Using Mirrors
When you find yourself shopping endlessly in search of that special piece of art or headboard for a bed and you are trying to live on a budget, do what I always do. Go and purchase a mirror. I have found that decorating with mirrors can be so much fun and won’t take a bite out of your wallet.
- “The general idea when you use mirrors to decorate is to use them in a way that takes advantage of their light-enhancing and reflective qualities. More specifically, designer Pamela Heyne gives these tips:Use large-scale mirrors. Heyne, for example, had two floor-to-ceiling mirrors built in on either side of her fireplace, as shown, to make the room seem larger and to reflect objects with texture, such as a nearby ficus.” http://www.hgtv.com
So you think that a mirror has it’s place over the bathroom sink or over the bedroom dresser. The reality is you can put mirrors in every room of your house. What is great about them is that they add light and dimension to a room making it appear larger. Simple mirrors are inexpensive and come in different sizes from regular tile size 12 inches by 12 inches to wall size. You can even use behind-the-door mirrors for different projects. Trying using them creatively with these ideas in mind:
- Hang a picture size mirror on the opposite wall from a window. This will reflect light coming in from the window and make the room appear larger. Remember, the larger the wall is, the larger the mirror needs to be.
- Glue a mirror behind a bed in place of a headboard. Depending on the size of the bed, you may need to purchase more than one mirror. Drape a sheer curtain scarf above the center top of the mirror and along the sides. You’ll be surprised at the elegant look you will achieve for an ordinary bed.
- Place smaller mirrors at the back of bookcases, shelves and even a dining hutch. It will reflect whatever is on the shelf. In a hutch, the volume of glassware will appear to double. These are projects where a behind-the-door-mirror may come in handy.
- Many homes today have wet bars. This is another great place to place a mirror.
- Instead of using ordinary tile, glue mirrors to the counter top back splash in your kitchen.
- Behind-the-door mirrors are great for louvered bi-fold doors. Make sure to measure each door for width and then purchase inexpensive long mirrors. Gluing a mirror to each one will make it appear as though you have mirrored doors and also will expand the room.
- Place a mirror on the tops of furniture. You can do this on a dresser, night stand or even a coffee table.
- Place small mirrors under candles. They will reflect the light and flicker of the candles when they are lit.
The reflective properties of mirrors is magnificent and when used in conjunction with windows and light, it creates an illusion of space. Just be sure to purchase the correct hardware when hanging a mirror or the correct adhesive when gluing a mirror.
So the next time you need a quick decorating fix, you’re on a budget and you don’t know what to do, head the nearest store and pick up some mirrors. Once you start decorating with mirrors, you will always use them to complete your décor.
Have you ever decorated with mirrors? Go ahead and post your ideas of other uses for mirrors around the home.
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