Beyond The Reflection: The Ultimate Mirror How-to
Mirrors are truly a favorite piece for designers, a secret weapon if you will. They are often referred to when collaborating on a project, and for good reason. While often thought of as just a practical item to be checked off the list, a mirror can emphasize the size and brightness of a room by amplifying light, adding drama and framing stellar views.
Coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes and styles, mirrors can maximize visual interest and improve the overall atmosphere of your room. You can incorporate mirrors into just about every room in your home and see the reflection of your design dreams come true.
To combat low ceilings, try placing a mirror on top of a tall piece of furniture, such as an entertainment center or bookshelf. This will draw the eyes upwards and can create the illusion of higher ceilings.
Is a small space your struggle? Strategically place a mirror across from the room’s window or main light source. This will allow the mirror to reflect the light and in turn, make the room feel bigger and brighter.
Want to maximize the artistic vibe of your room? Hang the mirror so it reflects another decorative piece, such as artwork on the opposing wall or across from a window to accentuate the skyline view. You can also find a mirror that you love and use it as your focal point. Work the other pieces in the room around the treasured mirror.
Turn your back porch into an extension of your home by pairing your outdoor furniture with a large area rug and an eye catching mirror. This will create a cozier feel that more resembles your living room than an outdoor space.
Use an array of different framed and shaped mirrors to make an enchanted mirror wall rather than a photo wall. This idea works especially well in stairways and foyers where chandeliers likely hang and can reflect the light.
Want to go against the norm? Refinish your cabinets with mirrors fronts, this design can make a small kitchen space feel larger. You can also use mirrored tiles as your kitchen or bathroom back splash for a glamorous feel everyone will love.
Have you found the perfect mirror or envision the desired look, but not sure how to execute it? A good rule of thumb is to hang the mirror so the bottom is no more than 4 to 6 inches above the tallest point on the furniture it will be mounted over. For instance, mount a bedroom mirror above the dresser so the bottom of the framed mirror sits 6 inches above the top of the dresser. This will ensure a visual break between the mirror and the furniture and will elongate the room.
When it comes to hanging mirrors above smaller furniture or on the wall by itself, opt for the mirror to be hung so the center of the mirror is at eye level, usually between 59 and 65 inches. One exception to this rule would be placing a mirror directly behind a bedside lamp. With this option, you can rest it on the end table and the mirror will reflect the light of the lamp.
Like most things in life, all mirrors are not the same. It is important to evaluate the needs of your space when choosing the perfect mirror. Round mirrors work well in long and blocky rooms, like bathrooms, while rectangular mirrors work better in narrow spaces, like entryways. Will you be propping it up or hanging it? Is your goal to create a focal point or brighten the room? No matter what your desire, there is guaranteed to be a mirror perfect for your design goals.
Ready to start hunting for your new mirror? Check out some of our favorites!
Not sure how to piece together your own cluster of mirrors? These options take the guesswork out and the end result is simply effortless.
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