Tips for using a mirror as an interior’s element
Can you imagine a home without a single mirror? We can’t. The bed can be replaced with a sofa, an armchair with a chair, but now no interior design can do without a mirror. We have collected many interesting examples of a wide variety of mirrors, their functions, and use cases.
A subject that is simple in essence and so important in content deserves close attention!
Historical reference
The first archaeological finds of the similarity of mirrors date back to the Bronze Age. Then they were made of tin, gold or platinum, so they were a luxury item available only to very wealthy people. In the modern sense, the mirror – the way we are used to seeing it – was elaborated by the XIII century, when Europe learned to blow glass. For such a long time of its existence, the mirror has acquired many myths and superstitions.
The ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite emerged from the foam of the sea off the coast of Cyprus. The traditional attribute of this goddess is a mirror. Just in ancient Greece, a large copper deposit was discovered, Cyprus became the “copper” center of the entire Mediterranean, and mirrors were made from this metal at that time. So there was an image called “Mirror of Venus” (Aphrodite), understandable all over the world and denoting the female gender, the chemical element copper, and the planet Venus. In many cultures, the mirror has become an essential attribute of characters associated with beauty and mystical power.
What is a mirror capable of in an interior?
The visual change in space. Smart use of mirrored surfaces can visually increase the area of the room. Additional lighting. Make the mirror do you a double benefit – the light from a window or lamp can be multiplied with mirrors. Decor. We are used to seeing a mirror in the bathroom or hallway, where it performs its main task – reflection. But in the living room, it can be a feature of the interior and the central element of the composition. Now you can choose a mirror for every taste and wallet. Focus on the style of the interior and your preferences.
What kind of mirrors are there?
With frame
Framed mirrors are a very effective way to decorate an interior. The profile of the baguette can be flat or with relief, wooden, metal, plastic. The frame can be painted, artificially aged, covered with patina, gilding, or left in the natural wood color. In general, there are a lot of design options. When choosing, rely on personal preferences and the overall style of the interior. For example, luxurious molded baguettes look appropriate in a classic style. And such mirrors in strict dark frames will fit well into the contemporary style, Provence or cozy scandi. The frame can be made in a bright contrasting color – this decor will definitely not go unnoticed.
No frame
A frameless mirror is a great choice for lovers of simplicity and functionality. Minimalism in the interior is more and more relevant. Avoiding unnecessary decor does not mean a Spartan atmosphere. A frameless mirror works best with built-in or backlighting because there is never a lot of light.
Floor mirror
A floor mirror will look good in a living room, bedroom, or hallway. Of course, if there is enough space. After all, designers recommend installing a floor mirror with a height of at least 1.7 meters so as not to lose its functionality. Large-scale mirrors will hide the imperfections of the wall and visually increase the area of the room. Add light and “air” to the space. Popular in living rooms, effective in bedrooms.
Mirrored doors
A logical way to expand the space, which has become popular is sliding wardrobes with mirrored doors. Or sliding interior doors with mirrors. You can custom-make a canvas of any size yourself and attach it to an existing surface.
On the ceiling
Perhaps this is the most controversial, but also the most effective way to decorate the ceiling. It is said that this can make you dizzy, and on low ceilings, large mirrors only eat up space. So, in general, be careful.
Panels
Mirror panels are sold as a set or individually. Functionality is already giving way to decor, and you can create compositions to your taste from such panels.
Compositions from mirrors
If the designers have already come up with a mirror composition for you, all that remains is to place it on the wall as a stylish decoration. Such “art objects” can compete with paintings in aesthetics and do not tolerate other decors near them. Or you can buy a set of individual mirrors and compose a composition of them as you wish.
Figured mirrors
Anything is now cut out of mirrors – from small leaves to tree figures all over the wall. An unusual alternative to posters and pictures on the wall. There are options for the type of vinyl stickers – thin mirror plates of different shapes with an adhesive back.
Sun-mirrors
These mirrors now look a little “retro”. The first known image of a mirror in the form of the sun is a painting by Jan van Eyck “Portrait of the Arnolfini couple” in 1434! Sun mirrors are often found in interior styles such as art deco and mid-century modern. The “bohemian geometry” of this accessory is manifested in different forms – metal, wood, gold, silver. One thing is invariable – a mirror in the form of the sun is always large and spectacular.
Mirror as the panel
A mirror instead of a picture is a very conceptual solution. It is suitable for different styles but serves only as a decoration. Although, if you hang a mirror at eye level, you can say that the one who is reflected in it is a work of art. That is, the person himself. Probably, this is how annotations are written to art objects in museums of modern art :)
Mirrored furniture
Tables, cabinets, and chandeliers. This is not a complete list of what can be done from a mirror. Basically anything – from a vase to a kitchen set. Just do not forget that mirrors require careful handling. To avoid fingerprints on mirrored cabinets, choose hinged handles rather than push mechanisms. To find some of these furniture pieces you can go to nfoutlet.com.
A mirror is a great example of how decor can transform a space. Add light and air. Change the visual perception of the room. If you like mirrors, but you don’t know how to correctly fit them into the interior, we are always there! And if, after so many examples, you know and understand everything, then success in battle!