what determines whether the panel can be cut from standard sheet stock without excessive waste.
Frame profiles and construction
- MDF with wrap or paint — the most flexible option for arched shapes. Curved MDF is cut to a template, then wrapped, veneered or sprayed. Deep profiles are built up in layers.
- Metal — aluminium or steel tube bent to radius. Metal holds a tighter, more consistent curve and suits thin profiles, but the minimum radius is limited by the tube section.
- Solid wood — used for traditional profiles. Wood moves with humidity, so a curved solid-wood frame needs a stable core and a finish that seals all faces.
- Frameless with polished edge — the arch is cut directly into the glass. This is the lowest-cost way to make an arched mirror and the most sensitive to edge quality.
Sizing limits that affect price
Three constraints usually decide whether a custom arch is economic:
- Sheet yield — an arch removes material from the corners of the sheet. A radius that nests well with other parts of the order costs less than one that leaves unusable offcuts.
- Glass thickness — thicker glass is harder to cut to a tight radius without edge stress. If the design calls for 6 mm, confirm the radius with the factory before committing to a mould or template.
- Frame depth — a deep arch profile cannot be bent in one piece beyond a certain radius; it is built from segments, which changes both cost and the visible seam.
Where arched mirrors are specified
- Bathroom and vanity — arch over a basin, often with a shallow rise to clear a tap
- Hotel guest rooms — full-height arch as a design feature, frequently paired with a backlit edge
- Retail and salon — arch used to soften a hard retail wall; usually frameless or thin metal
- Residential — leaning or wall-hung, MDF frame in painted or wood finish
Surface treatment and edge quality
The arch concentrates visual attention on the curve, so the edge is where quality shows. For frameless designs, specify polished or bevelled edge and inspect for chipping along the curve rather than only on the straight runs. For framed designs, check that the wrap or veneer follows the curve without puckering at the spring line, which is the point where a flat material has to bend in two directions at once.
Packing an arched mirror
An arch has no square corner to absorb impact, and the apex is the most exposed point in a carton. Packing for this shape needs a shaped insert or a moulded foam block at the apex, not just corner protectors sized for a rectangle. If the mirror ships with a frame, protect the frame return as well as the glass.
Certificates
For LED-lit arched mirrors the factory holds CE, FCC, RoHS, CB and ISO 9001. UL, SAA and ETL are arranged per order for the destination market; raise the requirement at quotation stage so the testing timeline does not sit on the critical path.
Quotation and lead time
- Quote within 72 hours against a drawing or a reference image plus dimensions
- Sample 5–7 days for a standard radius and finish
- Bulk 15–35 days depending on quantity and finish
- Minimum order quantity confirmed per size and finish, per model
FAQ
Can you produce an arch from a reference photo?
Yes, provided the width and the rise can be derived from the photo or supplied as a dimensioned drawing. A photo alone does not fix the radius, and two factories will read it differently.
Is a frameless arched mirror weaker than a framed one?
The glass itself is not weaker, but the exposed edge is. A polished edge with a back-applied safety film is the usual specification where the mirror is in reach of the public.
What is the largest arch you can make?
It is limited by sheet size and by the frame material rather than by a fixed maximum. Send the dimensions and we will confirm what the sheet yield allows.
Next step
Send a drawing or reference image with width and arch rise, and we will confirm the construction, sheet yield and price. Request a quote or view the arched mirror range.
