How to Identify a Two‑Way Mirror? A Trick With a Marker Will Unmask Them in a Few Seconds

Two-way mirrors mirrors are most often installed in police stations or airports. However, it sometimes happens that dishonest hotel or agritourism owners have a voyeuristic nature and want to know what is going on in their accommodations. That's why you should take care of your safety on vacation and it's worth learning how to spot a Venetian mirror.

The two-way mirror of Venice is also known as a semi-permeable mirror or Phoenician mirror. Its name goes back to its roots in the Middle Ages. That's when Venice was famous for making good quality mirrors.

Th mirror is made on a similar principle to traditional mirrors. The glass is covered with a very thin layer of metal (usually aluminum). As a result, it reflects only part of the light and lets the other part pass through. When you place it between two rooms, one side of it will be brighter, and the other - darkened.

There is a very simple trick to detect a Venetian mirror. You can do it very quickly, for example, in a hotel, guesthouse or private accommodation. Take a marker and draw any shape on the mirror. If you see two lines (painted and reflected) it is a sign that you are dealing with an ordinary mirror. On the other hand, only one line visible should worry you. This is a signal that there may be a Venetian mirror in your room.

If you don't have a marker at hand just put your own fingernail to the mirror. Between it and its reflection you should notice a gap. Then you can rest assured that you are dealing with an ordinary mirror.

Knock on the glass with your fingers. If you hear a deafening sound, you are most likely dealing with a Venetian mirror. You can also come across them in the fitting room of a store.

So, we hope seeing a mirror in your room now, will not give you shivers !!!