Why do elevators have mirrors?
Short answer
One important purpose of an elevator mirror is to help a wheelchair user see the doorway and floor when backing out. Mirrors can also make a small enclosed space feel less confining and give passengers something to look at during the ride.
Helping wheelchair users back out
In a small elevator with only one entrance, a wheelchair user may not have enough room to turn around. The person may enter facing forward and then leave by backing out at the destination floor.
A mirror on the back wall can show the doorway and the floor behind the wheelchair. That gives the passenger a way to check for people, objects, a gap, or a change in level. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism describes mirrors in one-direction elevator cars as a way to help wheelchair users check the entrance area, especially the floor, while backing out.
Making a small space feel easier
A mirror can make the cabin look more open because it reflects the space instead of showing only a nearby wall. The elevator does not actually become larger, but the visual effect can make the enclosed space feel less restrictive.
Passengers can also check their appearance or simply direct their attention somewhere while the elevator is moving. Mirrors have been discussed in research on elevator and service environments as a design that can change how people experience waiting. They do not make the elevator move faster, however.
Not every elevator uses a mirror for exactly the same reason
The position and size of a mirror depend on the elevator's layout, the number of entrances, and whether a wheelchair can turn inside. Some elevators use a reflective surface instead of a conventional glass mirror.
Mirrors must also be chosen and placed carefully. Strong or confusing reflections can make it harder for some people to understand the space, so accessibility guidance considers safety, contrast, height, and location as well as visibility.
Key point
- A major purpose of an elevator mirror is to let wheelchair users check the doorway and floor when backing out.
- Mirrors can make a small cabin feel more open and can reduce the discomfort of having nothing to look at.
- The need for a mirror and its design depend on the elevator layout and the needs of its users; not every elevator is designed in the same way.