You came here for a name, not a maze of jargon. The wacky mirrors that stretch you tall or squish you wide are most commonly called funhouse mirrors or distortion mirrors. They use curved or wavy surfaces to warp reflections, the same physics behind concave and convex lenses, just in mirror form. Below is the quick answer, then everything you might need if you want one for a kid’s room, an event, a classroom demo, or a quirky hallway in your home.
- TL;DR: Wacky mirrors are called funhouse mirrors, also known as distortion mirrors or carnival mirrors.
- They warp reflections using curved surfaces: convex makes you look smaller; concave makes you look larger; wavy mixes both.
- Common names you’ll see when shopping: funhouse, distortion, carnival, trick, wavy, concave, convex, mirror maze panels.
- Best for homes: light acrylic versions with secure wall mounts. Expect AUD $150-$1,200 to buy in Australia; rentals from about $100-$250 per day.
- DIY is possible with flexible acrylic mirror and a shaped backing, but mind safety and mounting standards.
Quick answer and the names decoded
If you grew up at a show or carnival, you know the exact mirror we mean. The most common modern term is funhouse mirror. Retailers and event suppliers also list them as distortion mirrors or carnival mirrors. In education and science shops, you’ll often see concave mirror, convex mirror, or wavy mirror, which describes the shape rather than the vibe.
Here is a quick glossary so you can search and buy with confidence:
- Funhouse mirror: A catch‑all name for any mirror that intentionally distorts your reflection. Most people use this term.
- Distortion mirror: Same thing as above, often used by event hire companies and education suppliers.
- Carnival mirror: Old‑school name from circus and showgrounds; same category.
- Concave mirror: Curved inward like a bowl; makes things look bigger when you are close. Good for the big head effect.
- Convex mirror: Curved outward; makes things look smaller and wider, like a fish‑eye lens in mirror form.
- Wavy mirror: The surface undulates, mixing concave and convex areas, so your reflection stretches in one direction and compresses in another.
- Cylindrical mirror: Curved in one direction only; it distorts width or height but not both.
- Mirror maze panels: Large, often modular panels used to build mazes; many are slightly curved or angled to disorient.
If you are shopping online, try these search terms: funhouse mirror, distortion mirror, wavy mirror panel, concave mirror, convex mirror, carnival mirror. In Australia, check education suppliers, event hire companies, theatrical prop shops, and larger home decor retailers that carry novelty mirrors.
How they work and how to pick one that fits your space
Why do they make you look weird? Mirrors obey the same rules as lenses, just in reverse. With flat mirrors, light bounces straight back and your proportions stay true. Curved mirrors reshape those light paths, so some parts of your body appear closer or farther than they are, which changes apparent size.
Simple rules of thumb:
- Convex = puffed out. You look narrower and shorter. Great for a comical mini‑me effect.
- Concave = dished in. You look taller or wider depending on where you stand. Good for the giant head or stilt‑legs gag.
- Wavy surfaces = alternating zones of concave and convex. Stand still and move side to side; your body morphs through different zones.
- Cylindrical curves = stretch or squash mostly in one direction, which gives you either tall‑and‑thin or short‑and‑wide effects.
Material choices and what they mean:
- Acrylic mirror: Lightweight, safer around kids, easier to mount. Downsides: can warp if not supported, scratches more easily than glass. Good for homes and classrooms.
- Glass mirror: Crisp reflection and durable surface. Downsides: heavy, breakable, needs professional mounting. Best for permanent installs and venues.
- Flexible mirror film: Budget‑friendly sheets you can curve over a form. Downsides: low scratch resistance and can look wavy if not mounted perfectly.
Common sizes and what they do for the effect:
- Small hand mirrors (10-20 cm): Fun for demos, but not immersive.
- Medium panels (30-60 cm wide, 90-120 cm high): Good for kids and small nooks; you get partial body distortion.
- Full‑length panels (60-100 cm wide, 150-200 cm high): Best for photos and the iconic carnival look. Check doorways and elevators before delivery.
Typical 2025 price ranges in Australia:
- Acrylic wavy panels: around AUD $150-$400 for smaller sizes; $500-$1,200 for full‑length, depending on frame and thickness.
- Glass distortion mirrors: usually $700-$2,000+ installed, because the glass needs a proper frame and pro mounting.
- Event hire: often $100-$250 per day per panel, with discounts for weekends or multiple units. Delivery and setup can add $80-$200 depending on distance and stairs.
Safety and standards you should know (Australia):
- For glass, look for compliance with AS 1288 (Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation). Toughened or laminated glass is safer.
- For wall mounting, follow the load rules in AS/NZS 1170.1 and use wall anchors that suit your wall type (masonry, timber stud, steel stud).
