What do you do about the edges of the mirror, which make it visible?

Is this for a drop-down version (hinged along the lower back edge) ?

A non-movable version has the edges embedded in a diagonal groove running front to back along the sides of the box . Usually the interior design of the box has an "X" design running front to back to disguise the edges or (better) a busy/striped fabric design .

See:

http://www.shaunyee.com/images/update5.jpg

http://www.tilfordillusions.com/mirrorBox.jpg

A drop-down (movable) version has the edges painted or taped (electical tape) the same color as the diagonal stripes on the fabric, so the edge is disguised somewhat.

I think the fabric design that Owen Magic Supreme uses on their boxes is very deceptive :

http://www.owenmagic.com/Livestock/See_T......u_1.html

http://www.owenmagic.com/Livestock/Rabbi......tch.html

The first picture is very nice.

It's for the version where the mirror is fixed in place, going from top front to bottom back. I can rout a 45 degree groove in the sides, and also along the back edge. What's the best colour to paint the deceptive stripes to match the mirror edges in these grooves? Seems to me a silvery grey is called for, but the first pic looks brownish.

I have a mirror box similar(ish) to picture 1 above, the mirror slots into 45 degree grooves at the sides (but doesn't have a groove along the back edge). The crosses on the base and sides are also routed and not simply painted on. The box is bright yellow and the grooves are black - presumably the better the contrast the more deceptive. Obviously the crosses have to be perfectly square to keep the reflected lines at the sides straight.

Have you got the parallel lines on the base, as in pic 1? If so, are they routed?

No, mine has another X on the base (for consistancy), and yes, it is routed.