Unchanged for decades, the mirror has finally gotten an upgrade

With LEDs and Bluetooth the modern looking glass is an exciting deign element that is remarkably smart

For unusual shapes, try Etsy sellers, but expect long waiting times and additional taxes for overseas shipping of a fragile piece like this gorgeous asymmetrical mirror (left or right) with LED rim lighting; from €621 (ensure electrics feature a transformer where needed), seller, freelifeUP.

On reflection, with some shifts in presentation, domestic mirrors have not developed in any flashy new way in about half a century. Apart from long runs of plate-glass mirror (a chic budget hack severely underused in bathrooms and kitchens), we tend to buy into two recognisable styles of wall mirror. Honestly? I was a bit bored.

Lifting away the visual weight from walls, multiplying and refracting precious light from windows and candles on over-mantels, piers and girandoles, mirrors became a vital feature in the theory of total design for architects from the time of Robert Adam (1728-1792). Georgian glasses girdled in carved, gesso swags, bows, columns, and finials added ornate grandeur and strategic reflections to ballrooms, middle-class drawing rooms, commercial palaces and fashionable government offices. Chinoiserie, lacquer, cheval or hand mirrors — it’s all from the same old stable of antique or revival favourites.