Mirrors serve a myriad of purposes in a home: in an entry so you can check your makeup or hair as you leave the house, full length on a closet door so you can check your outfit coordination, on a wall opposite a window with a view to multiply the beauty, in an unusual frame or shape to double as art and many more. Although mirrors are sometimes used as a go-to solution for just about any decorating problem, choosing the right one might be a bit of a challenge. Cindy and I offer our favorites for style and function.
Terrie’s Top 5 Mirrors
Photo from BHG.com
In this formal dining room mirrors are used to reinforce the motif (squares) and provide a stronger architectural element on the walls. I love that they are dark frames to contrast so strongly with the light walls and molding and that there are two instead of one large one – using two breaks up the molding rectangles and makes a more dynamic addition to the room.
Photo from my portfolio
I used a pair of 8′ tall mirrors in this very grand entry to enhance the ‘grandness’ factor and reflect the live plants in the urns. Hung opposite each other, mirrors can create a room expanding impression because they each will double the space perception (which this room didn’t need, but it looked great anyway!).
Photo from Hershon Hartley Design, Marin showhouse.
This collection of mirrors appeals to my asymmetrical leanings. I love that the finishes are similar but all different, the shapes are similar but different sizes and they are hung so attractively off center. This would be appropriate in a small entry or to create the feeling of an entry, in a narrow hallway to add interest, on an empty wall space just about anywhere.
Mirrors in bathrooms are a requirement but nothing says they have to be boring and square, or worse yet a big sheet of mirror that spans the length of the vanity. Shake things up with an unusual mirror that will up the WOW factor.
Photo from Elle Decor.com
These mirrors from CB2 really appeal to me. Initially I liked the shape and the nod to a starburst mirror. Then I read on to find they are made using recycled bicycle wheels and since my husband is a bicycler, I’m now really interested. Combine the ‘green’ aspect, the reasonable price of $60 and the style factor and I think one of these could be a contender in the new home.
Cindy’s Top 5 Mirrors
Photo bhg.com
I love the dramatic graphic look this oversized mirror provides in this space. In addition to reflecting light from the window it reflects the primary colors in the room. Leaning a very large mirror on the floor or mantel is a more casual approach and a popular way to display a mirror – just make sure it’s secure.
Photo potterybarn.com
I’ve always loved beveled mirrors and this mirror is comprised of 25 beveled mini-mirrors. It is apparently being used in an outside room which is a great way to multiply the beauty of the outdoors. Love it!
Photo bhg.com
Multiple mirrors double the fun and create a graphic statement in this living room as well as adding architectural interest in a plain room.
Photo potterybarn.com
The finish,the arch, the shutters and the shelf – what’s not to love about this unusual mirror? It would be great in a vintage setting, a country home or even something more modern as the contrasting element.
Photo southernliving.com
T.V. in a mirror over the focal point of the room? Fascinates me…as do T.V.s in a bathroom mirror.
Mirrors, Mirrors Everwhere
We have presented some great mirror ideas in our Top Ten this week. As usual, we encourage you to think outside the box, change things up, don’t settle for the ordinary when it comes to your home. Personalize it with a fabulous mirror in a new color, a unique shape or a creative placement. Show us how you use mirrors in your home.
RSS Feeds
I have one of those big sheets of mirror that span the length of the bathroom counter BUT I intend to frame it and found a how-to online. We wanted the the wall of mirror over double basins to increase the space and also my husband is tall and he likes the feeling of space.
The antique tiled mirror at West Elm (both landscape and floor) is just beautiful. check that one out too. Love the PB one above and love the idea of putting that one outside!
Here’s a resource I found to add framing to an existing mirror – lots of finish options and you can customize the size you need.
Visit mirrormates.com to really jazz up your standard bath mirror.
.-= Terrie´s last blog ..Accessorizing for the Seasons =-.
Beveled mirrors just make me happy – the prisms of color you find in the most mysterious places.
I have the Pottery Barn mirror featured in Cindy’s picks and just love it! It adds so much character to our home and bounces light all around our living room which is a great thing during our long Alaskan winters. Thanks for all the different ideas on how to use mirrors to add interest and beauty to any room.