Besides its practical use, mirrors can enhance the décor of a house and create a magnificent impression. It can add aesthetic elegance to the interiors and make a space look visually vibrant.
“Mirrors can make a small room look appear larger, add visual impact to the design and can even substitute a work of art. Adding mirrors to the home’s décor, also makes the room brighter,” points out Anuradha Agarwal, creative director of Olives Cre, an interior décor studio in Delhi.
“Mirrors are an affordable solution, for creating an illusion of space and improving illumination, which makes them popular. When selecting a mirror, opt for ones with toughened glass and a minimum thickness of at least eight mm, so that it does not break easily,” suggests Parull Mahaajan, an interior designer from Delhi.
learn about: decorative wall mirror design
How to choose the right mirror for your home
The shape (square, rectangle, round or oval), size and even the frame of the mirror matters. Select frames (metal or wood) that match the theme of your house. If your house has predominantly white colours, choose simple wooden frames. If your house is colourful, opt for plain, light or white colours and patterns on the mirror’s frame. Mirrors with bevelled edges are apt for interiors that have a traditional theme, while plain-edged mirrors look attractive in contemporary settings. Mirrors without frames, can also add a classy touch to the room.
“The placement of a mirror is also important. So, place the mirror on the correct wall, to make the most of its reflective quality and to maximise its impact on the décor,” adds Agarwal. For example, in a large room where there is a limited natural light, mirrors can be placed on the wall across the windows.
See also: Décor tips for compact homes
How to use mirrors in your home decor
Aarti Mehra, a resident of Mumbai, has used mirrors extensively in her house. “The bathroom door in my house, is camouflaged behind a mirror which makes people appear thin. My friends love it. One wall of the living room, is fully covered with a decorative mirror and I have placed a small console against this wall, on which I light candles. The illumination is simply ethereal. Also, near the dining area, I have a huge sunburst mirror,” Mehra elaborates.
If one believes in Vastu Shastra, then, it is better to avoid placing a mirror in front of the bed, as the reflection of one’s body seen in the mirror, is considered inauspicious. Mirrors placed next to your dining table, are believed to bring fortune.
While mirrors are a necessity in the bathroom and dressing area, in other areas, one can turn a mirror into a piece of art with some creativity. One can place mirrors at the ends of passages, to brighten up dark areas or in foyers, for a sophisticated look. Mirrored decorative tables, lamps, serving trays and photo frames, can also add a sparkle to any home.
Tips for using mirrors in your home’s décor
- Large mirrors can be used, in the dressing area and for decorating the house.
- Choose mirrors according to the space available.
- Mirrors should ideally reflect something beautiful, such as fancy lights or artwork.
- Opt for large mirrors in small rooms, as it provides an illusion of spaciousness and height.
- Mirrors can also be used to hide problem areas and uneven surfaces (for example, pillars and columns).
- Concave mirrors can be used for bathrooms and powder rooms.
- Ensure that the mirrors are installed securely against the wall.
- To clean a mirror, use white vinegar in water and clean it dry with a newspaper.
- Always opt for good quality mirrors from reputed brands, such as Modi Guard, Saint Gobain and Kohler.
Credit for header image: http://bit.ly/2asONUk
Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.
Email: [email protected]
