A decorative angled, polished edge that creates a “framed” light-catching border on glass or mirrors. Popular on frameless bathroom mirrors and feature panels.
Definition
A bevel is ground into the face of the glass or mirror at an angle and then polished to produce a bright, decorative perimeter. It enhances depth and adds a subtle border without a separate frame.
Typical Sizes & Uses
- Common bevel widths: ~10–30 mm on 4–6 mm mirrors; many off-the-shelf bathroom mirrors use ~25 mm.
- Applications: frameless mirrors, feature wall panels, furniture/tabletops, decorative door lites.
Limitations & Fabrication Notes
- Toughened glass: All edgework must be done before toughening; no bevelling post-toughen.
- Laminated glass: Exposed/bevelled edges show the interlayer; specify high-quality edge finishing.
- Edge thickness: Wider bevels remove more material; avoid excessive bevels on thin glass or higher-impact locations.
Bevel vs Other Edge Finishes
- Bevelled edge: sloped, polished, decorative “halo”.
- Flat-polished edge: square, glossy perimeter for a modern look.
- Arris/flat-ground: functional edge, typical when hidden in frames.
Australian Compliance
A bevel is an edge style, not a safety rating. In bathrooms, gyms and public spaces, specify safety-backed (vinyl) or laminated mirrors tested to AS/NZS 2208 and select/install to AS 1288. Placement near human-impact zones must follow AS 1288 requirements.
Durability & Moisture
- Seal/protect edges in wet areas to reduce desilvering (“black edge”).
- Ventilate behind mirrors and consider copper-free, vinyl-backed, edge-sealed products in bathrooms.
Sources
- Gerry’s Glass (AU) — Bevel range 10–30 mm: gerrysglass.com.au
- Mitre 10 (AU) — Example 25 mm bevel bathroom mirrors: mitre10.com.au
- National Glass (AU) — Edgework guide (edge finish options/minimums): nationalglass.com.au (PDF)
- National Glass (AU) — Toughened glass note: no drilling/edgework after toughening: nationalglass.com.au (PDF)
- NGA (North America) — Heat-treated laminated exposed edges (appearance/edge quality): glass.org (PDF)
- Oceania Glass (AU) — MirraTrust™ safety-backed mirror (AS/NZS 2208): oceaniaglass.com.au
- The Blue Space (AU) — Edge-sealed, vinyl-backed bathroom mirrors (foil-creep resistance): thebluespace.com.au
- Civic Screens (AU) — Mirror edge creep / desilvering explainer: civicscreens.com.au
Spec tip (AU): For bathroom mirrors, default to vinyl-backed or laminated mirror (AS/NZS 2208) with sealed edges. If you need a wide bevel on thin glass, consider a thicker substrate to maintain edge strength.