Decorating with Mirrors

We are all familiar with the idea behind decorating with mirrors—decorative mirrors reflect light and add the illusion of space to a small room. But there is much more to decorating with mirrors than simply hanging one above your fireplace or bathroom sink.

One of the most common decorating mistakes made is to hang a mirror without taking into consideration what it is going to reflect.  Do you really want to reflect the side of your neighbor’s garage?  Do you want to look at a closet door TWICE?  Try to reflect a painting, a lovely view or even a vase of flowers.

Wall hung decorative mirrors are the most common.  These mirrors are available in all sizes, shapes, finishes and design styles.  But there are several other interesting ways to use mirrors. 

• A floor mirror such as the Verona Long Floor Mirror offered by Global Furniture or the Toluca Lake Floor Mirror by Stanley Furniture make a striking statement in a contemporary bedroom. How about the Whitley Heights Beveled Mirror found in the Hancock park collection by Lexington.  It has a real “through the looking glass” feel.  In place of the expected chest with a mirror above it for your entry try the unexpected and use the Pulaski Royal Floor Mirror.  This will certainly create an impressive entry into your home.
  
• Using a mirror is an affordable way to create a unique coffee table or end table.  Placing a mirror such as the 38 inch Zacara Ritz Mirror by Lexington atop a base of your choice gives you an instant table.  The wood frame adds stability and warmth while the mirrored top showcases your collectibles placed on top of the table.  Be sure to properly secure the mirror to the base for safety.

   

• Even mirrored artwork can add some light and reflection.  Take, for example, the Starburst Decorative Wall Mirror by Ashton Sutton.  Light will bounce off the small mirrored discs for a sparkling effect that is not overwhelming. 
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  Replace the matching mirror attached to your bedroom dresser with something unique.  If you like wood but want to try something different check out the Standard Sorrento Panel Decorative Mirror.  The metal scrollwork at the top of the mirror will add some texture and interest to your old bedroom set. 

   

• Often times the dresser mirror is not functional.  It can sit too far back to use for applying makeup and sits too high to check out your hemline.  But what else can you put on the large expanse of wall behind your dresser?  How about replacing your large mirror with two oval mirrors for an interesting effect. Or frame a large painting with mirrored molding to get the reflection of light.
• Use decorative mirrors as accent or art pieces.  For a bit of whimsy in a room take a look at Cooper Classics Antigua Shaving Mirror or the Adesso Cirque Floor Decorative Mirror.  The polished chrome stand and four round mirrored discs make it a fun accent in a contemporary powder or guest room.  The Genova Mirror that Quoizel offers looks like something out of a fairytale and will have you asking “mirror, mirror on the wall….”
  

While mirrors are primarily a functional item in your home they can be used in many different ways; as a kitchen backsplash or to replace panels in your interior doors.  Be creative with your decorative mirrors and see what you can come up with. Send me a picture I would love to see!

Nicolette Interior Design Diva