The House of Mirrors
By Erin Vosti Lal
Published: Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Mirrors are not only practical, but they are also decorative. They are a great way to reflect light in a dark space, fill a bare wall, add space visually, and add a dash of shimmer and glamour to any room.
Mirrors always create a visual interest in a space. Hung over the fireplace or on a bare wall, they can become the focal point of a room if the piece is highly decorative. Large mirrors hung at eye level will catch light and enhance the size of the room. Hung vertically, they can make the ceilings look taller; hung horizontally, they can make a wall seem larger and more expansive. The visual tricks of mirrors are endless.
To add extra sparkle to a fireplace, hang a metallic mirror above it, and place accessories that are equally shiny, such as a few silver frames or tall metallic candleholders. Your eye will instantly be drawn to the shimmer and it will become the focal point of the room. Small and dark rooms always benefit from mirrors. Placed strategically opposite a window or door, they add life to a gloomier side of the room by reflecting light and opening up any dark corners.
We all know the trick of enlarging a small room by adding a mirrored wall. While this technique can be a bit cliché and conjures up visuals of the best and worst of 1970’s decorating, doing something different and putting your own spin on it can update the technique. A wall of mirrors will certainly give the illusion of space, but by disguising it a bit, you add a hint of mystery. Put étagères, or backless bookcases in front of a mirrored wall. This will add interest by reflecting your books and objects, and create the illusion of space in a way that isn’t obvious.
Or go French. Use cut squares of mirrors on the wall, joined at the corners with small, gilded medallions or rosettes. This will add elegance and glamour, and break up the gigantic mirrored wall. Mirrors can also be used in place of art. Create a composition of small mirrors in similar frames, but with different shapes. Frameless mirrors also make for lovely compositions and can be found with elegant contours, or with delicate etching; this will also help add a feminine touch to any room.
Reflect a beautiful view from a window by hanging a mirror on the opposite wall. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the outdoors on both sides of the room! Or if you have pretty, colorful fabrics, reflect them on the other side of the room with a mirror and you’ll have twice the decorating.
Mirrors can reflect a bevy of pretty objects such as artwork, a statuesque antique or an elegant floral arrangement; as long as it’s worth looking at twice. In a dining room, a mirror is not only the perfect decorative touch and possible conversation piece, but it will reflect the softness of light and bathe your guests in elegance.
It will add drama to any dining room with lit candles, especially. You can also use a frameless mirror as a tray to hold your centerpiece. Bunch pillar candles of different heights on it, and the light will reflect upwards, adding an enchanting glow from the center of the table. Or a simple floral arrangement will have double its impact when reflected in the mirror below.
In an entry hall, hanging a mirror above a console will allow you to check your lipstick before you answer the door when greeting guests, or make that final hair check before you run out the door. But it’s also a great way to welcome guests by setting the tone for the rest of the house; you’ll be making a statement right off the bat with any interesting or unusual mirror.
Mirrors can also be a great way of showcasing that incredible frame you found at the local flea market or antique store. Instead of filling the frame with art, fill it with a piece of antique glass. Make it the focal point of the room, and you’ll instantly have a conversation piece. Mirrors are used for true decorating tricks, as they enhance light and space, and are the perfect ornamental touch to any room. Reflective and beautiful, they are not only practical, but will add an instant sense of drama to your walls.
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