Mirrors are a common home accessory that nearly all of us use in our homes, but we aren’t necessarily getting the most out of. There are a number of factors to take into account before using a mirror, such as light, placement, frame design, frame colour, glass colour, room and shape. To help you get the best use out of mirrors in your own home, we’ve put together a few of our favourite ways to make the most of mirrors:
Full Length
To look at yourself in an undersized mirror often means crouching at an awkward angle. A full length mirror is not only a functional, everyday necessity but a great way to spread light in the bedroom. It is also a good way to use the existing natural light in your bedroom to enhance the feeling of relaxation and tranquillity.
Eye Level Extender
How spacious a room feels is entirely dependent on your psychological and visual perception of the space. Mirrors are fantastic way to create small tricks on the mind, leading it to believe there is more space than there actually is. Placing a long mirror horizontally at eye level is a fantastic way to create the illusion of space in narrow hallways. The mirror acts as a kind of artificial window in your peripheral vision, creating more space.
Awkward Spaces
Mirrors are the ultimate interior problem solvers. Their unique ability to fill an empty area, while also deflecting attention away, can be essential to using all the space at your disposal. Whether it’s filling an awkward corner, or covering some unsightly paintwork, mirrors can be a lifesaver. In this case, it’s usually best to go with frameless, simple mirrors in order to avoid attracting too much attention.
Full Wall
Full wall mirrors aren’t for those who are fans of subtlety, nor are they for those on a budget. What wall mirrors are, however, are beautiful and eye-catching contemporary design statements. Depending on your approach, a full wall mirror can double the (perceived) size of a room, as well as being it’s own design installation. Full wall mirrors should always be installed on an end wall, in order to emphasise the length of the room.
Outdoor
Outdoor mirrors not only look great, but are an easy way of recycling unwanted old mirrors. Placed casually behind a rustic bed of flowers/plants, an old mirror can turn a good garden into a great garden. Unlike interior design additions, garden mirrors don’t require constant maintenance; they’ll actually look even better, the more weathered they become.
Dressing Table
With all of the alternative ways to add mirrors to your interior, it can be easy to forget their main use. A dressing table mirror is, of course, essential to admire or critique your own appearance, and, as well as being functional, it will also improve the aesthetics of the room. Dressing table mirrors are the perfect candidate for the ‘shabby chic’ treatment. A quick whitewash and a little sandpaper distressing will give your wooden mirror frame the perfect contemporary finish.
Decorative
Although it’s good to combine practicality with aesthetics, that doesn’t mean interior accessories can’t look good for the sake of looking good. Decorative mirrors can impact your home in a number of ways: clusters of small mirrors, vintage mirror frames, novelty shapes and coloured glass are all great ways to use mirrors to liven up your interior style. If something feels right, then it’s usually a good idea to trust your instinct.
Citations:
- House Beautiful Magazine offering expert advice and inspirational ideas for the home
Featured images:
- License: Image author owned
Alex Greenan has been the interior design blogger for independent interiors brand, 4 Living, for two years, and is always up to date with the latest trends, good and bad.
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