Many people do not know that a mirror is actually a reflective coating of metal that has been attached to the back of a glass substrate. Before this process was invented by 16th century Venetian glass makers, mirrors were made of highly polished sheets of bronze or copper that were very expensive. Today most mirrors are made with aluminium or silver deposited on safety glass by using a process called vacuum deposition. Decorators love mirrors because they can be used to give depth and presentation to any room. A mirror can be used to make a room appear larger or call attention to a special area.
Vanity Mirrors
Admiring oneself in the looking glass is one of the more obvious pleasures of owning a mirror. Move merchandise by creating an area that inspires primping and beautification. This can be as simple as hanging a mirror in front of it. A large and decorative mirror paired with a unique table or chest of drawers makes an eye catching vanity area. It is possible to choose a mirror that reflects the style of the decorating scheme. For example a driftwood mirror feels at home near the beach or a distressed white frame seems shabby chic. Play around with different backgrounds that could be reflected.
Extra Windows
One of the oldest decorating tricks in the book is hanging a mirror across from a window so that it appears as though there are two windows. Using a mirror to reflect the view outside is a clever way to make the space seem brighter and larger. It may be confusing for small animals and flying insects but nature will find a way. Sometimes professional designers use mirrors as a way to mimic the reflective surface of water. Mirrors can be hidden in the garden where they resemble a waterfall when leaned against a wall. Or a mirror laid down and surrounded by greenery could look like a small pond.
Small Rooms
Every decorator knows that the first thing you do when designing a small space is buy a large mirror. This well-known trick is guaranteed to add the illusion of extra square footage. To achieve the maximum effect lean a tall mirror against the wall that is at least ¾ its height. Another way to incorporate mirrors into a small room is through use of mirrored cabinets or sliding doors. A large mirror in a small room opens an extra window that creates the impression of space. Such grand mirrors can get expensive, so sometimes it is better to salvage a piece or create the same effect with a group of small mirrors.
Groups of Mirrors
Groups of mirrors that are clustered together create a unique wall fixture that adds to the depth of the room. It is easy to arrange a cluster of assorted mirrors on a wall to build a display that catches the light that the human eye uses to see. One way to assemble small mirrors together is by painting all of their frames the same colour. It is also possible to group them by other features like shape or style. Another idea is lining mirrors together along a shelf or ledge. There are artisans who can cut mirrors into custom shapes that are good for grouping on the wall or do it yourself projects.
Reflecting Candles
Mirrors reflect everything that is in front of them. Many decorators take advantage of this fact by placing attractive objects near a mirror. The reflective surface of a mirror will illuminate the soft glow of a candle or reveal the back portion of a bouquet of flowers. A unique sculpture would be another way to take advantage of the reflection in a mirror. There are even instances when mirrors have been use in a centre piece on a table. In this case they reflect the candles, flora, and other pretty things that have been set upon them.