To equip the home, three main types are used: performing the main function, decorative, part of the decoration.
Performing the main function
They are used for their intended purpose: to care for their appearance. Therefore, they are located in the hallways, bathrooms, dressing rooms and bedrooms. Sometimes used to increase space.
The shape can be different: round, oval, rectangular, irregular.
They decorate a certain area and are not used for daily personal care. Come in the form
- mosaics
- panel
- individual tile inserts,
- parts of the composition between images and painting.
There are many forms and solutions for application, but the essence is the same - an element of decor.
- mirror ceiling
- wall,
- partition or their specific zones.
The area of the reflective shell is unprincipled. To increase safety, coatings with silver amalgam or aluminum are used.
The first option has a spectacular shine, and the second - high resistance to external adverse factors. Both types are well protected from damage and have a long service life.
When was the time for the popularity of mirrors?
Growth in popularity began in the 13th century. The craftsmen learned to cover the glass with a small layer of pure tin, which was cut into pieces. Changes in manufacturing technology occurred in Venice in the 15th century. The Danzalo del Gallo brothers received a patent for the production of crystal reflective surfaces.
At that time, they became especially popular, but not everyone could afford them. The cost was sometimes equal to a small vessel or oil painting by a famous artist. It is worth noting that to date, Venetian antiques are considered the most valuable. It is noteworthy that the masters in Venice added gold, silver, bronze to the raw materials, as a result, everything that was in the reflection looked more beautiful than it actually was.
Finished products were framed in luxurious frames not only from wood, but also from precious metals. Experienced craftsmen worked on the creation of the baguette, creating a luxurious ornament. Therefore, the mirrors in the frame in the interior were a work of art. They decorated the houses of noble people and government officials.
Advantages of mirrors in the interior
It is no exaggeration to say that the use of mirror objects provides several advantages:
- Visual increase in living space. A great solution for those who want to emphasize the large area of the room and those who have small room sizes.
- The room will be brighter thanks to the reflection of the rays of the sun and artificial lighting.
- In the dressing room and bedroom, they create not only comfort, but also help with the selection of clothes.
- The home looks fresh, easy to read.
- Masking defects in the wall.
- Underline the style, in particular with the help of the frame.
Useful tips, interesting solutions
- It is desirable that the reflective elements in the same room be of the same size and shape. Compositions of different sizes are created from paintings. Baguette should also be designed in the same style.
- Irregular shapes of reflective surfaces do not frame the frame. They themselves look complete.
- Do not overload the room. In abundance, large mirrors in the interior can adversely affect the mood if you get sick and do not look well. Each has intimate and even intimate moments during which one does not want to follow, even involuntarily, himself.
- It is advisable to hang a small pocket mirror on the wall, having previously framed it in a photo frame. It is not necessary to order an individual and expensive baguette.
- If desired, decorate the frame yourself. It can be decorated with shells, pebbles or other decor in harmony with the decor.
- In dark rooms, it is advisable to safely use large reflective areas that will save them from twilight.
- A long mirror will visually raise the ceiling, and a wide one will make the walls wider.
- Choose a frame so that it is combined in texture, ornament and color with elements of decor. For an ornate Art Nouveau style wallpaper, the same ornate frame will do.
- Do you like trellis? Depending on its features, it is suitable for the hallway, and for the living room, and for the bedroom. Carved trellis will fit into the rooms in the Baroque style, art nouveau, art deco, empire. Smooth lines and discreet design are a good option for a classic ambience.
Using mirrors in different areas of the home
Since each room in the house has its own intended purpose, special requirements are also imposed on the use of mirrors. Not even the requirements, but the rules, adhering to which, it is realistic to get the maximum aesthetic and practical effect. We suggest considering the features of using these items in each specific room.
Hallway
- You can hang over the console.
- On the frame you can install additional lighting.
