Mirrors have a variety of uses in the home, such as reflecting light, opening up space and generally enhancing the decor. However, there are a few guidelines that you should follow when hanging mirrors around your house.
DO use large mirrors in tiny rooms.
A large mirror in a small room creates the illusion of depth, so don’t be scared to go big. We recommend placing a big mirror on the wall above a dining room table to reflect the chandelier, or installing a mirror across from a beloved piece of artwork. And, if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can try something even larger. People have a misconception about wall-to-wall mirrors, thinking they’re dated. We suggest distressing them or installing sconces to give them a more modern tone.
DON’T place mirrors willy-nilly around your home.
It might be tempting to hang up a mirror to cover empty wall space, but make sure it’s reflecting something that’s worth looking at. The worst thing a decorator can do is hang mirrors so they’re reflecting random things in your home. For example, you’d never want to place a mirror in a spot where it could reflect a pile of clutter, or even an unattractive piece of furniture. You want a mirror to reflect a nice view or bounce light.
DO make mirrors a focal point.
The large upright mirrors ideal in dressing rooms and corners. And, as an added bonus, you can put a spotlight behind one — it shines and creates a corner glow.
One bold piece can set the entire tone for the room.
DON’T use mirrors on ceilings.
This might seem obvious, but it needs to be said. A mirror on a ceiling is very tacky. This is something you'd see in a cheap motel, or in some retro movie from the 1970s.
DO use mirrors in narrow hallways and staircases.
A smaller, horizontal mirror works in a narrow hallway or staircase. This will act to widen the space, which creates a better flow from room to room.
DO use mirrored furniture to your advantage.
There are several innovative ways to use mirrored furniture (such as a mirrored chest of drawers or mirrored coffee table) to enhance your home. Mirrors trick the eye into thinking the mirror doesn’t exist. If you have a big piece of furniture in the middle of the room, you can make it appear as if it’s disappearing by installing a mirrors on it.
For expert assistace in mirror-related items, contact Antique Mirror NYC today! We offer in-home consultations to find out the best locations to place mirrors.
For expert assistace in mirror-related items, contact Antique Mirror NYC today! We offer in-home consultations to find out the best locations to place mirrors.
