It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of interior design, but mirrors are one of the most versatile and elegant interior décor tools. Yes, mirrors serve a very practical role in the home, but they can also be used a variety of aesthetic design purposes. They create the appearance of more space and add to the mood of a room.
Enlarging Space
As most people know, mirrors work great at making smaller rooms appear more spacious. Small spaces like narrow corridors or hallways are also great locations for decorative mirrors. If you’re decorating a small room, try to place the mirror on the longest of the walls. This is because placing the mirror on the longest wall helps counterbalance the elongated effect that the mirror’s reflection has on the other walls.
For hallways or corridors, you can place decorative mirrors on the part of the walls directly opposite the doors that line the corridor/hallway. This will have the effect of enlarging the space without making it seem too cluttered.
Small bathrooms are another great place to use mirrors in your interior design. You don’t just have to have a mirror above the sink. Try placing a larger mirror on the largest wall of the bathroom. Pick a frame that matches the bathroom’s overall interior décor. Combine a good decorative mirror with good lighting and the final effect can enliven the décor of your bathroom tremendously without you having to spend too much money to get the effect you want. Plus, it’s a whole lot easier than putting in wallpaper or painted designs.
Lighting and Reflectivity
Rather than placing lamps and bulbs everywhere, you can enhance the lighting of a room by using mirrors. Placing mirrors near light sources keeps the mood of the room while providing smooth even lighting. The effect is best when used in rooms where you want the lighting to be warm and welcoming. If you would like to create a more romantic and calm decorative effect, try placing candles in front of mirrors.
Frames/No Frames
Choosing a frame for a decorative mirror is the same as choosing a frame for a painting or photograph. The style and color of the frame should match the overall style and color scheme of the room it’s in.
However, with mirrors, you also have the option of not having a frame at all. This works especially well with oval or round mirrors. The securing of the mirror can be done effectively with chrome dome head screws. The overall effect is clean, elegant and modern, but it can work in almost any style room.
Additional Tips
Try New Shapes
Yes, square or rectangular shaped mirrors work just fine. But why not try something more interesting. Unusually shaped mirrors can add a little bit of (sometimes much needed) attitude to a room. Wavy mirrors, long, round, narrow, or diamond shaped mirrors are all easily available. And don’t be afraid to try different mirror arrangements. Instead of buying a large wall to wall mirror, for example, you can try putting together a mosaic of smaller mirrors that cover the same space.
Types of Glass
Not all mirror glass is created equal. How the edges are cut make a difference. You can also find frosted mirrors and various other kinds of glass designs. Shop around to see what you like and don’t be afraid to ask your local home improvement specialists for suggestions or information.
Hanging the Mirrors
It’s a good idea to invest in a laser level, as it makes hanging up mirrors or frames a whole lot easier. Just relying on your eyesight can be difficult, and there’s a bigger chance of ending up with a skewed frame. Laser levels are fairly cheap and well worth the purchase.
Look for Deals
The mirror doesn’t have to be expensive. The thing that makes a difference is how you incorporate it into your home’s interior design. You can find great deals if you shop around at consignment stores and thrift shops. Take your time and keep an eye out. Who knows, you might find a great vintage mirror in the least expected of places.
Tags: Interior Design