- The best option, if it will be in full growth:
- firstly, when leaving the house there will be an opportunity to evaluate your appearance from head to toe,
- secondly, it is also convenient for visiting guests to look at their reflection. - The mirror shell can be mounted in a tall sliding wardrobe, in which outer clothing and other accessories should be stored.
This option is suitable for fans of minimalism. - For small hallways, narrow and long ones are suitable.
Consider that you will need a place to place furniture. But if the hallway is large, it is advisable to put a massive floor mirror.
Living room
- Wear a decorative feature. They emphasize the style and add zest to it.
It is important to focus on design. It should be in harmony with the atmosphere and even merge with it.
- If you have a fireplace, a mirror can be placed above it.
This is a long and classic trick. It is advisable to install shelves with small lamps above the fireplace, light from which will be reflected and scattered.
- For urbanized and other modern homes, a mirrored ceiling or wall is suitable.
However, do not combine one with the other.
- Depending on the style of the room, you can decorate the wall with a decorative composition of reflective materials.
It can be panels or puzzles. - Place a mirror table so that it reflects light from the chandelier and is effectively distributed throughout the room.
- The decor will look advantageous over a sofa, fireplace, chest of drawers.
Bedroom
- The most popular and practical version of the mirror in the interior of the bedroom, when it is mounted on the door of the wardrobe.
It does not take up much space and makes it possible to see oneself in full growth. Such a cabinet can be matched to many styles in the home. The glass surface is optionally complemented by a pattern.
- The dressing table plays a practical and aesthetic role.
It can be purchased with built-in lighting, which will help make the bedroom even brighter and make the process of applying makeup and creating a hairstyle comfortable.
- Decorative panels can be placed above the head of the bed, the main thing is that they are combined with the decor.
- Suitable for the bedroom cabinets with a reflective coating, scattering light.
If this is not enough for you, the very head of the bed or part of it may be mirrored. As a result, you get a pretty interesting composition.
- It is desirable that there are few reflective coatings in the bedroom.
This is a place of rest and sleep, where you want to retire. Otherwise, there is a risk that there will be a feeling of tension, discomfort.
Children
The mirror in the children's room is not only appropriate, but also necessary. From childhood, children should learn to care for themselves, pick up clothes and monitor their appearance.
Modern design solutions allow you to choose such measures of life that fit perfectly into the nursery.
- The form is in the form of a toy, animal, butterfly or sun, a frame is not needed.
- For standard forms, the baguette can be with a child’s decor, and is made in bright, rich colors.
In this room you can put a dressing table or a cabinet with a mirror door. It is better to refrain from furniture with a glass reflecting surface, since most children love active games and can inadvertently damage the coating.
- Floor - suitable for older children, based on the same considerations.
Features
A mirror is an object without which a modern person cannot imagine an apartment. If in ancient times it was a luxury item that only royal persons could afford, now such products are in every home.
A large mirror in which a person is visible to his full height can be mounted on the wall in the living room or hallway. It will not only help you choose the right wardrobe, but also visually expand the space.
Such an interior item will become an additional source of light if placed on a wall where the rays of the sun fall. Small mirrors are ideal for a bathroom and a dressing table.
The mirror in the frame deserves special attention. Often the frame looks so impressive that it transforms the room radically, makes it luxurious, demonstrating the impeccable taste of the owner.
Pros
The advantage of mirrors lies in their functions. Such products are popular because they:
- help the owner keep track of the look,
- are a way to mask the errors associated with wall decoration,
- play the role of emphasis in the implementation of interesting design solutions and projects,
- visually change the borders of the room,
- easy to care.
A variety of forms allows you to choose the best option for the interior, decorated in any style. You only need to show your artistic flair.
Minuses
Significantly sized mirrors are difficult to transport. Difficulties may also arise during the installation process.
If there are sources of heat and moisture near the product, they can cause damage to the mirror layer. As a result, the life of the product will be reduced. One of the drawbacks of mirrors is fragility. Mechanical impact on such products is unacceptable, restoration is impossible.
