Are Mirror Balls Pointless?

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Are Mirror Balls Pointless?

Posted on: 8th December 2021

Despite their curvy shape, mirror balls are far from pointless. Like many retro things these days, mirror balls are seeing a big surge in popularity, so we took a closer look and find out why they’re still an essential party piece. Watch our video to find out more:

 

 

Also known as disco balls, mirrored balls and glitter balls, these unique fixtures are typically made by gluing hundreds of small mirrored pieces to a lightweight ball made of foam, cardboard or plastic, resulting in a low cost, low maintenance special effect – just point any kind of spot light at it for an instant multi-beam effect. And add a mirrorball motor if you’re feeling really fancy. 

 

Despite being heavily associated with the disco era and peaking in popularity around the 70’s, mirror balls can be traced at least as far back as 1890’s Charlestown, with the first patent appearing 20 years later with the “myriad reflector”. Fast forward to the swinging 60’s and the rise of the club scene, all the top clubs had to have one, sparking an arms race for the biggest disco balls and most ostentatious collections.

 

These days, mirror balls are available in a wide range of sizes with the most popular sizes we stock, ranging from around 10 – 50 centimetres, topping out at 1 metre. Although, thanks to their simple construction, mirror balls can scale up to pretty much any size. In fact, the largest mirror ball ever, was created by Bestival in 2014 and measured well over 10 metres, which is almost 4 stories high! 

 

While mirror balls are an awesome lo-fi effects alternative, it’s hard to see, on paper at least, how they could possibly compare to a modern effects fixture. It’s important to remember though that mirror balls aren’t just popular for their practical effects, but for the nostalgia they inspire. Even to younger generations who missed the disco craze, mirror balls are an instantly recognisable party icon, steeped in the history of live music and entertainment, from Strictly Come Dancing to Pink Floyd’s Division Bell tour and Madonna’s two-million-dollar Swarovski disco ball. Mirror Balls have proven themselves an enduring and irreplaceable part of nightlife and pop culture, creating immersive experiences and uniting generations like an imperfect and unique shining beacon at the middle of the dancefloor.

 

Shop our trade website or contact our team to find out more about our range of mirror balls and effects lighting.

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Are Mirror Balls Pointless?
Large Mirror Ball
Small Mirror Ball