What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all. This time we aren’t looking so much at ourselves in the mirror, but instead taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the mirror itself. How they can effortlessly combine functionality and style, with the ability to transform a space with a simple reflection. A mirror arises the opportunity for the wow factor. They create an illusion. Whether that be a fantastic frame that becomes the feature piece in a space or the magical glass that reflects and replicates a stunning view from outside of the window or door. In today’s blog, we will explore how mirrors can be used in your space from an interior design perspective.
Functional mirrors
Mirrors are used in the home in fairly obvious ways and places; like bathrooms, bedrooms or dressing rooms, areas where you require the use of a clear, well-lit reflection. Vanity mirrors have a very clear function in your home, and it’s always best to have clear glass when you want to see a true reflection of yourself. Antique mirrors may be beautiful aesthetically but are not always practical. They’re more decorative and often suited better to a powder room or an entrance hall.
Antique mirrors – my thoughts
Antique mirrors can be blended into most interior styles, they create another layer of interest and can potentially be the focal point in the space.
A practical and functional use of a mirror for a dressing space or bathroom would be incorporating two mirrors, allowing you to tilt to see the back of yourself as well as the front. Of course style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for functionality, but these are important factors to consider when choosing a mirror.
Floor standing mirrors are also popular choices in bedrooms or dressing rooms and can be very effective in many ways (not just gaining a full-length view of yourself), but when designing homes for families, we are always careful to ensure that mirrors of this size are safe, and always secured to a wall, or free standing with a built in stand, otherwise they are no longer practical but can become a danger.
Creating depth
Mirrors in the home provide an excellent way of creating depth in a space that couldn’t be achieved otherwise. Mirrors are used to enhance the space by making it appear larger, giving the illusion of depth. For example, if you have a small or narrow hallway, if you were to mirror one wall you would instantly create the feeling of expansion in the smaller space, it would also reflect whatever is on the opposite wall, giving you a larger sense of space . You could always add a frame to such a mirror, adding a bit of detail, even if it is simply a very delicate thin metal or timber frame.
WOW factor mirrors
Usually, your wow factor mirrors would have a strong focus on the frame itself, rather than the mirror. They may be surrounded by ornate timber or a delicate gilded frame. But it’s important to remember that not all mirrors rely on their frames to create the wow factor; the scene that the mirror is reflecting can become the wow factor and focal point all on its own.
Using mirrors creatively 
Have you ever thought of putting a mirror in your garden or outside space? Clever placement of mirrors in the garden can be very effective, reflecting the natural beauty of your outdoor space, while creating the illusion of depth and expanse.
Another way that mirrors can be used in the home is behind shelving. These display purpose mirrors can be backlit, and provide the reflection of the objects on those shelves. One space I would be cautious of adding a mirror, or the opportunity to see your reflection, is in the dining room. In general people don’t favour watching themselves eating, so if you do want to add a mirror, ensure that it is above the eyeline of those seated at the table.
I hope I have given you inspiration today to look beyond the mirror; if you’re interested in working with Marylou Sobel Interior Design, please get in touch, we’d love to hear about your next interior design project.
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