Mirrors

Using Mirrors for Interior Design and Decorating

“It’s all smoke and mirrors” as the saying goes and of course the wonderful thing about mirrors is that not only do we use them for practical purposes such as personal grooming and presentation, but they also have a multitude of aesthetic and mood enhancing properties.

Lets look at how mirrors can enlarge a space.

Often a small room, narrow corridor or hallway can be made to feel larger by incorporating the mirror on one of the walls. Which one? Usually select the longest of the three walls. We do this to help balance the space by counteracting the elongated feeling with the reflection of light increasing the perceived width.

For a hallway mirror, using a mirror for an entire wall is not practical and would be very expensive, however using a series of mirrors opposite doorways or windows will have the desired effect.

Another good place to do this is in small bathrooms. This combined with good light levels can make an enormous difference, spending only a small amount of money for maximum effect. It also creates an easy clean surface that won’t peel like paint or wallpaper.

Using Mirrors in a narrow space gives the illusion of more space and light.

Using mirrors in a narrow space gives the illusion of more space and light.

A romantic and calm mood is achieved when using a candle in front of a mirror.

A romantic and calm mood is achieved when using a candle in front of a mirror.

Mirror used in conjunction with lighting will of course help with reflectivity. This is why they have reflectors in lamps. Lighting can therefore be enhanced with the use of mirrors. You can achieve a decorative and romantic effect by placing a candle in front of a mirror. The mirror frame and candleholder can be any style however that soft light reflected will always create a romantic and calm mood.

Mirrors can be decorative in themselves without having to have an expensive frame. A very effective look is to have a wide bevel on the edge. Securing the mirror can be neatly done with chrome dome head screws for a contemporary look.

Mirrors create an ever changing piece of artwork over a fireplace.

Mirrors create an ever changing piece of artwork over a fireplace.
Mirrors can act as a piece of artwork. They come in many decorative frames and placed over a mantle of a fireplace as a feature, they create an ever-changing picture in the room and a great talking point.
Experiment with mirrors, you might be surprised what a difference they can make to your room.

Written by Chris Brown

Color Consultant course