Design
The frame should be combined with the interior design, harmoniously fit into the interior, creating a single whole with it. A vintage wooden frame gives the wall mirror an antique look. It will be ideally combined with a fireplace, antique furniture, heavy curtains. You can complement the interior with an old grandfather clock. Together, this will create an atmosphere of comfort, in such a room you can relax after a busy day.
A gold or silver frame will emphasize the features of the interior, decorated in the Baroque or Renaissance style.
A large mirror with silver stucco molding, which has a stand, goes well with the interior of a modern apartment.
The mirror in a laconic classic black frame can be placed in the dining room. Silverware, soft lighting will create an atmosphere of solemnity.
The openwork frame looks easy and airy. It is able to make the interior of the room extraordinary - especially if white is chosen for the frame. On a dark wall, such an element of the interior will look very impressive. Openwork wrought iron frame will be in perfect harmony with the same openwork headboard.
A plastic frame is a universal option that can be safely applied in the interior of any room. If the frame is laconic and lacks decor, it can be decorated at your own discretion using various materials: shells, beads, crystals and so on. You will have a very interesting element of the interior, which will become the highlight of the apartment.
A mirror in a mosaic frame may look different - depending on the color of the mosaic. If its pieces are bright and colored, such an element of the interior will revitalize the bathroom. No less interesting are the products that combine transparent pieces and elements that imitate stones.
The loft-style mirrors are unique. They vary in shape, but their distinguishing feature is a rough frame made of metal or wood, painted in an unusual color. This product is ideal for an interior decorated in the "attic" style. One of the interesting options is the presence of spotlights around the perimeter of the frame. Sometimes, massive metal plates are used as decor.
Facet is a real luxury and sophistication. The frame is a beveled mirror face that shimmers from sunlight or under artificial lighting. So you can create an amazing effect.
Material
The material from which the frame is made can give the product a special look:
- Thanks to the baguette frame, the mirror becomes like a medieval picture. As a rule, a baguette is decorated with a relief pattern, gilding. It can be created both from wood and from polyurethane, which is much lighter than natural material.
- A leather frame is a non-standard option that can be used in the office. Colors of such products are different, as well as textures.
- Wood frame is an ageless classic. At the same time, its shade should be in harmony with the color of the furniture. The tree also perfectly emphasizes the eco style.
- Natural wood is quite expensive. Its analogue is MDF (compressed wood sawdust). Such material is environmentally friendly, durable and a variety of colors. The surface is covered with a special film, which is easy to care for.
- Metal gives the mirror strength. Such a product has a long service life. It will emphasize the restraint of a minimalist interior, especially the Provence style and classics. Aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel - materials that are used in the production of metal frames for mirrors.
- Forged brass frame gives the product a special chic. Forging with patterns, monograms creates the effect of antiquity and brings a note of calm and peace. The bronze frame looks stylish and luxurious. She perfectly emphasizes the interior of the living room, decorated in a classic style.
An aluminum frame without a decorative part is ideal for a high-tech interior.
Recommendations for the selection and placement of Feng Shui
Tips for choosing and placing:
- According to Feng Shui, it is not advisable to arrange mirrors opposite the sleeping and workplace. Also, do not place or hang products in front of a window or door, as this may contribute to incorrect reflection of the energy flow.
- In the kitchen or in the dining room, it will be correct to place a reflective surface opposite the dining table.
- It is believed that in an apartment or house, there should be at least one large mirror model with a full-length reflection.
Outdoor
These models are not only an excellent decoration element, which focuses on themselves, but also provide excellent reflection in full growth. The most practical and popular are floor mirror constructions on the legs, as they are the most convenient and stable.
In the photo there is a floor mirror in a wide black frame in the bedroom.
Attachment
Hinged models that are fashionable, stylish, popular and have many indisputable advantages competently level out planning flaws and minor wall defects. Such mirrors occupy a minimum of usable area, which allows them to be used even in small rooms.
