When we visit changing rooms, public restrooms, hotel rooms, etc., how many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror? A two-way mirror is glass that functions as a mirror on one side and a window on the other. There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms or public restrooms.
So how can you tell when you are in a changing room, restroom, motel etc. with a mirror or a 2-way glass? Here are a few simple tests that can be done to check for two-way mirrors in any establishment.
1. FINGERNAIL TEST
Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is a GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail directly touches the image of your nail, then BEWARE, it is a two-way mirror, you could be being watched.
Turn off the lights in the room you’re in and shine your phone’s flashlight on the mirror. In a two-way mirror you will likely be able to peer through to the other side. If there is an observation room behind the mirror, it will be illuminated. If you do not see an observation room, you may want to shine the flashlight in various places on the mirror to look for any small hidden cameras.
3. TAP THE SURFACE
You can also tap on the surface of the mirror with your bare knuckle and listen to the sound it produces. A normal mirror will usually produce a dull sound because it is placed in front of the wall. However though, a two way mirror will make a more hollow and open sound that reverberates when tapped against and that is due to there being an open space on the other side of it.
4. LOOK AT IT
Cup your hands around your eyes and peer very closely into the mirror. Often you will be able to get a glimpse of the other side if it is a two-way.
So remember, every time you enter in changing rooms, do these simple mirror tests to check for two-way mirrors.
