Saturday, September 25, 2010

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

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I often get questions from customers about using mirrors in their decorating schemes.  Mirrors are a great way to enlarge a room, make it brighter, and add an element of interest.  Don't be afraid to use more than one in a room. Here are a few ideas and tips for accessorizing with mirrors.


Traditional Home


Probably the most important thing to remember when deciding to use a mirror on a wall is the reflection. Make sure your mirror reflects a beautiful scene, piece of artwork, decorative accessories or furniture. Many times people place mirrors over fireplaces only to reflect a ceiling fan. In the picture below  notice the beautiful reflection of this kitchen and how the mirror enlarges the space.


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Lean a mirror against a wall for a more informal look and to add a dimension of interest. It’s less work and allows you to move the mirror around if needed. You can also layer the leaned mirrors for a different look.



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Another neat idea is to place a mirror on a dining table as part of the centerpiece. Imagine the look when you turn on your chandelier! I’ve even seen a small rectangular-framed mirror on a coffee table with an accessory on top of it. You now have another area that reflects light.


Real Simple


I’ve always hated those frameless mirrors that builders sometimes use in bathrooms. They are so boring. I have changed mine out for a regular framed mirror and love the way it looks with my new light fixture. Instant pizzazz! The round mirror introduces a new shape. Take a look at my new bathroom mirror below and another picture of a mirror placed in the corner of a tiny bathroom – really unexpected.


Replaced Mirror in My Bathroom



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The matching mirrors, animal print wallpaper, buck’s head and leather chairs in the picture below create a dramatic setting. Notice all of the symmetry.


Houzz

We often create picture groupings to enhance our walls. Why not try a collection of mirrors of different shapes which will reflect light, and  create interest. I once saw a picture of a wall outside a bathroom that had a collection of hand-held mirrors covering the entire wall.  What a conversation piece!



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When using mirrors over a piece of furniture either alone or as part of a grouping, always ensure that you cover two-thirds of the space on the wall above the mantle or furniture. The mirror over this bed is lost. It needs to be larger. In most cases, a mirror should be hung four to seven inches above furniture or a mantle.



House Beautiful


"The eyes are the mirror of the soul." - Yiddish Proverb

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