Built-in
Types of built-in mirror paintings:
- In the furniture.Properly located furniture with a built-in reflective surface will mirror the artificial or natural light flux, thereby giving the room extra light and some visual lightness.
- Into the wall. This option is especially logical and ergonomic.
In the photo there is a small children's room with mirrors built into the wardrobe.
Mirror Options
The most popular accommodation options are:
- Ceiling. The mirrored ceiling surface allows you to completely change the geometry of the room, deprive it of spatial boundaries, bring light and air and form a special mysterious atmosphere.
- Wall. Wall placement will give the room the missing depth, adjust its proportions and save a lot of space.
- Doors A door leaf with a mirror is considered to be a fairly successful design solution that allows you to set the atmosphere of a grand mood.
- Furniture. Various pieces of furniture with built-in mirrors are perfect for those who want to decorate the interior with a large mirror model and at the same time save floor space in a small room.
The appearance of the entire space and the interior as a whole will depend on the correct location.
Round
The round shape visually softens the angularity of the room and becomes its main accent, giving the space charm, high decorativeness and maximum comfort.
Oval
It ideally blends into the atmosphere and perfectly harmonizes with all interior elements without causing a feeling of dissonance.
In the photo there is a Shabby-chic bathroom with an oval mirror decorated with stucco molding.
Rectangular
Depending on the horizontal or vertical arrangement, rectangular products can not only give the room a more elegant appearance, but also visually raise the ceiling or significantly contribute to the expansion of space.
Big
Panoramic models placed throughout the wall will give the room a certain perspective and will certainly transform its appearance, and due to the abundance of reflected things, it will make the atmosphere much more comfortable.
Curly
With the help of such decor, it turns out to go beyond the framework of ordinary and standard design rules and thereby transform the space beyond recognition.
When joined, the hexagons form an original, stylish and aesthetic panel that adds special dynamism to the interior.
Without frame
Despite the fact that without a frame the paintings look too simple and empty, they do not create discomfort in the room, but rather fill it with notes of novelty and some futurism.
Aged
These reflective antique surfaces, due to their special luxury and conspicuity, individualize the interior and give the atmosphere mystery.
Backlit
Due to various illumination, the product acquires a lighter and weightier look and becomes an elegant and very beautiful accent detail of the entire room.
The photo shows a large full-length luminous mirror in a modern hallway.
Panel from the mirrors
The mirror panel is distinguished by its special atmosphere and unusualness. Such a truly chic decor is able to transform and decorate even the simplest interior design.
In the photo there is a living room with a white brick wall, decorated with a decorative panel of mirrors.
In the shape of the sun
It is a real art object that possesses not only functional qualities, but also allows you to fill the atmosphere with completely new colors.
Venetian
The elaborate framing most often with a pattern made of a mirror is a characteristic feature of the Venetian canvas. This decor gives the atmosphere additional effect, volume and unusual play of light.
Drawings and surface engraving
With the help of beautiful lines and multivariate patterns, it turns out to truly decorate the canvas in an original way.
- Rhombs. Unusual effects are formed in the room and due to the refraction of light, give it a completely new image.
- Squares. Many faces add a reflective surface of visual bulk and luxurious diamond shine.
- Freehand drawing. It easily transforms the mirror and makes it a true highly artistic piece of furniture.
Now in color
Want to see the world in pink or any other light? Use colored mirrors. You can buy ready-made (painted in bulk), but their color palette is limited, the most common colors are green, bronze, blue, gray, gold. Another option is to stick a tint film on the mirror.
Lite version
Give the fireplace an original look by revealing a chimney with a mirror canvas. Door trim and baseboard can also be mirrored. For greater effect, hang a mirror imitating a semicircular window above the front door. With these details, space instantly gains lightness and transparency. And its owners - the reputation of aesthetes and originals.
