Elevators are an integral part of modern life, especially in big cities, where skyscrapers and multi-story shopping malls have become commonplace. Many of us use them all the time, but have you ever wondered why most elevators have mirrors? At first glance, it seems that they are intended only so that we can assess our appearance and, if necessary, fix our hair or clothes. In fact, elevator mirrors have more important functions that are related to our comfort and psychological state.
A mirror in an elevator is not only for taking selfies. Image source: Reddit
Contents
- 1 When mirrors appeared in elevators
- 2 Why do you need a mirror in an elevator
- 2.1 A mirror increases safety
- 2.2 A mirror reduces anxiety
- 2.3 Mirrors expand space
- 2.4 A mirror increases self-esteem
When mirrors appeared in elevators
Elevators first came into widespread use in the 19th century, and back then no one thought about installing mirrors inside them. At that time, riding in an elevator was a rather unpleasant experience: people often felt discomfort due to the confined space and high vertical speed. The sharp acceleration of the first models caused dizziness, and some passengers even developed claustrophobia— a fear of confined spaces. People complained that elevators moved too fast and created a feeling of anxiety.
19th century elevator. Source: dzen.ru
To reduce passenger anxiety, engineers and designers began looking for ways to make the ride more comfortable and calm. Mirrors appeared in elevators — they became not only a design element, but also a tool for relieving stress.
Why do you need a mirror in an elevator
Mirrors in elevators are not just for beauty. They perform several functions at once.
A mirror improves safety
First of all, a mirror in an elevator is needed so that a person felt safe. When we enter an elevator, our attention is immediately drawn to the reflection. We see not only ourselves, but also everything that is happening around us. This significantly reduces the likelihood that someone will manage to sneak into the elevator and commit a crime. In addition, mirrors protect us from colliding with other people when entering and exiting.
Mirrors in elevators help people feel in control. Source: TechRadar
Mirrors reduce anxiety
Mirrors in elevators create a pleasant atmosphere, distracting from the sensation of speed. Instead of worrying about how fast the elevator is moving, passengers often focus on their reflection or discreetly observe others. It’s a simple but effective solution — looking in the mirror, you can fix your hair or just admire yourself, which allows you to forget about anxious thoughts about high speed.
Thanks to mirrors, people are less afraid to use the elevator. Source: spb.mk.ru
Mirrors expand space
Mirrors in the elevator create the illusion of space, which helps to cope with claustrophobia. When a person sees his reflection and the reflections of the walls, it seems to him that the elevator is much larger than it actually is. This visual expansion of space relieves tension and allows you to feel less squeezed in a confined space. Thanks to this, even a small elevator stops seeming so cramped and oppressive.
Mirrors create the illusion of a larger space. Source: Reddit
Read also: What are high-speed elevators for and why are there so few of them in Russia?
Mirrors boost self-esteem
We don't even notice it, but mirrors boost our self-esteemu. By looking in the mirror, we can fix our hair, clothes, or just make sure we look good. This simple action increases self-esteem and adds confidence, which is especially important before important meetings or events. Thus, the mirror not only distracts from the trip, but also helps you get out of the elevator with a sense of self-worth.
Thanks to mirrors in the elevator, we feel more confident. Source: Reddit
Mirrors in elevators are not only stylish, but also a very useful element that makes our trips more comfortable and safer. They help cope with anxiety, create a feeling of spaciousness and even give you self-confidence.
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However, despite all the improvements, the elevator can still stop unexpectedly. If you want to know what to do in an emergency, we recommend that you read our article: “How dangerous are elevators and what to do if it stops?”