Mirrors in the interior: use in different rooms, wall decoration ideas
A mirror is a piece of furniture that carries both a functional and decorative load. It is necessary not only to get yourself in order. Mirrors visually expand the space, add light to rooms, correct layout flaws, and play the role of effective accents. However, placing mirrors in the interior requires a special approach - their incorrect installation threatens to make the narrow room look even smaller, and the owners will begin to experience discomfort. To avoid mistakes, you should familiarize yourself with fashion trends and features of using mirror surfaces in different rooms.
Types of mirrors
The choice of mirrors, which have long been attributed mystical properties, today amazes the imagination. Here are the types they are classified into.
Placement
Depending on the location, the following types of mirror surfaces are distinguished:
- Floor mirrors. A floor mirror performs several useful functions: it allows a person to see himself in full height, attracts attention, reflects his favorite accessories, improving the aesthetic appeal of the interior. Mirrors with legs are especially good - they are the most stable and comfortable.
- Wall mirrors. Hanging mirror structures mask small defects in the walls and take up little space, which allows them to be used even in small rooms - hallways, bathrooms.
- Models built into furniture. The advantage of furniture with a built-in mirror is the ability to mirror light flows, filling the room with light and visual lightness.
- Table mirrors. Compact products that are placed on a coffee table or dressing table can be easily moved to another place and even taken with you on a trip.
The choice of model depends on the size of the room, design features, and functional requirements. It is also worth considering that it is not advisable to place a mirror next to a radiator: it will interfere with heating the room. If there are no other options, it is better to give preference to a wall or tabletop structure.
Shape and dimensions
Based on shape and size, mirrors are also divided into several types:
- Round is a universal design solution that adds elegance to any interior.
- Oval - designs with soft lines, the best option for decorating a hallway or corridor.
- Rectangular – mirror designs that go well with the classic style of the interior. In most cases, a mirror of this shape requires a frame. Depending on the location (vertical or horizontal), a rectangular mirror can either expand the space or visually “raise” the ceiling.
- Large. Large mirrors are especially recommended for rooms with limited sunlight. A large mirror sheet, which reflects the light of chandeliers and lamps, makes the room visually larger.
- Curly. Original mirrors of complex shaped shapes, playing the role of a bright accent, allow you to bring to life the most creative design projects.
In addition, there are models on sale with backlighting and even heating. Such designs are good for bathrooms: they do not fog up in high humidity and allow you to clearly see your reflection.
Ways to position mirrors
Such an important element of interior design as a mirror can be installed in the most unexpected places. The most popular options for placing mirrors include the following surfaces:
- Wall. The wall arrangement of the structure adjusts the proportions of the room, gives the interior depth and saves precious square meters.
- Entrance door. This placement is quite practical: the owners can look at themselves again before going outside, and the mirror on the door “unloads” the narrow hallway.
- The space above the fireplace. Interior designers advise hanging a mirror at a distance of 10-15 cm above the mantelpiece. The distance can be greater, the main thing is that the frame does not cast a shadow on the decorative items placed on the fireplace.
- Ceiling. The mirror surface of the ceiling (or a small mirror insert on the ceiling) is one of the most interesting design solutions. Rays of daylight and artificial light, refracted on the surface, create an amazing play of glare. Stains on the ceiling can be easily removed with a soft brush and a mild soap solution. However, such a fragile material must be handled carefully to avoid chips and cuts from small particles of the mirror surface.
- Furniture. Furniture pieces with mirror elements look stylish, visually enlarge the room, and act as effective accents. For example, if you install a mirrored console in the hallway and hang a mirror in the same style above it, the narrow, cramped space will begin to resemble a “branch” of the Louvre.