Decorate an ordinary wooden staircase with a mirror mosaic glued to the risers. This will add light and shine and visually “open” the stairs, creating a feeling of spaciousness.
Cabinet under the stairs
The dead space under the stairs is called nothing more than a "dead zone". We offer to revive it. Arrange the closet here. By making its doors mirrored, you will immediately kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, visually increase the space, and secondly, facilitate the process of choosing and trying on clothes. There is no better adviser than a mirror in this matter.
Gold fund
With the help of mirrors, you can turn your home into a kind of luxury club or a golden palace. In this project, mirror tiles fixed at a slight angle are repeatedly reflected in a smooth, mirror-lined wall. These reflections in reflections most closely resemble a children's kaleidoscope. It used mirrors tinted in gold, which creates the illusion of a sun-drenched space. The effect works in any weather and at any time of the day.
Add sparkle!
It is inconvenient to look into these mirrors; they were used exclusively as a finishing material. And they lined not only smooth surfaces, but also protruding elements: pilasters, window slopes. The mirror is also present in the design of the ceiling (want to repeat - note that for security reasons, a special lightweight mirror with a thickness of foil is used for the ceiling decor).
Additional window
Are there few windows in the room? It's not a problem. The floor mirror in the form of an arch will play the role of an additional window, increase the illumination and the size of the space (for a larger effect, it should be placed opposite the real window). If the house has children or animals, it is better to prudently fix the arch on the wall. Mis en Demeure has a similar mirror.
Devil's Corridor
If you hang one mirror opposite the other, the so-called "damn corridor" is formed. This technique with an inconspicuous name was widely used in decorating the enfilade halls of ancient estates and palaces to create the illusion of an endless perspective. You can solve the problem of fogging glass typical of bathrooms by purchasing heated mirrors (there are some).
Fantasy flight
Want to impress your guests? Place a huge mirror table in the front hall, after taking care of the ceiling decor. It should be no less extravagant. And be sure: guests will remember your party for a long time. The main thing is to ensure that after a few glasses of wine someone mistakenly does not poke a fork in the reflection of a bird hovering under the ceiling instead of game on a plate.
If many are skeptical of the advice of Feng Shui masters, then everyone should listen to the recommendation of psychologists - look in the mirror with a smile
No peeking!
Designing combined bathrooms, designers try to arrange the toilet and bidet so that they are not striking. To do this, they are hidden behind partitions or cabinets. An excellent solution is a wall with perforations in the form of round windows. The whole secret is that in the upper part of the structure the windows are real, and at the bottom (where the toilet is located) - trompe l'oeil created using mirrors glued to the surface.
Morning gymnastics
The bathroom can not do without a mirror, as well as without cabinets (unless, of course, the area allows). So why not combine them? Moreover, mirror paintings in the entire wall - like in a ballet school - are an excellent incentive for morning exercises. Door handles can be used as hooks for towels or bathrobes.
Multiply by two
This bedroom has a very interesting story. First, its size was reduced (part of the room was spent on arranging the bathroom located behind the bed), and then it was increased again. Thanks to the headboard, lined with mirror panels, the room has expanded almost twice. Fear of sleeping next to a fragile mirror is not worth it. Experts say that a properly glued mirror cannot be broken. It does not crack even with a direct elbow strike.
Hackneyed topic
Mirror fragments can give rise to a surprisingly beautiful game of reflections. When light hits the walls, solar bunnies fly around the room, like from a disco ball. To give such an unusual look to the curved wall of the shower cubicle is relatively simple - you just need to stick on it a lot of different pieces of mirrors. To enhance the effect, make a window in the ceiling or install a lamp.
From a different angle
Take a look at the mirror traditionally hanging above the sink in a new way! In this case, it consists of nine mirror tiles fixed at different angles on a black metal frame. Such a design performs two functions at once: it gives the owner the opportunity to look at himself from different angles and at the same time decorates the interior.
