Pasqyrën

Pasqyrën is a reflective surface used to view one’s image. In Albanian, pasqyrë is the general term for a mirror, while pasqyrën is the definite form used when referring to a specific mirror. Mirrors are common in homes, workplaces, vehicles and various public spaces, serving both practical and decorative purposes.

A typical mirror consists of a pane of glass with a reflective metallic coating applied to the backside. Historically, silver was used for the coating, but most modern mirrors rely on aluminum or silver-aluminum layers combined with protective backing to prevent tarnishing. The glass may be flat or curved, producing a standard or magnified view. Mirrors can also include additional features, such as anti-fog coatings, tinted glass, or anti-reflective layers.

Types of mirrors vary by shape, mounting and function. Flat mirrors are used for general grooming and interior design, while convex and concave mirrors provide wider fields of view or magnification. They can be wall-mounted, framed on stands, or handheld. Specialized mirrors are employed in bathrooms, salons, medicine, architecture, and vehicles, among other settings. Safety mirrors use tempered glass and stronger backing to reduce breakage risk.

In construction and design, mirrors contribute to light distribution and spatial perception, often enhancing brightness and perceived room size. The production of mirrors combines glassmaking with precise coating technologies, reflecting a long history from early metal-polished surfaces to modern vacuum-deposited reflective layers.