In the process of arranging mirrors in the interior, it is worth considering a few more points. It is unacceptable to install one mirror opposite another: the room will resemble a gloomy labyrinth. It is advisable to place hanging structures at eye level so that you do not have to bend over in an attempt to see your reflection. And finally, you should not hang mirrors so that the sun's rays do not reach them. The sun has a detrimental effect on the surface, and it will quickly fade. In addition, the light should not fall on the mirror, but on the interior items reflected in it.
Selecting and placing mirrors according to Feng Shui: useful tips
Even in ancient times, masters of the Taoist teachings of Feng Shui developed a set of rules regarding the selection and placement of mirrors in space. Here are the basic rules that will help you rationally place mirrors and improve the energy of your living space:
- To prevent the chi energy, which fills people with vitality, from flying back out the window, it is undesirable to place and hang mirror structures in its path (opposite windows or doors) - the energy ceilings will be reflected incorrectly. It is also considered a mistake to place mirrors opposite beds or workstations.
- It is ideal if the apartment has at least one large mirror that reflects a full-length person.
- Unlike Europeans, the Chinese do not like mirrored floors and ceilings - they believe that such structures “extract” the well-being and health of the owners. The unofficial ban on ceilings and floors with mirror surfaces in China also applies to public spaces.
- You should not be tempted by antique mirrors, even very beautiful ones - only new models. Constructions with history can bring foreign energy into the house, which can be negative and cause a lot of trouble.
- Feng Shui considers the ideal shape of a mirror to be a rectangle with slightly rounded corners. But sharp corners and small mirrors of irregular shape, “crushing” both a person’s reflection and his internal energy, are not welcomed by the ancient teaching.
It is also a mistake to place figurines of eastern gods opposite the mirrors. The fact is that deities do not like to be reflected in any objects. When offended, they can harm their owners or leave the house forever. And finally, mirrors must be wiped periodically - light cleaning will not only return the products to their original appearance, but will also remove accumulated negative energy.
Mirror surfaces in the interiors of different rooms
There is no place in the apartment in which there would not be a place for a mirror. However, its placement in each room has some features that are worth knowing about.
Living room
In the living room, a mirror can become one of the most spectacular decorative elements. It’s very good if the ceiling is decorated with a beautiful chandelier that will be reflected in it. However, if the lighting device is equipped with open bulbs, excessively bright light can hit the eyes. The solution in this case would be to buy an “aged” mirror with patina.
Bedroom
Placing a mirror in the bedroom allows you not only to visually increase its size, but also to introduce an atmosphere of some solemnity. You can place a mirror above the console - in combination with cozy floor lamps, it will fill the room with soft diffused light and emphasize the geometry of the space. Another good solution for the bedroom is a wall-length wardrobe with a full-length mirror.
Kitchen
In a kitchen that is usually filled with large furniture, a mirror visually increases the usable area. One of the best places to place it is in front of the dining table. This arrangement improves appetite and has a beneficial effect on wealth in the home.
Hallway
A mirror in the hallway hides deficiencies in planning and renovation, and makes up for the lack of lighting by reflecting artificial light. If there is no space for a floor mirror, you can hang a mirror cloth that occupies most of the wall surface, or create a composition of several small mirrors of different configurations.
Children's room
A mirror wouldn’t be out of place in a nursery either: according to psychologists, a child can be introduced to this piece of furniture as early as 4-5 months. It is better to give preference to safe models with “friendly” round shapes in bright frames.
Bathroom
In bathrooms, it is advisable to use mirrors with a large reflective surface - this applies even to very modest-sized rooms. According to established tradition, a mirror structure in the bathroom is hung above the sink. A small additional mirror for applying makeup (folding or on a stand) wouldn’t hurt either. It is desirable that such products have a water-repellent coating and an anti-fog function.
The Garda Decor store offers a decent assortment of original designer mirrors capable of decorating the most sophisticated interior. Abstraction, elegant designs with gold decor, luxurious floor mirrors with cabinets and lighting - even the most demanding buyer will find an option here to suit his taste. If it is difficult to make a choice among models with impeccable design, interior design specialists will be happy to help.
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