Let there be light!
A similar method of hanging mirrors - tilted to the wall - is often used in stores. It allows security guards to monitor what is happening in the hall: is there anyone stealing sausage from the shelves behind their backs. At home, such control is not necessary, but the slope here can also be useful. With it, you will increase the amount of light and change your point of view on the interior.
Mirror Decoration Ideas
Perhaps, almost everyone knows the amazing property of mirrors - the expansion of the space of the room, making it visually larger than the actual size, and the role of stylish interior decoration.
You can decorate mirrors with various materials that are available in sufficient quantities for each. And your indefatigable imagination and great desire will realize any ideas of mirror decoration, which are also made by your own hands, which will make your creation truly priceless and unique.
The main field for creativity in decorating mirrors is not a mirror surface, but its frame, i.e. frame. To decorate it, special knowledge or work experience is not needed at all, this process is quite accessible to everyone, the main thing is to have good taste and be creative in the design process.
To decorate the frame for a mirror, you can use: seashells, pieces of broken glass or ceramics, tiled fragments, paper, newspapers, jewelry items, mosaic remains, bamboo sticks, tree branches and much more.
Using fragments of dishes
The decor of the mirror from the fragments of broken dishes is easy to do with your own hands. Did your favorite cup or plate break? Do not rush to throw away the fragments, because from them you can build an ornament for a mirror frame.
Cut the pieces with a mosaic using the appropriate tool. Prepare in advance a project for future creation and a field for creativity.
Stick the mosaic components on top of the workpiece using ordinary glue, small beads and pebbles with mother of pearl will not be superfluous, in addition, you can use other details at your own discretion. At the end of the process, grout the frame surface and wipe it with a soft cloth.
Decor with shells
The decor of the mirror frame using shells is easy to make, having at hand glue, acrylic-based paints and a sufficient number of various shells. Prepare the surface of the frame, clean from dust and dirt. Put glue on top of it and lay in prepared order the prepared shells.
Straight lines, wavy, in the form of circles or bends, and other configurations will look beautiful. Dry the composition for some time, then cover with acrylic paint or fasten with varnish.
Stone decoration
The frame, decorated with stones, looks quite expensive and stylish. When using drops of glass, do not forget that they are massive enough, which means you should leave space around them free. Do not combine different types and stones of different types.
For decor, the ideal choice would be: pebbles smaller than average, glass in the form of a drop, crystal elements, artificial or natural stones, rhinestones and other materials. For fixing use special transparent glue.
We decorate the wall with mirrors according to the rules
In order not to spoil the wall with future creations, and to make the decor of mirrors on the wall successfully, it is necessary to observe certain simple rules:
- give preference to mirrors of the same dimension, it is better to use products no larger than average,
- non-standard form products, as a rule, do not fit into the framework,
- round or square mirrors should be decorated with a beautiful frame,
- the composition of the same type of mirror frames will look whole, regardless of the size of the mirrors,
- use in the composition no more than 5 mirrors with a spectacular and stylish frame, otherwise break the harmony,
- A win-win option would be the use of mirror frames, which are ideally combined with the whole style of the interior solution of the room.
Bathroom
- It takes place above the sink.
In many design projects, there is often an option when one or 2 identical mirrors are placed over a pair of sinks.
- You can emphasize the features of style through the frame.
It can be with stucco molding, carving or smooth. A wooden baguette should be treated with an impregnation that protects against high humidity.
- If the mirror surface is large, then additional lights should be installed.
As a decor, a mirror mosaic is perfect. Sometimes it is done in the shower. But this is not a very practical solution, since the coating will have to be regularly cleaned of dried contaminants.
Despite the fact that such a household item does not provide for strict rules regarding its placement in a house or apartment, it is nevertheless necessary to take into account the purpose of each particular room and its style. Then you can achieve the desired effect.
Properly selected and beautiful mirrors in the interior will help you create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in which it is pleasant to be.
