Using mirrors to solve decorating problems

Using mirrors to solve decorating problems

design tips Mirrors small spaces solving decorating problems

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the power of mirrors to solve common decorating problems.   Here are seven  fantastic uses of mirrors that might not be on your radar.

1. To reflect light

This is one great space for a number of reasons, but the mirrors make it in my opinion.  Not only do they break up a dark wall and provide height to match the window, they reflect light in what might otherwise be a blah room.

2. To create a window in a windowless room 

There are often sections of a space that are dark and windowless.  Mirrors can give the illusion of a window and light without having to make architectural changes.  In both rooms above the mirrors also add dramatic focal points.

3. Add drama to an open space

This high ceilinged space demands a large scale treatment.  This mirror fills the bill when it comes to matching the scale of the space.  The choice of a lucite table ensures that the lines of the mirror remain dominant.

4. To replace art

 Sometimes a mirror when used well can replace art over a bed or mantle.  In this space the sculptural light is reflected in the mirror,  providing an interesting visual focus.

5. To highlight art/collections

6. To create impact 

 One of the best ways to create impact is through repetition.  Imagine the scene above if you just has three or four mirrors.

7. To balance large windows 

I love how the mirror is large scale, soft with its rounded top, and the height relates well to the window.  The gold relates to the lamps and the table which also mimics the rounded top of the mirror.

I am definitely interested in any solution that helps balance heights/scale  in a room.  One of the best things about this mirror treatment is how it relates to the window next to it and the furniture in the space.   You read the fireplace and mirrors as one unit. The fireplace alone is small and delicate.  Keeping the mirror frame lighter and gold helps it to relate to the other furnishings in the space.

Seven reasons why you should have a mirror in your home apart from the obvious.  Who knew? Are you a mirror lover?  I'm sad to say my mirror choices are purely functional.  What about yours?

Please find links to photos on my Pinterest board Mirrors.

French Mirrors

French Mirrors

French Mirrors

19th C. French Carved Wood MirrorFrance19th France19th C. French Carved Wood Mirror

Pair 1920's Italian mirrorsItaly1920'sPair 1920's Italian mirrors carved wood gold paint

1940's Signed Palladio Italian Planter and MirrorItaly1940's1940's Signed Palladio Italian Planter and Mirrorplanter: 31''w x 10.5''d x 37.5''h mirror: 27.75''w x 44.5''h x 2.5''d

19th C.French Pub Frame - Gold Gilt Over WoodFrance19th CenturyAntique French Pub Frame - Gold Gilt Over Metal 26.5" X 40"

Early 1900's Italian Console with Original Marble TopItalyEarly 1900sEarly 1900's Italian Console with Original Marble Top (two available)90.5''h x 24''w x 13.5''d

Late 19th Century Italian MirrorItalyLate 19th CenturyTURN OF THE 19TH CENTURY ITALIAN MIRROR17"W x 25"h

18th Century Trumeau MirrorPainting is a la Dumas "Three Musketeers"
56" H 28" W

19th Century Gilt MirrorCarved Mirror with BevelRibbon Motif
59" H 35" W

Upon Reflection: 10 Cool Wall Mirrors

Upon Reflection: 10 Cool Wall Mirrors

Mirrors Reflection:

Once upon a time, mirrors only existed atop bathroom sinks; they were called “vanities” for a reason.  In the increasingly self-aware world in which we live, though, those addictive reflective surfaces have made their way out into nearly every other room of the house, and they’re not sticking to their traditional square and oval frames, either.  From the artfully decimated fragments of the “Sugar” model from artist Robba and the live plants emerging from H2O Architects’ futuristic creation to the mirrored vinyl stickers offered by Tonka Design, these are by no means your grandma’s makeup mirror.  These functional pieces elevate themselves into veritable wall art through design alone.  The next time you’re caught staring into one, you can pass off any moment of narcissism as a mere appreciation of the art you’ve been… er… “studying.”  Without further ado, behold today’s curation of ten cool wall mirrors, you attractive thing you.

Modern Mirrored Planter from H2O Architects

Clarendon Mirror by Crate & Barrel

Multifaceted Mirror from Graham & Green UK

Funky Shaped Mirrors by Creazioni

Narcisse Mirrors from Domestic

Pink Half-framed Mirror from Decor Planet

Puzzle Mirror by Coroflot

Sensu Mirror by Porada

Sugar Mirror by Robba

Wall Mirror Stickers by Tonka Design

Via

Seeing double

Seeing double

design tips Mirrors

 I couldn't resist this title. Anyone who knows me well will laugh when they see it because I do in fact have double vision  resulting from a fall.  Not to worry clients, it is corrected with a special lens in my glasses.

Two of something is often  considered boring in interior design, but as you know there are exceptions to every rule. Usually you will find one mirror in an interior, but in some cases two can be much more interesting and effective than one.

Think about  using two mirrors when you :

 Have double sinks

Double mirrors in bathroom

source

 I like the change from the predictable one large mirror you see in most bathrooms.  While there are lots of  double mirror applications above sinks,  what brings this one up a notch is the inclusion of art in the space between the mirrors.

