But have your ever given much thought to how you actually use reflection itself in your home? From their most basic form, the simple plate glass above a vanity or dresser, to the more unusual and unexpected, mirrors are an extremely valuable tool to include in your interior decorating plan.
The most obvious use of mirrors greets us each morning as we brush our teeth, shave and get dressed for the day. Although their need is obvious and their styles relatively easy to select, the mirrors in our bathrooms and bedrooms certainly shouldn't be glossed over.
Be sure to choose mirrors that are appropriately sized for space and function. Consider whether more than one person will need to use them at the same time. Be cognizant of their position relative to the room's lighting, as well as making sure they are installed at a height that's appropriate for the people who will be using them.
In bathrooms, carefully measure the space between your vanity top, backsplash if applicable, and your vanity's light fixtures, also taking into consideration how much space you have between the wall and any shades that might be directed down towards the mirror from those fixtures.
Don't get lazy and make do with just a naked plate glass mirror, which makes no style statement at all. A good designer can outfit even your existing bathroom mirror with a beautiful custom-sized frame, giving your bathroom a much nicer, finished look and rewarding you with great bang for the buck.
Throughout the rest of your home, mirrors can be the perfect solution for so many situations. They can visually enlarge a space, increase the sense of light in a room and add pizzaz where other types of accessories don't work.
A beautiful mirror above the fireplace mantel is classic, but don't forget to accessorize the mantel itself. A set of candlesticks of varying heights, coupled with some pretty pottery or small sculptural pieces and visually tied together with greenery and white lights is just one way to create a very nice tableau which will be seen twice as it is reflected in the mirror.
Do you have a spot that seems to need something, but is either of an awkward size or position for traditional artwork? A long, narrow mirror could be perfect hung horizontally if you have an empty space between fireplace and mantel or over the buffet in your dining room.
Consider a pair of the same, this time hung vertically to either side of a piece of artwork. This will visually increase the scale of an otherwise undersized print.
One area of many homes that is famously difficult to accessorize is that huge wall over an open stairway, in a high-ceilinged foyer or a great room. Manufacturers have provided us with a great selection of beautiful mirrors which are perfect for spots like these. One of my favorites is over six feet tall and 40 inches wide, created of a smoky antique-looking glass and finished out as if in an aged, arched frame.
Even on horizontal surfaces, mirrors can add sparkle and dimension. Try placing a mirror tile underneath a pretty candle arrangement and some sprigs of seasonal botanicals for a simple but beautiful tablescape with double the impact of the plain Jane variety.
If your decorating style swings toward either Art Deco or Contemporary, take a look at some of the mirrored furniture--you read that right, mirrored furniture--that is currently so popular.
From occasional tables to bathroom vanities, these pieces are actually constructed of wood but covered in mirrored glass and are truly striking to behold. Although not terribly practical for use of areas where fingerprints or potential breakage would pose a constant frustration, they could provide the perfect piece d'resistance in just the right spot, such as a powder room or guest bedroom.
Wherever you look in your home, there is potential for the placement of a beautiful framed mirror or mirrored surface. And, whatever your decorating style, there is a great selection of mirrors to complement it. Have fun exploring how you might use them in both traditional and novel ways. Just keep in mind this one cardinal rule: Wherever you place a mirror, make sure it will reflect something you want to see twice!
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