Decorate with mirror: Commonfloor tells you how
Mirrors are not only beautiful in themselves; they transform a room and give it that dash of glam. And it’s not just that…but used effectively as a decor add-on, it makes the room look bigger, brighter and more interesting.
Designer Vinita Arora says, “One of the easiest and most affordable ways to maximize both light and space is with mirrors.” Reflective surfaces always help bounce light around a room, so they’re great for making spaces feel brighter and lighter. Because they reflect light and color, mirrors are also the perfect way to make smaller rooms seem larger.
Interior Desiger Sushma Ved recommends, “Hang a mirror adjacent to a window and you will instantly make the room feel bigger. Hang a mirror in a dark room and it will instantly feel larger. Place an oversize mirror on the floor leaning on a wall and you create a casual, hip feel.
What you should consider before buying a mirror:
- A good place to start when choosing mirrors in your home is considering the shape of a mirror. Round mirrors symbolize unity and wealth.
- Square and rectangle shapes are used to create balance and octagonal shapes present power. Try to use your mirror shape to imitate other shapes in the room.
- The finish of the frame should match the level of formality or informality of the furniture in the room. Frame finishes can be just about anything, the most popular including traditional woods, antique gold’s, metal and decorated finishes.
- Decoratively framed mirrors are most effective when placed in a position to capture the reflection of a beautiful scene or object. For example, if your decor leans heavily towards traditional feel, then bejeweled-edged mirrors work well because they are heavier and more substantial looking.
- Plain-edged mirrors look especially sleek in contemporary settings.
- Size is of considerable interest when placing a mirror in the home. Keep in mind that a mirror, like other art pieces, should not be wider than the furniture below it nor less than two-thirds the width.
Designer Arvind Bhatt recommends installing large mirrors in living rooms as they serve as art installations while opening up the space with the reflection of the room and creating more light. Also, mirrors placed in the home absorb or reflect positive and negative energy, so be sure that your mirrors reflect beautiful surroundings.
Five ideas that inspire us to use mirrors as accents:
A beautiful sunburst mirror in metal adds that extra dash of glam in your living space. In your foyer or your living area, accentuated by subtle accessories, the mirror adds dimension to the fluid living space.
Delightfully stunning
We love the delightful round mirrors which work in as an art form in your home. Simple, yet stylishly chic, the mirrors offset with fresh flowers act as a perfect accent to your living space. “The mirror itself becomes the artwork in this minimal set up.” Even a large wall mirror can bring simplicity to a space if used correctly.
A dash of kitsch
Mirrors, like this one, brighten the room, create additional luminosity and add dimension to the space. A simple room comes alive with this colour frame mirror. Vibrant and translating into an art form, the beautiful mirror, which dances on the kitschy side is a must have.
For that wow effect
A simple mirror worked on a bright jewel tone frame adds a dash of glam to the living space. A touch away from the gilt and traditional element, this mirror is an art form by itself. Bold and decadent, it is in our must have list.
Full size mirror
Full-size floor mirrors can make a dramatic statement in a small space. “Using a framed, full-size mirror placed on the floor and resting on the wall can become an incredible asset in many ways in a bedroom, living room and even at the end of a hallway.”
How to clean mirrors and frames:
- Wipe glass with a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water.
- For streaks, use a microfiber cloth dampened with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water, with one or two drops of dishwashing liquid.
- Always spray water or cleaner on the cloth rather than the mirror. (If moisture seeps under the frame, it can create spots.)
- Use a clean, dry natural-bristle paintbrush on intricately carved frames. Starting at top of frame, flick dust downward. For gilded frames, use a sable brush, which is softer than a regular paintbrush and less likely to damage gilding
