Mirrors are typically a standard fixture in the bathroom and dressing areas of your home. However, adding a mirror to other spaces is an easy way to add light, make a room feel larger and change the look of any room. Mirrors are the perfect accessory to express your personal style, add visual interest and a touch of dramatic flair to the décor of your home. The key to successfully using a mirror in decorating is knowing how and where to use them; here are a few tips on how to utilize the fashion and function of mirrors.
What to Consider
When you are planning to use mirrors in your décor, it is important to measure the area where you would like to place it. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when hanging mirrors is that the center of the mirror (regardless of size) should hang about 5 feet from the floor. It is also necessary to take into consideration the space where the mirror will be placed. For example, if a mirror will be placed above a large item, such as a mantle, sofa or buffet, the mirror should be at least ten percent narrower than the item. For the biggest impact, use a mirror as large as you can; oversized mirrors are a great way to fill a large wall and create a focal point in a room with a tall ceiling. The shape of the mirror is equally important. For example, adding a round mirror to a room that is boxy will help to liven up the space by breaking up the straight lines of the room.
Create an Optical Illusion
A mirror can instantly bring light and depth into any room, which helps to create the illusion of a larger space. If you have areas in your home you want to decorate, positioning a mirror can help to visually expand the look and feel of the room. Placing a mirror on a wall across from a window will help to create the illusion of another window and provide more natural light.
Playing with Light
When decorating with mirrors, consider the light sources in the room where you intend to place the mirror. The light sources are a great asset for the way a mirror plays with light; placing a mirror behind or next to a hanging light or lamp will help to amplify the glow, causing it to expand further into the space.
Adding Drama
Adding large, full-size mirrors can add drama to a room, especially when they are used in the small spaces of your home. For example, a full-size mirror placed at the end of a narrow hallway will help to open up the space, making it feel larger, and when a mirror is placed in an entryway, it quickly adds a décor element, while making the space feel more welcoming.
Regardless of the style used to decorate your home, mirrors can be used as a reflection of your personal style. Whether you prefer the minimalist look of modern frames or the drama that a gilded antique frame can provide, select mirrors that are interesting to you will add the decorative theme to the room.
When you ready to add drama, visually increase a space or want to expand to your home’s décor, contact Northern Lighting; we have a stunning mix of mirrors and home décor. Make sure to stop by our showroom for our Dot Sale - up to 30% off select items!
