How to detect a two-way mirror

by Tipsie on December 22, 2008



I know you have read this from many forwarded emails. Simply put your fingernail at the mirror and you’ll be able to tell if the mirror is indeed two-way or not. Apparently, that’s not the true way of detecting a two-way mirror. Here’s some information about two-way mirrors and how you can detect or test out a two-way mirror.

Some background information about two-way mirrors.

  • They are normally built or set into a wall. If you spot a hanging mirror on the wall, most likely it is not a two-way mirror.
  • A two-way mirror lets light pass through in both directions. On the side where there is bright light, a person will see a reflection in the mirror. On the side that is dark, the person will see through the glass.

With some of these information in hand, you can now do several tests to determine if a mirror is two-way.

  • Cup your hands around your eyes and put your face against the window, as if looking into it. If it is a two-way mirror and the other side of the mirror has some form of lighting, you will be able to see something through the glass. However, if it is totally dark on the other side, then you aren’t likely to see anything.
  • If this is the case, you can do another test which is to gently tap on the mirror. A two-way mirror will produce a hollow sound whereas a one-way mirror will return a dull sound.
  • One other way to test out a two-way mirror is to switch off the lights in the room. If it is a two-way mirror, then by the information given above you will be able to see what’s on the other side of the glass. Remember though, that the side that has more light will be the one that sees the reflective side of the mirror.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Relax December 31, 2008 at 4:36 pm

Thanks for the useful tips, against espionage :P
it’s great to find a similar niche blog in Malaysian blogsphere. I’ll follow your blog :)

2 Tipsie January 6, 2009 at 5:59 pm

Hi Relax, thank you and you’ve got a great site with useful info. Will add you to my link list! :)

3 Relax January 9, 2009 at 7:06 pm

Thanks a lot :-)
I will add yours to my blog roll soon!

4 Relax January 12, 2009 at 7:40 pm

I have linked to your blog :-)
Thanks for the link :)

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