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How Do I… Use Mirrors in My Home?
This magic weapon used by many interior designers can come to the rescue in several ways
Niki Bruce
1 October 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
While mirrors are a wonder tool – able to brighten rooms, visually double a space, frame a view or add drama – you can go overboard with too many mirrors according to interior stylist Priscilla Tan of styledbypt.
Here are her tips on how to use mirrors in your home decor to get the best results.
Here are her tips on how to use mirrors in your home decor to get the best results.
“Mirrors are brilliant for a few reasons,” explains Priscilla, pictured. “Creating the illusion of a larger space, creating a focal point and adding a luxurious touch to spaces.”
Image: styledbypt
Image: styledbypt
Create an illusion of space
The most popular way to use mirrors is to create the illusion of more space.
The most popular way to use mirrors is to create the illusion of more space.
“I often use mirrors behind dining tables and on wardrobe doors so that the space looks larger,” says Tan.
Image: styledbypt
Why architects and interior designers love using mirrors
Image: styledbypt
Why architects and interior designers love using mirrors
Tip: Placement is vital. Make sure that what is being reflected in the mirror isn’t some untidy corner of your room, or a blank wall. Double-check what you will see before you anchor the mirror.
Create a focal point
Tan suggests using a uniquely-shaped mirror along a hallway, a corridor or even above your vanity table or desk. It will both reflect light as well as dictate the centre of the room.
Tan suggests using a uniquely-shaped mirror along a hallway, a corridor or even above your vanity table or desk. It will both reflect light as well as dictate the centre of the room.
Get the look: Both art and looking glass, this mirror deserves plenty of white space around it.
Tip: It is considered good feng shui to have a mirror near the entrance of your home as the ‘water’ element can be lucky and it also has the ability to ‘reflect back’ any bad luck entering your home.
It’s not a good idea to have a mirror facing your bed as this water element can sometimes cause sadness. It’s also believed to be a ‘third party’ in an intimate relationship!
It’s not a good idea to have a mirror facing your bed as this water element can sometimes cause sadness. It’s also believed to be a ‘third party’ in an intimate relationship!
Get the look: If the view isn’t great (or messy) but your space does need a light-enhancing mirror, this faceted piece will do the trick. The facets break up the less than desirable view and give a distorted result.
Mirrors on furniture too
“I love using mirrored trays for the vanity or the living room coffee table for a luxurious touch,” says Tan.
Image: styledbypt
“I love using mirrored trays for the vanity or the living room coffee table for a luxurious touch,” says Tan.
Image: styledbypt
Mirrored coffee tables, cabinets and bookshelves are great ways to include mirrors in your decor. The reflective surfaces reduce the visual bulk of the furniture, allowing the piece to ‘blend in’.
TELL US
Are you a fan of mirrored surfaces in your home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Are you a fan of mirrored surfaces in your home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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