- Acrylic is safer for kids’ spaces. If it must be free‑standing, add weight to the base and anchor with discreet tether straps so it cannot tip.
Step‑by‑step: how to choose the right one for your home or event
- Define the effect: Tall and thin, short and wide, or mixed. If you want one main gag, pick a simple concave or convex. For playful variety, go wavy.
- Pick material: Kids and rentals do best with acrylic. Permanent decor with a crisp look leans to glass with professional install.
- Measure the space: Height and width, plus clearance for safe traffic. Leave at least 60 cm of clear floor space in front for photos.
- Decide mount style: Wall‑mounted is safest and sleek. Free‑standing is flexible but must be stabilized.
- Check delivery path: Measure doorways, lifts, hall turns. Curved panels can be bulky even if light.
- Set a budget: Include shipping, mounting hardware, and if glass, installation fees.
DIY option: simple wavy acrylic mirror
- Cut a backing: Use 12-18 mm plywood or MDF cut to your desired size.
- Shape the curves: Add shallow battens or foam strips in vertical waves, 20-40 mm high, spaced 10-15 cm apart, to create alternating ridges and valleys.
- Apply the mirror: Use a 2-3 mm acrylic mirror sheet. Bond with mirror‑safe adhesive (non‑solvent, non‑reactive) and a roller to avoid bubbles.
- Frame it: Add a simple timber frame to hide edges and stiffen the panel.
- Mount it safely: For walls, use French cleats or Z‑clips into studs; for free‑standing, build a wide base and add a rear brace or tether.
- Test and tweak: Adjust ridge heights to tune the effect. More height = stronger distortion. Keep edges smooth and snag‑free.
Pro tips:
- Keep reflections bright. Place the mirror opposite a light wall or window, but avoid direct harsh sun that shows surface waves.
- For photos, step back 1-2 metres and shoot at chest height to get the funniest full‑body distortion.
- Use acrylic polish to buff fine scratches; never use ammonia cleaners on acrylic.
Examples, use cases, and how to get the look at home
Kids’ playroom or hallway: A single wavy panel at child height turns a normal corner into a giggle zone. Add wall decals or height markers next to it so kids can see how the effect changes as they grow. Use acrylic, rounded corners, and panic‑proof mounting (two anchors minimum into solid structure).
Entry statement: In a narrow entry, a mild convex mirror can open up the space visually. You still get a quirky effect, but not full slapstick. Look for slight curvature, not a deep dome, so the effect is subtle.
Party or photo booth: Rent two complementary mirrors, one concave, one convex. Place them 2-3 metres apart to create a mini runway. Guests walk from tall‑and‑slim to short‑and‑squishy and you get a steady flow of photos. Add LED strip lights behind the frames for glow and safer edges.
Classroom STEM demo: Use a small concave shaving mirror and a convex bike mirror to show how images change with distance. Then let students step up to a full‑length wavy panel to connect the small demo to a full‑body effect. This bridges basic optics to a real installation. Australian science curricula cover image formation and reflection by Year 7-9, so it fits nicely as a tactile hook.
Retail window or pop‑up activations: A pair of mild distortion mirrors can stop foot traffic without scaring customers. Keep it interactive but brand‑safe: low distortion near eye level, stronger distortion below the waist. Add a short shelf for phones and encourage selfies with a simple sign.
Mirror maze idea at home: You do not need twelve panels. Three to four mirrors placed at angles in a small room can create a mini maze vibe. Use one flat mirror to keep orientation, two wavy mirrors for disorientation, and one convex mirror near the exit as a playful send‑off.
Photography tips to nail the effect:
- Lens choice: A 35-50 mm equivalent on full‑frame is your friend. Wider lenses fight the mirror’s effect; longer lenses flatten it too much.
- Angle: Keep the camera near the mirror’s center to avoid edge distortions that can look messy in photos.
- Light: Soft, even light keeps reflections clean. Bounced flash off the ceiling works a treat.
- Background: A calm background makes the subject’s distortion pop. Busy patterns can overwhelm.
Maintenance and cleaning basics:
- Acrylic: Microfibre cloth plus a plastic‑safe cleaner. Avoid paper towels and ammonia cleaners. For hairline scratches, use a plastic polish kit.
- Glass: Standard glass cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads. Check frame screws every six months.
- Hardware: If it rocks, it is wrong. Tighten anchors and add a secondary tether for free‑standing units.
Checklists, cheat sheets, and quick comparisons
Names to know, mapped to the effect:
- Concave: Big head, tall legs. Stand closer for bigger effect.
- Convex: Shrinks and widens you. Fish‑eye vibe. Stand back to fit your full body.