 Need to extend horizontal lines

Mirrors supporting a  headboard

source 

This is an interesting take on using mirrors in a bedroom. We have all seen them mounted mirror height behind night  tables, but this placement brings mirror use to a new level.     The mirrors add depth to the room and provide a reflective surface that is so necessary in every space.  I feel a conscious decision was made to extend the visual line of the bed itself into a larger rectangle. How do I know this?   The art work above the bed has been added to complete the second rectangle.  Very nice.

Want to add symmetry and depth

 Adding depth in a small dining space

source 

 Double mirrors are a fantastic solution when you want to add symmetry to a space. Everything about this space is right especially the scale.  Think how uninspiring the room would be with two small mirrors or how out of proportion the mirrors would look without the equally large twig arrangement.  I call this effect creating a visual destination.

Want to replace art work 

 

Above a sofa

source

Mirrors are used to good advantage in a small space because they visually enlarge it.  Check out what is reflected in your mirrors.  If it's something you don't like skip the mirror idea and go with a piece of art that has depth.

  Need to fill an awkward space

Vertically stacked round mirrors

Sara Richardson

This take on mid-century styling is one of my favourite Sara Richardson  designs.  The stacked mirrors fill the narrow vertical space so nicely,  repeat the circular shape in the coffee table, and soften the many rectangular and triangular motifs used throughout the space.

Repeat a shape

Mirrors repeat door shape

source

Mirrors add sparkle to a bathroom and they are certainly functional.  Not quite sure I would want to sit in a tub and look at myself, but I do like how the stacked mirrors draw your attention away from the fact that the tub extends out into the room.  The mirrors are also placed to create a larger rectangle with the door.

Solve several problems

Mirrors repeat shape in pillows

source

These mirrors are a powerhouse of design:  they expand the space by mimicking the window; create depth in a small space;  increase the visual width so the window doesn't overpower the sofa; reflect the light from the lamps; repeat the geometric motif in the pillows;  provide symmetrical elements; and add subtle darks with the inlay. That's the whole meal deal!

Mirrors aren't just for looking in.  They are strong design  elements in any space and when you use them wisely they provide huge impact. I've written about mirrors before and provided a link to a great article on mirrors in it.  Check it out.  We seldom think about mirrors as problem solvers, but they can be.   Do you have a space where double mirrors would solve a design problem? Do tell.

Seating at Tone on Tone...

Seating at Tone on Tone...

blog love Mirrors seating settee Sun mirror Vintage vintage finds

 

So I am sure you know him...  Loi at Tone on Tone and his wonderful blog... well after receiving his most recent post in my inbox I went for a little peek at his shop.  Loi has just brought back a container from Europe and I am so excited to see what he found.  I love that he can create the most beautiful spaces and vignettes with layers of cream, greige, white, grey and a mix of soft muted colors.    So I am aspiring to bring home some beauties like this when we shop in France in the coming weeks.  (I have a wish list that is getting LONG).   

If you would like help creating inspirational spaces for yourself contact us!

The New Carved Mirror is Up!

The New Carved Mirror is Up!

Living Room Mirrors

I hung the bigger mirror! What do you think? I'm loving how it fills the wall space so much better than the scrolly mirror. I think the proportions are just right. And the scrolly mirror is happily living in the office now, so don't feel too bad for it.

It took some work to get this beast of a mirror hangable. (PS I wasn't sure if this mirror was really "vintage" like the listing stated, but that tape on the back was definitely decades old. Nasty stuff.)

I ended up reusing the hardware that was already installed on the mirror. It was installed for the mirror to hang horizontally, so I unscrewed and moved the D-rings so the wire could run the opposite way.

I wanted to hang the new mirror on the screws that were already in our wall for the scrolly mirror (in the studs from when we filled in the giant H wall above the fireplace), so I installed the D-rings and strung the wire so the mirror would hang right where I wanted it on the wall.

When you're stringing the wire for a large mirror or piece of art, make sure your wire is a heavy enough gauge to support the weight (it will tell you on the package), and also that the wire is long enough to tightly thread through the D-rings at least three times. You want the weight of the mirror to be supported at the rings and not dependent on your wire-twisting capabilities (which are not that great in my case).

We needed three adults to hang the mirror and we were all a little wiped out by the whole undertaking. It was intense! But I was so happy with how the mirror looks on that wall. It's one of my favorite things to hang something up, walk away a few steps and then turn around and, Ta-dah! The big reveal in the context of the space! (come on, tell me you know what I mean here) This was a fun one to turn around to. :)

I am on the fence about changing the finish of the frame though. Part of me likes it as is, but I sort of also feel like it's too heavy and dark.

If I do change it, I'm thinking I would lime or whitewash the carved part and then gold leaf the very inside lip.

What do you think? That could be good, right?

(Man, I need to finish that skirted sofa table so I can hide that little sliver of fireplace that peeks out from behind the sofa!)