Wonder Why Elevators Have Mirrors? Here’s the Reason
Elevator mirrors are great for fixing hair in public. What would we ever do without one? Even so, that’s not the real purpose of elevator mirrors. Surprisingly, their job goes way beyond vanity. Like all creative things, it started with a problem in a New York hotel.
Guests kept complaining about how slow the elevators were. Replacing the system was expensive, so they didn’t. Instead, someone installed mirrors inside the lifts. Overnight, the complaints stopped. People, it turns out, don’t mind waiting as much when they’re distracted by their reflection. A mirror didn’t make the elevator faster, but it made it less annoying. That’s smart design at work.
Space, or at Least the Illusion of It
Image via Unsplash/Mark Farias
Elevators are boxes, which is not exactly the most comforting environment, especially if you’re not into tight spaces. A mirror changes that. It visually doubles the size of the cabin. The walls seem farther away. The space feels less closed-in. It gives your brain something else to interpret. Mental health experts mention this trick for easing symptoms of claustrophobia. It’s the same reason mirrors work in small bathrooms or narrow hallways. Stretch the look of the place, and your body calms down.
In Japan, mirrors are used in elevators for accessibility. Wheelchair users often need to back in or out because the space is too small to turn around. With a mirror, they can navigate without twisting or guessing.
Watching Each Other
Knowing who’s behind you matters in a confined space. A mirror lets everyone see what’s happening without needing to turn around. Some experts say this discourages unwanted behavior or petty crimes, and there’s a lot of anecdotal support for that. It’s the same reason stores use reflective domes in corners: People behave better when they think they’re being watched.
The Mental Reset
A ride in a silent metal box doesn’t leave much to do. Mirrors give the brain something to engage with. Check your posture, notice your hair, glance at someone else’s outfit, or zone out without staring at the floor. They keep passengers mentally occupied without needing screens or announcements.
It might not sound important, but design details like this shape how people experience everyday routines. Elevators aren’t luxury destinations, but they’re part of daily life in apartment buildings, office towers, and transit stations. Making that ride more tolerable matters more than we admit.
They Look Good, Too
Mirrors do pull some visual weight. In well-designed buildings, they reflect light and make the space feel cleaner and more open. Elevator cabs often lack windows, and mirrors bring a little brightness back into the box. Architects and building managers lean into this for aesthetic reasons.
In high-end hotels or corporate spaces, mirrored elevators often complement the overall theme—a modern look, a sleek finish, or something more classic. They work, and they don’t require complex maintenance or high-tech upgrades.
Mirrors with a Purpose
The Elevator Association of Japan even includes mirror installation in its design guidelines. That says something about how seriously it’s considered for mental and physical ease. It’s a small fix that solves many invisible problems in one go.