- Wavy: Alternates skinny and squishy zones. Best for constant giggles.
- Cylindrical: Stretches in one direction but not the other. Clean, graphic look.
Quick buying checklist:
- Purpose: Decor, kids, event, education, or retail?
- Material: Acrylic for safety and low weight; glass for crispness and permanence.
- Size: Full‑length for photos; medium for tight spaces; small panels for teaching.
- Mounting: Wall‑mount wherever possible. Free‑standing needs wide base and tether.
- Delivery path: Measure the tightest doorway or lift.
- Budget: Include shipping, hardware, installation, and touch‑up polish or cleaner.
Safety checklist (home and events):
- Rounded corners or protective frame.
- Non‑slip pads at the base; no trip hazards in front.
- Anchors into studs or masonry; no hollow wall anchors for heavy glass.
- Tether strap for any free‑standing mirror.
- Signage at events to prevent pushing or climbing.
Cleaning cheat sheet:
- Dust first with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Acrylic: Light spray of plastic‑safe cleaner. Wipe in one direction. Buff dry.
- Glass: Standard cleaner. Soft circular motion. Dry edges to stop drips.
Cost cheat sheet (Australia, 2025):
- Buy acrylic: $150-$1,200 depending on size and frame.
- Buy glass: $700-$2,000+ installed.
- Rent: $100-$250 per day, plus delivery/setup.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Buying a panel that is too small. If you want body‑length distortion, aim for 150 cm high or more.
- Mounting with weak anchors. The mirror should feel rock solid, not buzzy or springy.
- Over‑curving acrylic. Too much bend creates funhouse energy but can look uneven in photos.
- Ignoring glare. Position away from direct sun and opposite matte surfaces.
Mini‑FAQ, next steps, and troubleshooting
Are funhouse mirrors convex or concave? Both. Convex curves make you look smaller; concave curves make you look bigger. Many funhouse mirrors mix both in a wavy pattern.
What is a mirror maze called? Mirror maze or hall of mirrors. The panels are often flat or slightly angled; some include mild distortion to disorient.
Are flexible mirror sheets any good? For casual fun and DIY, yes. They are light and safe. The trick is a perfectly smooth, well‑shaped backing. Any bump shows up in the reflection.
Are these safe for kids? Acrylic is the safer choice. If you choose glass, use toughened or laminated glass and compliant mounting. Round the corners or use a cushioned frame, and anchor to the wall.
Will they make me dizzy? Strong distortion can feel odd at first. Keep the effect mild in high‑traffic areas, and give people space to step back.
Where can I find them in Australia? Try education suppliers, theatrical prop shops, specialty mirror retailers, and event hire companies in major cities. Use the terms funhouse mirror and distortion mirror when you search.
How do I photograph the effect? Stand back 1-2 metres, keep the lens around 35-50 mm equivalent, and shoot from chest height. Fill the frame with the subject and leave a little room for the warped edges to breathe.
Next steps by persona:
- Parent setting up a playroom: Pick an acrylic wavy panel around 120-150 cm high. Mount it at child height with rounded corners and a tether strap. Add wall dots to mark standing positions for different distortions.
- Event planner: Rent two panels, one concave, one convex. Place directional mats on the floor showing where to stand. Add soft LED backlight and a selfie sign with a simple hashtag.
- Teacher: Combine small handheld concave and convex mirrors for desk work, then bring the class to a full‑length panel. Build a quick worksheet on how image size changes with distance.
- Home decorator: Choose a mild convex mirror for a narrow entry to make it feel larger without cartoon effects. Test glare at different times of day.
Troubleshooting:
- The distortion is underwhelming: Move closer to the mirror, or choose a mirror with a deeper curve. For wavy mirrors, increase ridge height by 5-10 mm.
- Reflection looks wobbly or warped in the wrong places: Check the backing for bumps. For acrylic, add more support battens so the sheet is evenly tensioned.
- The mirror rattles on the wall: Upgrade to French cleats or Z‑clips and make sure at least two fasteners are into studs or masonry.
- Glare and hotspots: Rotate the mirror slightly or shift it opposite a matte wall. Add sheer curtains if sunlight is harsh.
- Scratches on acrylic: Use a plastic polish kit. Deep gouges may need a new sheet; sometimes a fresh protective top film helps in high‑traffic events.
- Base feels unstable: Widen the base, add weight, and use a rear safety tether to a wall anchor.
If all you needed was the name, you are set: funhouse mirror or distortion mirror will get you to the right place. If you are bringing one into your space here in Australia, go acrylic for safety, mount it properly, and lean into good light. The laughs will take care of the rest.