People love to use mirrors in their home decor. However, like everything in design, consideration of placing them properly is very important. I find that many people don’t think it through properly and place their mirrors in the wrong places.
You must always consider your need for a mirror. Is it to check yourself quickly as you leave your home? Is it being used to open up a room by adding more depth with its reflection? Do you want to add a mirror because you feel your room already has enough art and you want something different?
You have to consider exactly what a mirror is reflecting and if it is serving your room and your needs properly.
I tend to use a mirror on the far wall in a room.
This strategic placing helps to give the room more depth as you enter. It almost invites you into the space.
However, again, make sure it is reflecting in the room properly. In a dining room, a mirror can help reflect your chandelier light, making the space brighter as it doubles the light bulbs. Maybe your room is dark, and the mirror can reflect a window, again doubling the light source.
In a bedroom the mirror over a dresser has become a dated look.
I love to use a pair of tall mirrors over each nightstand. As you should always try and walk into your footboard as you enter a room, this would place the mirrors straight ahead, again giving more depth to the space.
Something I really like about mirrors is that they come in such a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes.
Even the mirror glass itself can have options being either clear or “antiqued.” An antiqued mirror is nice when you want to use a mirror, yet you don’t necessarily want to reflect anything clearly.
Considering rooms are mostly rectangular or square, with rectangular windows and doors, it is nice to add a round, or maybe a starburst shape mirror to break up the geometric monotony. An arched mirror can give a nice height while also adding a nice curve to your design.
And don’t forget to add mirrors in your grouping of art, whether on a wall or on a shelf or counter. Again, a more rounded mirror among a collection of framed art can be a nice addition and adds an extra dimension to the collage.
I have used mirrors as a kitchen backsplash in a modern design.
When used on the back wall of a tall built-in cabinet with shelves, a mirror can add extra dimension to your space. I like to use antique mirror with this application.
